For the third consecutive year, Commerce Lexington’s economic development efforts have been recognized among Business Facilities’ Economic Development Organization (EDO) Awards, which celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering economic development, supporting workforce initiatives, and creating impactful projects across the nation. Commerce Lexington received recognition in the Large EDO Category (serving a region of 500,000+ population) for its Greater LEX Economic Development Awareness and Education Campaign.
In 2025, Commerce Lexington launched its first-ever fully digital economic development awareness and education campaign—a strategic, data‑driven initiative designed to ensure that Greater Lexington is heard, seen, and respected as a prime business location by the individuals who influence corporate growth decisions. Built to address outdated perceptions of Kentucky and elevate the region’s standing among industry decision makers, the campaign represents a major step forward in how the organization communicates competitiveness, business readiness, and innovation.
This initiative was created to directly reach C‑suite executives in targeted NAICS sectors and site selectors through a robust mix of modern digital channels. Core tactics included NAICS‑based digital advertising, event‑specific geotargeting, LinkedIn campaigns, industry‑focused video content, and impression‑based ads served across the platforms and devices business leaders already consume. The campaign’s creative approach was intentionally simple, testimonial‑driven, and high‑impact—cutting through the noise of crowded digital environments to deliver a message of clarity and confidence about the Bluegrass region.
Commerce Lexington President and CEO, Bob Quick, said, “It means a lot to our economic development team to be recognized again in Business Facilities’ annual EDO awards. We are seeing great results from our collaborative efforts alongside our regional partners across Greater Lexington. This honor makes us work harder to ensure that the region continues to be a top destination for business investment, talent, and economic growth.”
Commerce Lexington’s Executive Vice President of Economic Development, Gina Greathouse, said, “We appreciate the many public and private sector investors who have committed to the regional plan and have confidence in what we do on a day-to-day basis. From the positive numbers we’re seeing, we know that the regional approach to economic development, public policy, business recruitment and retention, and talent development works. We are better together!”
Along with other award recipients, Commerce Lexington’s winning entry is featured in the current May/June 2026 issue of Business Facilities, a leading full-service media brand specializing in the site selection marketplace.
Earlier this year, the region was also recognized by Site Selection magazine as a top ten metro for economic development activity in 2025. Since the inception of the Regional Competitiveness Plan in 2023, the Greater Lexington Region has seen growth in gross domestic product (+6.7%), employment (+20,999 jobs), and wages (+28.1%).