BUSINESS FOCUS - Commerce Lexington€¦ · · 2017-04-28Business Focus is published once a month...

BUSINESS FOCUSOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. MAY 2017 VOLUME XXV, ISSUE V

www.CommerceLexington.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

@330 Series Presents Behind-the-Scenes Look at Video Storytelling

2017-18 Leadership LexingtonApplications Due May 15th

New SPOTLIGHT Series: VibrantCities, Healthy Communities

May 23rd: Blood Drive atCommerce Lexington Inc.

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2016 Chamber of the Year

2017 Salute to Small BusinessAward Applications AvailableNow; Due by June 23rd

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7-16

18-23

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

2017 Chair of the Board:Carla Blanton, OwnerCarla Blanton Consulting

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

Editor: Mark E. TurnerCommunications Specialist: Elizabeth BennettPrinting: Post PrintingMail Service: SouthEast Printing & MailingService, LLC (2610 Palumbo Drive)

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 publishedonly as space permits.

On the Cover2016 Salute to Small Business AwardsLuncheon crowd photo by Mark Mahan,Mahan Multimedia.

May 2017: Volume XXV, Issue V

2 BUSINESS FOCUS MAY 2017

BUSINESS FOCUS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion Georgetown Plant InvestmentLexington 7th-Best City for Attracting Foreign InvestmentCLX Economic Development Staff Attends IAMC Spring ForumSTAT: Lexington MSA GDP Totals Over $28.5 Billion

PUBLIC POLICY:This Month’s Public Policy News and Notes

EVENTS:SPOTLIGHT Series: Vibrant Cities & Healthy Communities@330 Series: Creating Effective Video StorytellingHilton Lexington Downtown Hosts Business Link June 22SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS APPLICATIONSRegister Now for Minneapolis-Saint Paul Leadership VisitBusiness Owners Advisory Boards Enrollment EventSpeakers, Breakouts Impress Record EMERGE Crowd

GET CONNECTED:AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Lara Mire JusticeLeadership Development Program RecapsLeadership Lexington Applications Due May 15thWelcome New Commerce Lexington Inc. MembersMember Personnel Announcements & Awards

May 23rd: Blood Drive in Honorof Bob Quick’s Courageous Fight Against Lymphoma

New SPOTLIGHT SeriesPresents on Creating VibrantCities & Healthy Communities

Register Now for 2017Leadership Visit to

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, June 7-9

May 9th @330 Series:Behind-the-Scenes Lookat Video Storytelling

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2016 Chamber of the Year

By The Numbers:In 2017, Commerce Lexington’sEconomic Development Divisionresponded to calls from the following:

New Business: 43 new prospectsinterested in finding a new locationor expanding operationsExisting Clients & LocalEntrepreneurial Companies: 12 companies with potential expansionsin LexingtonClient Visits: 5Existing Business Visits: 50

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

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


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On April 10th, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin announced thatToyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. will invest $1.33billion at its Georgetown campus to increase manufacturingflexibility and shorten model changeover times. The projectwill prepare the plant to produce the 2018 Camry and othervehicles on the Toyota New Global Architecture. A recentstudy by the Center for Automotive Research shows ToyotaKentucky supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state (direct,indirect, and spin-off). TMMK employees live in 80 Kentuckycounties, and currently Toyota has more than 100 supplierslocated across the Commonwealth. We are proud that Toyotacalls Central Kentucky home!

Toyota, Gov. Bevin Announce$1.33 Billion Investment inGeorgetown Plant ‘Rebirth’

fDi Intelligence, a division of Financial Times, recentlyreleased its American Cities of the Future for ForeignDirect Investment (FDI), and Lexington ranked as the7th Best City for Attracting FDI (Small City Category).Foreign direct investment (FDI) has long been an impor-tant part of the economic growth of the region, due tothe presence of major corporations such as Lexmark(China), Toyota (Japan), Webasto (Germany), Evolva(Switzerland), and many others. Through the BluegrassEconomic Advancement Movement (BEAM) withLexington Mayor Jim Gray and Louisville Mayor GregFisher, we continue to use FDI as an economic develop-ment tool.

fDi Intelligence: Lexington Ranked as 7th BestCity for Attracting Foreign Investment

OWL Presents on Customer ServiceTraining at Recent C3N MeetingOn April 11th, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL) hosted ourContact Center Consortium (C3N). David Boggs and Margaret Corneilsonof OWL presented on their customer service representative training pro-gram, which is a resource to our companies and a tool for the community.The 14 attendees also discussed pressing issues for the industry.

MAY 2017 BUSINESS FOCUS 5

The Lexington MSA GDP totaled over $28.5 billion in 2015, according to theU.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the most recent year for which data is avail-able. The largest contributor was manufacturing at $5 billion, followed by realestate, rental, and leasing at $4.1 billion, and professional and business servic-es at $3 billion. Durable goods manufacturing made up 75% of manufacturing,such as motor vehicle parts, computer and electronic products, machinerymanufacturing, and fabricated metal products. Half of the businesses and pro-fessional services GDP was professional, scientific, and technical services suchas legal occupations, accounting, engineering, and veterinary services.

Stat of the Month: Lexington MSAGDP Totals Over $28.5 Billion

Geeks’ Night Out Networking Event

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In mid-April, SPARK (formerly known as Lexington Venture Club) hosted the IgnitePitch Competition at the Lyric Theatre. This event featured young Central Kentuckyentrepreneurs that competed in either the Lt. Governor’s EntrepreneurshipChallenge (high school) or Idea State U (college). 43 people attended this event.Learn more about SPARK and future events at www.sparklex.org.

Commerce Lexington Inc. hosted Geeks’ Night Out on April 10th in theDistillery District. This is a networking event geared toward the innovators,forward thinkers, and entrepreneurs in Central Kentucky. Over 54 geeksattended the event.

CLX attends IAMC Spring ForumCommerce Lexington Inc. economic development staff attended theIAMC Spring Professional Forum April 8-12 in Tampa, Florida. Theforum attracts major corporations, as well as the country’s top siteselection consultants, to an interactive conference. Networking is alarge component of the forum, and Commerce Lexington Inc. hasthe opportunity to market the Bluegrass Region to the key decision-makers to corporations and consultants. SPARK: Ignite Pitch Competition

2017 Kentucky General Assembly Update: Extremely Productive for Business and Job CreationThe 2017 thirty-day Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly

concluded on March 30. Commerce Lexington Inc. viewed this sessionas one of the most productive in recent memory for business and jobcreation. This session was historic from both a political and policy per-spective. For the first time, Republicans held the Governor's office, asuper-majority in the State Senate, and a new super-majority in the StateHouse of Representatives.

During the first week of action in January, GOP legislative leaderswasted no time passing transformative bills to make Kentucky a Right-to-Work state and to repeal prevailing wage laws. This early, unprece-dented legislative action emphasized the focus of Governor Matt Bevinand House and Senate Majority Caucus members on changing the busi-ness climate in Kentucky and improving competitiveness for jobs.

Other major policy changes that became law this session included:Paycheck protection requiring employer opt-in for union dues (SB 6) •Statewide telecommunication modernizations (SB 10) •Reforms to K-12 education standards (SB 1)•Authorization of public charter schools (HB 560)•Establishing a medical review panel process to reduce frivolous•lawsuits (SB 4)Lifting of the nuclear energy ban (SB 11) •Transparency measures for state pension systems (SB 2) •Accountability measures for Area Development Districts (HB 189)•Performance-based funding metrics for state funding for public uni-•versities (SB 153)Alcohol Modernization to increase competitiveness for distillers•(HB 100)Protection for the franchisee-franchisor relationship (SB 151)•Volunteer Travel ID process for domestic air travel to comply with•federal laws (HB 410)Re-entry reforms to lower recidivism rates (SB 120)•

State lawmakers also authorized $15 million in state bond fundingto help recruit a mystery economic development project that is anticipat-ed to bring $1.3 billion in investment and 500 permanent, high wage

jobs to eastern Kentucky if the company decides to locate in the state. Business community advocates also worked to stop legislation that

would’ve resulted in more $700 million in increased costs to Kentuckybusinesses.

Governor Bevin plans to reconvene the General Assembly later in2017 for a Special Session to deal with tax and pension reforms.Legislators will return in January 2018 for a 60-day Regular Sessionfocused on approving the state budget and allotting road fund dollars.

To view a list of the bills that passed this session that CommerceLexington Inc. tracked on behalf of our members, visit:

www.commercelexington.com/clx-blog


PUBLIC POLICY

This Month’s Commerce Lexington Inc. Public Policy News & Notes

SEE “POLICY NEWS” ON PAGE 15

BCTC Advanced Manufacturing Center OpensOn April 17, Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTCS)officially dedicated the new Advanced Manufacturing Center inGeorgetown. Several local and state officials, and business andcommunity leaders, from the Central Kentucky region were on-handfor the event. Commerce Lexington Inc. joined in support of Toyotaand BCTC in advocating for the facility during the 2014 LegislativeSession. The facility received $24 million in state bond funding inthe FY14-16 budget. The facility is located in the Lanes RunBusiness Park near Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.

The best cities around the world con-tinually work to enhance their quality oflife, creating an inter-connected commu-nity that benefits all citizens. During thefirst Commerce Lexington Inc. SPOT-LIGHT series event presented by FifthThird Bank on Wednesday, May 24, from8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at The Grand Reserve(903 Manchester Street), Gil Penalosafrom the nationally-recognized nonprofit8 80 Cities will highlight innovativeapproaches and practical solutions forLexington to become a healthier, morevibrant, and people-oriented city.Lexington Mayor Jim Gray will providethe welcome, and Jonathan Hollinger, Director ofProject Management for Mayor Gray, will facilitatethe discussion with Mr. Penalosa.

Mr. Penalosa emphasizes a simple, but profoundprinciple for inclusive city-building: if you can createa safe, accessible, and joyful environment for an 8-year-old (children) and an 80-year-old (older adults),then leaders can create vibrant cities that work foreveryone. Penalosa inspires civic leaders and com-munity members to take action by creating broadalliances to ensure their streets, parks, publicspaces, and transportation networks serve all resi-dents in the best manner possible.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:Gil Penalosa advises decision makersand communities on how to createvibrant cities and healthy communitiesfor everyone regardless of age, genderand social, economic, or ethnic back-ground. His focus is on the design anduse of parks and streets as great publicplaces, as well as sustainable mobility:walking, riding bicycles, using publictransit, and the new use of cars. Gil isthe founder and chair of the board of 880 Cities, based in Canada. Gil also runshis own international consulting firm,Gil Penalosa & Associates, and is an

accomplished keynote speaker and facilitator ofstrategic workshops. He has worked in over 200different cities across six continents.

TO REGISTER:The cost to attend this Spotlight series event is$25 per person for Commerce Lexington Inc.members and $35 for potential members. To reg-ister, e-mail to [email protected] orregister on-line at www.CommerceLexington.com.


EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT Series: Creating Vibrant Cities & Healthy Communities

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 | 8:30 - 10:00 A.M. | LOCATION: THE GRAND RESERVE (903 MANCHESTER STREET)

PRESENTED BY:

GOLD SPONSOR

WUKY 91.3 FM

HOST SPONSOR

The Grand Reserve

SILVER SPONSORS

Kentucky Employers’ Mutual InsuranceLG&E / KU EnergyRepublic Bank & Trust Co.

SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORS

Al Torstrick Insurance AgencyCumberland Valley National BankFASTSIGNSHurst Business Supply &

Furniture SolutionsMelia RealtyPrecision Duplicating Solutions

GIL PENALOSA8 80 CITIESIMMERSIONPROGRAM

EVENT NOTE: The new SPOTLIGHT series has taken the place of GoodMorning Bluegrass, and features a later start time. SPOTLIGHT is a seriesto inform, educate, and shed light on topics, key issues, and opportunitieswithin the Bluegrass Region.

EVENTS


@330: Moving Pictures: A "Behind-The-Scenes" Look at Video StorytellingLearn Some Tricks and Tools of the Trade to Enhance Your Video Marketing Efforts

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017 | 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. | COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. (330 E. MAIN ST. - FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM)

PRESENTED BY:

GOLD SPONSORS

Melia RealtySteinGroup, LLCTravelHost of the BluegrassU.S. Bank

With consumer attention spansdecreasing and online video consump-tion increasing, businesses and mar-keters have to be more creative in theirvideo marketing efforts. In this session,our experienced communications profes-sionals will provide insights on how tocraft videos that hit the mark and conveythe right messages. They'll share tips onunearthing story treasures, matching themedium to the audience and maximizingthe return on your investment. Ever evolv-ing technology has made DIY video amore viable option, whether that's 360VR, aerial or live.

During the next @330 Series event presented byManpower of Central Kentucky on Tuesday, May 9,beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Commerce Lexington Inc.’sfirst floor conference room, you’ll learn some tricksand tools of the trade and how to decide whether toproduce it yourself or leave it to the pros. Whetheryou are holding the camera or planning to havesomeone else do that, you will be more informed onwhen, where, how and why to use video.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:Gathan D. Borden is the Vice President of Marketingfor VisitLEX, the Lexington Convention & VisitorsBureau. He oversees the advertising, branding, mar-keting, public relations, social media, visitor servicesand web strategies for the city of Lexington as itrelates to travel and tourism. Gathan previouslyworked at the Louisville Convention & VisitorsBureau in various marketing roles.

Kyle Merritt Lake is Executive Producer and CEO ofProsper Media Group, a company he originallyfounded in 1998 and re-formed here in Lexington in2004. In 2008, he launched Done In Sixty Seconds,LLC, an online technology where organizations cancreate custom videos with a quick turn-around at alow cost. In 2017, he will launch Done In 360, utiliz-ing innovative 360 degree virtual reality camera tech-nology. He has multiple recognitions for his videosand television series.

Nancy Wiser (APR, Fellow, PRSA) is President ofWiser Strategies, which works with a wide range ofbusinesses and nonprofits, analyzing, developing ormanaging strategic communication programs andcounseling top executives. She has assisted clients inhealth and medical organizations, education, tech-nology, finance, transportation and government.

ABOUT @330 SERIES:The @330 events provide a topical presentation thatis relevant to the success of entrepreneurs, businessowners and business professionals. They also allowmembers the opportunity to discuss ideas, sharebest practices, and work through challenges.

TO REGISTER:The @330 events are open to Commerce LexingtonInc. members at no charge. However, please regis-ter for the events by contacting Liz Bennett at (859)226-1615 or [email protected].

NANCY WISERWISER

STRATEGIES

KYLE LAKEPROSPER MEDIA

GROUP

GATHAN BORDENVISITLEX

As the weather begins to heat up, so doesthe networking at the next Commerce LexingtonInc. Business Link event sponsored and hostedby the Hilton Lexington Downtown (369 WestVine Street) on Thursday, June 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This event will enable you to buildyour client base and connect with other busi-ness professionals, browse our exhibitors, andenjoy great food and drink.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experiencethe great service and hospitality from the staffat the Hilton Lexington Downtown, and find outmore about the amenities and features avail-able at this signature downtown Lexingtonhotel.

TO REGISTER:The cost to attend the Business Link event is $5for Commerce Lexington members, $10 fornon-members (payable at the door). Membersof Lexington Forum can also attend for CLXmember rate of $5 per person. You can alsopre-register for Business Link events on-line atwww.CommerceLexington.com. If registeringonline, pick up your beverage ticket at the regis-tration table. PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDSWILL BE GIVEN FOR ONLINE REGISTRA-TIONS.

EXHIBIT SPACE:Limited exhibit space is available at thisBusiness Link for Commerce Lexington Inc.members only. The cost to exhibit is $175.Contact Liz Bennett [email protected] to reserveyour exhibit space.


EVENTS

Hilton Lexington Downtown Hosts Summertime Business Link June 22

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 | 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. | HILTON LEXINGTON DOWNTOWN (369 WEST VINE STREET)

SPONSORED BY:

Rotary Club of Lexingtonis Nonprofit Spotlightat Next Business LinkThe next Commerce Lexington Inc. BusinessLink networking event on Thursday, June 22,from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Hilton LexingtonDowntown (369 West Vine Street) will high-light the Rotary Club of Lexington, whichwas chartered October 1, 1915, and over theyears has raised more than $1 million for avariety of community and international serv-ice projects. The 350-member club is a partof Rotary International District 6740, whichcovers the eastern section of the state andcontains 44 clubs with approximately 2,000Rotarians. There are four avenues of servicein which Rotarians participate: club service,vocational service, community service andinternational service. Find out more on-lineat www.rotarylexky.org.

SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS


Apply Now for 2017 Salute to Small Business Awards; Deadline is June 23PRESENTED BY:

PLATINUM SPONSORSCommunity Trust Bank

TOAST TO THE WINNERS SPONSOR

Barney Miller’s Inc.

GOLD SPONSORS

Central Bank & Trust Co.H-L Media (Lexington Herald-Leader & Kentucky.com)

Windstream Communications

SILVER SPONSORS

Bluegrass Community & Technical College

Cumberland Valley National BankKentucky Employers’ Mutual InsuranceLM Communications BroadcastMedia Group

MassMutual MidwestPark Community Credit UnionRepublic Bank & Trust Co.TravelHost of the BluegrassWUKY 91.3 FM

SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORS

Hurst Business Supply and Furniture Solutions

Legacy Consulting GroupPrecision Duplicating SolutionsUniversity of Kentucky FederalCredit Union

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

Frost Brown Todd, LLC

INVITATION, PROGRAM & SIGNAGE SPONSORStablemate Creative LLC

PRINT SPONSOR

Lynn Imaging/Monster Color

Commerce Lexington Inc. began honoring thecontributions that small businesses have on oureconomy in 1986, and since that very first Salute toSmall Business, the impact of small businesses onthe global economy has become greater than everbefore. In fact, small business owners haveaccounted for more of the job growth in our coun-try over the last decade than large companies.

In 2010, Commerce Lexington reformatted itsSalute to Small Business Awards program, addingmore and better defined award categories, moreinclusiveness among the small business communi-ty, and the opportunity for state and national recog-nition. These changes brought great success to theprogram, with a significant increase in the numberof small businesses applying for awards.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS:Businesses must be active members of CommerceLexington Inc., and must have completed three (3)or more full years of operation and have fewer than100 employees. Small businesses can apply formore than one award category, but can be a finalistfor ONLY one category. LIST OF AWARD CATE-GORIES APPEARS ON PAGE 11.

DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION:Those interested in applying for the 2017 Salute toSmall Business Awards can download a detailedapplication at www.commercelexington.com.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 23, 2017

ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS:Small business award applicants are judged andwinners are selected for each of the eight cate-gories. The names of the category winners arereleased about a month prior to the Salute to SmallBusiness Awards Luncheon presented by ForchtBank to be held on Thursday, August 24, at theKeeneland Entertainment Center.

MORE RECOGNITION / VISIBILITY:The Commerce Lexington Inc. Small Business of theYear is then selected from the category winners andannounced at the awards luncheon. The SmallBusiness of the Year then has the opportunity toapply for state and national recognition through theU.S. Small Business Administration with the assis-tance of the Bluegrass Small Business DevelopmentCenter. Additionally, award winners in each categoryare provided with exhibit space prior to the Salute toSmall Business Awards Luncheon so they can showoff their products and services.

During the Salute to Small Business AwardsLuncheon presented by Forcht Bank on Thursday,August 24, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at theKeeneland Entertainment Center on the groundsof historic Keeneland, we’ll recognize the“Thoroughbreds” of our small business commu-nity in variety of categories and help celebrate thenaming of a new Commerce Lexington Inc. SmallBusiness of the Year. After we learn a little moreabout each of our category winners, we’llannounce the Commerce Lexington Inc. Small

Business of the Year, which is selected from thecategory award winners.

TO REGISTER:You’ll want to come early and network, as theaward winners in each category will be on hand toshow off their products and services. The cost toattend is $50 for Commerce Lexington members,$60 for potential members. To register, e-mail [email protected] or register on-line at www.CommerceLexington.com.

Forcht Bank Presents Salute to Small BusinessAwards Luncheon on August 24th at Keeneland

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GREEN INITIATIVE AWARDCompany must display movement towardthe implementation of green initiatives. Thebusiness would have to demonstrate whatthey have done to go "green" to quality forthis award. Criteria includes written poli-cies, goals and metrics for green practices,provision or use of alternative energy and/orenergy efficient products or services, or pro-duce or manufacture a green product orservice. As a business or organization,being green means finding environmentally-friendly ways to do business and/or encour-aging employee participation in sustainablebusiness practices that have a significantand positive impact on the company and/orthe community.

INNOVATION AWARDCompany must have demonstrated ability inadopting and utilizing technology to directlyincrease productivity, efficiency, revenueand/or profits. Additional criteria includeinformed decision-making process aroundtechnology adoption, strategic implementa-tion and ability to measure results of utiliza-tion. This award is your chance to "wow" uswith an innovative practice that your compa-ny has implemented in the past year inresponse to the changes in the economy.Provide an example of a new product, serv-ice, business process or system; quantify itsgrowth; and explain how this innovationresulted in reduced expenses or increasedoperation efficiency for your company.

LEGACY AWARD Businesses eligible for this award include com-panies that have been in business for 25-plusyears, multi-generational businesses, and past

Small Business Celebration award winners.The award recognizes staying power, longevi-ty, the ability to adjust to the changing eco-nomic climate, and company growth.

NONPROFIT AWARDTo be considered for this award, the organiza-tion must highlight its services, fundraisingefforts, its impact and return-on-investment,ability to inspire and engage volunteers, maxi-mizing its output and reach to a wide variety ofgroups and people within the community.

MINORITY BUSINESS AWARDThe Minority Business Award recognizes anethnically-owned member business, which isdefined by Commerce Lexington Inc. as abusiness that is 51-percent owned, operated &controlled by a person within the followingracial and ethnic groups: African American;Hispanic American; or Asian American. Tellus about the unique aspects of your business,such as enhanced services for customers,workplace flexibility initiatives, logistics adjust-ments, and/or expansion efforts.

PHOENIX AWARDPhoenix awards are given to those individ-uals (business owners, volunteers andpublic officials) whose efforts and contri-butions have enabled their businesses orcommunities to recover successfully froma disaster, natural, economic or man-made. Company must have endured auniquely challenging circumstance or nat-ural disaster and successfully emergedfrom it stronger and poised for growth inorder to qualify for this award.

BUSINESS SUCCESS AWARDThe Business Success Award recognizes abusiness that doesn't fall into one of theother award categories. This is your opportu-nity to put your company's operations, prod-ucts and services, growth, and response toadversity up against the "best of the best."Tell us about the unique aspects of your busi-ness, such as enhanced services for cus-tomers, workplace flexibility initiatives, logis-tics adjustments, and/or expansion efforts.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARDTo be considered a young entrepreneur, theindividual must serve as a majority owner andoperate or bear principal responsibility foroperating a small business with at least athree-year track record, and who will not havereached the age of 35 by June 1, 2017.Evidence of success as measured by sales andprofits, increased employment opportunitiescreated by the nominee's business, develop-ment and/or utilization of innovative or cre-ative business methods and demonstratedentrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth.

Salute to Small Business Award Categories; Deadline is June 23, 2017

Download a 2017 Salute toSmall Business Awardsapplication on-line at

www.CommerceLexington.com



Past Commerce Lexington Inc. Salute to Small Business Award WinnersNOTE: Commerce Lexington’s small businessawards program was reformatted to Salute toSmall Business Awards in 2010. For a completelist of small business award winners prior to 2010,visit www.commercelexington.com/past-award-winners.html. Awards are not necessarily present-ed in each category every year, depending on thenumber of applications.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:2016 - A Cup of Common Wealth2015 - Integrated Engineering, PLLC2014 - LM Communications Broadcast MediaGroup2013 - Bates Security, LLC2012 - Lynn Imaging2011 - Creative Lodging Solutions2010 - DMD Data Systems

GREEN INITIATIVE AWARD:2016 - Lexington Habitat for Humanity2015 - CDP Engineers, Inc.2014 - Comfort & Process Solutions, Inc.2013 - Thai & Mighty Noodle Bowls2011 - DelCotto Law Group, PLLC2010 - Bluegrass Greensource

BUSINESS SUCCESS AWARD:2016 - MCF Advisors, LLC2015 - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites2014 - LM Communications Broadcast MediaGroup2013 - Bates Security, LLC2012 - Holifield Photography2011 - Creative Lodging Solutions2010 - DMD Data Systems

INNOVATION AWARD:2014 - Integrity IT2013 - Comfort & Process Solutions, Inc.2012 - Bates Security, LLC2010 - Creative Lodging Solutions

LEGACY AWARD:2016 - Plastic Surgeons of Lexington2015 - Milward Funeral Directors2014 - Stephen Hillenmeyer Landscape Services2013 - Hurst Office Suppliers, Inc.2012 - Lynn Imaging2011 - Barney Miller’s2010 - Al Torstrick Insurance Agency

MINORITY BUSINESS AWARD:2016 - A Cup of Common Wealth2015 - Integrated Engineering, PLLC

2014 - TravelHost of the Bluegrass2013 - Comfort Keepers2012 - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, N.E.2011 - Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists2010 - TKT & Associates, Inc.

NONPROFIT AWARD:2016 - Living Arts & Science Center2015 - Downtown Lexington Corporation2014 - Radio Eye, Inc.2013 - Central Kentucky Riding for Hope2012 - OWL, Inc.2011 - Blue Grass Community Foundation2010 - Lexington-Fayette Urban Co. HousingAuthority

PHOENIX AWARD:2014 - NTSG, Inc.2013 - Lexington Ballet Company, Inc.2010 - Micah Group Energy & Environmental, Inc.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD:2016 - LexEffect Events + Management2015 - Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge2012 - J&H Lanmark - The Outdoors Store2011 - Benezet and Associates2010 - APAX Software

PRESENTED BY:

PLATINUM SPONSORS:Baptist Health LexingtonCentral Bank & Trust Co.Kentucky Community &

Technical College SystemLG&E / KU EnergyMCM CPA's & AdvisorsStites & Harbison, PLLCWesBancoWindstream Communications

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION SPONSOR:Kentucky One Health, Saint JosephHospital & Saint Joseph East

GOLD SPONSOR:KLH Engineers, PSC

BRIEFING BOOK SPONSOR:J.J.B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons, LLC

NAMETAG SPONSOR:Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP

2017 Leadership Visit Takes Us to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Region; Registration Available Now

Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased to announce thatthe 2017 Leadership Visit presented by the McBrayer LawFirm, will take us to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, June 7-9,2017. As the 16th-largest metro area in the UnitedStates, the Minneapolis region includes 11 counties andis anchored by three thriving urban centers –Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington – known col-lectively as the Twin Cities. The region is one of the mosteconomically diverse and culturally vital in the country. Itis home to more than 3 million people, 19 Fortune 500companies, and thousands of pristine lakes.

Like Lexington, Minneapolis ranks very high nationallyin percentage of its population with a bachelor’s degreeor higher. Its labor force has grown by nearly 2.0% overthe last five years (almost twice the national average) andis expected to keep growing by 5.6% until 2030. Theunemployment rate is historically among the lowest inthe nation. Minneapolis has been recognized as a topknowledge-based, globalized, entrepreneurial, informa-tion technology-driven and innovation-based economy.

With one of the highest concentrations of corporateheadquarters in a major metro area, along with itsresearch institutions, the Twin Cities area has a cosmo-politan spirit, vibrant international community, and abroad range of cultural institutions. The region is hometo 11,600 foreign students, and the University ofMinnesota-Twin Cities is the most popular destination.Recent U.S. Census data showed that more than 1.2 mil-lion residents in the Greater Minneapolis area are from adifferent state or country.

Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair-Elect, CarlaBlanton, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to learnhow Minneapolis/St. Paul has harnessed and leveragedthe power of innovation and education to create econom-ic opportunity and an outstanding quality of life.”

TO REGISTER:Registration is now available for the 2017Leadership Visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota, on-line at www.commercelexington.com/minneapolis-2017.html. For questions, contact Katie Hardwickat [email protected].


EVENTS

The Business Owners Advisory Boards (orBOAB for short) are part of a no-costCommerce Lexington Inc. program designedto assist business owners in problem-solving,analysis of current or future direction, and toprovide an avenue for personal growththrough discussion with other business own-ers. The boards offer encouragement and

sound business advice for tackling the day-to-day challenges faced by business owners.BOAB members commit to meet monthly fortwo to three hours, and although interactionwith fellow Commerce Lexington Inc. mem-bers is always good for business, BOAB isNOT designed as a networking or leadsgroup.

Since the goal is for members to make along-term commitment to the groups, atwice-a-year placement process helps to facil-itate a more effective assimilation of newmembers into the groups. The Spring"ENROLLMENT EVENT” will be held onWednesday, May 17, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., at J.Render's Southern Table & Bar (3191Beaumont Centre Circle) with light appetizersprovided. Attending this event before apply-ing is strongly encouraged and will enableattendees to meet other group participantsand ask questions, learn more about this freeprogram in general, and even sign up tobecome a member of BOAB.

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT:There is no charge to attend this CommerceLexington Inc. MEMBERS’ ONLY event.Attending the Enrollment Event does notrequire you to join BOAB. To RSVP, e-mail LizBennett at [email protected] or register online atwww.CommerceLexington.com.


EVENTS

Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB) Enrollment Event is May 17th

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 | 4:00 - 5:30 P.M. | J. RENDERS SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR (3191 BEAUMONT CENTRE CIRCLE)

PRESENTED BY:

Wednesday, May 17, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: J. Renders Southern Table & Bar (3191Beaumont Centre Circle)

RSVP: There is no cost to attend this informa-tional event. It is for members’ only, however,so please RSVP to Liz Bennett at [email protected] or on-line atwww.CommerceLexington.com.

BOAB ENROLLMENT

Lexington Mayor Gray OutlinesFY 18 City Budget Priorities

On April 11, Lexington Mayor Jim Graydelivered his seventh budget address to cityofficials and community leaders. After years ofsteady growth, Mayor Gray predicted the city'srevenues would stabilize for this year and next.He outlined his priorities for the city's $358million General Fund budget, highlighting spe-cific investments in public safety, job creationand quality of life. These included:

Adding a 4th sector to the city's Police•Department and deploying 30 new policeofficers and 6 safety officers. Creating the One Lexington Initiative to•coordinate all public and private sectoractivities addressing drug abuse andcrime.$8 million for economic development•incentive programs including the JobsFunds, workforce development traininggrants and projects like Town BranchCommons and the Lexington ConventionCenter.Beautification of the Richmond Road•Corridor.$1 million to the Purchase Development•Rights (PDR) program to protect farm-land.Funding for a new Infrastructure Fund to•help developers address the higher costsof complicated infill construction site.$2.5 million for new fire department•equipment and support for plans to buildStation 24.$10 million for paving.•

The Mayor's budget proposal now heads tothe Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilfor review and final approval. The five BudgetLink committees will meet and review varioussections of the budget and are expected toreport recommendations to the full Council onMay 23. Although the calendar is always sub-ject to change, the Council is scheduled forfinal approval (2nd reading) of the FY 18 budg-et on June 22.

UK Receives $11.2 MillionFederal Cancer Research Grant

The University of Kentucky (UK) was award-ed a prestigious $11.2 million biomedicalresearch grant from the National Institute ofHealth (NIH) to study the link between cancerand obesity. The grant will fund UK's Centerfor Cancer and Metabolism over the next fiveyears, and exemplifies the critical role UK playsas a change agent and economic developmentengine for Kentucky. NIH funding supports thelion’s share of research at UK, and has a large

impact on the state. Commerce Lexington Inc. has been proud

to advocate in support of federal funding forUK’s bio-medical research and developmentefforts including the 21st Century Cures Actsthat passed Congress in 2016 and called forincreased funding for NIH. However, therecently released “skinny budget” within theAmerica First budget blueprint calls for $6 bil-lion in cuts to NIH. This would threaten UK’sresearch and development efforts for healthinnovations.


POLICY NEWS From Page 6

A record crowd of over 400 people attended the 2017 EMERGE Conference on March 28. The full-day event foremerging leaders featured great keynote speakers & breakout sessions, along with networking opportunities.

PHOTOS BY MARK MAHAN, MAHAN MULTIMEDIA:1.EMERGE Luncheon featured Marianne Barnes (Castle& Key Distillery) and Rebecca Darwin (Garden & Gun);Moderated by Seth Thompson (The Bourbon Review).2. Salvador Sanchez (A Cup of Common Wealth) &Maggie Mick (The Council of State Governments)during the Manager on Duty breakout session.3. Andrew Miller announced that Forcht Bank wasdonating $5,000 to The Nest based on voting by con-ference attendees.4. Fayette PVA David O’Neill, left, facilitated a panel onLexington in 25 Years with Todd Denham(Winchester-Clark Co. Industrial Foundation), AndreaJames (S&A Strategies), Jim Duncan (LFUCG) andSusan Speckert (Fayette Alliance).

EVENTS


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CONTACT:Earl PhilpotReena Philpot

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Speakers & Breakout Sessions Impress Record Crowd At EMERGE 2017

LUNCHEON SPONSOR:Community Trust Bank

RECEPTION SPONSOR

Dinsmore & Shohl

GOLD SPONSORS

Associations InternationalBeam SuntoryKentucky Coal AssociationTraditional BankWesBanco

SILVER SPONSORS

Assured Partners NLEast Kentucky Power CooperativeLexington LegendsLexmark International, Inc.LYNN Imaging / Monster ColorR. J. Corman Railroad Group, LLCTOPS Magazine

CHARGING STATION SPONSOR

Integrity IT

PRE-EVENT SPONSORChocolate Holler

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PRESENTED BY:

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Commerce LexingtonMobile App Keeps YouConnected On The Go

Mobile technologyis here to stay, andCommerce LexingtonInc. (CLX) hasembraced this methodof communication notonly to add visibilityfor its members, but toalso provide an easyway to keep up withcurrent CLX events,community events,local news, programs,and your favorite busi-nesses while you're onthe go! Commerce Lexington Inc.’s CLX2Gomobile app is available FREE for download inthe iTunes App Store and Google Play.

EVERY COMMERCE LEXINGTON MEM-BER has their own basic listing as a benefit ofmembership, which includes a "click to call"and "click to map" link. Mobile users nowhave one-touch access to your business con-tact information and location. As a member ofCommerce Lexington, you can now attractmore customers by offering mobile coupons,"near me" deals, and special offers to bothCLX members and anyone in the GreaterLexington area who downloads this freemobile app.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP:Go to the App Store or Google Play•Text lexington CLX2Go to 80802•Scan this QR code below with your•mobile device.


CONNECT

Scholarship Opportunity Available to CLX Members for 2017-18 UK/UofLExecutive MBA Program; Deadline to Apply is May 31, 2017

The University of Kentuckyand the University of Louisvillehave partnered to create a first-rate Executive MBA that givesparticipants hands-on skillsand real-world knowledge appli-cable to a variety of challengingwork situations, while support-ing personal and career growth, as well as leadership development. Thegoal is to help ‘up-and-coming’ business professionals develop the con-fidence and knowledge they need to take the next step in advancing as aleader in their field. The program was recently ranked 28th in the worldby CEO Magazine – a ranking that reflects the focus on excellence inareas including faculty talent, student experience, and inclusivity in theprogram.

For many years, Commerce Lexington Inc. has recognized the impor-tance of nurturing young leaders and providing leadership developmentopportunities to individuals in our community and region through itsLeadership Lexington and Leadership Central Kentucky programs.Between the two programs, more than 1,600 people have become moreknowledgeable about the region in which they live, while actively con-tributing to efforts to enhance the Bluegrass through a variety of classprojects.

Through a partnership formed between Commerce Lexington Inc.and the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business &Economics, a scholarship in the amount of $10,000 will be available to

a Commerce Lexington Inc. member to help defray the cost of the pro-gram beginning in August 2017. The goal is to provide an opportunityfor a C-level executive or advancing corporate leader to demonstratetheir desire to improve the economic environment of Central Kentucky,while furthering their own personal development.

UK/UofL EXECUTIVE MBA SCHOLARSHIP: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 May 31, 2017. Additionally, the scholarship candidate mustmeet all the admission criteria for the UK-UofL Executive MBA programdetailed 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 at [email protected]. For questions about the UK-UofL Executive MBAprogram in general, call (859) 257-7636.

As our president and CEO, Bob Quick, continues to bat-tle lymphoma, Commerce Lexington Inc. is sponsoring ablood drive in support of his courageous fight onTuesday, May 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at theCommerce Lexington first floor conference room (330 E.Main St.). The blood drive will be conducted by theKentucky Blood Center, and photo I.D. is required inorder to give blood. For your convenience, times can beselected on-line at https://my.kybloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/62230.


CONNECT

MAY 23: Come Give Blood at Commerce Lexingtonto Honor Bob Quick’s Battle with Lymphoma

AMBASSADORSPOTLIGHT: Lara Mire Justice, The Campbell HouseLara Mire Justice, Director of SalesThe Campbell House Curio – ACollection by Hilton 1375 S. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504Phone: (859) 255-4281www.thecampbellhouse.com

About The CampbellHouse: The CampbellHouse Curio - ACollection by Hilton hasbeen a Kentucky tradi-tion since 1951 whenthe hotel opened. TheCampbell House hasundergone a multi-mil-lion dollar renovation,creating a contemporaryatmosphere without los-ing the southern charm.

Lara’s Role at The Campbell House: LaraJustice has had more than 20 years of experi-ence in the hospitality industry workingthroughout the country, but just recentlybecame Director of Sales & Marketing for TheCampbell House. Her role will be to buildrelationships and work with companies andorganizations that have meeting, group andovernight accommodation needs.

How She Came to Lexington: A nativeCincinnatian and graduate of the University ofKentucky, Lara held jobs in Charlotte, Atlanta,Orlando, and San Francisco until landing backin Lexington in 2014 where she now resideswith her family.

About Serving as an Ambassador: “Being anAmbassador allows me to create relation-ships with people in the community that Iwouldn’t have met otherwise,” said Lara. “Ithas helped me personally and professionally,and I would recommend the program tosomeone who wants to push themselves toget involved.”

LARA MIRE JUSTICE

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

CONNECT

EDITOR’S NOTE: During each Leadership Lexington program, class mem-bers self-select a community project in which to participate. The communityprojects serve as a crucible where class members will practice and apply lead-ership skills in a small-group experience, work with community leaders, gainan in-depth understanding of a community organization and/or communityneed, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Breaking Barriers: Working to relieve thefinancial barrier ofexpungement of Class Dfelonies and misde-meanors, these classmembers partnered with acommunity-wide groupincluding representativesfrom CommerceLexington Inc., theLexington PoliceDepartment, TogetherLexington, Jubilee Jobs,The Kentucky Departmentof Public Advocacy andLegal Aide of the Bluegrass, and Kentucky Association of CriminalDefense Lawyers. Together, they hosted an “Expungement InformationSession” on February 21, which enabled people to get a criminal historycheck and meet with an attorney. The project group hopes to host anoth-er information session by the end of the Leadership Lexington program.

PROJECT MEMBERS: Liz Davenport (project leader); James Brown,Thomas Curtsinger, Betsy Davies, Amy Dougherty, Kyle Melloan,Simapreet Rattan, Carrie Thayer, and Serenity Wright.

HOPE (Helping Others Prepare forEmployment Through Engagement):This project groupworked with theBusiness EducationNetwork ofCommerce Lexingtonand Bryan StationHigh School to createa hands-on CareerExploration Day foreighth and ninthgrade students atBryan Station HighSchool to learn aboutvarious careeroptions available nextyear through new career academies including engineering, manufactur-ing, and robotics; information technology; medical science; and leader-ship and professional services. Many local and regional businesses sentrepresentatives to share with the students. Some interactive stationsincluded robotics, 3-D printers, DNA extraction, IV drips, a UK policecruiser, and Fire Department equipment.

PROJECT MEMBERS: Quisha Ray (project leader); Melissa Bacon, LoriCollins, Elizabeth Darby, Ryan Graham, Gretchen Gruenberg, DavidLarson, Angie Marshall, Donald Mason, Adam Smith, and Quentin Tyler.

JustUs: A play on the word “justice” and a nod to interpersonal connection, thisproject aims to foster positive relationships and explore identity throughshared experiences in literacy and art between youth and law enforcement.Students in 3rd grade at Booker T. Washington Elementary and police offi-cers read the book, Last Stop on Market Street, together in small groups.The book celebrates diversity and encourages compassion. After dialoguein the groups, participants were asked to create a two-dimensional work ofart inspired by the content of the book. The artwork will be exhibited at TheLyric and Lexington Art League starting April 28th and opens at theCarnegie Center on May 5th. JustUs will culminate with a school-wide rallyfor the presentation of the works back to Booker T. Washington.Additionally, local street art group, PRHBTN, has agreed to make BookerT. Washington Elementary a host site for their annual October festival.

PROJECT MEMBERS: Lee Eachus (project leader); Holly Clark, SharonGold, Amelia Groetsch, Lauren Gross, Rodger Holland, Jillian House,Laura McDonald, Jenny Paul, Liz Paul, Candace Smith, Logan Wilson,and Lindsay Wright.

On The Table: A series of community-wide conversations to engage Lexingtonians inthe public planning process in partnership with Blue Grass CommunityFoundation and Imagine Lexington. On March 15th, friends, colleagues,neighbors, and classmates gathered together to discuss issues relatedto quality of life in our community. The project group recruited peopleto participate in On The Table, they raised funds, and organized a kickoffevent for hosts and facilitators at Keeneland on March 1st. The kickoffevent was attended by close to 300 community partners. The group alsoheld a large morning discussion on March 15th at the Hilary J. BooneCenter followed by smaller gatherings throughout town that same day.An estimated 11,000 people participated in On the Table conversations.

PROJECT MEMBERS: Jamie Rodgers (project leader); Robby Arrasmith,Evan Buckley, Steve Deaton, Ann Donworth, Amy Friskney, BrandonGreen, Brian Hegnauer, Lauren Johnson, Melissa Kane, Brandon Lewis,Jessica Middendorf, Anne-Tyler Morgan, Kaelyn Query, FaustoSarmiento, and Steve Stadler.

Leadership Lexington 2016-17 Class Projects Impacting the Community


Phot

o by

Mar

k M

ahan

Photo by Tammy L. Lane / Fayette Co. Public Schools

2016-17 CLASS PRESENTED BY:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

Lexington Clinic FoundationMahan Multimedia

Sleep OutfittersToyota Motor Manufacturing,

Kentucky, Inc.U.S. Bank

CONNECT


Leadership Lexington Session Provides Eye-Opening Diversity ExperienceArticle by Lee Erik Eachus, University of Ky.College of Fine Arts/Lexington Art LeagueDiversity was the topic for Leadership Lexington’s

most recent day session, which began with a lessonin privilege at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.Participants unknowingly confronted the issue offood insecurity as they were broken into groups of‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ for breakfast, afterwardsreflecting on the very real issue that 42 millionAmericans face each day.

Dr. Roger Cleveland, Owner & President ofMillennium Learning Concepts, followed by shed-ding light on the subtle and seemingly innocuousways that prejudice presents itself in our contempo-rary society. In a conversation that seemed to posemore questions than it answered, participantsassessed micro-aggressions in their own lives andthe unconscious bias of their social circles.

The day’s journey then led to Lexington’s onlyGurdwara, or Sikh Temple. Apropos following Dr.Cleveland’s presentation, participants found them-selves at the center of a beautiful Sikh cultural cele-bration. Sikhism, as explained by fellow Sikh class-mate, Simarpreet Rattan, was founded on unity indiversity some 500 years ago in the Punjab region ofIndia. Members were also treated to langar, a mid-afternoon meal, by volunteers of the temple and ademonstration of traditional turban tying, a hall-mark of the Sikh faith.

Participants then transitioned to Masjid Bilalwhere they were greeted by Dr. Nadia Rasheed, whoelaborated on the Muslim religion’s values of good-will, tolerance, and unity while, empowering partici-pants to combat the increasing presence ofIslamophobia in America. While at the mosque,Dabney Parker of Kentucky Refugee Ministries spot-lighted the unique challenges of refugees inLexington through Iraqi refugee Hayder Saaed’sinspiring story.

Arriving in Lexington in 2008, Hayder now servesas an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UK’sMarkey Cancer Center. Refugee arrivals toLexington have dropped dramatically from 40-70per month to fewer than 13 since February.

Returning to St. Peter Claver, Zina Merkin(Buddhist), Sudha Chopra (Sikh), Dr. NadiaRasheed (Muslim), and Pastor Josh Brown(Christian) led a spirited conversation on religiousdiversity and prejudice. Despite the variations ineach faith system represented on the panel, the par-allels were clear: compassion and humanity are attheir core.

Mizari Suarez ended the session, sharing herown touching story as a former undocumentedimmigrant living in Kentucky, asking class membersto look inward to know one’s own privilege in orderto better understand the struggles of others. In a fit-ting end to the day, Mizari poignantly noted thatallyship, like diversity, is not a noun, but a verb.

2017-18 Leadership Lexington Application Deadline is May 15, 2017Applications are available now for the 2017-18 Leadership Lexingtonprogram. This leadership development program is sponsored byCommerce Lexington Inc. and directed toward individuals whodemonstrate leadership qualities. Since 1979, this popular programhas been giving participants the opportunity to better understandour city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting withand learning from our leaders.

LEADERSHIP LEXINGTON ENABLES PARTICIPANTS TO:l Gain exposure to current issues and developments;l Visit local sites and facilities;l Meet local and state leaders;l Develop and expand network of contacts;

l Broaden their perspectives and understanding; l Build friendships and working relationships with class members;l Give back to the community through participation in group projects.

Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligi-ble to apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employedby firms or organizations that are active members of CommerceLexington Inc.

The deadline to return applications for the 2017-18 program is Monday, May 15, 2017. Downloadan application at www.leadershiplexington.com.

Left to right: Class members Brandon Green (PNC),Steve Deaton (UK Athletics), Ryan Graham (Blue &Co.), and Gulzar Singh from the Sikh Community.

T RU STE E I NV E STOR

ADA Heating & AirAir Conditioning & Heating SystemsHVACScott Kessler, Owner137 Lee Dr., Lancaster, KY 40444Phone: (859) 519-6382

AriatShoesJared Ellis, Sr. Director, Retail Concepts120 Summit at Fritz FarmLexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 479-1920www.ariat.com

Arnzen, Storm & Turner, P.S.C.AttorneysAaron A. VanderLaan, Attorney &Partner600 Greenup StreetCovington, KY 41011Phone: (859) 292-7656www.arnzenlaw.com

AU AssociatesReal Estate DevelopersHolly Wiedemann, President159 Old Georgetown StreetLexington, KY 40508Phone: (859) 233-2009www.auassociates.com

Bank of England MortgageMortgagesDarren Bronski444 Lewis Hargett Circle, Ste. 220Lexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 253-3377www.lexington.boemortgage.com

Base110Office & Desk Space RentalTim Guthrie, Owner110 W. Vine St., Suite 300Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 363-6600www.base110.com

Block + Lot Real EstateReal EstateAlaina Stokes, VP, Communications381 E. Main St., Suite 200Lexington, KY 40507Phone: (859) 309-0099www.balrealestate.com

Burke Furniture Inc.Furniture DealersLouis Burke, CFO2950 Richmond RoadLexington, KY 40509-1713Phone: (859) 269-4393www.burkefurniture.com

DexMediaMarketing Consultants/ServicesPaul Novielli, Market Manager forKentucky/Southern Ohio1011 Fiddler Creek WayLexington, KY 40515Phone: (859) 314-2760www.paulnovielli.rep.dexmedia.com

GLOBAL LEXGovernment OfficesIsabel Taylor, Multicultural AffairsCoordinator1306 Versailles Rd., Suite 110Lexington, KY 40504Phone: (859) 246-4333www.lexingtonky.gov/global-lex

Grassroots PharmacyPharmaciesDr. Shelley D. Roberts2304 Sir Barton Way, Suite 195Lexington, KY 40509Phone: (859) 263-1382https://stores.healthmart.com/GrassrootsPharmacy

Hyundai of Somerset, LLCAuto Dealers-New CarsCharles Coldiron, Member5090 South Highway 27Somerset, KY 42501Phone: (606) 677-1101

Impressions Marketing and EventsMarketing Consultants/ServicesLaura McDonald, President108 Lee DriveGeorgetown, KY 40324Phone: (502) 316-0347www.impressionsmarketingandevents.com

K80 Technologies, LLCComputer Consultants -Designers/SolutionsBrandon Raney, VP of Technology100 North Maysville Rd., Ste. 301Mt. Sterling, KY 40353Phone: (502) 749-1412www.k80tech.com

Lexington Fair Housing Council, Inc.Non-Profit OrganizationsArthur Crosby, Executive Director207 E Reynolds Road, Suite 130Lexington, KY 40517Phone: (859) 971-8067www.lexingtonfairhousing.com

LG&E Co. Credit UnionCredit UnionsPatricia Yates, President/CEOP.O. Box 32040Louisville, KY 40232Phone: (502) 627-3140www.lgecu.org

Locust Grove, Inc.Coal Miners & ShippersMike Herald, CFOP.O. Box 958Hazard, KY 41702Phone: (606) 439-5151

MeijerRetailersBrent Bradford, Store Director351 W. Reynolds RoadLexington, KY 40503Phone: (859) 219-3000www.meijer.com

PneuDraulics, Inc.ManufacturersSusan Hatch, Director of HumanResources111 Brookside DriveNicholasville, KY 40356Phone: (859) 885-4155www.pneudraulics.com

Rainbow Restoration of LexingtonFire, Water & Storm RestorationMike Cossette, Owner2008-D Park CentralNicholasville, KY 40356Phone: (859) 272-0066www.rainbowintl.com/lexingtonky

Rodan + Fields / Elizabeth PickettSkin CareElizabeth Pickett515 Marquis AvenueLexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 699-8656www.elizabethpickett.myrandf.com

SpeedPro Imaging LexingtonPrinting ServicesJeffery A. Meade, President/Owner1022 Nandino Blvd.Lexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 721-1832www.speedprolexingtonnorth.com

Standafer Builders, Inc.ContractorsJohn Standafer, Vice President1178 West Main StreetWest Liberty, KY 41472Phone: (606) 743-4435www.standaferbuilders.com

The UPS Store #3027Mailing and Shipping ServicesBryan T. Campbell, Owner3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 400Lexington, KY 40513Phone: (859) 296-9177https://lexington-ky-3027.theups-storelocal.com

Venues of the Grand ReserveEvents Management Party PlanningKelly Bakehorn, Co-Owner903 Manchester Street, Suite 150Lexington, KY 40508Phone: (859) 608-6221www.grandreserveevents.com

Whayne Supply Co.Construction EquipmentMike Craft1900 Jaggie Fox WayLexington, KY 40511Phone: (859) 254-2756www.whayne.com

Winchester Cemetery Co.CemeteriesZach Wills, Manager625 W. Lexington Ave.Winchester, KY 40391Phone: (859) 744-6889www.winchestercemetery.com

Windstream Local Retail Office -Consumer & Small Business SalesCommunicationsAndrew Skelton2121 Richmond Rd., Suite 110Lexington, KY 40502Phone: (859) 255-8200https://adfs.windstream.com/adfs/ls/

Yellmantown DigsHome BuildersNate Cornett, Owner547 W. Third StreetLexington, KY 40508Phone: (859) 621-5932

Welcome New Commerce Lexington Inc. members for the period of March 17 through April 17, 2017


NEW MEMBERS

Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLCannounced that Stephanie Wurdock was appointedby the Defense Research Institute (DRI) to serve asthe 2017 Co-Vice Chair of the Public ServiceSubcommittee for the DRI PhilanthropicCommittee. Stephanie also serves as the Co-Chair ofActivities for the DRI’s Young Lawyers SteeringCommittee and was recently presented with the DRIYoung Lawyers Outstanding Committee Vice-Chairaward.

Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC: JamieWilhite Dittert and Stephanie Wurdock Lindsey havebeen appointed to serve as members of the AdvisoryCommittee for The Plantory’s Get On Board pro-gram. Meanwhile, Langdon Ryan Worley has beenselected for the 2017 Get On Board class.

WealthSouth, a division of Farmers National Bankof Danville, announced two additions to itsLexington office, including Jeffrey Zinger as seniorvice president, lending manager, growth markets,and Gordon Mullis as vice president, trust officer.

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

AssuredPartners NL announced the promotion ofTodd Stocksdale to an expanded role as presidentof AssuredPartners NL and regional president forAssuredPartners, Inc.

Blue & Co., LLC announced that Lexington director,Lindy Karns, was selected as a recipient ofKentucky’s 2017 Women Making History Awardfrom the Kentucky Commission on Women.

Central Bank announced the promotions of ChrisTaylor to trust officer and Deborah R. Banks toretail banking officer in Winchester, as well as theadditions of Lisa Kelly as AVP, retail banking officerin Louisville and Chad Rudzik as vice president,trust officer.

Community Trust Bank announced that Jody E.Oney has been promoted to the position of Mt.Sterling Market President.

Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC, was recently namedto the “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” list byAccounting Today. Dean Dorton was also named asa Top Firm in the Southeast.

DelCotto Law Group PLLC: Stephanie DeWitt, aparalegal with the firm, recently earned theRegistered Paralegal® (RP) credential for passingthe Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam. DeWittis one of 24 paralegals in Kentucky to maintain thisdistinction.

Gess Mattingly & Atchinson, PSC announced thatBenjamin D. Allen has been named a partner in thefirm, while Mary Katherine (“Katie”) Bing hasjoined the firm as an associate.

The Hope Center’s One Parent Scholar HouseChild Development Center received a certificate of5-Star Rating, the highest rating offered, earnedthrough excellent standards met in the Kentucky AllSTARS Tiered Quality Rating and ImprovementSystem. One Parent Scholar House provides singleparents with a path out of poverty and abuse bypursuing a college degree.

J. Render’s BBQ has been listed among the Top 3Food Trucks in Lexington by the Three Best RatedCompany, which examines businesses based on avariety of factors like customer reviews, history,complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost andgeneral excellence.

Keller Williams Greater Lexington announced theaddition of the following new agents: MatthewGerwin, Liz Jameson, Jessica Moreno, Sam Suiter,and Joshua Roberts.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announcedthe promotions of Kristin Baldwin to senior direc-tor of governmental and external affairs and AdamJohnson to senior director of Kentucky BourbonTrail® Experiences, while Colleen Thomas becamethe KDA’s first director of member and publicaffairs.

KET: Linda Randulfe Marquez has been named assenior director of production operations.

The Lexington Human Rights Commissionannounced the addition of Marissa Webb as aninvestigator.

Melia Hord, Realtor/CEO of Melia Realty at KellerWilliams Bluegrass (KW), has been named 2016Rookie of the Year for the Keller Williams OhioValley Region, which includes all KW offices inKentucky, Ohio and Indiana. She was also namedthe Top Individual Agent in the Keller WilliamsBluegrass office, as well as the 2015 Rookie of theYear. Melia is ranked #15 for individual agents outof 3,461 agents in the KW Ohio Valley Region.

NAI Isaac Commercial Properties: Jim Kemper, vicepresident, recently celebrated 26 years with thefirm. He is a member of NAI, has been inductedinto NAI’s Gold Club multiple times, and serves onthe International Council of Shopping Centers, theKentucky Board of Realtors, and NAI’s RetailCouncil. Additionally, NAI welcomed SavannahBrown as an accountant.

NetGain Technologies welcomed Jason Bowra asits first-ever vice president of operations.

Sonitrol: Crystal Newton, Jade Henry, and SeanMoberly each won National Achievement Awardsfrom the Sonitrol National Dealer Association(SNDA) and will be rec-ognized in SanFrancisco during theSNDA conference.

Stantec and partnersEcoGro/Ridgewaterwere recently honoredwith an EngineeringExcellence Award fromthe American Councilof Engineers ofKentucky (ACEC-KY)for their work on theHatchery CreekStream RestorationProject, which createdKentucky’s first man-made, self-sustainingtrout stream. The proj-ect was also nominat-ed by ACEC-KY tocompete at the nation-al level.

Stites & Harbison, PLLCattorney Katie Glass hasbeen appointed to theboard of directors of theAmerican DiabetesAssociation’s BluegrassChapter.


PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

CATERING FORANY SIZE CROWD

E-mail Orders:[email protected]

*Allow 24 Hours NoticeMention This Ad For 10% Off Catering

3191 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington859-533-9777 | JRendersBBQ.com

COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. UPCOMING EVENTS

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

PeriodicalPostage PAIDat Lexington,Kentucky

MAY 2017:@330 Series presented by Manpower of Central Kentucky,3:30 - 5 p.m., CLX 1st floor conference room. - SEE PAGE 8

Leadership Lexington program presented by KentuckyUtilities Co.: Equine Day Session.

Applications due for the 2017-18 Leadership Lexington pro-gram. Applications on-line at www.leadershiplexington.com.

Leadership Central Kentucky presented by Kentucky UtilitiesCo. at Reflection & Graduation Day.

Business Owners Advisory Boards Enrollment Event, 4:00 -5:30 p.m., at J. Renders Southern Table & Bar (3191Beaumont Centre Circle). - SEE PAGE 10

New Member Luncheon presented by WindstreamCommunications, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at CommerceLexington’s first floor conference room.

Blood Drive in honor of Bob Quick’s battle with lymphoma,8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., at CLX 1st Floor Conference Room.

- SEE PAGE 19

SPOTLIGHT Series presented by Fifth Third Bank, 8:30 - 10a.m., The Grand Reserve (903 Manchester St.) - SEE PAGE 7

MEMORIAL DAY: Commerce Lexington Inc. offices closed.

JUNE 2017:Leadership Visit to Minneapolis-Saint Paul presented by theMcBrayer law firm. Register now! - SEE PAGE 13

Leadership Lexington program presented by KentuckyUtilities Co.: Reflection & Graduation.

Business Link hosted and sponsored by Hilton LexingtonDowntown (369 W. Vine St.), 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. - SEE PAGE 9

Applications due for 2017 Salute to Small Business Awardspresented by Forcht Bank. - SEE PAGES 10-11

5Across pitch contest, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Awesome Inc. (348East Main Street), $5 per person.

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BUSINESS FOCUS - Commerce Lexington€¦ · · 2017-04-28Business Focus is published once a month...

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