Kentucky General Assembly Concludes Legislative Session State Budget Priority Issues for Lawmakers5/15/2024
Legislative advocacy is an important benefit Commerce Lexington provides to its members. Each year, Commerce Lexington works with leaders in the business community to identify the key issues to advance Lexington and the region’s economic competitiveness. The organization serves as a voice for business at the local, state and federal levels of government by developing strong working relationships with officials and advocating for priority issues. Recently, Commerce Lexington engaged in state advocacy efforts on behalf of the Greater Lexington business community. From January to mid-April, state legislators convened in Frankfort for the 60-day Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Of the more than 1,200 bills filed in the House and Senate, less than 215 bills and resolutions made it through the process to become law this year. Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased to welcome Tyra Harbut as its new Director of Leadership Development, responsible for managing and implementing the organization’s menu of leadership development programs, including Leadership Lexington, Leadership Central Kentucky, and Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass. Through education, networking and community service, these programs provide an exceptional way to learn about the Greater Lexington region, make connections, and continually strengthen our community’s leadership structure, ensuring future prosperity and economic vitality for generations. Commerce Lexington Inc. President and CEO, Bob Quick, said, “We are excited to welcome Tyra Harbut to our team as the director of leadership development. Her education and experience make her a great fit for this position, and we look forward to her helping to cultivate local and regional leaders through Leadership Lexington, Leadership Central Kentucky, and Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass. These are important programs as they help strengthen our current and future workforce.” Tyra Harbut most recently served as Transportation Operations Manager for Kentucky River Foothills in Madison County, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department – some of which included onboarding employees, continuous employee training, as well as coaching and mentoring them, customer service, and employee management. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Tyra recently participated in Leadership Madison County (2022-23) and is also a member of Lexington Women for Good/Grapevine and serves as a Habitat for Humanity Ambassador. (Lexington, KY) – Commerce Lexington, the City of Lexington, and its regional economic development partners were proud to showcase the Greater Lexington Region during Consultant Connect’s Destination Summit held here from April 17-19. This premier event, sponsored by Commerce Lexington and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, brought together top site selectors and local community leaders to discuss economic development opportunities and the competitive advantages of the Greater Lexington Region. Consultant Connect is an organization that facilitates connections between economic developers and site selection consultants, offering opportunities for networking, learning, and relationship-building. The Destination Summits, organized by Consultant Connect, bring together top minds in economic development and site selection at various locations across the U.S. and Canada for intimate gatherings. These summits provide attendees with the chance to engage with location consultants, discuss industry trends, build relationships, and learn from experts in the field. Over the course of the three-day summit, attendees were immersed in the economic potential and cultural richness of Greater Lexington. The event boasted an impressive one-on-one ratio of attendees to location consultants, allowing for personalized and productive discussions about the region's competitive edge. The program featured discussions on the Regional Competitiveness Plan, updates on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, and strategies from the developing talent campaign. Commerce Lexington recently released its 2024 Minority Business Resource Guide & Directory, which not only aims to help area minority business owners find assistance to overcome challenges and barriers to their business, but also makes it easier for people and companies throughout our region to do business with Commerce Lexington member minority- and women-owned businesses. Commerce Lexington began publishing this Guide & Directory in 2007 when area business owners expressed difficulty in finding quality minority-owned businesses within the community. Since the mid-1990’s, Commerce Lexington Inc. and its predecessor, the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, along with its many partners throughout the community, have championed the efforts of minority-owned businesses. The Community & Minority Business Development (CMBD) program works to promote and sustain the economic growth, development and self-sufficiency of ethnic minority-owned business owners and entrepreneurs. Minority businesses are offered strategic and business planning, procurement assistance, access to lending tools, and the expertise of a full complement of economic professionals. This year the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce launched the inaugural Young Professional of the Year Award and held an open call for nominations. After assessing multiple quality candidates from the Greater Lexington region, our team nominated Reuben Watson of Sunrise Children's Services (Kentucky).
Reuben has worked closely with our team over the last few years, most notably Chairing the EMERGE Conference Planning Committee. He is also a current member of the 2024 Leadership Lexington class. Reuben's journey from adversity to empowerment is nothing short of remarkable, and we're calling on you to help us celebrate his inspiring achievements and vote for him to win this inaugural award. |
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