business focus january 2016

www.CommerceLexington.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS:2016 CLX Policy Statements

Winner’s Circle Volunteers ReachHighest Production Total Ever

2016 International Trip: Sicily, Italy

nanoRANCH to Relocate HQ FromTexas to Lexington

BUSINESS FOCUSOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. JANUARY 2016 VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE I

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WHAT 2 WATCH 4

Business Focus is published once a month for atotal of 12 issues per year by CommerceLexington Inc., 330 East Main Street, Suite 100,Lexington, KY 40507. Phone: (859) 226-1600

2016 Chairman of the Board:Alan Stein, President & CEOSteinGroup, LLC

Publisher:Robert L. Quick, CCE, President & CEOCommerce Lexington Inc.

Editor: Mark E. TurnerCommunications Specialist: Elizabeth BennettPrinting: Post PrintingMail Service: Lexington Herald-Leader

Subscriptions are available for $12 and areincluded as a direct benefit of CommerceLexington Inc. membership. Business Focus(USPS 012-337) periodical postage paid atLexington, Kentucky.

POSTMASTER: Send address corrections toBusiness Focus, Commerce Lexington Inc.,P.O. Box 1968, Lexington, KY 40588-1968.

Display RatesFor DISPLAY RATES in Business Focus, con-tact Dana Zinger at (859) 226-1607 [email protected], and anaccount executive will contact you.

Personnel UpdatesSubmit your company’s awards and milestonesor personnel changes and additions to [email protected]. Personnel newsmight include promotions, additions, awardsand milestones, recognitions and certificationsand/or appointments. Information is pub-lished only as space permits.

Cover ImageAnnual Dinner graphic on the cover of thisissue of Business Focus by StablemateCreative.

January 2016: Volume XXIV, Issue I

2 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2016

BUSINESS FOCUS

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7-10

11-26

27-30

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:Lexington Venture Club Entrepreneurial CelebrationnanoRANCH to Relocate Headquarters to Lexington, KYSTAT: Lexington is Thriving Area for Research & DevelopmentGlobal Entrepreneurship Week Recap

PUBLIC POLICY:Legislative Focus | 2016 Public Policy Statements

WINNER’S CIRCLE 2015 RECAP:Volunteers Reach Record High in Production

EVENTS:KEMI Presents CLX Annual Dinner January 28, 2016@330 Series: Growing Your Business the Chamber WayBlue Grass Airport Hosts Business Link February 11th2016 International Trip: Sicily, Italy - September 17-23

GET CONNECTED:Leadership Development Program RecapsFinalists for Ambassador of the Year AwardWelcome New Commerce Lexington Inc. MembersMember Personnel Announcements & Awards

January 12th @330 Seriesto Help You Grow Your Business

The Chamber Way

Kentucky Employers’ MutualInsurance Presents CLX AnnualDinner on January 28, 2016

Blue Grass Airport Hosts NextBusiness Link on Thursday,

February 11th

Leadership Visit is June 8 - 10,2016, to Charleston, SouthCarolina | Register Now!

JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS FOCUS 3

SteinGroup’s Alan Stein to Lead Commerce Lexington Inc. Board in 2016“Those who know me are aware of my passion for

improving education in our community. Over the years,I’ve served alongside many of our community’s best com-munity and education leaders in a number of efforts tostrengthen our students’ opportunity for success. Mostrecently, I had the privilege of chairing the FCPS Re-district-ing Committee, as we worked through the difficult task ofsetting new boundaries for our school system.

During my tenure as Chairman of the CommerceLexington Inc. Board of Directors in 2016, you’ll hear metalk about education a lot. I believe it is one of the corner-stones of our community and our economy, andCommerce Lexington Inc. considers it to be not only oneof the most important functions of state government, butalso paramount in our efforts to attract and retain busi-ness and industry.

Whether you have children in the school system or not,we are all connected by a ‘common thread’ that binds each of us to ashared interest in education. How, you ask? Well, we all want to con-tinue building a thriving economy and prosperous region, but inorder to do that, we must have an educational system which helps allstudents succeed and provides them with the skills that will ultimate-ly translate to the workplace. Lexington already boasts one of themost educated workforces in the country, but as the economyevolves, so too must our educational system.

Yes, our workforce is highly-educated, but we still havehundreds of quality, good-paying jobs going unfilled eachyear, keeping many businesses from expanding further. Wemust continue to improve and make reforms to our work-force training system that will provide the best return-on-investment both for employers and workers. Recent feder-al legislation has put more power in the hands of state andlocal governments to make enhancements and developsolutions to address the skills gap within individualregions.

Having a strong workforce enables us to attract, retainand grow business and industry here in the Bluegrass.When education, workforce development, and economicdevelopment are working well together, the BluegrassRegion is as strong as any place in the world.

I invite you to join me and about a thousand of yourclosest friends, as we highlight some of these ‘common

threads’ at the Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner on Thursday,January 28th, at Lexington Center. If we are unified in our efforts,there’s nothing that can keep us from creating a prosperous econo-my for many future generations. It all starts with the education of ouryoung people.

I am honored to serve as your Commerce Lexington Inc. BoardChair in 2016, and I look forward to working with many of you inefforts to enhance our community and region.”

ALAN STEINPRESIDENT & CEOSTEINGROUP, LLC

2016 BOARD CHAIRCOMMERCE

LEXINGTON INC.

The Bluegrass BusinessDevelopment Partnership host-ed and organized many greatevents in the month ofNovember during the fifthannual Lexington GlobalEntrepreneurship Week (GEW).The BBDP hosted 12 eventsduring the week, includingthree workshops, local highschool visits with JuniorAchievement and RunJumpDev,a Kickstarter company open cof-fee, the annual entrepreneurial celebration, two pitch competitions and StartupWeekend. Over 735 attendees participated in Global Entrepreneurship Week in2015, which has grown significantly from the 2011 GEW that had 278 participants.

A Collaborative Effort of the Bluegrass Business Development Partnership (BBDP):

SUBMITTED BY: Gina Greathouse, Hannah Huggins, Kimberly Rossetti & Allison Boyd | CLX Economic Development Division

www.LocateinLexington.com | www.twitter.com/locateinlex | www.facebook.com/locateinlex


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Stat of the Month: Lexington is ThrivingArea for Research and Development

2015 Global Entrepreneurship Week Recap

During Global Entrepreneurship Week, the LexingtonVenture Club (LVC) hosted its annual celebration of theentrepreneurship community announcing the CentralKentucky entrepreneurial community created 280 newjobs and raised $50.6 million in capital funds in Fiscal Year2015. During the event, the BBDP recognized 22 compa-nies as the recipients of the Lexington’s eAchievers award(pictured at right) for excellence in entrepreneurship. Toqualify for the award, the companies created at least fivenew full time jobs and/or raised over $1 million in capital.

Catalyzing on this opportunity to recognize innovationin our community, LVC also unveiled its new brand anddirection, “SPARK.” Building on the LVC’s long-time roleto help launch promising business ventures, SPARK’smission is to provide a forum which fosters sharingbetween entrepreneurs, businesses, investors and profes-sional services providers. SPARK will continue to haveluncheons focused on the entrepreneurial community inaddition to networking events, open coffees and businessshowcases.

In addition to the eAchiever awards, the BBDP gavethe inaugural Harvey Award, which will be given annuallyto an individual or organization that has made a signifi-cant impact on the entrepreneurial community. The firstrecipient of this award, for which it is named, was DeanHarvey, who is the Executive Director of the UK VonAllmen Center for Entrepreneurship within the GattonCollege of Business and Economics. Mr. Harvey has beentireless supporter of UK’s commercialization efforts andthe startup community.

For information about the event and LexingtonVenture Club, visit on-line at lexingtonventureclub.comor facebook.com/lexingtonventureclub.

Lexington Venture ClubEntrepreneurial Celebration

Lexington is a thriving area for research and development, with a healthy mix ofsmall entrepreneurial companies and industry giants such as Xerox, Lexmark,Toyota and Alltech. Many of Lexington’s companies are not traditional laboratoryR&D operations; nevertheless, they use innovative processes to create value fromideas and become successful enterprises. According to the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office, an average of 225.5 patents are issued to Lexington inventorsevery year with over 2,480 patents issued since 2005. In 2015, Lexmark ledLexington companies in patents with over 70 patents awarded.

By The Numbers:In 2015, Commerce Lexington’s Economic DevelopmentDivision responded to calls from the following:

New Business: 99 new prospects interested in findinga new location or expanding operationsExisting Clients & Local Entrepreneurial Companies:42 companies with potential expansions in LexingtonClient Visits: 28Existing Business Visits: 150

Aimee Cousoulis of GxP Pinch Hitting presented atthe Bluegrass Biotech Regulatory Summit.

2015 eAchievers



CLX E.D. Team Travels to DallasCommerce Lexington traveled on a marketing trip to Dallas inDecember to meet with site selection consultants cultivating andmaintaining strong relationships. Site selection consultants repre-sent major corporations and provide valuable due diligence andguidance to their clients. It is important for our team to maintainour relationships with the gatekeepers to companies. On this trip,Commerce Lexington met with 10 different site selection firms inthe Dallas area.

KentuckyUnited Group Travels to AtlantaIn early December, Commerce Lexington traveled as a part ofKentuckyUnited on a marketing trip to Atlanta to promote thestate as a great place for business and to network with site selec-tion consultants. In addition to the regular programming, EmilyJohnson, the Vice President of UPS’ Air Group Legal & PublicAffairs, presented giving a testimonial on doing business inKentucky. Twenty-five site selection consultants attended theKentuckyUnited event.

Commerce Lexington Hosts Reception forManufacturers, Bluegrass Biotech & C3N On December 7, Commerce Lexington hosted an appreciationreception for three of its networking groups, including C3N(Contact Center Consortium), the Manufacturers NetworkingGroup and the Bluegrass Biotech group. Mayor Gray and BobQuick spoke to the group thanking them for their investment andjob creation in Central Kentucky. These three groups offer oppor-tunities for companies in our strategic targets to share best prac-tices and to networking with companies in similar industries.

Geeks Night Out ------>Geeks Night Out was held on Monday, December 14, at theHopCat. More than 30 people attended the event to network withtechnology professionals in the area. This event has been in exis-tence since 2006 and continues to draw a great group to eachevent.

nanoRANCH to Relocate HQ toLexington from Texas, Create 35 Jobs

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and Lexington Mayor Jim Grayannounced on December 10 that nanoRANCH will locate its compa-ny’s headquarters and R&D operations in Lexington. nanoRANCH,the parent company of a group of nanotechnology businesses, willinvest $700,000 and create 35 jobs in Kentucky.

“Lexington’s quality of life and highly educated workforce areattracting good jobs and expanding our technology sector,” MayorGray said. “We focus on creating new jobs every day. It shows in ourunemployment rate, which has been cut by more than half since2011.”

“Commerce Lexington is excited to welcome nanoRANCH to ourtechnology and corporate headquarters community,” said BobQuick, CCE, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc. “Ourteam has enjoyed working with this innovative company and appre-ciate the jobs they are creating in our community. Congratulationsto nanoRANCH.”


Scholarship Opportunity available to Commerce Lexington Inc. Membersfor 2016-2017 UK/UofL Executive MBA Program

The JDI Grille & Tavern 319 Cedar Street, Lexington KY

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Daily Happy Hour 3-7, 10-Close, and All•Day Sunday.Extensive Bourbon List with 109 Bourbons,•Whiskies & RyesThree floors with three bars•Over a dozen Big Screen TV’s•Smoked Onsite Brisket, BBQ and Ribs•

Third Floor Space Perfect for Corporate Events:JDI Features:Full Bar•Valet Parking•Fireplace•Custom Menus•Pool Table•Leather Furniture•

Full Audio/Visual•Projection ScreenSeating up to 60 Guests•Cocktail Events Hold up•to 120 Guests!

Through a partnershipformed between CommerceLexington Inc. and theUniversity of Kentucky’s GattonCollege of Business &Economics, a scholarship in theamount of $15,000 will be avail-able to a Commerce LexingtonInc. member to help defray the cost of the program beginning in August2016. The goal is to provide an opportunity for a C-level executive oradvancing corporate leader to demonstrate their desire to improve theeconomic environment of Central Kentucky, while furthering their ownpersonal development.

For many years, Commerce Lexington Inc. has recognized the impor-tance of nurturing leaders by providing leadership and professionaldevelopment opportunities to individuals in our community and regionthrough its Leadership Lexington and Leadership Central Kentucky pro-grams, the annual Leadership Visit and many other events and pro-grams offered throughout the year. The opportunity for a CommerceLexington member to receive a scholarship for the executive MBA pro-gram is an ideal extension of our commitment to developing strong cor-porate leadership in our region.

The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville recentlypartnered to create a first-rate Executive MBA program that helps partic-ipants gain hands-on skills and real-world knowledge applicable to a

variety of challenging work situations, while supporting personal andcareer growth, as well as leadership development. The goal is to help‘up-and-coming’ business professionals within a company develop theconfidence and knowledge they need to take the next step in advancingas a leader in their field.

UK/UofL EXECUTIVE MBA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS:To qualify for the scholarship, those within the Commerce Lexington Inc.membership must complete an application that includes an essay out-lining how their participation in the program would benefit both them-selves and Central Kentucky as a whole. Scholarship applications areavailable online at www.CommerceLexington.com, with a submissiondeadline of March 15, 2016. Additionally, the scholarship candidatemust meet all the admission criteria for the UK/UofL Executive MBAprogram detailed at http://ExecMBA.biz/apply.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by both representatives ofCommerce Lexington Inc. and the University of Kentucky’s GattonCollege of Business & Economics, and a recipient will be recommendedto the EMBA Admissions Committee, who will then make the final deter-mination. For questions about the Commerce Lexington Inc. EMBAScholarship opportunity, contact Lynda Bebrowsky [email protected]. For questions about theUK/UofL Executive MBA program in general, call (859) 257-3741.

Commerce Lexington Inc.’s 2016 AnnualDinner entitled “Common Threads,Uncommon Wealth” presented by KentuckyEmployers’ Mutual Insurance will be held onThursday, January 28, at Lexington Center’sBluegrass Ballroom. The pre-dinner receptionis scheduled from 5:30-7:00 p.m., while dinnerand the program will run from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

TO REGISTER:The cost to attend the 2016 CommerceLexington Inc. Annual Dinner is $95 per per-son, or $950 per table of ten. To register, e-mail to [email protected] orregister on-line at www.CommerceLexington.com.


EVENTS

KEMI Presents Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner on January 28th

®

PRESENTED BY:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016 | 5:30 - 8:30 P.M. | LEXINGTON CENTER’S BLUEGRASS BALLROOM

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Community Trust BankKeeneland Association, Inc.Kentucky Utilities Co.PNC BankEVENT DESIGN SPONSOR: Saint Joseph Hospital & Saint Joseph East,part of KentuckyOne Health

RECEPTION SPONSOR: Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLPVIDEO SPONSOR: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.

GOLD SPONSORS: Central Bank & Trust Co.Cincinnati Insurance CompanyDickinson Wright PLLC | Ingersoll RandKentucky American Water | Lexmark InternationalMCM LLP | Powell-Walton-Milward, a division ofJ. Smith Lanier & Co. | Stites & Harbison, PLLCUniversity of Kentucky

SILVER SPONSORS: Ashland, Inc. | Brett Construction Co.Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation HospitalCongleton-Hacker Co.Kentucky Community & Technical College SystemYour Community Bank

BRONZE SPONSORS: Blue Grass Airport | Fifth Third BankGRW, Inc. | Hanna Resource GroupHurst Business Supply & Furniture SolutionsLexington Clinic | Rose Camenisch Mains PLLCUBS Financial Services

AWARD SPONSORS: Frost Brown Todd LLC Manpower of Central KentuckyMcBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland, PLLCSam’s ClubStoll Keenon Ogden PLLC

INVITATION & PROGRAM DESIGN SPONSOR: Stablemate Creative LLC

INVITATION & PROGRAM PRINT SPONSOR: PrintLEX

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR: Cumberland Valley National Bank

Whether you are new to CommerceLexington Inc. or have been a member forsome time, the overwhelming amount ofinformation that you receive can make itseem difficult to know where to get startedtoward maximizing your investment.Commerce Lexington Inc. features a plethoraof events, programs, marketing opportuni-ties, support services, and more to help yougrow your business.

During the next Commerce Lexington Inc.@330 Series event presented by Manpowerof Central Kentucky on Tuesday, January 12,from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at CommerceLexington’s first floor conference room, sev-eral Commerce Lexington Inc. staff and pro-gram representatives will cover some of theextremely valuable, yet often under-utilizedservices that are available through yourmembership.

Some of the Key Topics Will Include:r Leveraging the power of CommerceLexington’s website to promote your eventsand job openings, drive traffic, and track yourreferrals.r Manage your account and contact informa-tion on-line.r Taking advantage of the Connect 4 Lunchprogram to expand your network.r Save money through the CLX Member-to-member Discount Program.r How our public policy efforts work for youand protect your business interests.r Utilizing the CLX research department foryour data and information needs.r AND MUCH MORE...

ABOUT THE @330 SERIES:The @330 events provide a topical presenta-tion that is relevant to the success of entrepre-neurs, business owners and business profes-sionals. They also allow members the opportu-nity to discuss ideas, share best practices, andwork through challenges.

TO REGISTER:The @330 events are open to CommerceLexington Inc. members at no charge.However, please register for the events bycontacting Liz Bennett at (859) 226-1615 [email protected].

EVENTS


Tuesday, January 12, 3:30-5:00 p.m.Where: Commerce Lexington Inc. (330 EastMain St., First Floor conference room)

TO RSVP: @330 events are open toCommerce Lexington members at no charge.However, please register prior to the event bycontacting Liz Bennett at (859) 226-1615 [email protected].

@330 SERIES

PRESENTED BY:

GOLD SPONSORS

Alliance Financial Planning, LLC Dickinson Wright PLLCLynn ImagingNewk’sSteinGroup, LLCTravelHost of the BluegrassU.S. BankWindstream Communications

@330 Series to Present Growing Your Business The Chamber WayLearn Great Tips to Maximize Your Membership & Leverage CLX’s Programs and Services

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015 | 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. | COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. (330 E. MAIN ST. - FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM)

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Blue Grass Airport will help you get your 2016networking off the ground and in high gear whenit hosts the first Business Link event of 2016 onThursday, February 11, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. inthe airport’s main terminal. Warm up your busi-ness cards, because the sky’s the limit for yourclient-building efforts.

Located at the corner of Man O’War Boulevardand Versailles Road in Lexington, Blue GrassAirport continues to introduce additional flightsand customer conveniences. Serving more thanone million travelers annually, the airport offersapproximately 80 daily flights.

TO ATTEND:The cost to attend the Business Link event is $5for Commerce Lexington members, $10 for non-members (payable at the door).

ON-LINE REGISTRATION:You can also pre-register for Business Linkevents on-line at www.CommerceLexington.com.Online registration closes the day before theevent. As always, you may still pay at the door. Ifregistering online, pick up your beverage ticket atthe registration table on the evening of the event.PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVENFOR ONLINE REGISTRATIONS.

EXHIBIT SPACE:Limited exhibit space is available at this BusinessLink for Commerce Lexington Inc. members only.The cost to exhibit is $175. Contact Liz Bennettat [email protected] toreserve your exhibit space.


EVENTS

Blue Grass Airport to Get Your Networking Off the Ground at Business LinkTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 | 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. | BLUE GRASS AIRPORT (MAIN TERMINAL)

SPONSORED BY:

Leadership LexingtonAlumni Association to beFeatured at Business Link

The Commerce Lexington Inc. BusinessLink event on Thursday, February 11, atBlue Grass Airport will spotlight theLeadership Lexington AlumniAssociation. Developed from a class proj-ect of a past Leadership Lexington class,the mission of the Alumni Association isto further the commitment to our localcommunity shaped by CommerceLexington’s Leadership Lexington devel-opment program. Find out more on-lineat www.leadershiplexingtonalumni.com.

As our group of 51 travelers arrived back homefrom Croatia in mid-November, CommerceLexington Inc. is already busy preparing for its2016 International Trip to Sicily, Italy. Next year’strip will take place from September 17-23, with anoptional trip extension to Malta until September25th. This nine-day, seven-night trip includesstops in Palermo, Taormina along the Sicilian

coast, Agrigento, with optional tours to Cefalu,Marsala, Mount Etna (Europe’s largest active vol-cano), Syracuse, and Messina, with an optionalextension to Malta and its capital city of Valletta.

Some of the sights you’ll see on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity include such picturesqueattractions as Cappella Palatina, the BenedictineAbbey, Sicily’s colorful markets, Monreale and itscathedral complex dedicated to Santa MariaNuova, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, avisit to the Greek Theater built in the 3rd CentryB.C., and much more.

TO REGISTER:The early-bird cost of this nine-day, seven-night trip is$3,899 per person for Commerce Lexington Inc.members, or $3,999 per person for non-members,and includes hotels, some meals, day trips and air-fare from Cincinnati. This early-bird pricing is avail-able until April 29, 2016, after which time, the rateincreases by $100. For a more detailed trip itineraryand registration information, visitwww.CommerceLexington.com or contact KatieHardwick at [email protected].

EVENTS


Commerce Lexington Inc. 2016 International Trip to Take Travelers to Italy

2016 INTERNATIONAL TRIP | SICILY, ITALY | SEPTEMBER 17 - 23, 2016 (THROUGH SEPT. 25 FOR MALTA EXTENSION)

Economic OutlookConference is February 2The 27th annual Economic Outlook Conference,

which is co-presented by Commerce LexingtonInc., The Lane Report, the University ofKentucky’s Gatton College of Business &Economics, and the Center for Business &Economics Research, along with Partner SponsorLexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors(LBAR), will be held on Tuesday, February 2, from8 a.m. to noon at the Lexington ConventionCenter. This event explores the key economicissues facing Kentuckians today, and experts willspeak on significant issues designed to informattendees about notable economic trendsthroughout the state and nation.

Some of the scheduled speakers include Dr.Mark E. Schweitzer from the Federal ReserveBank of Cleveland, Dr. Christopher R. Bollingerand Dr. Jenny A. Minier from the Gatton Collegeof Business & Economics, and David O’Neill,Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator.

Early registration is recommended for thisevent. Register on-line atwww.gatton.uky.edu/eec. For more informationabout the event, call (859) 257-8746 or (800) 284-6407.

2016

LEGISLATIVE FOCUSPublic Policy Statements

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS: 2016 PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS 11

POLICY COUNCIL CHAIR MESSAGE

CARLA BLANTONOUTGOING CHAIRCOMMERCE LEXINGTON INC.PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL

CARLA BLANTON CONSULTING

Business leaders are often too busy attracting investments and creating jobs to focus largeamounts of time on monitoring legislation and regulations, analyzing their effect and advocat-ing for their passage, defeat or modification.But, the impact of government is too important to ignore. You can’t turn on a light switch,

car ignition or computer without being touched by government. So, it’s essential that policy-makers appreciate how businesses work and flourish, and, in turn, that you have someone inyour corner who understands how policy is made and enacted.

That’s why Commerce Lexington Inc. and its Public Policy Council gather the top expertsin a variety of industries, harness that knowledge, and advocate for you in the halls of our stateCapitol or the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to create a more business-friendlyenvironment. Each year, we work with you – our members – to identify issues affecting the business com-

munity and spotlight the best public policy solutions. But, that is just the beginning of ourwork. Then, we put boots on the ground in Lexington and Frankfort to be your champion andyour watchdog.

Our strong working relationships with local, state and federal officials mean that you willbe well-represented and your voice will be magnified by the 1,700-plus members on whose be-half we speak.

Please take a few moments to review the legislative agenda for Commerce Lexington Inc.as we work to help shape legislation and regulations that will enhance the success of our chil-dren, our workforce and our job creators.

12 LEGISLATIVE FOCUS: 2016 PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

Commerce Lexington Inc.'s Public Policy Council is the bricks, mortar andlabor that make the structure that is Commerce Lexington's Public Policyeffort. The council members and chair are all volunteers and represent avariety of non-profit, local government, large and small businesses, edu-cation groups and utilities representing a broad spectrum of CommerceLexington's 1,700 member companies. The Council's Chairman is ap-pointed annually by the Chair of the Board of Commerce Lexington.

The Public Policy Council meets monthly May through December and es-tablishes the agenda for Commerce Lexington for the upcoming session.During these meetings, the Council hears from a variety of groups, non-profits and businesses that want to join Commerce Lexington in advocat-ing for their positions in Frankfort and Washington.

After the Public Policy Council approves the policy statements, the posi-tions are then approved by Commerce Lexington's Executive Board. Onceapproved, the statements are published annually in Commerce LexingtonInc.'s “Legislative Focus.” Copies of the agenda are distributed to all of

Commerce Lexington Inc.'s members, all 138 members of the GeneralAssembly and the Governor's Office.

In the heat of a Legislative Session, there are always important and timelylegislative issues and bills that arise. When the Public Policy Council isasked to weigh-in on legislation, emergency meetings take place for theCouncil to take up the legislation and create Commerce Lexington's po-sition. The position is then presented to the Executive Board for approvalif time allows.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:To find out more about Commerce Lexington Inc.’s Public Policyprocess, its positions or stances on specific issues, or pieces of legis-lation being watched in government, contact Commerce LexingtonInc.’s chief lobbyist, Andi Johnson, at (859) 226-1614 [email protected].

PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS

REPRESENTING YOUR BUSINESS IN GOVERNMENT


r Actively monitors all legislative activity from Urban County Govern-ment, the Kentucky General Assembly and the U.S. House and U.S. Sen-ate.

r Extensive lobbying efforts for small and large businesses, non-profitsand education groups at a local, state and federal level.

r Extensive lobbying and monitoring of legislative and ordinance activitywith the LFUCG Council and the Mayor's Office - a product only a localchamber can provide.

rMonitors all Kentucky Administrative Regulations and actively partici-pates in opposing regulations that negatively affects business.

r Monitor and participates in critical environmental activity includingthe E.P.A./LFUCG Consent Decree and air and water quality regulationsat a local, state and federal level.

r Participates in legislative and legal coalitions, submitting letters, filinglegal briefs, and testifying on behalf of business with pending court casesor at committee meetings.

r Weekly e-mail updates during Legislative Sessions to all CommerceLexington Inc. members communicating important bills and action thatimpacts the bottom line for area businesses.

r Creates numerous networking opportunities throughout the year forChamber members to interact with our local, state and federal delegationand their staff to communicate the needs of Central Kentucky Businesses.

rOrganizes an annual regional Washington Fly-In to take the needs andconcerns of Central Kentucky's businesses to Washington.

Commerce Lexington Inc. Public Policy Council:Dennis AndersonAnderson Communities

Rusty AshcraftAlliance Coal

Kevin AtkinsOffice of Lexington Mayor Jim Gray

Bob BabbageBabbage Cofounder

Carla Blanton, 2015 Policy Council ChairCarla Blanton Consulting

Tony BonnerDinsmore

Patrick BrewerLexmark International, Inc.

Stuart BrownHagyard Medical Institute

Steve ByarsUniversity of Kentucky

JD ChaneyKentucky League of Cities

Rick ChristmanEmployment Solutions, Inc.

Ray DanielsLexiDan Foods/Waffle House

Greg DixonSMART Recycling Management

Rob EdwardsUK HealthCare

Bill EmrickHoskins Law Offices

David Freibert, 2016 Policy Council ChairKU-LG&E

Gina GreathouseCommerce Lexington Inc.

Chad HarpoleCentury Aluminum

Andy HaymakerHaymaker Development Company

Stephen HillenmeyerStephen Hillenmeyer Landscape Services

Jay Ingle Jackson Kelly PLLC

Todd JohnsonHomebuilders Association of Lexington

Patrick KealBig Ass Fans

Susan LanchoKentucky American Water

Eric LycanDinsmore

Doug MartinSturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC

Barry MayfieldEast Kentucky Power Cooperative

Kristin MeadorsKentucky Distillers Association

Herb MillerColumbia Gas of Kentucky

Chauncey MorrisKentucky Thoroughbred Association

David MossKentucky Coal Association

Rob MuddAzur Restaurant & Catering

David OwenDickinson Wright PLLC

Stewart PerryPerry and Perry/State Farm Insurance

Bob QuickCommerce Lexington Inc.

Mary Quinn RamerVisitLEX

Robert RiggsRiggs Sales Service, Inc.

David RoyseStoll Keenon Ogden PLLC

Ed SaunierNorth American Van Lines

Julie SchmidtKentucky Education Television

Scott SmithSmith Management Group

David SwitzerKentucky Thoroughbred Association

Judy TaylorKeeneland Association

Darryl ThompsonFayette County Public Schools

Billy Van PeltBilly Van Pelt Consulting - Government Relations

Ashli WattsKentucky Chamber of Commerce

Ellen WilliamsMMLK Government Solutions

EDUCATION


Commerce Lexington believes that education is one of the most important functions of state governmentand therefore urges policymakers to make education funding a top priority. Having a highly educated andcapable workforce is essential to attracting new business and retaining existing business and industry.Increasing educational attainment at all levels enhances the social fabric, quality of life, and promoteseconomic opportunity for the community, as well as those looking to locate a business in the region.

FOCUS ON:Workforce DevelopmentA skilled workforce is the number one concern for busi-nesses in Central Kentucky. Lack of qualified human cap-ital prevents business expansion, economic investmentsand job creation. It is important to develop a talentpipeline with the necessary technical and professionalskills to meet the needs of employers in the region. There-fore, a top priority of Commerce Lexington through itspartnership with the Business and Education Network(BEN) is to identify current and future workforce needs ofthe region, and to develop a strategic plan to addressthose needs through collaborative partnerships betweenstakeholders in the community.

The federal and state workforce investment programs areimportant components to providing a highly skilled andeducated workforce in Central Kentucky. Commerce Lex-ington supports aligning and improving existing trainingprograms through local partnerships with employers, ed-ucators, administrators, community organizations andtraining providers to better meet skills gap needs of thebusiness community. Commerce Lexington supportscontinued reforms to the workforce training system thatensure funding is properly allocated to initiatives thatdemonstrate the best possible return on investment.Commerce Lexington also supports reforms that track thesuccess of the workforce training system and its partici-pants.

Federal legislation, such as The Workforce Innovation andOpportunity Act (WIOA) passed the United States Con-gress in July 2014, has taken positive steps towardstrengthening workforce training efforts by streamliningprograms, reducing burdensome mandates, providinggreater state flexibility, promoting skills training for in-de-mand jobs, and pushing for increased accountability andtransparency over the use of taxpayer dollars. However,additional steps need to be taken at the state and locallevel to ensure federal and state training dollars are beingused efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of localemployers.

Commerce Lexington Inc. encourageslawmakers to review, and if needed,amend the existing policies to:

Strengthen collaborative partnerships•among key local stakeholders.

Establish procurement guidelines for local•workforce investment boards, Local ElectedOfficial (LEO) board and all contract partiesto eliminate conflicts of interests.

Promote greater transparency and•accountability over spending practices andprogram outcomes for local workforceinvestment boards, Local Elected Official(LEO) board and all contract parties.

EDUCATION


Adult EducationCommerce Lexington fully supports the development of effectivepublic/private partnerships focused on addressing adult education andretraining needs. We support priority investments that address theunique needs of adults who need to gain literacy and math skills, a GEDand workforce skills simultaneously by:

Identifying adult education needs.•Actively encouraging individuals to participate in adult education and•literacy programs.Taking deliberate steps to provide easier access to available pro-•grams.Supporting the full funding of the Kentucky Skills Network and•adding more flexibility for eligible adults.

Fayette County Public SchoolsCommerce Lexington is encouraged by and supports the development ofa Novice Reduction Plan to guide the improvement efforts of FayetteCounty Public Schools (FCPS) over the next five years to enhance studentachievement. The business community is committed to working withFCPS in efforts aimed at closing the achievement gap by reducing thenumber of students scoring at the novice level, and making FCPS a top10 school district in Kentucky. Driven by the work of Professional Learn-ing Communities in the areas of Student Achievement, Student Engage-ment, Staff Engagement, Family Engagement and CommunityEngagement, the Novice Reduction Plan will help focus the district on keystrategic priority areas: Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction; Learning,Culture, and Environment; and, Continuous Improvement, Assessmentthat will be regularly monitored and reflected in district budget planningin order to achieve the ultimate mission of creating a collaborative com-munity that ensures all students achieve at high levels and graduate pre-pared to excel in a global society.

Creating & Maintaining School LeadersCommerce Lexington fully supports all efforts that help increase studentachievement through training for well-prepared school superintendents,principals, teachers and other instructional staff. Superintendents musthave the authority to make or participate in critical personnel decisionsin schools; particularly, in persistently low performing schools. Basic lead-ership skills and ongoing professional development are critical leadershipattributes for principals to become effective leaders within our schoolsstatewide. Teachers must be held accountable for instructional strategiesand practices that yield student achievement results in the classroom Wemust look at competitive pay for our teachers, including innovative formsof differentiated compensation which would reward teachers based onperformance and the achievement levels of students.

Family & Community EngagementParental and community engagement is a critical component to academicachievement. Recognizing that not all children have an effective adult ad-vocate, Commerce Lexington backs innovative approaches to facilitatecollaboration toward common goals such as the efforts of the One Com-munity, One Voice Achievement and Closing the Gap Community Com-mittee. Their inclusive efforts to identify measurable goals andaccountability strategies will help move the Fayette County Public Schooldistrict towards closing the achievement gap by reducing the number ofstudents scoring at the novice level among all students, while raising over-all student achievement.

Quality Education InvestmentsCommerce Lexington urges policymakers to make education funding atop priority in the budget process. We support quality investments in ourchildren’s education and oppose using local school district’s reservefunds to balance the State Level General Fund. Commerce Lexington fullysupports any and all investments in early childhood education includingquality preschool and an equitable, full-day kindergarten programstatewide to achieve school readiness. Commerce Lexington supports theGeneral Assembly increasing the number of school days closer to the na-tional average of 180 days, and the international average of 193 days.Commerce Lexington opposes the state mandating a local school districtscalendar.

Commerce Lexington fully supports the lifelong educational programmingand work KET delivers to schools and the public. Through technology,KET provides access, equity, and quality educational resources focusedon student achievement and teacher preparedness. In addition, KET playsa key role in assisting Kentuckians with less than a high school educationwith receiving their GED.

Support Implementation of Collegeand Career Readiness ProgramsCommerce Lexington continues to support the education initiatives es-tablished by SB 1 (2009) including a mandate for the Kentucky Councilon Postsecondary Education (CPE), the Kentucky Board of Education(KBE), and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to develop aunified strategy to reduce college remediation rates of recent high schoolgraduates and to increase the college completion rates of students en-rolled in one or more remedial classes by three percent annually.

Commerce Lexington supports four key strategies to promote college andcareer readiness and degree completion:

Accelerated Learning Opportunities focused on the expansion of•AP/IB access and dual credit opportunities.Secondary Intervention Programs focused on the development of•transitional coursework.College and Career Readiness Advising focused on the full imple-•mentation of the Individual Learning Plan and comprehensive advis-ing programs.Postsecondary College Persistence and Degree Completion focused•on bridge programming, accelerated learning opportunities, and stu-dent support and intervention systems.

Support Common Core State StandardsCommerce Lexington supports the implementation of Common CoreState Standards (CCSS) to promote college and career readiness. Thestandards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, re-flecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for successin college and careers. With Kentucky students fully prepared for the fu-ture, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfullyin the global economy.


STEM Critical to CompeteCommerce Lexington supports legislative and local district efforts to increasegraduates in the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)disciplines to meet the ever-growing needs of employers. Commerce Lex-ington believes Kentucky students should be challenged at all educationallevels and provided the instruction they need to succeed in the new globaleconomy. Improving academic achievement of all students can be done byencouraging rigorous and relevant courses and experiences. Critical to Ken-tucky’s ability to compete in the global economy is a commitment to increas-ing the focus on STEM in our schools through learning opportunities thatprovide enrichments and exposures in aviation and aeronautics; agriculture,and related agri-science; computer and informational sciences; health care,biotechnology and biomedical sciences to name a few. Commerce Lexingtonalso supports utilization of secondary career and technical education pro-grams comprised of project-based learning to further this goal. An increasedfocus on STEM disciplines, however, does not mean the exclusion of artsand social sciences curricula.

Financial LiteracyCommerce Lexington supports the inclusion of “Financial Literacy” edu-cation in Central Kentucky’s school classrooms. This training can beachieved through traditional curriculum development or through private-public initiatives such as Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass partnershipwith the Fayette County Public Schools. Financial literacy programs in-troduce students to important life skills and concepts such as budgeting,banking, understanding the difference between debit and credit cards,using credit responsibly and financial planning, as well as investmentssuch as stocks, bonds and other securities. In addition to providing stu-dents with a skill set essential for a successful future, Commerce Lexing-ton believes that financial literacy education in our schools is imperativeto training a future workforce that is an attractive local resource for newbusiness and economic development.

EDUCATION

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Commitment to ResearchCommerce Lexington supports investments in the research capacity ofUK for building and enhancing the laboratory, office and classroom facil-ities needed to attract and house top-flight faculty and researchers. Com-merce Lexington supports the Research Challenge Trust Fund ("Bucks forBrains") and applauds the General Assembly who provided the universi-ties added flexibility to use state and matching funds to build researchspace for cutting edge laboratories and equipment. Commerce Lexingtonalso encourages the General Assembly to make additional appropriationsfor research at the state’s research universities. Creating a critical massof scholars in high potential focus areas will bolster recruitment and re-tention of outstanding research faculty and staff in both targeted and re-lated disciplines, increase federal and extramural research funding,accelerate translation of discoveries from technological development tocommercial utility, and support economic development and improvedquality of life in Kentucky. Commerce Lexington supports the request for$8 million for UK to create and enhance Centers for Research Excellence.The funds will be used to hire and retain clusters of prominent researchfaculty and staff in focus areas that address important state needs.

University of KentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky recognized in 1997 that states with Top20 public research universities have healthier, more prosperous citizens.Commerce Lexington recognizes the role that UK plays in education,health care and economic development for Lexington and all of Kentucky.As UK’s state appropriation is $55 million a year less than it was in 2008,Commerce Lexington supports UK and it encourages the General Assem-bly to appropriate an increase of $28.4 million of operating funds, or10.1%, for UK for the 2016-18 biennium according to the new Perform-ance Funding Model adopted by the Council on Postsecondary Education(CPE). If the University achieves the performance targets established byCPE, the funds would be added to the University’s base state appropria-tion and become recurring.

Enhance Technical Skills TrainingMany Central Kentuckians need access to skills training including incumbentworkers, those seeking jobs or updated skills, and high school students plan-ning for careers. Commerce Lexington supports the Kentucky Communityand Technical College System (KCTCS) and Bluegrass Community and Tech-nical College (BCTC) which serves the Central Kentucky region in their effortsto work with local businesses to enhance technical skills training and “workready” employees. Additionally, Commerce Lexington believes it is criticalthat high school students who choose the technical training career path haveaccess to grants and other financial assistance.

University CapitalThe University of Kentucky is in the process of transforming its campus inways that will better enable students to learn and engage, researchers to dis-cover and clinicians to treat. This transformation has occurred through part-nerships, innovative financing and substantial investment from friends of theUniversity. Now that much-needed new facilities are under construction, theUniversity must turn its attention to renewing and modernizing the buildingsthat make up the core of central campus. By rehabilitating and renovatingthese facilities that average 50 years of age, UK can preserve its heritage, con-serve energy, make facilities more accessible, and prepare for more efficientand effective teaching and learning. Commerce Lexington supports UK in itsrequest for a pool of funds, $125M in state bonds and $125M in agencybonds (debt issued by UK and paid for by UK), to rehabilitate, renovate andmodernize academic buildings in the core of campus.

KCTCS / BCTCThe Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) pro-vides one of the best returns on the investment for post-secondary edu-cation in Kentucky. The credit hour costs and student debt levels uponcompletion from KCTCS are the lowest in the commonwealth for institu-tions of higher education. Additionally, KCTCS has taken on an aggressivecampaign to improve all KCTCS programs with the Transformation Ini-tiative. Commerce Lexington urges the Kentucky General Assembly tosupport the continued development of KCTCS – and specifically its Cen-tral Kentucky affiliate, Bluegrass Community Technical College (BCTC),to increase access to higher education and improve workforce training.

Protect Kentucky's EconomyCommerce Lexington urges local, state and federal officials to support effortsto maintain the production of affordable, reliable energy for business andresidents. Kentucky’s abundant supply of coal has provided the state withsome of the lowest electricity rates in the nation – a definite competitiveadvantage in the creation and retention of jobs in all sectors.

However, federal regulations imposed by the U.S. EPA will disproportionatelyaffect Kentucky’s economy. Commerce Lexington urges all public officials –both appointed and elected – to collectively oppose any legislation orregulations that would serve to increase the state’s electricity rates at anaccelerated pace and place Kentucky’s businesses at an economicdisadvantage in the global marketplace. If fully implemented, these regulationson emissions, electricity generating facilities that use coal, and new regulationson Kentucky’s mining industry could increase Kentucky's electricity rates by40 percent within the next five years and serve to destabilize Kentucky’seconomic base.

The U.S. EPA has proposed a suite of three rules to reduce carbon dioxideemissions from new, modified and existing fossil fuel power plants. Theemission limit for new coal plants would require partial capture and storageor use of carbon dioxide. The proposal for existing power plants (“Clean PowerPlan” or CPP) sets CO2 emission reduction targets for the electricity sector ineach state using what EPA calls “building blocks,” which include:

(1) power plant efficiency upgrades; (2) fuel switching to lower carbon natural gas generation; (3) increased use of renewables and nuclear.

The building blocks use assumptions that many experts, grid operatorsand states consider implausible and unrealistic. The result will be anelectricity portfolio and supply that is less diverse, less reliable and moreexpensive.

Commerce Lexington urges local, state and federal officials to call for apostponement and implementation delay of rules where legal challengesare present until the courts complete their review of the case and anyappeals. Recent U.S. Supreme Court actions on the Mercury and AirToxics rule, which included remanding the case to a lower court for furtherreview, exemplify the challenges a regulated industry faces when forcedto comply with a rule before the legal scrutiny is complete. Costly andexcessive regulations, such as those impacting electric utilities, requiresignificant investment that cannot be refunded to the ratepayers when arule is vacated.

Commerce Lexington will continue to monitor the implementation of theproposed rule changes to section 111 (b) and 111 (d) of the Clean Air Act,and advocate for efforts at the state and federal levels to mitigate theimpact on Kentucky employers and families.


ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Support the Coal IndustryCommerce Lexington supportsprotecting the viability of Ken-tucky’s coal industry – includingpreserving the direct and indirectjobs that the industry providesstatewide. Since 2011, EasternKentucky has lost more than 9,000direct coal mining jobs whichequates to 38% of the workforce.For every one direct coal miningjob lost, three other indirect jobs are also lost, which brings the total of job lossesto more than 27,000. With coal mining selected for enhanced review or in-creased scrutiny, coal miners have found themselves working in an unfair playingfield compared to the rest of the country. Commerce Lexington will continue tosupport efforts to push back against the U.S. EPA to ensure coal remains an in-tegral part of our country’s energy portfolio, and there is a level playing field forall low cost fuel sources to secure low electricity rates in Kentucky.

Support Energy Efficiency MeasuresAcross the nation, companies– including those in Central Kentucky – aretaking positive measures to make their operations more energy efficientwhich has led to a reduction in carbon emissions. Commerce Lexington sup-ports voluntary energy management programs, pollution controls and pol-lution prevention programs because they are good for the environment andfinancially good for business. Commerce Lexington supports incentives forcompanies that go above and beyond their regulatory requirements, and rec-ognizing companies who have already implemented positive best manage-ment practices to reduce their energy consumption.

Central Kentucky Water Supply &InfrastructureCommerce Lexington supports an efficient, equitable and sufficient watersupply for the entire region. Commerce Lexington supports investmentsin maintenance and upgrades on the lock and dam systems of the Ken-tucky River to enhance and conserve our region’s primary water supply,as well as appropriate, ongoing investments in other water system infra-structure to maintain quality, reliable water service for communities. Com-merce Lexington also supports interconnectivity agreements amongmunicipalities throughout Central Kentucky.

Promote a Sensible Regulatory ApproachCommerce Lexington supports the efforts of the state’s Energy and Envi-ronment Cabinet to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth through afair and consistent non-discriminatory regulatory process that ensuresboth the health and welfare of the public as well as the economic viabilityof the state’s private sector workforce. Commerce Lexington opposes ef-forts at a local and state level to be more stringent than federal regulatoryguidelines. Commerce Lexington continues to oppose U.S. EPA’s at-tempts to overstep its regulatory oversight role and impose an extraordi-nary number of federal mandates that will undoubtedly have a significantnegative impact on the business community. U.S. EPA should not be per-mitted to circumvent its own federal rulemaking process in an attemptto establish new overly stringent regulatory standards that will adverselyimpact every citizen, business, agency and economy in the state. Com-merce Lexington supports the use of a waiver of fines for Notice of Viola-tion (NOV) first time offenders and placing reasonable time limits onpunitive action following the issuance of NOVs by state agencies.



Natural Gas as Reliable Energy SourceTo stay competitive, Kentucky must also continue to develop all reliableand affordable energy resources including natural gas. Kentucky’s oiland natural gas industry total value of production is over $1 billion andemploys over 9,000 Kentuckians. This industry will continue to play anincreasingly important role in meeting the states’ energy needs of thefuture. Therefore, Commerce Lexington supports encouraging the in-vestment in the infrastructure, production and use of oil and naturalgas through the maintenance of a balanced state regulatory framework.Commerce Kentucky believes that through cooperation and coordina-tion between the industry, state government and associated stakehold-ers, broad consensus can be reached on the issues and challengesfacing the oil and gas industry, and once that consensus is reached,deserves broad support.

Commerce Lexington supports financial and infrastructure incentivesto help stimulate adoption of natural gas transportation fuels. CentralKentucky could benefit from increased use of compressed natural gas(CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) motor transportation fuels suchas those used for in-state and inter-state trucking fleets, waste haulers,delivery and repair vehicles, and personal cars and trucks. With thegrowing availability and low cost of natural gas, traditional diesel en-gines cost approximately 30-40 percent more per gallon to operate than

do natural gas engines. Similar savings can be realized when switchingfrom gasoline to natural gas. The advantages Kentucky would gain area lower carbon footprint from natural gas compared to gasoline anddiesel fuels, as well as millions of dollars saved in fuel cost in the yearsahead. Additionally, increased demand for natural gas vehicles andreadily available natural gas service infrastructure will lead to more re-liance on natural gas produced within the U.S., one of our nation'scleanest, most reliable, and most available sources of energy.

Provide incentives for the research and implementation•of clean-coal investments, and other alternative energyprocesses.

Provide tax credits or equivalents for carbon capture and•disposal by companies.

Support increased funding for research, development•and utilization of new technologies to reduce emissions,particularly carbon dioxide (CO2).

Support research grants and other incentives for our•state’s postsecondary institutions and private sectorcompanies to develop technology and infrastructureneeded for alternative fuels and energy such as landfillgas, biomass, wind, hydro and solar, or compressednatural gas.

Support the Kentucky-Argonne Battery Manufacturing•Research & Development Center, jointly affiliated withthe Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Argonne NationalLaboratory in Chicago, the University of Louisville andthe University of Kentucky (housed at UK), and its effortsto develop innovative energy storage devices into apractical future use.

Assist Kentucky’s utilities and mitigate price volatility for•our families and businesses.

Supports the consideration of nuclear power plants to•encourage market-based energy production. State lawprevents construction of nuclear power plants until thereis a means of disposal of high-level nuclear wasteapproved by the U.S. government. An approved facilityhas not been identified by the U.S. government, sonuclear power plants in the U.S. store spent fuel on-site.Kentucky's current prohibition on storage in effectprohibits nuclear power as an option. CommerceLexington strongly encourages the federal governmentto identify an approved repository for high-level nuclearwaste disposal but also accepts on-site storage of spentfuel as a temporary solution to inaction by the federalgovernment.

Protect our energy rates from overbearing federal•regulations, fuel mandates and tax policy changes thatwill raise rates and neutralize Kentucky's competitiveenergy prices.

Commerce Lexington Inc. also supports legislative efforts to:



Land Use PlanningCommerce Lexington opposes statewide, prescriptive attempts to shapelocal land use and development contrary to community established needsand priorities. Commerce Lexington believes it is imperative for regionalcommunities to voluntarily collaborate and coordinate regional planningefforts with regard to natural resources, housing, utilities, economic de-velopment and transportation.

Commerce Lexington encourages communities to develop comprehen-sive plans that balance the need for housing and economic developmentwhile protecting agriculture industries and natural resources. Affordabilityof housing is not just an issue for low income central Kentuckians; avail-ability and affordability of housing is an issue of concern for expandingand relocating companies. As we plan for continued growth and develop-ment, we must evaluate the impact each decision has on our ability todevelop and maintain housing options within the reach of all our citizens.

Commerce Lexington strongly supports the use of Brownfield Redevelop-ment in communities through the use of the Voluntary Environmental Re-mediation Program (VERP) and Kentucky’s Bonafide Purchaser Programwhich reduces liability for future property owners. These programs shouldbe expanded to allow tax incentives, low interest loans or grants or otherfederal and state matching funds for those committed to redevelopingthe state’s Brownfield sites.

Solid WasteThe management of solid waste is a local responsibility and existing lawallows local governments the necessary flexibility to develop a solid wastedisposal strategy unique to the needs and expectations of their individualcommunities. Commerce Lexington urges enhanced enforcement andeducation to address illegal dumping and littering. We support programssuch as Eastern Kentucky PRIDE and Bluegrass PRIDE (Bluegrass Green-source) that encourage and assist citizens, local governments andschools to clean up illegal trash dumps and other solid waste problemsas well as promoting environmental awareness and education. Educationremains a critical component in changing the habits and attitudes of in-dividuals across Kentucky. We also support programs that educate Ken-tuckians on the benefits of recycling, programs that make recycling moreconvenient, and strategies that develop and enhance market demand forrecycled materials. Commerce Lexington believes that this type of multi-faceted strategy will have a more significant, long-term impact in address-ing the need for Kentucky to embrace recycling.

Kentucky’s solid waste statutes are contradictory and some are currentlyout of step with some of EPA’s recent regulations. Commerce Lexingtonsupports a review of Kentucky’s solid waste statutes and a reasonable,thoughtful update to provide clear direction to the regulated community.

Storm Water/Sanitary Sewer & Consent Decree ImplementationCommerce Lexington will continue to monitor implementation processesto ensure the LFUCG’s plan to meet EPA requirements is completed in atimely and cost effective manner. We support periodic, independent per-formance reviews/audits to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effi-ciently by local government throughout project implementation.

Environmental StreamliningImplementation of infrastructure projects is critical for community devel-opment. Often times these public projects are subject to requirementsfor review of environmental impacts in accordance with the federal Na-tional Environmental Policy Act. Although such impacts can and shouldbe considered, the process for evaluation of, and challenges to, infrastruc-ture projects on that basis must be streamlined in order to assure thatimportant public infrastructure projects are not victims of procedural ma-neuvering and unnecessary delay.

Commerce Lexington supports legislative efforts that:Require concurrent review of documents.•Require full disclosure of funding from those either for or against a•particular issue.Recognize the need to restore balance to the process of public need•and environmental stewardship.

Air Quality Rules and RegulationsCommerce Lexington will engage local and state officials regarding thedevelopment of the state’s carbon plan and other air quality standards toensure these regulations are not too restrictive, have the least cost impacton business, and protect Kentucky’s low cost energy rates. CommerceLexington will continue to engage with local workgroups to review air qual-ity rules and regulations, educate our members, explore strategies andmake recommendations as federal, state and local policies are developed.

Track New Sanitary Sewer & StormWater Permits and FeesCommerce Lexington will continue to engage local and state officials toensure that requirements are not too restrictive and do not exceed stateor federal regulations and that the plan and the implementation scheduleis feasible and cost effective. We also will continue to educate membersabout the impact of the new permits.

Water Quality Rules & Regulations Commerce Lexington supports a process where the General Assemblymust review and approve any changes to new General Permits being pro-posed by state agencies. We also support legislative review for Total Max-imum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and other water quality related requirementson our streams developed by the state or U.S. EPA.

Commerce Lexington urges state and federal officials to continue to op-pose the proposed “Waters of the US” rule released by the U.S. EPA andU.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We believe the proposed rule exceeds thescope of federal power under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and goes wellbeyond what is reasonable regulation. The rule redefines the process forhow a water is determined in such broad terms that almost any area couldbe subject to regulation. This rule will cause confusion and uncertaintyin the business community and could adversely impact economic devel-opment due to unreasonable regulations and permitting.


Commerce Lexington fully supports the development of new incentives to help Kentucky’s small businesses growand prosper in today’s global economy. We support new strategies to increase jobs by attracting companies toKentucky. We advocate a regional approach to economic development planning and problem solving. We workclosely with local governments and community organizations across Central Kentucky to develop a common visionfor the prosperity of our region.

Although not a substitute for comprehensive tax reform, Commerce Lexington supports strategic investments inincentive programs designed to encourage the growth of high wage jobs, long-term investment in strategicallydefined industry sectors, small business promotion, or other significant economic development projects thatdemonstrate a clear return on investment and would not otherwise occur without the incentive.

Commerce Lexington urges lawmakers to continue to support, and in some cases consider expanding, stateincentive programs promoting business growth and job creation, such as the Kentucky Business Investmentprogram (KBI), Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA), Kentucky Reinvestment Act (KRA), Kentucky InvestmentFund Act (KIFA), SBIR/STTR matching program, and the Kentucky Skills Network workforce training programs.


Service & Technology RetentionTax CreditsOther states are aggressively pursuing Kentucky companies to relocateusing various tax incentive programs. Kentucky cannot afford to lose ad-ditional jobs to other states; therefore Commerce Lexington supports amodification of the Kentucky Reinvestment Act (KRA) to include serviceand technology firms in addition to manufacturing firms within the KRAprogram in order to retain service and technology jobs in the Common-wealth. Commerce Lexington supports linking the tax credits directly tojob retention, and would support implementing minimum requirementsfor companies to meet before the tax incentives become available.

R&D Investment Incentives American corporations focus their research and development activitieson the development of new products, processes, and services while rely-ing on research universities to do basic scientific research. In order tosupplement basic research investment by federal agencies, CommerceLexington supports the establishment of federal and state tax incentivesto encourage corporations to make cash investments or endowment giftsto research departments or proof of concept centers of public researchuniversities. Incentives should also be in place to encourage corporationsto make investments in high tech, high risk start up technology compa-nies.

Bluegrass BusinessDevelopment PartnershipEstablished in 2007, Commerce Lexington continues to support its part-nership between the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, theUniversity of Kentucky and the Kentucky Small Business DevelopmentCenter in an effort to encourage economic development, investment andjob growth in Central Kentucky. Since its inception the Bluegrass Busi-ness Development Partnership has been a one-stop shop for the eco-nomic development needs of its clients. This program has served over9,600 clients and announced the creation of 9,200 new jobs and over $1.6billion in capital investment.

Entrepreneurial IncentivesCommerce Lexington supports initiatives that encourage the continueddevelopment of the knowledge-based economy in Central Kentucky. Wesupport policies that facilitate the development and retention of high techmanufacturing and biotechnology investments in our region and specifi-cally encourage additional research and development and technologytransfer activity in Central Kentucky. Commerce Lexington will be an ad-vocate for public/private partnerships that move ideas to theory, theoryto applied research, and applied research to developed commercial ap-plication. To help provide additional financial support enabling such busi-ness activity to occur, Commerce Lexington supports the development ofseed capital funds that focus on Central Kentucky investments and thepromotion of innovative central Kentucky companies to existing venturecapital firms. Commerce Lexington encourages the federal governmentto continue the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ Small Busi-ness Technology Transfer (STTR) and for Kentucky to continue fundingthe state’s match program for these start-up companies.

Transportation FundingMaintaining adequate funding for transportation infrastructure remainsan issue of concern at both the state and federal levels of government.Commerce Lexington urges lawmakers to find long-term solutions to en-sure sufficient, sustainable and reliable funding for all modes of trans-portation for projects critical to economic development. CommerceLexington also supports state and federal transportation funding for ruraland urban transit agencies to allow for improvements in direct operations;new service delivery methods for all areas including target populationgroup such as seniors, low-income workers and people with disabilities.

CondemnationCommerce Lexington is opposed to government acquisition of privatelyowned businesses through condemnation for the purpose of operatingthe business.



Enhancing Regional Transportation InfrastructureCommerce Lexington supports substantial and sustained investment inKentucky’s transportation infrastructure – including highways, bridges, wa-terways, public transit, railways, and aviation. Having a dependable trans-portation network is critical to Central Kentucky’s economic vitality. Thrivingcommunities must be able to move workers, provide services and transportproducts to market quickly and safely.

Commerce Lexington fully supports a regional transportation approach, in-cluding supporting the Ohio River Bridge projects in Northern Kentucky,Louisville and Western Kentucky (I-69), the U.S. 27 to I-75 Connector in Jes-samine County and the Newtown Pike Extension in Lexington.

Telecommunications InfrastructureMaking investments in critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges,water and rail will continue to be important to our state’s economicgrowth. However, future economic development and job creation willalso depend on developing a robust telecommunications infrastructure.Our competitor states have shown that modernizing telecommunicationinfrastructure better enables providers to efficiently allocate available re-sources. Commerce Lexington’s economic development team frequentlyhears from high tech companies operating in Central Kentucky about theneed for increased access to affordable, high speed broadband technolo-gies. Modernizing Kentucky’s telecommunication infrastructure will helpmeet the growing market demands for advanced broadband technologiesfor businesses both large and small.

Commerce Lexington supports modernizing telecommunication infra-structure to spur critical investments in new broadband technologies, en-hance economic development, attract jobs, and improve communicationservices for residents and business – while keeping in the place protec-tions for reliable voice services to all residents.

Lexington Downtown DevelopmentCommerce Lexington supports the mission of the Lexington Downtown De-velopment Authority to enhance the relationship between the downtown areaand surrounding neighborhoods and to attract more residents and businessdowntown, resulting in more citizens living and working in downtown.

Commerce Lexington supports downtown development projects such asthe Lexington Convention Center, Town Branch Commons and restoringand preserving the old Fayette County Courthouse and encourages respon-sible business planning for downtown development projects to minimizefuture taxpayer subsidized annual operational expenses.

Commerce Lexington fully supports programs designed to increase the ac-cess and amount of public art throughout the entire community.

Tourism DevelopmentThe tourism industry is an important component of an overall economicdevelopment strategy. Commerce Lexington supports initiatives and in-centives designed to enhance the state’s tourism and agri-tourism indus-try’s positive impact through the promotion of events and the promotionof Lexington as a tourism and agri-tourism destination. Commerce Lex-ington also supports efforts to attract the media and film industry to theBluegrass, while working to ensure that efforts that might underminetourism’s economic impact are minimized.

Central Kentucky’s Equine IndustryThousands of acres of horse farms, world class venues such as Keenelandand the Kentucky Horse Park, and many horse related organizations’ na-tional headquarters including the United States Equestrian Federation, earnKentucky the title of Horse Capital of the World. Because of the substantialeconomic impact the equine industry has on our region as well as the state,Commerce Lexington fully supports programs and initiatives to protectand enhance the future growth of the equine industry. These programs in-clude alternative gaming at racetracks, innovative tax approaches, purseincreases, increased funding for breeder incentive programs, appropriatefunding to maintain the quality of the Kentucky Horse Park, and other as-sistance to allow the equine industry to remain competitive. Over a decadeago, Commerce Lexington became the first Chamber to support alternativegaming at Kentucky’s racetracks to help protect our horse industry – thisis a priority we are proud to continue to support.

Kentucky’s sales tax on equine products puts our region and the Common-wealth at a disadvantage with competitor states. Commerce Lexingtonsupports efforts to eliminate this competitive disadvantage. CommerceLexington also supports the equine industry’s efforts to address the health,welfare and safety of the thoroughbred racing industry as well as otherequestrian sports.

Kentucky’s Distilling Industry Kentucky’s legendary distilling industry has a significant impact on the state’seconomy, producing 95% of the world’s bourbon and contributing $3 billionin gross state product while generating $166 million a year in tax revenue. TheChamber strongly supports initiatives to protect and grow the iconic industry.For Kentucky to maintain its dominance in the distilling industry and attractnew distilleries, the General Assembly must update the tourism and hospi-tality statues written before the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® was created to takeadvantage of the booming Bourbon tourism industry.

Free TradeInternational trade in goods and services accounts for nearly a third ofthe country’s GDP. Kentucky has established itself as a major exporter ina broad range of industries - from manufacturing to agriculture, as wellas an attractive location for foreign investments. More than 3,200 Ken-tucky companies now sell products overseas. Over 76 percent of thesebusinesses are small- and medium-sized enterprises accounting fornearly $15 billion in annual export sales. These exports directly support90,000 jobs in Kentucky, with tens of thousands more indirectly sup-ported by exports. Commerce Lexington urges elected officials to supportfree trade agreements that open new markets and create new opportuni-ties for businesses and workers in our region.

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COMPETITIVENESSCommerce Lexington believes that people are the driving force of business. Productivity and creativitydictate the success of individual businesses and therefore our economy as a whole. Public policy optionsshould be about creating and sustaining an environment that encourages maximum flexibility to rewardexcellence and encourage innovation in human resource management. Policies that tend to foster one-size-fits-all approaches, or that intentionally or unintentionally create “us vs. them” environments in theworkplace are not conducive to businesses’ goal of excellent employee relations and communications.

Enabling Public/Private PartnershipsCommerce Lexington supports the use of public/private partnerships (P3)by local and state government agencies for the delivery of services and/or theconstruction and/or management of a variety of infrastructure related proj-ects. To ensure accountability in contracting with private entities, it is essentialthat proper safeguards be in place to ensure transparency and that qualityservices are delivered at a lower cost to taxpayers.

Commerce Lexington encourages lawmakers to pass comprehensive P3 en-abling legislation in the 2016 session that encourages the creation of public-private partnerships for a wide range of infrastructure projects at all levels ofstate and local governments, and Department of Defense assets such asBluegrass Station and the Bluegrass Army Depot.

Public Employee Pension SystemsThe recent downgrading of Kentucky's bond rating indicates the financialmarket has concerns about Kentucky's financial viability, specifically theunderfunded public pension systems. Commerce Lexington applauds theGeneral Assembly for taking significant steps in 2013 with the hybrid planreforms for new employees to address funding issues, including the au-thorization of a compromise proposal reached by Lexington city officials,police and fire representatives.

Commerce Lexington strongly urges the General Assembly to continueprogress toward the ultimate goal of establishing equitable retirementand health insurance benefits for new hires that more closely resemblethose available in the private sector. Commerce Lexington supports acomprehensive review of all public employee pension systems, includingthe Kentucky Teachers Retirement System, and related benefits and en-courages state legislators to consider other serious structural changes toall systems to assure funding pensions does not cripple state govern-ment’s ability to provide essential services.

Commerce Lexington will continue to monitor reform implementationwith emphasis on assuring no benefit increases without full funding andthe inclusion of actuarial required contributions in the state budget. Com-merce Lexington discourages lawmakers from using bonding to addressshortfalls in state pension funds, which could jeopardize the state’s fi-nancial stability for future generations.

Public Employee Collective BargainingCommerce Lexington strongly opposes public employee collective bar-gaining. Public employees are afforded significant benefits, job protec-tions, and established rank and pay scales – and the adjustment oralteration of them are decisions that can currently be made as a matterof public policy.

Right to WorkCommerce Lexington believes every worker is both capable of, and enti-tled to, making his or her own determination regarding union member-ship. The decision not to affiliate with a labor union should be no lessdeserving of protection than the freedom to affiliate with a union. Com-merce Lexington urges the Kentucky General Assembly to support Rightto Work legislation to prohibit requiring any worker to join a union as acondition of employment.

Prevailing WageCommerce Lexington supports legislation to repeal mandatory prevailingwage in the Commonwealth. The result would be reduced costs and in-creased capacity for public works, benefiting employers, employees andtaxpayers alike. At a minimum, prevailing wage requirements should beeliminated for the construction of schools and other educational facilities.

Employer | Labor UnionMaintaining the time-tested balance between labor unions and employersis critical to economic growth and continued job creation. The NationalLabor Relations Board (NLRB) has undertaken an aggressive pro-unionagenda that threatens jobs and economic growth with issues such as cardcheck, secure electronic voting, release of personal employee information,persuader rule, employee poster rule, ambush election rule, micro uniondecision, joint-employer standard and others. Commerce Lexington iscommitted to defending the rights of businesses and their employees andstrongly encourages federal and state officials to fight changes to ourlabor law system that undermine employer-employee relations.

We urge the support for labor laws that:Maintain a balance of representation on the NLRB properly vetted•and ratified through Congress to hear the facts from all parties inrendering fact based decisions.Do not upend years of carefully balanced labor laws, whether through•Congress or regulation promulgated by the NLRB.Protect secret ballot elections to form unions.•Maintain functional grouping of business units that do not pit “sub”•or “micro” units against each other in organizing efforts (microunions).Maintain a company’s ability to educate employees on the conse-•quences of unionization.Do not include binding arbitration provisions.•Do not impose one-sided penalties.•

Wage MandatesCommerce Lexington supports government efforts to find balanced, long-term solutions to the problems confronted by our community. We donot support private sector wage mandates that exceed state or federalguidelines.


COMPETITIVENESS

Safer WorkplacesCommerce Lexington supports allowing employers to share factual anddocumented information about past employees, without subjectingthemselves to undue liability, when providing references to inquiring em-ployers during the hiring process. We also support legislation to allowemployers to help fight illegal drug use in the workplace. Commerce Lex-ington opposes any expansion in the current concealed/carry laws thatwould allow employees to bring deadly weapons into the workplace.

Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Commerce Lexington believes that the integrity of the unemployment in-surance trust fund should be maintained and opposes efforts to utilizethe fund in ways that are contrary to its original purpose of providing un-employment insurance to temporarily displaced workers.

Commerce Lexington was among several employer groups that sup-ported the reforms to the state’s unemployment insurance system duringthe 2010 special session, and the effort to address repaying the intereston the loans to the federal government during the 2012 session of theKentucky General Assembly. Commerce Lexington will continue to mon-itor the implementation of the reforms to the state’s UI System.

Workers’ CompensationCommerce Lexington supports a workers’ compensation statute that of-fers clear and objective definitions of injury and disability, uses objectivemedical findings of impairment for awards, continues the reduction oflitigation, and encourages retraining and education, to return to work ata different position at a comparable rate, while abating growing costs forcentral Kentucky employers. Commerce Lexington supports any legisla-tive or regulatory measure that will help control Kentucky’s rising medicaland prescription drug costs in workers’ compensation cases without dis-rupting needed services to injured workers.

ImmigrationCommerce Lexington supports a comprehensive immigration reformpackage which includes modernizations to the guest worker programwhich addresses the needs of all Kentucky's work places.

Revision of Statute of Limitations LawCommerce Lexington recognizes Kentucky's five-year time period on em-ployee wrongful termination or discrimination lawsuits places an unduerequirement on employers. Commerce Lexington supports changes toKentucky’s statute that would make all employment discharge and dis-crimination type actions more uniform with federal guidelines while stillprotecting employees and employers.

Government EfficiencyCommerce Lexington supports the need for government modernizationand increased efficiency. Commerce Lexington will continue to urge theGeneral Assembly to focus on spending reforms across government in-cluding the areas of public employee health benefits, the public employeepension system, corrections and Medicaid.

Malt Beverage Industry RegulationCommerce Lexington supports the maintenance of a strong and inde-pendent system for the sale, distribution and regulation of malt beveragesthat has been in place since prohibition. Such a system promotes the lo-cally owned and operated businesses, the preservation of jobs, strongcommunity reinvestment, and the ability of all large and small brewersto deliver their products to the market and ultimately the consumer.

Felony Expungement LegislationTo help address Kentucky’s qualified workforce shortage, Commerce Lex-ington supports legislation to provide work opportunities for individualswho are currently limited by a single past mistake. Legislation to allowindividuals charged with a single, non-violent Class D Felony to have theirrecord expunged would responsibly reduce some obstacles that currentlylimit businesses’ access to over 94,000 Kentuckians who could be eligiblefor expungement. Expungement of non-violent felony convictions, oncecertain conditions are met, enables former offenders to be more produc-tive citizens, pay taxes and meet family obligations as it helps them obtainand maintain employment.

Commerce Lexington supports this limited expungement if the legislationincludes safeguards to ensure employers are protected by a significantwaiting period to ensure the individual has not committed another felonyand have paid or served their debt fully. Additionally, the legislationshould require notification to any identified victims, and indemnificationlanguage that protects employers from legal exposure.


TAX AND REGULATORY POLICYCommerce Lexington recognizes that in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, promoting long-term economic development and job growth must be a top priority when revenue options are beingconsidered. Tax policy at all levels of government must be guided by a well-researched, balanced approachthat provides for necessary public investments and expenditures, while avoiding policies that could serveas disincentives to economic growth and private sector employment and investment.

State and local tax code changes should recognize and encourage long-term future growth, and provide sufficientrevenue options so that local governments are able to tailor their tax policy to local conditions. CommerceLexington encourages lawmakers to monitor the impact of Kentucky’s tax code on the private sector and to takeaction when necessary to ensure Kentucky remains competitive with its surrounding states.

Comprehensive Tax ReformAs the Kentucky General Assembly contemplates comprehensive tax re-form, Commerce Lexington strongly urges lawmakers to evaluate existingtax policies and proposed changes by using the following criteria:

Effective: Tax policies should be reviewed to determine their intended•or unintended consequences. Tax laws proving contrary to their in-tention or more burdensome than intended should be repealed orscaled back.Competitive: Tax policy should promote a positive climate that en-•courages business investment and job growth. Revenue Sensitive: Tax policy should provide sufficient revenues•overall to fund critical priorities.Predictable: Sources of tax revenue should be relatively predictable•and stable over time.Equitable: Tax policy should be fair but must not discourage eco-•nomic activity, employment, or wage growth.Efficient: Any tax policy must be designed to facilitate cost efficient•compliance and administration.

Local Option Sales TaxCommerce Lexington supports an amendment to the Kentucky Constitu-tion, and enabling legislation, that would permit cities and counties, in-cluding urban county governments, to enact a local option sales tax, notto exceed one percent with a sunset provision. The tax would be for fund-ing dedicated to specific local projects, as proposed by the local govern-ment and approved by voter referendum.

Alcohol TaxesAs part of comprehensive tax reform, Commerce Lexington believes Ken-tucky must examine the manner in which the state taxes distilled spirits,beer and wine. Kentucky has one of the Top 5 tax rates on alcohol salesin the US, higher than all contiguous states except Tennessee. The Ken-tucky General Assembly should consider rolling back the wholesale taxon alcohol sales in order to make the Commonwealth’s distilled spirit andalcoholic beverage industry more competitive with surrounding states.

Comprehensive Regulatory ReviewCommerce Lexington urges state and local governments to consider acomprehensive review of the regulations, taxes and fees impacting busi-nesses to determine areas where these policies could be modified, re-duced, streamlined or eliminated to improve government efficiency andcreate a more business friendly environment for Lexington and Kentucky.

Commerce Lexington urges federal, state and local governments to lookat any agency fee increase or regulatory change carefully and examine thefee increases based on need, rate of inflation and economic impact onbusiness. No fee or regulations with significant fiscal impact on businessshould be increased without the clear approval from the appropriate fed-eral, state or local legislative body with oversight authority. We encouragesensitivity at the local and state level to regulations that are more stringentthan federal regulations that hurt Kentucky’s economic competitiveness,and urge local or state legislative approval of any regulation that deviatessignificantly or is more stringent than federal guidelines.

Revise the Limited Liability EntityTax (LLET)Commerce Lexington supported the 2006 Tax Modernization by the Gen-eral Assembly. However, the creation of the Limited Liability Entity Tax(LLET) and the lack of ability to offset pass-through credits against tax onincome from other businesses and other years have become problematic.Commerce Lexington supports efforts to adjust the tax code to encourageentrepreneurial investment in the Commonwealth.

Unfunded Mandates/Affordable SolutionsCommerce Lexington opposes unfunded mandates trickling down fromfederal and state agencies that impact local governments without regardto the affordability of the mandates, and the ability of a local community,its businesses and taxpayers’ to absorb the costs. Commerce Lexingtonwill advocate for regulatory reform efforts at all levels of government toaddress the problems associated with unfunded regulatory mandates.These efforts should include, but not be limited to the following:

Agencies should be asked to demonstrate the economic impact to•businesses and local communities of implementing new regulations. Consent Decrees or other legal or administrative requirements•should take into account and publically demonstrate the ability oflocal governments, quasi-governmental agencies, schools and busi-nesses ability to afford the alternatives demanded by the state and/orEPA. These financial analyses should be conducted by people with experi-•ence in developing financial impacts before the solution is finalized. If it is determined that the entity cannot reasonably afford the solu-•tion required by the state or federal agency, then the state should berequired to assist the entity in developing an alternate financial plan.


HEALTH CARE

Monitor Implementation of FederalHealth Care Reform Commerce Lexington believes that both business owners and employersshould have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their employ-ees quality affordable health insurance available from the private market,not government. However, the Patient Protection and Affordable CareAct (PPACA) passed by Congress created a great deal of uncertainty foremployers. The effect of the PPACA will not be completely realized untilfederal regulations have been finalized and implemented over the nextfew years. Commerce Lexington remains concerned that employers thathave previously provided voluntary health insurance coverage for theiremployees will now face mandated levels of health insurance coverage aswell as increased taxes, premiums penalties, Therefore, Commerce Lex-ington is committed to monitoring the implementation of the PPACAand will continue to provide input to our federal and state policymakersin an effort to ensure that employers can provide quality affordable healthinsurance coverage to their employees without being continually overbur-dened with federal regulations and penalties.

Medical MalpracticeCommerce Lexington will support effective measures to address the es-calating costs of health care and medical malpractice insurance for healthproviders, which has contributed to higher health care costs, higher healthinsurance premiums, and continues to create the potential for reducedaccess to care.

Increase the Number of HealthCare Professionals in KentuckyMany areas of Kentucky are underserved by health care professionals,which contribute to poor access and higher medical costs for our citizens.Commerce Lexington encourages lawmakers to initiate programs andfunding or support policies that encourage medical professionals to serveboth the rural and inter-city areas which may appear less desirable.

Reduce SmokingKentucky continuously leads the nation in adult smoking rates as well asrates among pregnant women, and is second among high school andmiddle school students. The smoking related loss of economic produc-tivity is over $2 billion dollars annually in Kentucky alone. Commerce Lex-ington fully supports raising Kentucky’s cigarette tax to be more in-linewith the national average. Additionally, initiatives should be implementedto reduce smoking among Kentucky Medicaid patients.

Health & Wellness ProgramsCommerce Lexington supports legislation that provides tax credits andincentives to employers for creating health and wellness programs fortheir employees. Kentucky’s population consistently ranks near the topof the list among the states for overall poor health indicators. Poor healthamong Kentuckians is a drain on the state’s resources, leading to in-creased health care costs for employers and employees, as well as leadingto increased utilization of health care services among the state’s Medicaidrecipients. Health and wellness programs offer employers the opportu-nity to address the culture of poor health in the Commonwealth by pro-moting preventive health care as well as educating and encouraginghealthy lifestyles among their employees. Health and wellness programsoften serve as an effective health care cost containment measure andserve to promote personal responsibility among employees for their ownhealth outcomes. Commerce Lexington will continue to support pro-grams and policies that incentivize companies to educate and promotehealth and wellness for their employees.

FOCUS ON: Effectively Combat Drug andSubstance Abuse Commerce Lexington acknowledges the need to address Kentucky’s drug abuse problem,and will continue to support legislative efforts to curb this epidemic through a comprehen-sive approach aimed at prevention, treatment and penalty reforms. Both private and publicsector leaders realize the negative effect of drug and substance abuse on their employeesand citizens particularly in terms of increased health care costs, loss of workforce produc-tivity and fiscal impact of incarceration. According to the Kentucky Office of Drug ControlPolicy, lost productivity, health care costs and drug-related crimes associated with illegaldrug abuse cost the Commonwealth $2.5 to $3.6 billion annually.

The severity of prescription drug abuse, as well as heroin and other illegal street drugs,continues to be a high priority issue for Commerce Lexington Inc. We applaud efforts ofthe Kentucky General Assembly for past legislative efforts to curb drug abuse and increasetreatment options. We encourage legislators to continue to address the illness of addictionand to expanded prevention and treatment capacities in the Commonwealth.

The severity of prescriptiondrug abuse, as well as heroin

and other illegal streetdrugs, continues to have anegative impact on Central

Kentucky’s workforce.

Lexington-Fayette UrbanCounty Council:Council Office, 5th Floor 200 E. Main Street Lexington, KY 40507 Phone: (859) 258-3200 Fax: (859) [email protected]: www.lexingtonky.gov

AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBERS:Vice Mayor Steve KayKevin StinnettRichard Moloney

1ST DISTRICTJames Brown

2ND DISTRICTShevawn Akers

3RD DISTRICTJake Gibbs

4TH DISTRICTSusan Lamb

5TH DISTRICTBill Farmer, Jr.

6TH DISTRICTAngela Evans

7TH DISTRICTJennifer Scutchfield

8TH DISTRICTFred Brown

9TH DISTRICTJennifer Mossotti

10TH DISTRICTAmanda Mays Bledsoe

11TH DISTRICTPeggy Henson

12TH DISTRICTRuss Hensley

Lexington Mayor Jim GrayLexington-Fayette Urban County

Government Center 200 East Main Street Lexington, KY 40507 Phone: (859) 258-3100Fax: (859) 258-3194

E-Mail: [email protected]

Kentucky GovernorMatt Bevin

700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100Frankfort, Kentucky 40601Phone: (502) 564-2611Fax: (502) 564-2517

Web: www.kentucky.gov

Kentucky Senate:

Sen. Ralph Alvarado (R-28)3250 McClure RoadWinchester, KY 40391

Sen. Tom Buford (R-22) 409 W. Maple SreetNicholasville, KY 40356

Sen. Jared Carpenter (R-34)P.O. Box 100Berea, KY 40403

Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr (R-12)3274 Gondola DriveLexington, KY 40513

Sen. Reginald Thomas (D-13)702 Capitol Ave., Annex Rm. 255Frankfort KY 40601

House of Representatives:

Rep. Robert Benvenuti III (R-88)2384 Abbeywood RoadLexington, KY 40515

Rep. George Brown, Jr. (D-77) 424 E Fourth StLexington, KY 40508

Rep. Kelly Flood (D-75)121 Arcadia Park Lexington, KY 40503

Rep. James Kay (D-56) P.O. Box 1536Versailles, KY 40383

Rep. Stan Lee (R-45)Minority Caucus ChairP.O. Box 2090Lexington, KY 40588

Rep. Russ Meyer (D-39) 106 Lone Oak DriveNicholasville, KY 40356

Rep. Sannie Overly (D-72)Majority Caucus Chair340 Main StreetParis, KY 40361

Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo (D-76) 10 Deepwood DriveLexington, KY 40505

Rep. Susan Westrom (D-79) P. O. Box 22778 Lexington, KY 40522

U.S. CONGRESSMAN ANDY BARR (6th District)2709 Old Rosebud Road, Lexington, KY 40509 Phone: (859) 219-1366 1432 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4706 Web: http://barr.house.gov

U.S. SENATOR RAND PAUL771 Corporate Drive, Suite 105, Lexington, KY 40503 Phone: (859) 219-2239167 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510Phone: (202) 224-4343 Web: http://www.paul.senate.gov

U.S. SENATOR MITCH McCONNELL771 Corporate Dr., Suite 108, Lexington, KY 40503 Phone: (859) 224-8286 317 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Wash., DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2541Web: http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov

Contact Kentucky State Legislators at (502) 564-8100

YOUR GOVERNMENT


FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

STATE GOVERNMENT

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

We Did It !

victory newsletter | completing its 13th year

“It was truly an honor for me to Chair the Winner’sCircle campaign this year. I had heard about the excep-tional volunteers we had from Commerce Lexington Inc.staff and past Winner’s Circle chairs, so I was confidentthat we would exceed our production goal. Despite thefact that I challenged the volunteers by raising our goaltwice during the campaign, they still surpassed our$800,000 goal and did so in very convincing fashion. Thecampaign finished at nearly $865,000 - it’s largest total yetin the program’s 13-year history.

For those of you who may be new to CommerceLexington Inc. or may not be familiar with this program,the Winner’s Circle is an initiative that has helped financenew and existing Commerce Lexington programs. Eachyear, this volunteer-driven initiative brings in new mem-bers, renewals and event and publication sponsorships. Volunteersalso meet with members to make sure they are aware of the programsand services that are available to them through their membership.

Volunteers, past chairs, CLX board members, staff, and campaignleadership celebrated our success at a Victory Luncheon onDecember 10th at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa. We recog-nized our top teams and individuals during the campaign and pre-sented several more volunteer awards. Our top three teams in 2015included Kentucky American Water/Windstream Communications,Central Bank & Trust Co., and University of Kentucky. Top individualproducers during the campaign were Abby Vaughn (UBS FinancialServices), Cheryl Eadens (Ambassadors team; Everything But TheHouse), and Jeff Koonce (Your Community Bank).

I hope you’ll take the opportunity to recognize and thank thosevolunteers listed inside this newsletter when you see them in the com-munity. They are very passionate about Commerce Lexington Inc., andtheir efforts certainly contribute to a more prosperous community foreveryone. I would also like to extend my deep appreciation to the

many company CEO’s and senior officials who allow theiremployees time to participate in this program. Withouttheir support and encouragement, the Winner’s Circlewould not be successful.

One of the big reasons the Winner’s Circle program isso successful is the support from the many past chairs,who have stayed active and assist volunteers along theway. I appreciate past chairs Guy Huguelet, GlennLeveridge, Harry Richart, Nick Rowe, StephenHillenmeyer, Herb Miller, Ann Bakhaus, Debbie Long,Alan Stein, Terry McBrayer, and Steve Grossman for con-tinuing to be involved in the program when called upon.One of the hallmarks of the Winner's Circle program isthat it is just plain fun, and this group of enthusiastic, gre-garious (and at times rowdy) leaders is a big reason for

that." Finally, I want to thank the many CLX member companies who

made the decision to sponsor a Commerce Lexington event or publi-cation for the coming year. It says a lot about the value CommerceLexington provides its members, with so many companies sponsor-ing events year after year. Your investment makes a substantial differ-ence in the quality of the programming that we are able to offer.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve as Chair of theWinner’s Circle in 2015, and I look forward to working with you in thefuture.”

BILL LEAR2015 CHAIR

WINNER’S CIRCLE

Stoll Keenon OgdenPLLC

WINNER’S CIRCLE 20152015 Winner’s Circle Top Producers & Campaign Leadership


WINNER’S CIRCLEBy The NumbersTOTAL PRODUCTION:

$864,942

TEAM PRODUCTION - 2015Ambassadors ................................$57,521

BB&T ...............................................$4,357

Central Bank & Trust Co. ..............$78,616

CHASE / J.P. Morgan ...................$39,640

City National Bank........................$25,324

Columbia Gas of Kentucky ...........$32,967

Community Trust Bank.................$41,462

Fifth Third Bank ............................$11,750

Forcht Bank ...................................$23,761

Friends of Commerce Lex.............$44,646

Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa.....$50,555

Ky. American/Windstream..........$108,718

Ky. Employers' Mutual Insurance........$27,070

Kentucky Utilities Co.....................$36,112

Leadership Lexington Alumni ......$13,972

Missing Link Managed IT...............$4,656

PNC Bank......................................$38,854

Powell Walton Milward...................$6,000

Republic Bank & Trust Co. ...........$12,827

SteinGroup, LLC ...........................$23,230

UBS Financial Services .................$52,687

University of Kentucky ..................$69,016

Your Community Bank..................$33,405


The top individual producers during the 2015 Winner’s Circle campaign as of theVictory Celebration included (left to right) Abby Vaughn (UBS Financial Services), JeffKoonce (Your Community Bank), and Cheryl Eadens (Ambassadors team; EverythingBut The House).

Top Producing Individuals1. Abby Vaughn (UBS Financial Services)2. Cheryl Eadens (Ambassadors team; Everything But The House)3. Jeff Koonce (Your Community Bank)

Top Producing Teams1. Kentucky American Water/Windstream Communications2. Central Bank & Trust Co.3. University of Kentucky

Sales With a Smile AwardsSusan Bunning (Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa team; Equine Equity Partners)Teresa Haggard (Kentucky American Water/Windstream Communications)

Deserves a Little Pampering AwardTamara McCain (Republic Bank & Trust Co.)

Rookie of the Year AwardTodd Sallee (Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance)

Model Volunteer AwardVictoria Carling (City National Bank)

RECOGNITIONS

WINNER’S CIRCLEBy The Numbers

TOP INDIVIDUALS - 2015Abby Vaughn..............................$52,687Cheryl Eadens ............................$50,021Jeff Koonce.................................$33,405Maxine Lee.................................$32,140Teresa Haggard..........................$31,618Todd Sallee.................................$27,070Terri Jones ..................................$25,943Valeria Swope.............................$25,773Mark Ruddell .............................$25,622Keith Preston .............................$24,483Kelly Johns .................................$24,318Victoria Carling ..........................$22,824Jeremy Cron ...............................$21,261Perry Dunn.................................$20,863Nelson Maynard ........................$19,500Phil McConathy .........................$18,235Jeannine Petell ...........................$18,000Kathy Edwards ...........................$17,875Lisa Smith ..................................$17,329Curtis Warren.............................$16,612Gwen Hart..................................$16,267Brandi Howard ..........................$16,175Lisa Greer...................................$15,750Kristen Brown ............................$15,603Ashley Tabb................................$15,000Jeff Zinger ..................................$15,000Kie VanderHorst ........................$12,198David Kidd .................................$12,183Steve Deaton .............................$12,162Ryan Lisk ....................................$10,447Tamara McCain............................$9,952Lisa Parke.....................................$9,940Susan Bunning ............................$9,595Carolyn Woodford........................$8,301Fred White....................................$7,642Jennifer North..............................$7,500Judy Cooper .................................$7,337Pam Woods..................................$5,000


THANK YOUThank you to the following CLX member

companies who donated gifts or hosted eventsduring the 2015 Winner’s Circle campaign!

3M Ceradyne, Inc. (South)A&W RestaurantsAbuelosAdvancED ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES...LLCAging with Grace, Aging in Place - The

Health Club for SeniorsAndover Golf and Country ClubAsbury UniversityAshland, Inc.Barr, Anderson & Roberts, PSCBeaumont Family DentistryBella RoseBen C. KaufmannBill Straus PhotographyBlue Lotus Health & AcupunctureBluegrass Hospitality GroupBreeders' Cup LimitedCaloSpa Rejuvenation Center LexingtonCardinal Hill Rehabilitation HospitalClarion Hotel LexingtonCoba CocinaCoit Cleaning & Restoration Columbia Gas of KentuckyCommunity Trust BankCourtyard by Marriott Lexington NorthDarleyDelta Dental of KentuckyDermatology Consultants, P.S.C.DinsmoreDudley’s on ShortFlorida Tile, Inc.Fortune Realty, LLCGoodfellas PizzeriaGoodwillGriffin Gate Marriott Resort & SpaHalf Price BooksHilary J. Boone CenterHilton Lexington DowntownHoliday Inn Express Hotel & SuitesDowntownHome2 Suites Lexington University/

Medical CenterHyatt Place LexingtonI Know Expo, llcImage360

Images Model & Talent AgencyITT Technical InstituteJ. M. Smucker, LLCJDI Grill & TavernKeeneland AssociationKentucky American WaterKentucky Eagle, Inc.Kentucky Employers' Mutual InsuranceKentucky Forward / www.kyforward.comKentucky Horse ParkKentucky Horse Park FoundationKentucky League of CitiesKentucky Thoroughbred AssociationKET - Kentucky Educational TelevisionL.V. Harkness Laundry 101Lexington BlueLexington Christian AcademyLexington Laser SpaLexington PhilharmonicMassage Envy Merrill LynchMilward Funeral HomesMorgan & PottingerNicholasville Road Animal HospitalPowell Walton MilwardRamsey's DinersRepublic ServicesRisk Placement Services, Inc.Saint Joseph Hospital & Saint Joseph East,

a part of KentuckyOne HealthSky Zone LexingtonSpecial Olympics KentuckyStaybridge Suites - LexingtonThe Club at UK's Spindletop HallThe Ketch Seafood GrillThe Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts CenterThe Massage CenterThe Thoroughbred CenterUniversity InnVisually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc.Windstream CommunicationsWLEX-TVWomen Leading Kentucky


AmbassadorsCheryl Eadens (Captain)

Jennifer North

BB&TAmy Campbell (Captain)

Antoinette BatesShawn Blades

Lindsey BowmanBen Little

Susan PotterStephanie PrestonYolanda Saucedo

Central Bank & Trust Co.Terri Jones (Captain)

Sharon BradleyKaren BurtonRick HartleyKeith PrestonMark Ruddell

CHASE / J.P. MorganMaxine Lee (Captain)

Chad LashbrookShea MajorsAlex Lyttle

City National BankVictoria Carling (Captain)

Columbia Gas of KentuckyLisa Smith (Captain)

Judy CooperCarolyn Woodford

Community Trust BankJeannine Petell (Captain)

Amy DaileyLarry JonesBerry Popp

Fifth Third BankSara Christensen (Co-Captain)Jenalee Lashbrook (Co-Captain)

Forcht BankJeremy Cron (Captain)

Friends of Commerce Lex.Lisa Parke (Captain)

Marilyn ClarkTina Craig

Vince EdwardsKathy EdwardsMelia Hord

Stephen MachinKellie StoddartKie VanderHorst

Griffin Gate MarriottResort & Spa

Gwen Hart (Captain)Susan Bunning

Don HartKelly Johns

Kentucky AmericanWater/WindstreamCommunications

Teresa Haggard (Co-Captain)Fred White (Co-Captain)

Perry DunnSusan LanchoPhil McConathyValeria Swope

Kentucky Employers’Mutual InsuranceTodd Sallee (Captain)

Kentucky Utilities Co.Curtis Warren (Captain)

Nelson Maynard

Leadership Lex. AlumniRyan Lisk (Captain)

Tony Bonner

Missing Link Managed I.T.Mike Runyon (Captain)

Marissa BradleyDebbie Hodges

PNC BankJeff Zinger (Captain)

David Kidd

Powell-Walton-Milward,a division of J. Smith Lanier

Kav Milward (Co-Captain)Jeff Milward

Jack Wilkinson

Republic Bank & Trust Co.Tamara McCain (Captain)

Emily MillerMason McCauley

Shirley RileyPhillip Suiter

SteinGroup, LLCBrandi Howard (Captain)

Greg BrownSandy Canon

Laura McDonaldScooter Stein

UBS Financial ServicesAbby Vaughn (Captain)

University of KentuckyAshley Tabb (Captain)

Kristen BrownSteve DeatonLisa Greer

Cole MielcarekTownsend MillerAngela PennJenny WallacePam Woods

Your Community BankJeff Koonce (Captain)

Bobby BowersMichael LoweJill Shirley

Camden SkidmoreAndy WalkerMark Weimer

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Susan Bunning (EquineEquity Partners) withWinner’s Circle PastChair Harry Richart.

EVENTS


PRESENTED BY:

Commerce Lexington to Visit Charleston, S.C. During 2016 Leadership Visit2016 LEADERSHIP VISIT | JUNE 8 - 10, 2016 | CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased toannounce that the 2016 Leadership Visit present-ed by McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland,PLLC, will take us to Charleston, South Carolina,June 8-10, 2016. Comprised of three counties –Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester – theCharleston region is a highly diverse market,strategically located on the Atlantic coast, combin-ing a thriving economy with rich history, and anoutstanding business climate and quality of life.

If you’ve traveled to Charleston with CommerceLexington Inc. in the past, you’ll see that a lot oftransformation has taken place, such as the NorthKing Street development – similar to Lexington’sNorth Limestone initiative. And, after 40 years ofleadership under Mayor Joe Riley, we’ll be excitedto see the vision and direction of new CharlestonMayor John Tecklenburg, who was elected inNovember.

The Greater Charleston region has experiencedunprecedented business growth over the past sev-eral years, with both multinational corporationsand fast-growing startups taking advantage of itsglobally competitive business environment.

Charleston's success in attracting corporateinvestment - by both new and existing companies- is due to a number of factors, including a pro-business tax and incentive structure, a highly-skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure and ofcourse its location. One of the area’s largestemployers is Boeing with over 8,000 employeesand still growing. Earlier this year, Mercedes-BenzVans, a division of Daimler AG, announced plansto build an assembly plant in North Charleston,creating 1,300 jobs. South Carolina as a state iscurrently #3 in automotive manufacturingstrength.

During the closing session of this year’sLeadership Visit to Kansas City, a large majority ofthe participants named education and workforcedevelopment as important focus areas forLexington going forward. More specifically, theywanted to know what business can do to betterassist our public schools in preparing students forthe jobs of the future.

Betsy Dexter, Executive Director of the Businessand Education Network, said, “The CharlestonMetro Chamber of Commerce has worked toaccelerate the region’s talent pipeline by providingprograms and services to ensure they have a high-ly competitive workforce that meets the needs ofbusiness and industry. The development ofCareer Academies in local schools is a perfectexample of how engaging business partners ineducation can increase graduation rates, lowerdropout rates, and ensure that what is beingtaught in the classroom is relevant to current jobdemands. I look forward to learning more about

their career academy model and other communityefforts that are helping to close the skills gap.”

Charleston’s efforts in the area of workforcedevelopment have been nationally recognizedthanks to a variety of programs available throughTrident Technical College, readySC, PersonalPathways to Success, and ApprenticeshipCarolina.

TO REGISTER:Registration is now open for the 2016 LeadershipVisit to Charleston, South Carolina. For moredetails and to download a registration form, visitwww.commercelexington.com/leadership-visit.html. If you have any questions, contact KatieHardwick at [email protected].

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Central Bank & Trust Co.CHASE / J.P. MorganKentucky Community & Technical College System

Kentucky Utilities Co.Stites & Harbison, PLLCUnified Trust CompanyYour Community Bank

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION SPONSOR

Saint Joseph Hospital, a Part ofKentuckyOne Health

BRIEFING BOOK SPONSOR

J.J.B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons, LLC

NAME BADGE SPONSOR

Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, LLP

“The historic, beautiful and exciting cityof Charleston, S.C. is the perfect place forour annual Leadership Visit. Since our

last trip to the ‘Holy City,’ Charleston hasbeen a national leader in education ini-tiatives, attracting new businesses andintegrating wonderful workforce develop-ment programs to successful outcomes.Oh, and did I mention the fun and inter-esting sites we’ll visit? I hope you can joinus for this not-to-be-missed opportunity.”

- Alan SteinPresident & CEO, SteinGroup, LLC

Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair-Elect

Excerpts of Article by Nicholas Spalding, R.J.Corman Railroad Company/Material Sales

Often held as one of the Commonwealth’s oldest con-tinually operated businesses, the Valley View Ferry wasfittingly the first stop on our tour. Mr. George Dean,County Historian, walked us through the rich history ofthe ferry from John Craig opening the business in 1785 toits current operation today.

The agenda then saw us at the Polvino Family ArtsCenter in downtown Nicholasville for a series of discus-sions directly related to transportation in and around theJessamine County area. We then heard from Roger Kirkof the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership onregional transportation with NichTran and JessLex. EricFrankl, Executive Director - Bluegrass Airport, shifted ourfocus to regional air transportation.

R. J. Corman Railroad Group welcomed the class foran outstanding lunch, transportation discussion andtour of the facility. Todd Bivins, Director – RiskManagement for R. J. Corman, powerfully demonstratedthe importance of rail transportation with an industryand company overview.

After leaving the tour of the R. J. Corman facility, ourgroup traveled to the High Bridge Spring Water facilitylocated in Wilmore. Finally, class members reflected onthe day, which allowed a glimpse into the future ofJessamine County, the impacts of transportation, and theimportance of strong Leadership for a sustainable future.

Read This Full Article On-Line atwww.LeadershipCentralKentucky.com


CONNECT

Leadership Central Studies Jessamine Co.

Leadership Lex. Youth affirms value of community’s arts & media outletsPRESENTED BY:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

Target

Toyota MotorManufacturing,Kentucky, Inc.

PRESENTED BY:

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

GOLD SPONSOR:

Keeneland

SILVER SPONSORS:

Ale-8-OneKentucky Bank

Please join us for our 2016 Open Housefollowing 11:15 a.m. Mass on

Sunday, January 31st.

Excerpts of Article by Tammy Lane Republished withPermission from Fayette County Public Schools

Joey Michael, who applied for Leadership LexingtonYouth (LLY) after witnessing his brother’s positive experi-ence in the program, is eager to learn about his city’s innerworkings and to network with others interested in helpingtheir community thrive. He encountered several primeexamples when LLY students visited news media and artsvenues, affirming these elements’ vital role in FayetteCounty.

The first stop was WKYT on Winchester Road, where stu-dents toured the station and met anchors Barbara Bailey andBill Bryant. The news veterans mentioned the value of insti-tutional memory and seasoned perspective but also theirevolution amid rapid changes across the industry. “It broad-casts news going on around us, and you want to know whereyou’re living and the community around you, and it’s prettygood at addressing all this,” said Joey, of Paul LaurenceDunbar High School. He and Neda Maleki of Tates CreekHigh School also agreed that the expansion of media tech-nology hasn’t been all positive. “Students have access to somuch information they can get in one second, but it takesaway from people’s lives and they don’t enjoy communicat-ing as much anymore. When friends get together, it’s most-ly them on their phones,” Neda said.

Leadership Lexington Youth, a Commerce Lexington pro-gram for high school juniors, introduces students to theircommunity, highlights pressing issues, and shows themlocal career opportunities. This diverse group meets oneWednesday a month and stays in touch through their men-tors on the LLY steering committee.

For Arts & Media Day, the nearly four dozen studentsdropped by several locations around town includingLatitude, an arts studio designed for people with disabilities.“They draw and they paint and it’s a way to be happy, soLatitude is very helpful in that area,” Joey said. “It bringspeople together to share something they all love doing,”Neda added. “It’s a way to engage.”

The LLY group saw yet another example in The LyricTheatre & Cultural Arts Center. Acting director DonaldMason shared how the venue, built in 1948, was Kentucky’spremier African-American theater in its heyday. But The Lyricclosed in 1963 and sat dormant until five years ago.

So far, Neda deemed the LLY program an amazing expe-rience as she has developed new friendships and exchangedideas with teens from other high schools. “I want more stu-dents to get involved in improving the well-being of their sur-roundings,” she said. “I’m truly interested in making a differ-ence in my community and having a big impact in the world,not just Lexington.”

Read More About Our Ambassadors at www.CommerceLexington.com > Connect > Volunteer Opportunities

Excerpts of Article by Emily Downey, AlltechThe wise Albert Einstein once said, “Education is

what remains after one has forgotten what one haslearned in school.” The objective laid out forLexington Leadership’s Education Day by programday chairs Grace Hester, Tresine Logsdon, KelliParmley and Bradley Stevenson was to understandthe issues facing primary, secondary and higher edu-cation, as well as the new programs and initiatives ineducation in Fayette County.

The day kicked off with a high school panel thataddressed school from their perspective with emerg-ing topics such social media and technology andtheir respective experiences in specialized programs.Then, principal Jay Jones and teacher Kim Sword ofWilliam Wells Brown Elementary really brought emo-tion as they spoke about their school’s environment,funding, parental involvement and how they havebeen creative in overcoming challenges by reimagin-ing the way education is done to flourish in today’sclimate.

The day allowed us the experience of a roundtablerotation to hear from a diverse group of educatorsand systems in our region. Some of the educationalsectors we were exposed to through the experiencewere: Montessori, Sphinx Academy and nontradition-

al education, Lexington Catholic High and privateeducation, Magnet, Gifted and Alternative ESL pro-grams, career and technical, KPREP and CoreStandards from the Board of Education perspective.

Before leaving Locust Trace Agri-Science Center,we were impressed by the facility, the students’ com-petency, their hands-on learning experience and thelevel of learning in the field of agri-science andagribusiness. After lunch, the afternoon sessionsgave us the view of education through the eyes of thepresidents of Transylvania, BCTC, and UK. Each pres-ident spoke about challenges and issues facing theirentities, the quality of students whom they see comecollege ready and the external issues that theyaddress to create an undistracted and safe learningenvironment for their student body.

The day concluded with a tour of UK’s Arts andVisual Studies learning building and a panel of col-lege students. The panel was enlightening to hearchallenges facing students today, such as diversity oncampus, inclusion, safety, student loans, and debt.

Read This Full Article On-Line atwww.LeadershipLexington.com

Leadership Lexington Class Explores Area Educational Opportunities2015-16 CLASS PRESENTED BY:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

Kentucky Utilities Co.Sleep Outfitters

Toyota Motor Manufacturing,Kentucky, Inc.

TravelHost of the Bluegrass

Transylvania University

CONNECT


Finalists Announced for Commerce Lexington Inc. Ambassador of the Year Award

Laura AdamsA native of Corbin,Kentucky, Laura Adamsoriginally came toLexington to attend theUniversity of Kentuckyand has now been herefor over 20 years. Adamsis a sales representativefor Xooker, a new market-ing tool in the form of afree downloadable app that focuses on helpingmerchants reach different clients throughsocial media and specific marketing areas.Laura said, “I really enjoy serving as anAmbassador, because it has not only openeddoors for me professionally, but I have alsomade some great friends. The opportunitiesthat we have to call on different businesses hasallowed me to create even more connectionsthroughout the community.”

Angie DennisAngie Dennis recentlyjoined Lexington RescueMission to help individu-als develop employmentgoals and build their self-confidence by focusingon the positive things heor she can offer anemployer. Last year,Lexington RescueMission served around 42,000 meals, prevent-ed 80 families from having utilities disconnect-ed and an additional 82 families from beingevicted. A native of the Bluegrass, Angie said,“Lexington is such a great place to live andwork. It offers the perfect blend of Southerncharm and urban growth.” As an Ambassador,she said she really enjoys reaching out to busi-nesses on a monthly basis to discuss the manyadvantages that Commerce Lexington Inc.offers.

Bill MarshallA marketing consultantfor The Lane Report andKentucky Gazette, BillMarshall was born andraised in Lexington. Hesaid, "Being able to seethis great American citycontinue to grow andprosper makes meproud." Recently, TheLane Report and Kentucky Gazette formed apartnership for targeted issue advocacy com-munication, among the many other servicesoffered. This unique configuration allows tradeassociations, professional organizations andother interested parties to build grassrootssupport for positions on issues in an efficientand cost effective manner. Serving as anAmbassador, he added, "The depth of mem-bership our business community has inCommerce Lexington is truly amazing."

LAURA ADAMS ANGIE DENNIS BILL MARSHALL

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Ambassador of the Year Award winner is announced at the 2016 Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinnerpresented by Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance on Thursday, January 28th. See page 7 of this issue for registration information.

SPECIAL THANKS:

AARP - KentuckyNon-Profit OrganizationsScott Wegenast, Associate StateDirector10401 Linn Station Rd., Ste. 121Louisville, KY 40223Phone: (502) 394-3425Web: www.aarp.org/ky

Allsports, Inc.Sporting GoodsBlaine Atkins, Owner3401 Nicholasville Road, C330Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 272-8656Web: www.allsportslex.com

Appalachian RegionalHealthcare, Inc.HealthcareJoe Grossman, President & CEO2260 Executive DriveLexington, KY 40505Phone: (859) 226-2468Web: www.arh.org

Benchmark MortgageMortgagesMarty Preston, Branch Partner108 E. New Circle Rd., Ste. 300Lexington, KY 40505Phone: (859) 967-1777Web: www.benchmark.us

Benezet & Associates LLCContractorsChristopher Benezet, Owner271 W. Short Street, Suite 402Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 219-0295www.benezetandassociates.com

Bluegrass PrintPrinting ServicesWill Culbertson, Owner710 E Main StreetLexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 533-3092Web: www.bluegrassprint.com

City National BankBanksBill Craycraft, President318 East Main StreetLexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 367-3707Web: www.bankatcity.com

Clarion Hotel ConferenceCenter SouthHotels/MotelsLance Hackleman, General Mgr.5532 Athens Boonesboro RoadLexington, KY 40509Phone: (850) 934-3609Web: www.lexingtonkyhotel.net

Comfort Inn & Suites ofLexingtonHotels/MotelsBailey Brewer, Dir. of Operations2400 Buena Vista Road Lexington, KY 40505Phone: (859) 368-0087www.comfortinnlexingtonky.com

Distilled at Gratz ParkRestaurantsMark Wombles, Chef & Owner120 W. 2nd Street Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 255-0002www.distilledatgratzinn.com

Facility Products and ServicesRoofing ContractorsRyan Krispinsky, Owner3099 Kirklevington Drive, #41Lexington, KY 40517Phone: (330) 533-8943Web: www.fpsroofing.com

George Fletcher Law Office PSCAttorneysGeorge L. Fletcher, Attorney101 Leestown Center WayLexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 455-8118Web: www.gfletcherlaw.com

Happy and Healthy WaysCaterersKimberly Jacobs312 S. Ashland Ave.Lexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 260-1100www.happyandhealthyways.com

Independence BankBanksGreg Burton, President-FranklinCountyPO Box 226Frankfort, KY 40602-0226Phone: (502) 696-1776Web: www.1776bank.com

Jackson Insurance andFinancial ServicesInsuranceSara Jackson, Agency Owner1716 Sharkey Way, Suite 100Lexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 276-0906https://agents.allstate.com/sara-b-jackson-lexington-ky.html

Keene Trace Golf ClubGolf CoursesLauren A. Coldiron, MarketingDirector5600 Harrodsburg RoadNicholasville, KY 40356Phone: (859) 224-4653Web: www.keenetracegolf.com

Kentucky Highlands InvestmentCorporationFinancial ServicesBrenda McDaniel, Executive VP& CFO362 Old Whitley RoadLondon, KY 40744Phone: (606) 864-5175Web: www.khic.org

Lexington Family MagazinePublishers-MagazinesJohn Lynch, Editor138 E. Reynolds Rd., Suite 201Lexington, KY 40517Phone: (859) 223-1765Web: www.lexingtonfamily.com

Lexington Motor Sports, LLCRecreational VehiclesAdam Short, General Manager2049 Bryant RoadLexington, KY 40509Phone: (502) 550-5998www.lexingtonmotorsports.com

Magnolia Springs Senior LivingAssisted LivingMichael Berg, Executive Director2701 Magnolia Springs DriveLexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 410-6575Web: www.magnolia-springs.net

Manchester Music HallEntertainmentAdam Hatton, Owner899 ManchesterLexington, KY 40588Phone: (859) 230-5365www.manchestermusichall.com

Meridian WealthManagement, LLCFinancial Planning ConsultantsGreg Couch, President250 W Main St., Suite 3150Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 543-4516www.meridianwealthllc.com

Mimi's PlaceWomen's ApparelDella Prather, Owner488 Curry AvenueLexington, KY 40508Phone: (859) 367-0221www.mimis-place.shoptiques.com

Murray State UniversitySchool-Postsecondary EducationShawn Smee, Director - Officeof Recruitment102 Curris CenterMurray, KY 42071Phone: (270) 809-2853Web: www.murraystate.edu

Old Kentucky Chocolates, LLCCandy & ConfectioneryDon Hurt, Member450 Southland DriveLexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 278-4444Web: www.oldkycandy.com

Patriot AutomotiveAuto Dealers-UsedTodd Stokes151 Southgate DriveGeorgetown, KY 40324Phone: (502) 868-0800www.patriotautomotiveky.com

People PinnacleManagement Consultants &ServicesSusan Rogers, President1813 Bimini RoadLexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 327-1119

Shopping for YouErrand ServicesSandy Johnstone117 Masterson Station DriveLexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 253-0255Web: www.shoppingforyou.biz

St. Elizabeth Ann SetonCatholic ChurchChurchesTamara A. Shumate, ParishAdministrator1730 Summerhill DriveLexington, KY 40515Phone: (859) 273-1318Web: www.setonchurch.com

The Kula HouseYoga InstructionSuzie Wheeler, owner501 West Sixth St., Suite 250Lexington, KY 40508Phone: (859) 612-7511Web: www.thekulahouse.com

The Macho NachoRestaurantsAaron Rothke, Owner854 East High StreetLexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 312-0002www.eatmachonacho.com

Vinland Energy LLCOil & Gas Exploration &DevelopmentCharles Albright, ChiefFinancial Officer2704 Old Rosebud Rd., Ste. 320Lexington, KY 40509Phone: (859) 264-9544Web: www.vinlandenergyllc.com

Wildcat Water, LLCWater Co.-Bottled, Bulk, etc.Brandon S. Green, Owner3364 Bay Springs ParkLexington, KY 40509Phone: (859) 559-8083Web: www.startimpacting.com

Welcome New Commerce Lexington Inc. members for the period of November 18 through December 18, 2015


NEW MEMBERS

two selected as Kentucky Rising Stars, including JamieWilhite Dittert and Stephanie M. Wurdock. OtherSuper Lawyers were Stephen L. Barker, Bryan H.Beauman, Andrew DeSimone, Kevin G. Henry,Ernest H. Jones II, Donald P. Moloney II, Phillip M.Moloney, and Kevin W. Weaver.

Jillian House and Scott Burroughs, attorneys at Ward,Hocker & Thornton, PLLC, were awarded KentuckyDefense Counsel Young Lawyer of the Year awards.The firm was also recognized for its dedication to theKentucky Defense Council. Additionally, five of itsattorneys have been selected for inclusion on the2016 Kentucky Super Lawyers list, including WalterWard, George Hocker, Gregg Thornton and GeneZipperle, who were named Kentucky Super Lawyers intheir respective practice areas, and Ashley Brown,who was named a Kentucky Rising Star.

Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP announced that sever-al of its Lexington attorneys have been recognized bytheir peers for inclusion in the 2016 Kentucky SuperLawyers list, including Robert J. Brown, J. MarkBurton, Debra H. Dawahare, Mary L. Fullington,Karen J. Greenwell, Kevin L. Johns, Douglas L.McSwain, George J. Miller, Walter R. Morris, Jr., W.Craig Robertson III, Robert S. Ryan, George L. Seay,Jr., Daniel I. Waxman, and Jeff A. Woods. Lexingtonattorneys recognized as Kentucky Rising Stars includ-ed Allison Grogan Buckley, Michael D. Hornback,Leila G. O’Carra, Justin W. Ross, Courtney Samford,Daniel C. Soldato, and G. Brian Wells.

SUBMIT PERSONNEL NEWS:Submit your company’s awards, personnel changes,additions, or promotions for Business Focus [email protected]. Information ispublished in the order received and only as spacepermits.

ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES… announced therecent hiring of Rachel Pool as an account executive.

The American Diabetes Association Bluegrassannounced its 2015 local award winners duringAmerican Diabetes Month. The recipients werehonored at the Association’s second annual Kiss aPig event in November. The ADA Bluegrass awardwinners included: Eric Case (Fowler Bell PLLC) –Volunteer of the Year, The Hale Family – Family ofthe Year, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass (Richmond) –RJ Corman Corporate Partner of the Year, andDennis Karounas, M.D. (UK HealthCare) –National Stop Diabetes LEARN Outreach Award.

Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP: Attorney TimothyW. Dunn in the Estate Planning practice group hasbeen elected to the Partnership within the firm.Meanwhile, thirty-two Bingham Greenebaum DollLLP attorneys were recently named to the 2016Kentucky Super Lawyers list, including Lexingtonattorneys Wendy Bryant Becker, Anne A. Chesnut,Bruce E. Cryder, and Phillip D. Scott. Meanwhile, 17of the firm’s attorneys were named to the 2016Kentucky Rising Stars list, including several from theLexington office: Jason T. Ams; Brian W. Chellgren;Timothy W. Dunn; Alexis Kasacavage; and LaurenR. Nichols.

Central Bank & Trust Co. Chairman, President andCEO, Luther Deaton, Jr., has been named to theAmerican Bankers Association Board for 2016 andwill chair the Financial Education and AdvocacyInitiative.

Joseph Russell has been hired as an equity analystwith Community Trust and Investment Company’sWealth and Trust Management (WTM) division.

Christy Woodward, a licensed CPA, has joined DeanDorton as a tax manager in the Lexington office.

Jackson Kelly PLLC lawyers Robert F. Duncan andJohn W. Hays have been named to the 2016 list ofKentucky Super Lawyers, while Allison Moreman hasbeen named a 2016 Kentucky Rising Star.

Keller Williams Greater Lexington announced sever-al new agents, including Joseph Herbert, ElizabethHalfhill, Perry Dunn, Amy Meier, Robert Gates,Jessica Hall, Billie Mussman, Andy Strickland andNawar Yacoub Agha.

Tim Culver has been appointed as vice president foradvancement at Lexington Catholic High School.

Dealernews announced that Lexington-based ManO’War Harley-Davidson is its 2015 Top 100 Dealerof the Year. Innovative store design, attention tocustomers and devotion to its community and statewere just some of the reasons Man O’War Harley-Davidson took the highest honors in the Top 100Dealer program, a juried competition where dealer-

ships are scored on their achievements in market-ing, merchandising, general management, staffmanagement, customer service, communityinvolvement and other factors.

McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland, PLLC:Lexington attorney and LFUCG CouncilmemberAngela Evans has been awarded the EmergeAmerica’s Emerging Leader Award. EmergeAmerica’s mission is to increase the number ofDemocratic women leaders from diverse back-grounds in public office through recruitment, train-ing, and providing a powerful network. Angela is agraduate of the 2013 Emerge Kentucky class.

NetGain Technologies announced that AndreaSimmons has accepted a new leadership role with-in its Technology OneSource managed IT services.

Sayre Christian Village announced that CindyAdwell has joined the team as activities director forthe Healthcare Center.

Dr. Janice Holland, associate professor in MidwayUniversity’s Equine Program, was recently honoredby the Kentucky Academic Advising Association asits Outstanding Faculty Advisor for 2015. She wasthe lone faculty award winner from any public or pri-vate institution in Kentucky.

Editors of the ABA Journal announced that Stites &Harbison, PLLC’s blog, Trademarkology, has beenselected to the ninth annual Blawg 100 as one of thetop 100 best blogs for a legal audience for 2015.This is the second time that Trademarkology hasmade the list.

Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC announcedthat ten of its attorneys have been included in the2016 publication of Kentucky Super Lawyers, with


PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. UPCOMING EVENTS

Commerce Lexington Inc.330 East Main Street, Suite 100P.O. Box 1968Lexington, KY 40588-1968

PeriodicalPostage PAIDat Lexington,Kentucky

JANUARY 2016:Leadership Lexington Youth Program presented by UKHealthCare: Mid-Year Development Day.

Public Policy Luncheon presented by Kentucky AmericanWater, featuring U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Noon - 1:30p.m., at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa.

@330 Series presented by Manpower of Central Kentucky,3:30 - 5:00 p.m., at CLX 1st floor conference room.

- SEE PAGE 8

Leadership Lexington presented by KentuckyOne Health:Health & Human Services Day Session.

Women Leading Kentucky’s Winter Roundtable NetworkingLuncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at Sal’s Chophouse (3373Tates Creek Road). Register at www.womenleadingky.com.

Leadership Central Kentucky presented by KU - a PPLCompany at Fayette County.

New Member Luncheon presented by George Fletcher LawOffice PSC, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at Commerce Lexington Inc.

Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner presented byKentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., atLexington Center’s Bluegrass Ballroom. - SEE PAGE 7

FEBRUARY 2016:27th annual Economic Outlook Conference, 8:00 a.m. to noon,at Lexington Convention Center. - SEE PAGE 10

Leadership Lexington Youth Program presented by UKHealthCare: Health and Human Services Day.

Women Leading Kentucky’s Winter Roundtable NetworkingLuncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at Sal’s Chophouse (3373Tates Creek Road). Register at www.womenleadingky.com.

Leadership Lexington presented by KentuckyOne Health:Government & Media Day Session.

Business Link hosted by Blue Grass Airport, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., inthe main terminal. - SEE PAGE 9

Leadership Central Kentucky presented by KU - a PPL Companyat Madison County.

Sicily Trip Informational Meeting, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., at CLX FirstFloor Conference room (330 East Main Street). RSVP to [email protected].

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