Commerce Lexington Inc.

ON THE BLOG: Recently, Commerce Lexington's Public Policy Intern, Violet Ferguson got the opportunity to interview some of the most dynamic leaders in Lexington's legal industry. These leaders shared their experiences, challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring attorneys. From the importance of mentorship to balancing work and personal life, their insights offer a glimpse into what it takes to succeed in the legal field while living and working in Greater LEX. Read the full blog post for their inspiring stories: https://lnkd.in/edCPHaz3 #LegalProfession #WomenInLaw #CommerceLexington #Mentorship #ProfessionalDevelopment #GreaterLEX Amelia Martin Adams | Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC Cassidy Rosenthal | Stites & Harbison, PLLC Anne-Tyler Morgan | McBrayer PLLC Keeana Boarman | McBrayer PLLC Kimberly O'Donnell | Dentons Judge Melissa Murphy | Kentucky 22nd District Court Fourth Division

Exciting news! Join us for the Fall Opportunity Exchange on September 12, 2024, at 4:30 PM! Network with professionals and hear from keynote speaker Raquel E. Carter, CEO of Guide Realty. Register now: https://lnkd.in/dNGKXnQY #FallOppExchange #MinorityOwnedBusiness #WomenOwnedBusiness #SmallBusiness #CLEX #LocateinLex

Last week, 40 regional business and community leaders traveled to the nation’s capital for the annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In presented by Columbia Gas of Kentucky to act as policy ambassadors for the nine-county Bluegrass Region. During the July 9-11 visit, leaders from Greater LEX met with members of Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation and staff about priority issues to enhance regional competitiveness and policies that support the ongoing Regional Competitiveness Plan. READ MORE --> https://bit.ly/4bUBfNv

Through a partnership with Clearpath Specialty and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Lexington member businesses of all sizes can receive a 10-percent discount on their workers' compensation insurance coverage. This discount offer is available to both new and existing Clearpath customers, provided they are members in good standing with Commerce Lexington within 30 days of the policy effective date. To find out more about this member benefit, visit https://lnkd.in/gsdNRMqW.

Founded in 1999, eCampus.com recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event at its corporate headquarters in Lexington. Festivities included remarks by President & CEO, Matt Montgomery, and a Mayoral Proclamation from the office of Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. In addition, eCampus.com announced $25,0000 in scholarships to 25 lucky Kentucky students in honor of the occasion. Thank you to eCampus.com for its positive economic impact on our region and for its investment in Commerce Lexington.

LATEST BLOG: Regional Delegation to Advocate for Greater Lexington’s Federal Priorities During Washington, D.C. Fly-In Tomorrow and Thursday --> https://bit.ly/4cSuTPU Starting tomorrow, more than 35 regional business and community leaders will travel to the nation’s capital for the annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In presented by Columbia Gas of Kentucky. During the two-day visit, leaders from Greater LEX will meet with members of Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation and staff about priority issues to enhance regional competitiveness and support the ongoing Regional Competitiveness Plan.

The Commerce Lexington family is saddened by the recent passing of Reed Polk, a great friend of our organization and a wonderful pastor and community leader. He and his wife, Janie, loved to travel, and they enjoyed attending our annual Leadership Visit, which takes a delegation from the Lexington region to other benchmark communities across the country. Reed began participating in our intercity visits in 1983 and for most of that time played an integral part in closing out the trips with his thought-provoking remarks that provided a great perspective on the importance of the trips and the vision for improving our own community and region. According to Past Commerce Lexington Board Chair, Bill Lear, “The tradition of having Reed close the annual Chamber/Commerce Lexington trips began in the aftermath of a national tragedy – the Oklahoma City bombing. We had all arrived in Greenville, S.C. in 1995 and were set to begin our sessions the next day when we received the terrible news. As Chair, I thought we should begin the next day with a prayer for the victims, their families and loved ones, and the Nation. I asked Reed to do it and he immediately agreed. He began our day with perhaps the most caring, moving and powerful prayer I have ever heard. It was perfect in every respect, and he was the perfect person to do it. We all owe him so much for that moment and for all he did throughout his wonderful life.” We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved Reed. VIEW HIS OBITUARY HERE: https://lnkd.in/eTYGRffn View one of his last Leadership Visit closing messages from Kansas City in 2015: https://lnkd.in/engv_uiW

It's July 1st, which means the July issue of BUSINESS FOCUS magazine is already available on-line here: https://lnkd.in/er2amYa INSIDE THIS ISSUE: --> Regional delegation heads to nation's capital for Washington Fly-In presented by Columbia Gas of Kentucky. --> Access Loan Program surpasses $25 million in loans for regional small and minority-owned businesses. --> July 16th Connect Over Coffee provides unique networking opportunity. --> Nominations for 2025 Commerce Lexington Board of Directors accepted until September 3rd. --> Forcht Bank presents 2024 Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon on August 16th. --> Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass presented by Keeneland Association kicks off new year of programming. --> Leadership development programs presented by Community Trust Bank and LG&E and KU Energy LLC conclude 2023-24 programs with graduations. --> AND MUCH MORE!

Introducing Employer-Sponsored Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Discount Program Through Humana for Commerce Lexington Members! Humana Group Benefit Solutions, is designed for businesses with between two and 99 employees that are looking to save money on their typical premiums and costs for more robust employee benefits. Humana Group Benefit Solutions includes a bundle of dental, vision, life, and disability offerings. Learn more by visiting https://lnkd.in/gsdNRMqW.

This morning we welcomed partners from banking institutions, credit unions, CDFI's, and the Kentucky SBDC to hear from Marilyn LeBourveau, Senior Project Manager, KY Innovation with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. Marilyn, along with her colleagues in the Department of Financial Services presented on several statewide program initiatives geared towards small business development. Our lending partners were also reintroduced to the Access Loan Program. We continue to bring people together, fostering partnerships that will help our economy grow. Want to learn more about how we support Business Development in Greater LEX? Visit: https://bit.ly/3xyLzwI #BusinessDevelopment #Collaboration #Loans #AccessLoan #EconomicDevelopment #KYInnovation