LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 31, 2012) — Commerce Lexington Inc. and several key leaders and business professionals will embark June 4-6 on the organization’s annual Leadership Visit.
About 180 people are scheduled to participate in the 2012 trip to San Antonio, Texas, to study that city’s successes and challenges in the hopes of further enhancing the Bluegrass region.
One of the longest-running and largest intercity visits of its kind among chambers of commerce and economic development groups nationally, Commerce Lexington’s annual trip has led to the creation of numerous community initiatives and programs. Things such as Coldstream Research Park, the Access Loan small business financing program, Lexington-Fayette County’s merged government and Thursday Night Live are among the takeaways from past Leadership Visits.
“We’ll not only experience much of what gives San Antonio its vibrancy, but we’ll also hear from a variety of speakers who are among the most influential, connected, and responsible for the city’s transformation,” said Commerce Lexington Inc. 2012 Chairman of the Board Jeri Isbell of Lexmark International. “They will tell their stories of planning, processes, funding obstacles, failed initiatives, and successes, while many of their Lexington counterparts will add a Bluegrass perspective to the discussions.”
Many people are familiar with San Antonio’s famed River Walk, and of course the historic Alamo, but the city and its region offer so much more. San Antonio has been a city of innovation and steady growth for decades, while its cultural blend of people has created a truly unique and authentic city. Its growing economy is steeped in biosciences, information security, military, and education. One of the fastest-growing cities, San Antonio has recently been recognized as one of the best places to buy real estate, one of the best places to retire, one of the most recession-proof economies, and one of the best places for entry level jobs.
Among the Bluegrass leaders making the trip are Kentucky State Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, LFUCG Councilmembers Julian Beard, Chuck Ellinger Jr., Steve Kay, Diane Lawless, Doug Martin, and George Myers, as well as Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Tom Shelton and School Board Chair John Price. Also among the trip participants will be State Senator Katie Stine, along with representatives from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, the Lexington Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Lexington Corp., LexArts and others.
An agenda of the visit and other supporting documents are available here.
The trip is presented by Chase / J.P. Morgan.
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