(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.
Attendees also experienced unique aspects of the local community, including a tour of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, a mock horse sale at Fasig-Tipton, a visit to the historic Keeneland racecourse, and a culinary exploration of the Distillery District.
Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “This summit has provided a unique opportunity to position the Greater Lexington Region on the national stage. Through strategic discussions and immersive experiences, we’ve highlighted why the Greater LEX is not just a great place to do business, but also a vibrant community to call home.”
“To keep our economy healthy and strong, we have talked for many years about working on economic development as a region – now we’re doing it,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “For example, Lexington is working with Scott and Madison counties in establishing an economic development park that will provide jobs and split future tax revenue among the three counties. The park will be located in Scott County.” Gorton said events like the Destination Summit will bring more opportunities to the region in the future.
Judge Executive Reagan Taylor of Madison County concluded, “Madison County is proud to be part of the collective effort to elevate the profile of our entire region. The partnerships and insights gained during this summit are vital to driving forward our shared economic development goals. We must stop competing and start complementing one another, and this is a great example.”
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Commissioner Kristina Slattery praised the efforts in organizing the summit. “The Destination Summit has seamlessly highlighted the economic strengths and potential of the Lexington region to a national audience of site selectors and industry leaders. Events like these play a pivotal role in attracting investment, fostering economic growth, and showcasing the diverse opportunities available in Kentucky,” she remarked.
Gina Greathouse, Commerce Lexington’s Executive Vice President of Economic Development, said, “We appreciate the many participants and partners who contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to continuing to build on the momentum generated at the Destination Summit to foster growth and prosperity throughout the Greater Lexington Region.”
In 2023, Commerce Lexington launched a strategic plan in collaboration with public and private stakeholders to enhance regional economic competitiveness across the nine-county region. The initiative focuses on implementing impactful and viable goals that have garnered widespread support within the community. A key component of this strategy is to actively engage with site selectors to raise the profile of the region on a national scale. By showcasing the unique advantages of the region at signature events, Commerce Lexington and its regional partners aim to solidify the region’s position as a top contender for business development opportunities.
For more information about Greater Lexington and Commerce Lexington’s economic development efforts, please visit www.locateinlexington.com.
