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C E L E B RAT I N G 2 1 Y E A R S

CENTRAL KENTUCKY REGIONAL MARKET REVIEW

SPONSORED BY

OCTOBER 2026 | VOL 22 ISSUE 10

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CENTRAL KENTUCKY OCT 2026 VOL 22 ISSUE 10 MARKET REVIEW

Contents

AGRIBUSINESS

Innovative agriculture is growing, changing Central Kentucky economy | 42 LIVING IN LEXINGTON

Tradition, yes, but with deepening feel for how to live well today | 46 PARKS PHOTO BY BOBBY SHIFLET

There’s a space for everyone at these Central Kentucky parks | 50

FROM THE EDITOR

TRANSPORTATION

NONPROFITS

Stronger Together: Central Kentucky Regional Market Review 2026 presents your overview on where our journey stands | 4

Helping Lexington Take Off: $500M Future LEX program expanding, upgrading Blue Grass Airport’s capacity and passenger experience | 28

14,000 pursue improving local lives without having to make a profit doing so | 52

COMMERCE LEXINGTON

HEALTHCARE

Unity creating progress | 6

Lexington offers cancer care, robotic surgery on the forefront of today’s technology | 30

MARKET REVIEW SPONSORS | 8 STRONGER TOGETHER

Togetherness Paying Off: Greater LEX regional strategy is building momentum for ongoing growth | 14 Growth As Planned: All 9 Counties in the Central Kentucky region sharing in wide range of investment, job creation | 22 BY THE NUMBERS

Central Kentucky counties at a glance | 26

MANUFACTURING

MEETING VENUES

Shiny new amenities, Southern hospitality are growing Lexington’s convention business | 54 FOOD AND RESTAURANTS

Lexington keeps building a world class Advanced Manufacturing ecosystem | 34

Farm hospitality ethic flavors the entire Southern-through-ethnic Lexington food spectrum | 56

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

ENTERTAINMENT ARTS

Robust Central Kentucky bank market a growth target for state and nation’s top institutions | 38

The Arts are On Track: $150M fine arts campus joining lineup of The Burl, The Rail, Railbird, theater and movie stars | 60

EDUCATION

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Thriving local universities lead Kentucky’s strategy for growth, quality of life | 40

Imagine a unique outdoor activity and Lexington offers an enjoyable version | 62 BIZLIST

On the cover: Downtown Paris’ Ruffian mural by artist Jamie Corum. Photo by Bobby Shiflet

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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Chambers of Commerce | 64

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BusinessLexington FROM THE EDITOR

Donna Hodsdon donna@bizlex.com EDITOR

Mark Green editor@bizlex.com COPY EDITOR

Nikole Christensen mail@nikole christensen.com BIZLIST EDITOR

Tanzi Merritt bizlists@bizlex.com ART DIRECTOR

Drew Purcell drew@bizlex.com SALES MANAGER

Emily Marks emily@smileypete.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Amy Eddie amy@bizlex.com

Y ILE PE

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Sincerely, Mark Green, Editor Chris Eddie, Publisher Donna Hodsdon, Associate Publisher

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Business Lexington and Smiley Pete Publishing are also a powerful tool to help you share information — both about what you see and feel is important for the rest of the business community to know as well as about the services, products and value your business offers to others. Customers can’t buy new products and services they do not know about. And new customers are steadily coming into the marketplace. We are here to help you reach into the marketplace with our evolving menu of print and digital products and platforms. We succeed only by helping you thrive and grow, by getting the win-win. This 2026 Market Review finds Lexington and Central Kentucky achieving new wins by growing our cornerstone sectors of workforce and advanced manufacturing and appreciation for our unique sense of place. We have physical beauty and life affirming culture, and we have better and bigger parks, restaurants, and entertainment, infrastructure, education facilities and programs. Transportation elements enable us to do business locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Residents and leadership work to make it all better by creating a vision of what they want us to be in years to come. Give us your feedback on this and all our publications, email, and digital communication. Email us at info@smileypete.com and editor@bizlex.com. We are always looking for the next win-win. n

IS HI

usiness Lexington’s mission is giving you news to help make the best choices you can for your business. The goal is to support and grow business in Lexington and surrounding counties because that creates wealth and grows the pie that feeds the community. As Commerce Lexington’s label for its economic regionalism efforts says, we are all “Stronger Together.” Regionalism is the trend in growing business — in creating our common wealth — around the nation. Our friends in Louisville, Northern Kentucky and elsewhere are using this strategy too. Commerce Lexington leads the effort to work together in Central Kentucky. The organized efforts here are three years old, and we are happy to let you know that not only are they getting real traction, they are going to keep getting better. Regionalism is a growing trend because it works. This publication is Business Lexington and Smiley Pete Publishing’s second annual Central Kentucky Regional Market Review. It will give you insight into important progress happening in Lexington and the nine-county region we are part of. It will let you know the major changes happening here so you can factor that into your own business plans. Change is constant. That’s one thing you can rely on. Business Lexington works to be your agent for tracking and keeping up with what’s happening here. We strive to be “must reading” for the regional business community and all who care about it. We are all connected to and impacted by what our friends and competitors do, so knowledge is power and information is ammunition in the fight to keep up, to compete, to improve, and to grow our specific piece of the common wealth.

PUBLISHER

Chris Eddie chris@bizlex.com

Stronger Together: Central Kentucky Regional Market Review 2026 presents your overview on where our journey stands

(859) 266-6537 www.smileypete.com advertise@smileypete.com info@smileypete.com

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Moving Forward

Together.

Locate a Business here locateinlex.com

Live & Work here lookatlex.com

Attend the 2026 Regional Summit

Regional leaders are collaborating to strengthen our economy and attract top talent. Explore our tools for growth, and join us at the Annual Regional Summit presented by Community Trust Bank to see why we’re better together.

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BusinessLexington COMMERCE LEXINGTON

PHOTO FURNISHED

Unity Creating Progress

BY NICK NICHOLSON | 2026 COMMERCE LEXINGTON BOARD CHAIR MEMBER, STOLL KEENON OGDEN PLLC

n behalf of the many public and private sector leaders and entities across the Greater Lexington Region, I’m excited that we’re able to showcase some of the great things happening here. For many years, Commerce Lexington has partnered with leaders across our nine-county region to strengthen our collective economy through job recruitment and retention, public policy advocacy, and leadership development. Throughout that time, one truth has remained constant — we are better together. While each community within our region has its own unique characteristics, we are all striving for the same thing — economic prosperity. In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, it has become clear that a more unified, strategic approach is essential to keeping our region competitive on a national and global scale. In 2022, regional business and local government leaders launched the Regional Competitiveness Plan, a five-year strategy to support job creation and workforce growth across the region. Although there is still much work to be done, a recently released progress report shows that our collaborative

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efforts are producing positive trends, including increases in GDP, jobs, wages, and overall workforce compared to competitor regions and national averages. The region has also made important strides creating more job-ready sites and economic development capacity, with more than 18 projects receiving local and state funding since 2022, including the announcement of a new regional business park collaboration and Lexington’s new 200-acre Legacy Business Park. Overall, data shows the regional economy is gaining momentum, and the Regional Competitiveness Plan is helping to drive measurable progress. For the third consecutive year, the Greater Lexington Region landed in the Top 10 of Site Selection magazine’s annual ranking of economic development activity. It’s clear that we have a lot to offer here, and as your business grows, I hope you’ll consider Greater LEX as part of your business growth and expansion plans. Our exceptional economic development professionals and community leaders across the region are ready to assist you. n

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BusinessLexington MARKET REVIEW SPONSORS

At Members Heritage Credit Union, we believe financial services should do more than manage money — they should help people move forward. Since 1960, MHCU has been a trusted financial partner for more than 54,000 members across Central Kentucky. As a not-forprofit, member-owned cooperative, our focus is simple: putting members first and returning value to them through competitive loan rates, savings opportunities and fewer fees. From checking and savings accounts to auto loans, mortgages and business services, we offer financial solutions for every stage of life. Members also have access to secure digital banking tools, convenient card controls and personalized service from people who know their communities and understand that every financial journey is different. But being a credit union means being more than a place to bank. Members Heritage is deeply invested in the communities we serve, supporting local schools, nonprofits, organizations and initiatives that make Central Kentucky stronger. We believe thriving communities are built when people, businesses and organizations have the opportunity to succeed.

Kentucky’s economy runs on reliable, competitively priced and increasingly sustainable electricity. Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are working hard to ensure electric power is flowing to homes, businesses, offices, schools, hospitals, factories, shopping malls and much more, every moment of every day.

DON MOSIER, CEO, EAST KENTUCKY POWER COOPERATIVE

In fact, 1.2 million Kentucky residents in 89 counties, along with thousands of businesses, depend on Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives to power their lives. Our 17 not-for-profit, member-owned organizations are based in the communities we serve. We are part of the fabric of those communities. For over 80 years, we have been committed to seeing Kentucky thrive. Our economic development professionals work with local, state and federal officials to help bring jobs and investment to Kentucky. We are building a solid foundation for the future, providing the infrastructure for Kentucky to compete in the global marketplace. We are planning new electric-generating facilities in Somerset and Liberty to serve growing demand for electric power, while adding new solar facilities to manage carbon emissions and meet members’ sustainability needs.

Central Kentucky continues to distinguish itself as one of the most dynamic regions in the Commonwealth. At Republic Bank, we see firsthand the momentum TODD driving Lexington ZIEGLER, and surrounding MARKET EXECUTIVE, communities. CENTRAL While economic KENTUCKY conditions conREPUBLIC BANK tinue to evolve, Central Kentucky organizations have demonstrated an ability to adapt, innovate, and capitalize on new opportunities. As a community-minded financial institution with more than 40 years of serving Kentucky, Republic Bank is committed to helping businesses and individuals THRIVE. We combine the capabilities and expertise businesses need with the personalized service of a local banking partner. Our team works closely with clients to deliver tailored financial solutions that support their goals, strengthen their businesses, and help them plan confidently for the future.

Members Heritage Credit Union: Where Members Matter.

Kentucky’s future is bright. Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are ready to power the next generation of prosperity for the Bluegrass State.

The strength of Central Kentucky has always been its people, its businesses, and its commitment to progress. We remain confident in the region’s future and are honored to partner with the individuals and organizations helping shape its continued growth and success.

Members Heritage Credit Union 440 Park Place Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 259-3466 mhcu.org

East Kentucky Power Cooperative 4775 Lexington Road Winchester, KY 40391 (859) 744-4812 ekpc.coop

Republic Bank 333 West Vine Street, Ste. 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 300-3333 republicbank.com

For more than six decades, we’ve been proud to grow alongside the people and communities we serve — and we’re excited about what’s ahead.

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BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington MARKET REVIEW SPONSORS

CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Hospital – Lexington, the city’s first hospital, has kicked off a yearlong celebration culminating in its 150th anniversary on October 2, 2027. With a legacy of service to the community starting in 1877, Saint Joseph Hospital has been a leader in providing healthcare to central and eastern Kentuckians for generations.

CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Medical Center – East Lexington is benefiting from a renewed focus on providing a broader array of healthcare services in the eastern part of the city. The campus was renamed as a medical center in July to illustrate the breadth of services offered along Blazer Parkway and Eagle Creek. TERRY WOOTEN, MHA PRESIDENT, COMMONSPIRIT SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL LEXINGTON

One of the hospital’s core values is collaboration, and that is evident through its partnerships with organizations that improve the quality of life for those who live here. As part of CommonSpirit – Kentucky, Saint Joseph Hospital is a leader in helping to educate the next generation of caregivers, working with several universities to provide scholarships and training for nurses and other healthcare professionals. The hospital has been a part of CommonSpirit since 2019 and recently adopted the national branding in its name. CommonSpirit Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the country, with 2,200 care sites in 24 states, 35,000 providers and 45,000 nurses. The health system, formerly known as Saint Joseph Health, is dedicated to providing a wide array of services to build a healthier future for all, embodying a strong mission, faith-based heritage and legacy of exceptional care, and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Saint Joseph Hospital – Here for You Then. Here for You Now. Here for You as CommonSpirit. CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Hospital – Lexington 1 Saint Joseph Drive Lexington, KY 40503 commonspirit.org

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JARRETT The newly-named medical center provides MILLSAPS, FACHE comprehensive care offerings on one convePRESIDENT, nient campus for our patients in east LexingCOMMONSPIRIT ton. The home to Lexington’s only hospital – SAINT JOSEPH dedicated to women’s health, the campus MEDICAL CENTER includes an acute care hospital and cancer EAST LEXINGTON hospital and care center — with other critical services including primary care and an expanded team of orthopedic providers just a short walk away -- making the campus an optimal place to access high quality care in a convenient location.

As part of a nationwide network of hospitals and care sites, Saint Joseph Medical Center is able to harness expertise from our sister hospitals in the state and beyond. CommonSpirit Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the country, with 2,200 care sites in 24 states, 35,000 providers and 45,000 nurses. The health system, formerly known as Saint Joseph Health, is dedicated to providing a wide array of services to build a healthier future for all, embodying a strong mission, faith-based heritage and legacy of exceptional care, and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Saint Joseph Medical Center – Here for You as CommonSpirit. CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Medical Center – East Lexington 150 N. Eagle Creek Drive Lexington, KY 40509 commonspirit.org

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We’re Here For You.

For more than six decades, we’ve been here for the people, families and businesses of our community. Today, we’re still here for YOU.

More than banking. It’s belonging.

mhcu.org

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Federally Insured by NCUA

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BusinessLexington MARKET REVIEW SPONSORS

SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate firm located in Lexington, Kentucky, affiliated with the SVN International Network, which is comprised of over 2,000 advisors and staff in 200+ offices across the globe. This network offers a local, regional, national, and international platform to market properties and provide services. The SVN Stone Team consists of experienced commercial real estate advisors in the heart of the Bluegrass. We provide commercial real estate services to large corporations, middle market businesses and individual entrepreneurial investors. Serving the Greater Lexington area, we offer advisory services for sales, leasing, management and development of commercial properties locally, regionally, and nationally. Our advisors provide creative solutions in order to help you achieve your goal. Our specialized teams can provide competent guidance to you, your clients or your investors. We have brokered, consulted, managed and provided a wide variety of real estate services across the country. Stone Commercial Real Estate 270 S. Limestone Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 264-0888 svnstone.com

Commerce Lexington is an 1,800-member organization that serves as an economic driver for the region. It is a catalyst for economic development, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a strong business climate. NICK Since 2021, public- and priNICHOLSON, vate-sector leaders from across 2026 COMMERCE the nine-county Greater Lexington LEXINGTON region — Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, BOARD CHAIR Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, MEMBER, STOLL Montgomery, Scott and Woodford KEENON OGDEN counties — have collaborated on a PLLC Regional Competitiveness Strategy designed to position the region as a destination of choice for jobs, talent and investment.

Commerce Lexington manages the ongoing plan and brings together regional leaders for planning and reporting meetings, leadership and education events, and advocacy opportunities with state and federal officials. Workforce development progress includes a new regional talent attraction website, LookAtLex.com, along with a more focused talent retention strategy and marketing campaign to raise awareness of the Greater Lexington region as a great place to live and work. On the economic development side, Commerce Lexington team members have refreshed LocateInLex. com to focus on business recruitment, attended key events around the country to connect with companies interested in relocating to the region, engaged with site selectors, and launched a digital marketing campaign to position the region as a premier, sophisticated business hub. Commerce Lexington 330 E. Main Street Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-4447 commercelexington.com

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More orthopedic expertise. More orthopedic expertise. More ways to keep moving. More ways to keep moving. CommonSpirit Medical Group – Orthopedics is growing to provide Lexington with an even CommonSpirit Medical Group – Orthopedics is growing to provide Lexington with an even broader range of orthopedic care. broader range of orthopedic care. From joint and back pain to sports injuries and surgery, our expanding team of orthopedic From joint and back pain to sports injuries and surgery, our expanding team of orthopedic specialists offers comprehensive, personalized care to help you move with less pain and get specialists offers comprehensive, personalized care to help you move with less pain and get back to the life you love. back to the life you love. Located on the campus of CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Medical Center – East Lexington Located on the campus of CommonSpirit – Saint Joseph Medical Center – East Lexington 859-264-9820 859-264-9820 CommonSpirit.org/Ortho CommonSpirit.org/Ortho

Pictured from Left to Right Pictured from Left to Right

Sam Coy, MD – Vincent DePalma, DO – Shawn Milburn, MD – Daniel Hackett, MD – Anup Chattha, MD Sam Coy, MDHamilton, – VincentMD DePalma, – Shawn MD – Daniel – Anup Chattha, MD David – FrankDO Taddeo, MD –Milburn, Matthew Eads, MD –Hackett, MargaretMD Napolitano, MD David Hamilton, MD – Frank Taddeo, MD – Matthew Eads, MD – Margaret Napolitano, MD

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BusinessLexington STRONGER TOGETHER

PHOTO BY BOBBY SHIFLET

Togetherness Paying Off Greater LEX regional strategy is building momentum for ongoing growth

BY MARK GREEN, EDITOR

reater Lexington’s regional economic-development strategy is beginning to produce results that can be measured in jobs and investment. Since 2024, roughly 80 major business projects have generated about $1.95 billion in capital investment across the nine-county Greater LEX region. They are expected to create about 2,800 jobs paying average wages of $65,000 to $72,000. Most are in advanced manufacturing, often with some connection to Toyota’s massive vehicle and engine manufacturing operations in Scott County. Those numbers provide an early indication of how eco-

nomic development in Greater Lexington may unfold over the next several years. Rather than depending on one large project or one community, the region is building around industries where it already has strengths and that it has strategically targeted. At the same time, communities are adding industrial sites, developing workers and marketing Greater Lexington nationally. The approach represents a significant change in how Central Kentucky pursues economic development. For decades, residents have crossed county lines without giving it much thought. Someone may live in Scott County, work in Fayette County, shop in Jessamine County and spend a Saturday in Woodford County. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 u

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… Kentucky’s horizon What is next for Kentucky? Our cooperatives will be ready. We are planning and building power plants and power lines to ensure Kentucky has reliable, competitive, sustainable energy to power homes, businesses and industries. Reliable 24/7 power plants and power lines, alongside sustainable low-carbon resources, at prices to keep Kentucky competitive in the global marketplace.

We are committed to a bright future for Kentucky.

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BusinessLexington Economic development has not always operated that way. Commerce Lexington and its partners are changing that through Greater LEX, a nine-county effort involving Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford counties. The five-year regional competitiveness initiative began in 2022 and runs through 2027. More than halfway through the effort, several important economic measures are moving in the right direction. The Lexington metropolitan area added 20,999 jobs between 2019 and 2024. GDP increased 6.7%, while wages rose 28.1%. Employment grew 5.7%, exceeding Kentucky’s 4.8% growth and the national rate of 4.6%. That is particularly significant because building economic momentum is one reason Greater LEX was created. Early research found the region losing ground to its peer metropolitan areas in job creation, GDP and wage growth. The original benchmarking ranked Lexington eighth among 13 competing metros overall and tied for 11th in economic momentum. At the same time, however, it ranked second in quality of place. The resulting strategy set several goals. Greater LEX wanted to bring job, wage and GDP growth to at least the national average. It wanted to expand the labor force, particularly by attracting and retaining young professionals. And it wanted more public investment and policies supporting economic competitiveness.

Piramal Pharma Solutions is making an $80 million investment to enhance production efficiency and increase output of injectable pharmaceuticals it has been making in Lexington 2015. It will add 45 full-time employees. Photo furnished

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Kindeva Drug Delivery is a global leader in nasal spray drug delivery. Its 70,000-square foot Lexington facility houses nasal spray operations, including development, manufacturing and analytical support capabilities. Photo furnished

Growing where it counts most Three years into the initiative, employment growth is especially strong in several industries Greater LEX identified as targets. Pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing employment increased 52% between 2019 and 2024. Automotive manufacturing grew 31%. Professional services increased 25%, scientific and technical services 20%, marketing and public relations 18%, aerospace 16%, finance and insurance 12%, and logistics 8%. Those sectors were not selected at random. Greater Lexington already had companies, workers, educational institutions and other assets that could support them. The strategy has concentrated marketing and site-selector outreach on industries where the region has a realistic opportunity to build larger clusters. Life sciences offer a good example. Kindeva Drug Delivery and Piramal Pharma Solutions have expanded in Lexington, strengthening a growing biopharma and medical-device sector. As more related companies and workers gather in one region, each new investment can make the area more attractive for the next one. That can also make recruiting specialized workers easier. Someone considering a job with one life-sciences company can see other potential employers nearby. That reduces some of the risk in relocating to a new region. Greater LEX is also connecting business recruitment more closely with workforce development. The University of Kentucky has created a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program. Bluegrass Community and Technical College is developing a training pathway connected to Kindeva and Piramal. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 u

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Bluegrass

The Market Changes. Good Advice Doesn’t. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or preparing to sell, understanding the market has never been more important. Local knowledge, strategic guidance, and strong negotiation make all the difference. When you’re ready to make your next move, work with someone who knows Central Kentucky — because real estate is local.

Mina Mattone

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Alex Lennon

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Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademar to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is independently owned and operated.

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BusinessLexington

The goal is a workforce pipeline stretching from high school through technical education and employment, with an opportunity to continue into a university degree program. That type of pipeline will become increasingly important. Recruiting employers without producing enough workers to fill their jobs cannot sustain economic growth for long. Here, too, the numbers are encouraging. The labor force grew in all nine Greater LEX counties between 2019 and 2024. Fayette County added 4,961 workers, Scott County 3,027, Jessamine 1,906, Madison 1,752 and Franklin 1,690. The pace of labor-force growth also accelerated. The Greater LEX report shows the region adding about 510 workers annually during an earlier period, compared with roughly 3,190 a year more recently. The number of residents ages 20 to 34 increased by nearly 7,000 over the past three years. The Bluegrass is a blank canvas Attracting more young workers is a major part of Greater LEX’s national marketing campaign. Early research identified a basic problem: People outside Kentucky often did not have a negative image of Lexington. They had little image of it at all. Greater LEX first set out to create awareness. Its marketing is now aimed at converting that awareness into interest in jobs and, eventually, relocation. Since the full talent campaign began in October 2024, it has generated 30.7 million impressions and more than 131,000 website visitors. A second phase produced 3,836 web-form submissions and identified 798 workforce leads. The campaign is also reaching people in industries the region wants to grow. Among those workforce prospects, 23% work in business and professional services, 19% in life sciences and healthcare, 12% in technology and 11% identify as entrepreneurs. A parallel effort is targeting site selectors and others who influence corporate investment decisions. Greater LEX reported 82 site-selector contacts year-to-date and participation in seven industry conferences. Its economic-development digital campaign has generated more than 47 million impressions and reached nearly 989,000 unique viewers. A brand-lift analysis found recognition of Greater LEX was 30% higher among people exposed to the advertising. Marketing, however, only works if companies have somewhere to locate.

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Many of Central Kentucky’s hundreds of manufacturing operations have a relationship with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, where the Japanese vehicle maker has nearly 10,000 team members at its largest global facility. Photo furnished by TMMK CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 u

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Congratulations, businesses! Big Ass Fans

Good Foods Co-op

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Bullhorn Creative

Klausing Group

RossTarrant Architects

CivicLex

Lexington Habitat for Humanity

EARTHeim Landscape Design Studio

McConnell Springs Park

The Living Arts & Science Center

Floracliff Nature Sanctuary

Nerd Babes Co.

Mediocre Creative

FoodChain

Triton International VisitLEX Xerox

Artworks at the Carver School

Lexington Children's Theatre

Bluegrass United Church of Christ

Lextran

Broomwagon Cooperative Bike Shop

Lisa Chiffolo, REALTOR

Cathedral of Christ the King

Lucia's World Emporium

Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena

Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center

Creative Yoga

Paladin

Douglass Aquatic Center

Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

Dunbar Community Center

Peer House, LLC

Everburn Manufacturing

Perspectives, Inc.

Facility Commissioning Group

Poppy & Pomelo

GRW Engineering

RossTarrant Architects

John's Run/Walk Shop

Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington

Kenwick Community Center

West Sixth Brewing

Leestown Coffee House

Wild Birds Unlimited

LEX Center for Creative Reuse

Wrap Me Day Spa

A Cup of Common Wealth

Greater Kentucky Credit Union

Lexington Tool Library

Bluegrass Youth Ballet

International Book Project

Lussi Brown Coffee Bar

Boone Creek Outdoors

Lakeside Golf Course

Savané Silver

Centered Holistic Health

Lexington Pavement Sweep

Tetra Tech

Doodles Breakfast & Lunch

Lexington Salt Cave

The Junkluggers of Kentucky

Holy Spirit Parish/Newman Center * Welcome the newest Green Check businesses!

Green Check is Lexington's free sustainable business program! @LiveGreenLex

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#GreenCheckLex

LexingtonKY.gov/GreenCheck

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BusinessLexington Having just added hundreds of parking spaces, Blue Grass Airport is about to undertake expansion of its passenger terminal and gate capacity. The airport just increased direct flight service to New York City due to demand. Photo furnished Bluegrass Airport

If they’re coming, you must build it That makes the region’s expanding inventory of job-ready land another important piece of its longer-term strategy. More than 18 site-development projects have received local and state funding since 2022. Lexington has opened the 200-acre Legacy Business Park, while several counties are working together through the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority. Those investments can influence economic development for years because industrial sites take time to prepare. Large employers typically need suitable land with roads, water, sewer, electricity and other infrastructure already available or within reach. The regional model also gives smaller counties another option. Instead of every community trying to finance and develop its own industrial property, counties can cooperate and share costs and revenue. State government is reinforcing that approach with additional investment. The 2026 state budget includes $340 million for road projects, $50 million for the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, $30 million for Blue Grass Airport’s terminal expansion, $20 million for the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority and $5 million for Kentucky’s talent-attraction grant program. Challenges remain. Housing may be the most immediate. Greater LEX estimates the region has a housing shortage of about 30,000 units, including 22,000 in Fayette County. Housing values have been rising faster than wages, creating another obstacle to attracting and retaining workers. But the broader economic-development picture is increasingly positive.

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Greater Lexington now has growing target industries, a larger labor force, an expanding pipeline of younger workers, more job-ready property and greater national visibility. It also has communities that are increasingly willing to approach economic development as a regional undertaking. Why a regional approach is key That may prove to be one of the most important changes of all. Companies and site-selection consultants do not pay much attention to county boundaries when evaluating a region. Workers do not either. A company in Montgomery County can employ someone from Clark County. A Scott County resident can work in Fayette County. A manufacturer in Madison County can buy services from companies throughout Central Kentucky. That makes economic growth increasingly shared. Greater LEX still has work to do before its five-year initiative concludes in 2027. But the region is no longer simply building a strategy. It is putting the pieces of that strategy into place. If the current trends continue, the next several years should bring an opportunity to build on what has already begun: more companies within targeted industries, stronger pools of specialized workers, additional job-ready sites and greater recognition of Greater Lexington as a place to invest and build a career. The regional approach is beginning to create something economic developers have been seeking from the start — momentum. n

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+ +

TWO LEGACIES, TWO LEGACIES, ONE FUTURE ONE FUTURE + Generations of legacy landscapes + +

Generations of legacy landscapes +

For decades, the Hillenmeyer and Ray families have shared a devotion to building legacy landscapes. For decades, the Hillenmeyer and Ray families have After years of friendship and collaboration, Hortus shared a devotion to building legacy landscapes. After yearsnow of friendship Hortus Gardens welcomesand Carlcollaboration, Ray Landscape into its Gardens welcomes Carl Raycarrying Landscape into itstwo growingnow family of businesses, forward growing family of businesses, carrying forward two on Kentucky-born horticultural traditions built Kentucky-born horticultural traditions built on skilled hands, field-earned knowledge, and respect skilled hands, for what timefield-earned can grow. knowledge, and respect for what time can grow. With this next chapter, Hortus expands its ability to With nextacross chapter, its ability to servethis clients theHortus regionexpands from both its flagship serve clients across the region from both its flagship Lexington office and new Louisville location. Lexington office and new Louisville location. Thoughtful design, skilled installation, large-tree Thoughtful design, skilled installation, large-tree transplanting, tree spade transport, and long-term transplanting, tree spade transport, and long-term horticultural care now come together with greater horticultural care now come together with greater depth and reach, bringing new expertise, new team depth and reach, bringing new expertise, new team members, and expanded possibility to the work members, and expanded possibility to the work while strengthening the hands-in-the-dirt discipline while strengthening the hands-in-the-dirt discipline that has always defined it. that has always defined it.

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Hortus members HortusGardens Gardensisisseeking seeking motivated motivated team members asaswe currently hiring hiring wecontinue continueto togrow. grow. We We are currently Gardeners, Foremen, and and Gardeners,Installers, Installers, Installation Installation Foremen, ProductionManagers Managers in in Lexington Lexington and Louisville. Production Louisville.

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Hortusgardens.com 859.270.8205 | Louisville: 502.266.5333 Hortusgardens.com| |Lexington: Lexington: 859.270.8205 | Louisville: 502.266.5333

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BusinessLexington STRONGER TOGETHER

Growth As Planned All 9 Counties in the Central Kentucky region sharing in wide range of investment, job creation

PHOTO FURNISHED

BY LIZ CAREY

entral Kentucky is experiencing a surge in growth with some counties receiving national and statewide recognition. In Lexington and Fayette County, the economy is experiencing record-breaking growth and national recognition. Consistently ranked in the top 10 for economic development activity by Site Selection magazine, the area has seen growth in wages and a boost in regional GDP, Commerce Lex said in an April report. Travel and tourism have had an outsized impact on the county, bringing in $1.71 billion, roughly 12% of the state’s entire tourism market, Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX, said in June. Meanwhile, the biotech and medical device manufacturing industry have created strong growth. Additionally, Artisan Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its $8.4 million manufacturing facility in Lexington creating 55 new jobs, and BOS Innovations, a Canadian advanced robotics provider opened its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Lexington, a $5.4 million investment with 11 full-time jobs.

Artisan Inc., top, operates a new $8.4 million manufacturing headquarters and distribution facility in Lexington with 55 jobs. Canadian manufacturing robotics providers BOS Innovation opened its first U.S. facility in Lexington in August 2026. PHOTO FURNISHED

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BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington Fayette County “Greater Lexington is entering a new economic chapter. Building on our strong manufacturing base, we’re gaining recognition in advanced manufacturing — robotics, automation, life sciences and other technology-driven sectors,” Commerce Lexington’s Executive Vice President of Economic Development Gina Greathouse said. “Investments around the BCTC Advanced Manufacturing Center, BOS Innovations, UK, local companies and Legacy Business Park give us a strong story to promote to the world that we’re developing the technology, talent and sites needed to compete for larger projects.” Bourbon County In Bourbon County, funding from the Bourbon County Fiscal Court and the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) is propelling work on the Bourbon-Nicholas County Regional Industrial Park. Federal money supported an elevated water storage tank and water line upgrades at the Bourbon County Park, and Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park got $2.3 million in federal grants for roadway and infrastructure improvements. Clark County In Clark County, construction on Boones Crossing, a 200-acre mixed-use residential and commercial development, began in early 2026. Additionally, the city of Winchester has begun the Main Street High Side Project, a $5.5 million streetscape transformation to revitalize downtown that will restructure pedestrian space, install updated ADA-accessible ramps, and adjust vehicle traffic lanes. The city and county are working together to expand east-county utility capacities to support heavy manufacturing expansion at Washington Penn, Danimer Scientific and Infiltrator Water Technologies. A $2.7 million federal grant is helping pay for a new sewer line at the Winchester Industrial Park.

PHOTO BY BOBBY SHIFLET

Hotel Thoroughbred, top, a 19-room boutique hotel and event venue, opened April 2026 on Main Street in Paris, Ky., after major historic renovation of a 1890s building with 10- and 12foot ceilings. Downtown Winchester, Ky., has century-old charm in a modern setting with its blend of preserved architecture, local boutiques, cafes and shops, and vibrant community spirit. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 u

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PHOTO FURNISHED

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BusinessLexington

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort thrives by its authentic traditional production of some of the most sought after brands in bourbon, including Blanton’s, Colonel Taylor, Pappy Van Winkle and Weller. Photo furnished by Buffalo Trace Distillery

Franklin County

Jessamine County

In Frankfort and Franklin County, the Kentucky Capital Development Corp. (KCDC) rebranded itself to Develop Frankfort in December 2025, and Executive Director Penny Peavler said the county is undergoing significant growth. In August, Meridian Biotech announced plans to open a new facility to convert byproducts from Buffalo Trace Distillery into multifunctional alternative proteins. The $40 million investment will create up to 35 high-tech jobs. In addition, The Paddocks of Frankfort, a $150 million, 95-acre mixed-use commercial development near the U.S. 127 and I-64 interchange, will be the largest commercial development in county history. Those developments means jobs, Peavler said. “Just last year, over 500 new jobs were announced… Nitto’s new facility in Frankfort opened last spring with great success, outpacing its original projection of 225 full-time jobs, making it the largest new local job creation announcement since 2010,” she said.

In Jessamine County, Russ Meyer, executive director of the Jessamine County Joint Economic Development Authority, said growth for existing and new businesses in the county is good. Canteen Food Services relocated from Lexington to Nicholasville with 92 jobs, one of the county’s largest employer expansions in decades. Across from regional shopping destination Brannon Crossing, the $224 million Stonedale Development mixed-use real estate project is underway. Additionally, a $50 million Jenette Farm Industrial Park expansion is ready for tenants, Meyer said. The county is also seeing significant development along the U.S. 27 corridor in northern Nicholasville, he said. The county is focused on staying ahead of the growth through improvements in transportation and infrastructure. “Looking ahead, I think Jessamine County has a real opportunity to continue attracting businesses in that roughly 50- to 200-job range while also supporting small businesses and existing industries that have helped build our economy,” Meyer said.

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BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington Madison County Madison County, Kentucky has established itself as an economic powerhouse throughout 2025 and 2026, driven by a population boom, strategic regional partnerships and infrastructure expansions. Census data released in 2026 showed the county is one of the state’s fastest growing, with Richmond expanding 15% to more than 40,000 residents. Berea experienced a 7% population surge as well. The city of Richmond closed the fiscal year with a $10.6 million budget surplus. Financial stability allowed municipal and county leaders to inject capital back into the community through projects like a 280-acre regional sports complex. Madison County joined Fayette and Scott counties, as well as the city of Berea to break ground on the Triple Crown Business Park, the first public multicounty economic project of its kind in Central Kentucky. Boosted by $5.5 million in federal funding, the park will provide fully “build-ready” sites to draw manufacturing and distribution companies. Additionally, the state allocated $20 million to the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority to push a rezoning request north of Richmond for a development that will scale up the local tax base, capture high-wage employers and mitigate outof-county commuting, officials said. Montgomery County In Montgomery County and Mount Sterling, the Economic Development/Industrial Authority office got $1.2 million for site preparation from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative and local matching dollars. Also, EDIA was awarded $100,000 from the KU/LG&E Opportunity Kentucky grant program for Walters Business Park development, and a $1.4 million award in federal dollars to support upgrades for tenants. Jason Rainey, executive director for the Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Industrial Authority/Economic Development & Chamber of Commerce, said this year and last year have been banner years for the county. “We are in the development phase on this new business park and marketing it to key decision makers. Located right off interstate 64, we’ve received top ratings on the park from site selectors,” he said.

ed in mid-October, and a Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) campus at the business park will support training for advanced manufacturing. In addition to strong retail growth in projects like Georgetown Commons and Elkhorn Village, Scott County is investing in industrial growth, joining the city of Berea, as well as Fayette and Madison counties in revenue sharing on the previously mentioned Triple Crown Business Park. “Georgetown/Scott County is experiencing growth in an orderly manner by implementing our recent Comprehensive Plan and meeting the needs of our citizens and those who wish to reside here,” he said. Woodford County In Woodford County, a new Publix is moving in on Lexington Road, and the city of Versailles has instituted its Lexington Street Façade Grant program that will reimburse businesses that make improvements to their facades. Emily Downing, president and CEO of the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce, said the county is excited about the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association moving to the county and creating a livestock innovation center on 15 acres of the C. Oran Little Research Center farm operated by the UK College of Agriculture. Meanwhile, purchase of a former Yokohama plant by the city and the county will allow county leaders to control the land’s redevelopment, officials said. “We took on this project because we wanted to make sure the community had a voice on what happens next,” Woodford Economic Development Authority Chairman, Michael Michalisin said. “That perspective is important as we consider the future use of the property.” n

Scott County In Scott County, Georgetown continues to grow at a great pace, said Jack Conner, executive director of Scott County United. Toyota recently invested $1 billion for a state-of-theart paint facility, which created demand for land and buildings in Scott County. The Lanes Run Business park continues to move forward with Phase III under construction and expected to be complet-

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is moving its headquarters to Woodford County for service to 99 chapters in 120 counties for the state’s 32,000 cattle producers. Photo by Bobby Shiflet

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BusinessLexington

By the Numbers

Central Kentucky Counties at a Glance FRANKLIN

SCOTT Georgetown

Frankfort COMPILED BY LIZ CAREY

BOURBON WOODFORD

Bourbon County Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

Versailles 20,252 41.8 $61,354 $229,300 $5,181 63.7% 382 3.7% 85.4% 25.4 mins.

Clark County Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

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Paris

Lexington

FAYETTE

CLARK

Nicholasville JESSAMINE Richmond

MADISON

Fayette County 37,888 40.5 $64,348 $205,800.00 $10,640 70.7% 784 4.6% 86% 24.2 mins.

Winchester

Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

329,437 35.3 $69,479 $293,500 $75,121 53.8% 9,295 4.4% 84% 21.3 mins.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington

Franklin County Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

Mount Sterling MONTGOMERY

ARK

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, DataUSA. When current data was not available, estimates or projections from U.S. Census Bureau was used.

52,649 40.8 $65,298 $216,600 $14,646 64.5% 1,278 4.4% 85.8% 20 mins.

Jessamine County Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

28,822 40.4 $56,396 $172,200 $7,518 68.3% 560 5.4% 90.57% 25.7 mins.

Scott County 57,147 38.7 $74,576 $261,800 $13,291 66.7% 1,353 5% 68.3% 23.8 mins.

Madison County Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

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Montgomery County

Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

62,262 36.4 $85,158 $288,500 $16,242 71.7% 1,058 4.7% 87.8% 22.2 mins.

Woodford County 101,696 34.7 $63,351 232,000 $22,965 62% 1,808 5.9% 91.3% 25.2 mins.

Population Average Age Median Household Income Average Property Value Median Property Tax Homeownership Rate Number Of Companies Unemployment Rate Percentage Commuting Rate Average Commute Time

27,883 42.2 $83,788 $299,700 $7,759 71.7% 618 3.5% 90.5% 24 mins.

9/28/26 2:50 PM

BusinessLexington T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

Helping Lexington Take Off $500M Future LEX program expanding, upgrading Blue Grass Airport’s capacity and passenger experience BY MATT WICKSTROM

exington is emerging as a logistical hub that’s driving business both in Kentucky and beyond. Interstates that put two-thirds of the country’s population within a day’s drive are growing. Shipping infrastructure by companies like UPS and Amazon is expanding — the latter is opening its first same-day delivery center here in 2027. And the airport is experiencing record growth. This evolution is most apparent at Blue Grass Airport. After record traffic in 2024 and 2025 with more than 1.5 and 1.6 million passengers, the air hub is posting strong numbers again this year despite higher diesel costs that have impacted the finances of airlines and passengers. Recent months have seen Delta Air Lines add a second flight serving New York’s LaGuardia Airport, which the airline revived in 2025 and is now doubling down on due to heavy interest. Delta also has added a non-stop Saturday flight to Minneapolis. United has grown capacity on its daily flights

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to Denver, upgrading to the larger Airbus A319 aircraft with space for another 50 seats per flight. “The good news is that people still very much want to travel,” says Amy Caudill, the airport’s vice president of marketing and community relations. “The airlines have been working closely to find solutions on how to meet that demand while also being able to handle those heightened fuel costs.” Alongside commercial operations, Signature Aviation, the nation’s largest operator of private terminals, services Lexington’s extensive corporate and specialty travel community. Thanks to Signature having obtained a live animal K-loader unit, the world’s most elite racehorses coming for the Breeders’ Cup Championships on Oct. 30-31 will be flying in across the street from Keeneland this year rather than shipping to Louisville or Cincinnati and trailering to Lexington. Recent completion of $18 million in airport facility up-

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington With passenger number records in 2024 and 2025, Blue Grass Airport is in the early stages of more than $30 million of improvements to increase its number of aircraft service gates, expand the terminal, and relocate its air traffic control tower and the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. Photo furnished by Bluegrass Airport

grades has the site flexing its muscles more than ever before. Just-finished construction includes 815 new long-term parking spaces as the airport plans an eventual terminal expansion that will relocate and upgrade its rental car garage, move the U.S. Customs building for private aircraft users, and grow onsite fuel storage. “All of these are considered projects that will ultimately give us space to expand the concourse,” Caudill said. “It’s all part of our outlook for the next five years that we’re calling Future LEX, a multiphase program to coordinate growth and right-size certain areas of the airport to ensure we continue serving our passengers promptly and comfortably.” As projections show passenger numbers doubling by 2045, Future LEX’s first several phases equate to a nearly $500 million investment to grow the airport over the next decade and beyond. The new concourse will grow to eight gates that can

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serve larger aircrafts than currently possible. A modernized baggage claim area along with expanded dining and retail space are in the works as the airport works proactively to build and fine-tune its amenities while maintaining what makes Lexington unique — its convenience. “Upgrading of the terminal doesn’t mean that air service is guaranteed to come, but we certainly need to make sure we’re in a spot where we’re prepared for those situations,” clarifies Caudill. “We want to make sure we can meet those opportunities if they arise, whether that’s extra gates for a new flight or an entirely new airline joining the terminal. An airport never wants to be in a situation where service would be denied because it didn’t have the space.” n

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BusinessLexington

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BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington H E A LT H C A R E

Lexington offers cancer care, robotic surgery on the forefront of today’s technology

BY TANZI MERRITT

ealthcare options in Central Kentucky continue to grow as access expands to cutting-edge care for residents of the Bluegrass and beyond. Leading the way is UK HealthCare’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital, a 569-bed acute care facility ranked Best Regional Hospital in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report eight of the past 10 years. Chandler Hospital currently ranks 15th in the nation in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Geriatrics is a higher performer as is the Neurology & Neurosurgery department. Golisano Children’s at UK provides exceptional pediatric care. Ranked 14th in the nation for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery, the hospital operates an innovative Joint Pediatric and Congenital Heart Program in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The program delivers pediatric cardiac care to Kentucky families from nationally recognized specialists while allowing them to remain closer to home. UK Golisano Children’s also operates a program with Shriner’s Children’s Lexington — it joined the UK medical campus a decade ago — that offers expert care to children with bone and joint conditions. This program earned UK HealthCare a ranking of 36th in the nation for Pediatric Orthopedics.

The Chandler Hospital that UK HealthCare operates in Lexington is one of multiple facilities providing patients from Central Kentucky and beyond cutting edge cancer and heart health treatments, including less-invasive robotic surgery. Other major providers are CommonSpirit Saint Joseph, CenterPoint Health, Baptist Health, Appalachia Regional Health, and Lexington Clinic. Photo furnished

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BusinessLexington “We are especially proud that our collaborations with Cincinnati Children’s and Shriners Children’s continue to expand access to nationally recognized specialty care for families throughout the state,” said UK’s Co-Executive VP for Health Affairs Eric Monday, who is also EVP for finance and administration. Providing crucial services for Kentucky residents experiencing severe emergencies, Chandler Hospital is one of Kentucky’s two Level I trauma centers, while Golisano Children’s at UK operates one of two Pediatric Level I trauma centers in the state. The other centers are located in Louisville at UofL Hospital and Norton Children’s, respectively. Advanced Cancer Care UK HealthCare’s Markey Cancer Center is recognized as a high performer by U.S. News & World Report, which ranks it number one in the state for cancer care and treatment. Kentucky’s first and only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Markey performs cutting-edge research, provides the most advanced clinical trials and, importantly, cares for Kentucky residents at home. On campus at the University of Kentucky is not the only place where patients can receive excellent cancer treatment, however. Thanks to a partnership, patients can be treated at Markey Cancer Center at Lexington Clinic. Its physician group with three hematologists/medical oncologists, one medical oncologist, and one APRN currently handles nearly 8% of Markey Cancer Center cases annually. With 34 locations and providers in 40 specialties, Lexington Clinic is the largest multispecialty group practice in Central Kentucky. “Our goal has always been to make sure Kentuckians can get outstanding cancer care without having to travel far from home,” said UK Markey Cancer Center Director B. Mark Evers, M.D. “Markey Cancer Center at Lexington Clinic is a strong example of how that works in practice, and we’re glad to expand access to care for patients across Central Kentucky.” Markey’s 19-member affiliate network projects advanced cancer care across the state from Paducah to Prestonsburg. The Louisville-based Baptist Health system has two of its 20 comprehensive cancer centers in Lexington. Baptist has 2,300-plus licensed beds at 10 hospitals along with a network of physicians offices, urgent care clinics, and diagnostic and surgery centers. Baptist Health Hamburg Cancer Center provides advanced radiation oncology treatments. Its large Nicholasville Road campus includes its Medical Group Hematology & Oncology and the Lexington Breast Center. Robotic-Assisted Surgery Surgical patients looking for minimally-invasive procedures with less pain and shorter easier recovery time now have robotic-assisted surgery widely available. It is commonly used in oncology, cardiology, gynecology, urology, bariatrics, orthopedics, and general surgeries.

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Robotic surgery systems provide high-definition 3D imaging and precise instrument control. The results are often safer, with smaller incisions and less blood loss, decreased risk of infection and less scarring. Robot-assisted surgery using one of the da Vinci brand platforms or the ROSA orthopedic system is now available through all of Lexington’s healthcare systems. Brand Changes in Regional Healthcare In January, Lifepoint Health renamed its four Central Kentucky Hospitals in order to unify them under their new brand, CenterPoint Health. The four regional hospitals are now known as CenterPoint Health – Versailles; CenterPoint Health – Paris; CenterPoint Health – Winchester; and CenterPoint Health - Georgetown. With nearly 1,700 Kentucky employees, CenterPoint Health’s mission is to make its hospitals stronger and better able to meet the region’s evolving needs through shared resources. In July, CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Hospital and CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Medical Center - East Lexington officially adopted the CommonSpirit name after having carried CHI (Catholic Health Initiatives) branding for around a decade. Saint Joseph Hospital joined CommonSpirit Health in 2019, becoming part of one of Kentucky’s largest health systems, with 100 locations across 15 cities. The network also operates CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Hospitals in Bardstown, Berea, London, Mount Sterling, and Nicholasville, providing convenient care to more Central Kentucky residents than ever before. n

After a decade plus of carrying CHI (Catholic Health Initiatives) branding, in July 2026 two Lexington hospitals adopted CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Hospital and CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Medical Center — East Lexington as their new name and branding. CommonSpirit Kentucky social media photo

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BusinessLexington M A N U FAC T U R I N G

Lexington keeps building a world class Advanced Manufacturing ecosystem BY SHANNON CLINTON

eater Lexington’s manufacturing sector includes more than 700 facilities that employ more than 25,000 who on average are paid an $82,000 annual wage, according to GreaterLEX data. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, the respected Japanese brand’s largest vehicle production facility in the world with 1,300 acre campus and up to 10,000 employees, is the main player to be sure. It supports the state’s primary metals sector — a heavyweight nationally — as well as many suppliers that also provide good paying jobs. TMMK uses Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to move goods from storage to production areas. It is the leader but just one of the regional industries using Advanced Manufacturing processes to be more efficient, productive, environmentally friendly and competitive. Lexington and the entire Bluegrass region have a strong manufacturing base, and importantly, the sophistication of that base has evolved, said Gina Greathouse, executive vice president, economic development for Commerce Lexington. She has more than three decades experience fostering Lexington’s economic development. “We’re seeing more automation, robotics, precision manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and other advanced processes,” Greathouse said. “The companies already here are helping drive that evolution, and they create an ecosystem that makes it easier for the next company to come here.”

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Skill, knowledge and understanding filter across the region’s workforce and management community. Director of Workforce Development at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Zach Morgan said there’s a very broad, accepted definition of Advanced Manufacturing, and even small operations have machines that use some software, sensing or networking functionality that qualifies. KAM focuses on strategic-level advocacy and connecting manufacturers to local supports statewide, Morgan said, and partners with organizations across Kentucky including the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, local school systems and training organizations to help facilitate these local connections. Examples, he said, can range from a small machine shop where operators program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to automate tools shaping parts to a large manufacturer using systems for tracking orders and part numbers for providers through the supply chain process.

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BusinessLexington Using autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles to assist nearly 10,000 employees, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky can produce 550,000 vehicles and 600,000 engines annually. Hundreds of suppliers with thousands more workers in the region support TMMK. Photo furnished by TMMK

“Any use of 3D printers would certainly be considered Advanced Manufacturing,” Morgan said. Another company using AM is robotic automation and advanced manufacturing solutions firm Kinemetrix, which a year ago cut the ribbon on a $4 million expansion of Lexington operations. “Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing industry,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a press release at the time, “continues to create new jobs and spark economic growth in communities throughout the state.” That expansion supports the state’s growing EV sector and adds quality jobs. Greathouse said Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center is crucial for its ability to demonstrate the community’s understanding of and investment in the infrastructure for present and future manufacturing needs, aided by the collaboration of industry, education and workforce development officials.

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“BOS Innovations is a great example of that evolution,” Greathouse said, referring to a Canadian industrial automation and robotics systems engineering company’s August opening in Lexington’s Providence Business Park. BOS’ 5.4 million investment created 111 full-time jobs. “Their decision to establish an operation in Lexington focused on robotics and industrial automation is exciting,” she said, “because it represents the next generation of manufacturing — not just making products but developing the technology and systems that make manufacturing more efficient and competitive.” To remain competitive on a world stage, Lexington and the Bluegrass region must continue demonstrating that here companies can both manufacture and innovate around manufacturing, she said.

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BusinessLexington Bluegrass Community Technical College collaborates with Toyota to train the advanced manufacturing technicians needed in the vehicle production and other operations of Central Kentucky’s growing advanced manufacturing sector. Photo furnished by BCTC

And to keep the workforce pipeline strong, commonwealth education systems are constantly connecting, innovating and collaborating. Scott Broughton is executive director for KY-Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), director of manufacturing engagement, Office of Research and Innovation, University of Louisville. KY-MEP is sometimes described as a state extension service for industry. It helps ensure a ready pipeline of workers by collaborating with employers to ensure there are systems and support in place that allow for higher employee wages. The program has other training and certification facets and holds an annual networking and business development expo. “There are several companies in the Lexington area investing in AM — Lexair, TEMA Isenmann, Machine Time, Space Tango, etc. Several were early adopters,” Broughton said. An education, training and experience program called the Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education was developed in Lexington at BCTC with input from Toyota. KY-FAME provides students with technical training and professional behaviors in Manufacturing Core Exercise courses, said Advanced Manufacturing Associate Professor/Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program Coordinator for BCTC John Jors.

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Enrollment the past few years has averaged 80 students, half freshmen, half sophomores, he said. The program provides a weekly work and learn environment consisting of two days of in-class instruction and a guaranteed 24 hours of paid work. “The roles they are being educated for are Maintenance Technician roles, which in manufacturing are the technicians that maintain, fix, or improve the production lines that they are charged to maintain,” Jors said. Though there’s no guarantee students will be hired at their training sites, Jors said, the AMT/FAME program at BCTC has about an 84 percent graduation rate and of those, 90 percent do go on to be hired. Greathouse said Lexington’s real advantage is the ability to offer companies a strong combination of assets plus the “connectivity and quality of life that make this region special.” “We have a strong manufacturing history, but we’re also evolving,” she said. “The Advanced Manufacturing Center, companies like BOS Innovations and the work being done with our educational and workforce partners demonstrate that we have the opportunity to be part of the future of manufacturing, not simply compete for traditional manufacturing projects.” n

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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Central Kentucky • Northern Kentucky • Louisville

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BusinessLexington FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Robust Central Kentucky bank market a growth target for state and nation’s top institutions

BY BRENT OWEN

ith nearly 40 banks operating in the Lexington/Fayette County area, the banking industry in the desirable Central Kentucky is more than competitive. Market deposits in the Lexington-Fayette exceed $16.2 billion, split between major national and regional brands and strong local community giants according to FDIC’s Summary of Deposits in June 2026. Central Bank & Trust Co., headquartered in Lexington, is the undisputed local community leader, overseeing more than $3.9 billion in total assets. Its 14.15 percent market share outranks even national banks among local business and consumer customers. JPMorgan Chase, the nation’s largest bank, holds a 12.7 percent market share with control of more than $2 billion in assets. Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank is a close third with 12.1 percent market share and more than $2 billion in assets. Rounding out the top five banks by market share, Traditional Bank, headquartered in Mount Sterling, has an 8.17 percent market share and lists more than $1.3 billion in assets, while Pittsburg-based PNC Bank with a 7 percent market share controls $1.13 billion in assets. Institutions like Commonwealth Credit Union and the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union also capture a substantial amount of local consumer business. According to recent filings, Commonwealth Credit Union, headquartered in Frankfort, has more than $2.8 billion in total assets, as of March 31, 2026, UK Federal Credit Union reported $1.69 billion in assets. In recent years, top strategic moves have included Bank of

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America’s entry into the Lexington market with a combination of staffed locations and walk-in sites with ATMs and video, and Stock Yards Bank’s acquisition of Paris-based Kentucky Bank’s 19 locations across Central Kentucky. The SYB-Kentucky Bank link-up vaulted the to the top ranks of institutions domiciled in the Commonwealth. In the past year, the biggest deal in the region was Stock Yards Bancorp’s acquisition of Field & Main Bancorp, which had recently established a high visibility presence in Lexington. The parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company announced the acquisition of the parent company of Field & Main Bank Inc. in May. Headquartered in Henderson, Ky., Field & Main and its six retail branches in Henderson, Lexington and Cynthiana, Ky., and Evansville, Ind., are merging into Stock Yards Bank & Trust, which is headquartered in Louisville and operates more than 75 branches, including 59 in Kentucky plus others in the Indianapolis and Cincinnati markets. “With this merger complete, we are pleased to welcome Field & Main customers, employees and shareholders to the Stock Yards team,” James A. Hillebrand, chairman and CEO of Stock Yards, said in a statement. “This merger unites two community banks with deeply aligned values and a shared approach to serving customers. The combination meaningfully expands our footprint across Western Kentucky and extends Field & Main’s customers’ access to our branch network throughout Kentucky and into the Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana markets.” Stock Yards said it expects to complete a full system integration of Field & Main’s operations in October of this year. As part of the merger, Scott Davis, the CEO of Field & Main Bank, took a position on the Stock Yards board of directors for the company and the bank. n

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

9/28/26

2:52 PM

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BusinessLexington E D U C AT I O N

Thriving local universities lead Kentucky’s strategy for growth, quality of life

BY LIZ CAREY

igher education in Central Kentucky is outperforming national enrollment trends with record-breaking student headcounts and growth in key technical and scientific fields. Undergraduate enrollment in Kentucky post-secondary colleges increased 5% between fall 2024 and fall 2025, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education reports. Comparatively speaking, the growth in undergraduate enrollment nationally was just 1% for the same period. The University of Kentucky, the state’s flagship institution, saw record enrollment for the period with 38,719 students, while Eastern Kentucky University neared 16,000 students, to become the state’s third-largest public university. Kentucky State University in Frankfort reported 2,838 students, while Midway University reported 2,003 and Berea College reported 1,527. Other post-secondary institutions include: Asbury University with 2,086 students; Centre College with 1,404 students; Georgetown College with 1,345 students and Transylvania University at 1,006 students. For today’s four-year degrees, students lean mostly toward practical, career-oriented programs. Business degrees remain popular with finance, management and marketing programs at UK’s Gatton College of Business among the top choices, according to U.S. News and World Report. Twenty-six percent of the student population was in business-related programs in 2024. The degree programs with the most students were healthcare professions (12%), engineering (8%), communication, journalism or other related programs (8%), education (7%) and biological or biomedical sciences (5%). EKU is actively putting the pieces in place to launch a new College of Osteopathic Medicine aiming toward a first enrollment in fall 2031 with graduates in 2035 expected to begin filling the shortage of primary care physicians that nine in 10 Kentucky counties now have.

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Since the early 2010s, UK’s enrollment has increased from 28,000 students to a preliminary enrollment this fall of nearly 40,000 students, said university spokesman Jay Blanton. That is helping drive the state’s overall enrollment gains. Importantly, six-year graduation rates at UK during that same period increased more than 15 percentage points placing the institution among the Top 100 in the country among public, 4-Year universities, Blanton said. For Central Kentucky and the Commonwealth that means a more skilled workforce, ready for jobs and careers and lives of meaning and purpose. Kentucky’s future economic success is dependent upon a growing and skilled workforce prepared for the dramatic ongoing evolution in the economy. “Our continued growth and success in preparing students will help determine the state’s long-term economic success,” Blanton said. “We must do our part to ensure Kentucky’s future.” Central Kentucky is seeing rapid growth in the biological and biotechnology sectors, driven by intentional strategic state investment. Expanding corporate partnerships and a regional biopharmaceutical supply chain are accelerating student interest in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. At UK alone, the standalone biotechnology major has emerged as a high-value pipeline, boasting strong graduate earnings as Lexington expands its footprint as a life sciences hub. The bioscience industry footprint in Kentucky has grown to more than 17,000, according to Biotech Industry Organization and TEConomy Partners. The average wage tops $106,000, which is 82% higher than the state private sector average. Dramatic success in Midway Bold choices at 187-year-old Midway University since Dr. John Marsden became president in 2013 have revived that school, whose all-female enrollment and finances were nearing rock bottom. The school went co-ed in 2016 and added bachelor and master degrees as well as several sports programs that all served to fulfill students’ goals.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington

Central Kentucky universities are experiencing robust student population growth, such as as Midway University, above, whose population has topped 2,000, and the University of Kentucky, the state’s flagship advanced educator with nearly 40,000 students. Photo furnished

In the past 10 years, Midway’s traditional daytime enrollment surged from 239 to more than 800. Add in graduate, online and dual-credit students and the population totaled 2,025. Today the university is strong, financially robust and growing. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System, headquartered in Versailles, saw a more than 6% growth in fall 2025 to 70,325 students. Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Lexington has been a key driver in the increase. BCTC has the state’s only two-year associate degree in biotechnology, training laboratory technicians in cutting-edge skills like DNA manipulation and genome exploration to feed the growing bio-economy. CPE said signs show high school students are preparing for and succeeding in college. First-time undergraduate college enrollment rose 4% overall and was 4% higher at KCTCS too. Dual-credit enrollment to earn both high school and college

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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credit for a single course, increased 6% statewide and 9% at KCTCS. Students who participate in dual credit are more likely to enroll in college. Another CPE study released in April found dual-credit participants 72% more likely to enter college right after high school, compared to 53% for non-participants. Every successive dual credit course makes postsecondary enrollment more likely. “This report quantifies what we’ve long suspected: Providing opportunities to earn college credit while in high school motivates students to pursue postsecondary education,” Aaron Thompson, CPE president, said. “Exposing students to dual credit demystifies the college experience and lets them know they have what it takes to succeed at the next level.” n

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BusinessLexington AG R I B U S I N E S S

Innovative agriculture is growing, changing Central Kentucky economy

BY LIZ CAREY

he agribusiness landscape of Central Kentucky may be becoming fewer in acres, but its impact on the area’s economy is still outsized. Agriculture has an economic impact of $2.3 billion in Fayette County alone, according to the Fayette Alliance. To put that in context, the state sees an economic impact of $49.6 billion from agribusiness, while the United States sees a direct and indirect economic impact of $1.53 trillion. Agricultural industry impacts almost every other sector in the area, the Alliance said, citing manufacturing, trucking, local food, education, insurance, accounting, real estate, and more. “The agriculture industry is the factory floor of Lexington-Fayette County, and its success depends on the fertile soils

that make up the farmland that surrounds the urban core,” the Alliance said. While most U.S. agribusiness relies on low-margin row crops, the Bluegrass region focuses on livestock like the equine markets and cattle. The Thoroughbred industry is, of course, the crown jewel of agribusiness in the Horse Capital of the World. It generates $6.5 billion in annual economic impact, according to the American Horse Council Foundation, and supports more than 60,000 jobs from horse-facing careers like farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers to tourism jobs related to the equine industry. At places like graceful and gorgeous Keeneland, the economic impact is more than $1.6 billion through sales, racing, and tourism. Its September sale attracts racing’s top clientele from around the world.

Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World. The 2026 September Yearling Sale at Keeneland produced a record-setting $536.7 million for 2,856 Thoroughbreds — 70 yearlings sold for $1 million or more. Photo by Bobby Shiflet

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BusinessLexington

Lexington is the top U.S. cattle market east of the Mississippi River and is developing into an agritechnology hub. Photo by Bobby Shiflet

But if horse racing is the area’s winner, cattle comes in second by a nose. Kentucky ranks eighth in the country in beef cattle inventory and is the largest producer east of the Mississippi River, according to the Kentucky Livestock Coalition. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kentucky’s total beef cow herd is between 862,000 and 870,000 head. Central Kentucky’s role is a core hub for cattle business cow-calf operations and general livestock farming. Madison County and Bourbon County consistently rank among the top counties statewide for total beef cattle inventory, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture said. While cattle inventory was down in 2025, similar to the rest of the nation, Agriculture Commission Jonathan Shell said the lower numbers of beef cattle created higher market demand and drove up sale prices for Kentucky farmers. There is tighter cattle supply and higher market prices nationally. Local farm operators are expecting to see cash receipts, Shell said, that again push the overall Kentucky sector above $8 billion, which occurred in 2025, and could approach the alltime high of $8.3 billion in 2026. Central Kentucky serves as the logistical and transaction hub for the entire Eastern United States livestock industry. Blue Grass Stockyards, in Fayette County, is the largest single cattle auction East of the Mississippi River and is ranked in the top 5 nationally. The market sets the pace for cattle pricing in the East and handles between 125,000 and 150,000 head of cattle yearly, clearing roughly $200 million in direct transactions,

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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the Stockyards said. Across its broader multilocation network, the stockyards clears nearly half a million head of cattle and $600 million in annual transactions, pulling inventory from 90 of Kentucky’s counties and eight neighboring states. Animal feed supplement maker Alltech, founded in 1980 and located in Nicholasville, is on the forefront of agritech innovation, focusing on animal and crop science research even down to the molecular level. Lepidext, in Lexington, has worked since 2015 to reduce the need for genetically modified plants and chemical pesticides. Space Tango, in Lexington, has developed a process to research plants using microgravity in the International Space Station. The company has even developed a CubeLab that implements a microscale-malting procedure for barley in partnership with Anheuser-Busch. The Greater Lexington area has become an Agricultural Tech hub. The city, UK, state Department of Agriculture and Alltech joined forces five years ago to launch the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp., which is a new company incubator whose purpose is growing a national hub for ag sector innovators. Agriculture continues to be a major part of Central Kentucky’s economy, and innovation supported by the multifaceted initiatives at the UK College of Agriculture Food and Environment will ensure it continues to be a powerhouse economic engine for a long time to come. n

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Experience the ultimate week of elite Thoroughbred racing, live music, local bourbon and the vibrant culture as Lexington goes “Purple Up!” for the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. All over the city, from October 25-31, the Breeders’ Cup Festival has created events and activities that showcase the best of Lexington.

Go to breederscupfestival.com and see all the celebratory week has to offer! From tours to takeovers of venues, you can “Purple Up!” and be a part of the World Thoroughbred Championships here in the Horse Capital of the World!

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“PURPLE IN THE PARK”

Enjoy a free family friendly, equine-themed Sunday afternoon at Gatton Park. Meet and greet with horses, jockey silk photos, face-painting, live music, food trucks and more will help kick-off Breeders’ Cup week in downtown Lexington. Activities start at 1pm and last till 6pm at Gatton Park. OCT

KEENELAND TOURS

Join us at Keeneland for Sunrise Trackside: Breeders’ Cup Edition, offered MondayThursday at 7:10am of Championship Week. This elevated morning experience combines trackside views of elite Thoroughbred workouts as the best horses in the world prepare for the Breeders’ Cup. Sunrise Trackside is free to attend and no ticket is required. Fans can purchase coffee and light breakfast options from concession stands located on the first floor.

HORSE COUNTRY TOURS

PURPLE REIN AT THE BURL

With PURPLE the official color of the week, it’s time OCT for the Prince cover-band 29 “The Purple Experience” to take over The Burl for a FREE show! The entire Burl campus will Purple Up! including their outdoor stage, arcade and brewery area. Join co-sponsor Commerce Lexington and other organization for a fun, purple evening!

PURPLE & BLUES MONDAY

Join local blues legend Tee Dee Young for an unforgettable night at the Historic Lyric Theatre – with guest guitarist Ally Venable. These two fabulous players will play independent and dual sets for this show. Tickets are just $25 and available at historiclyric.com

BC WATCH PARTY

OCT

30-31

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OCT

Gather in Gatton Park and take in all the action from Keeneland for FREE! Bring your chairs and blankets and watch the races on a giant LED screen. Food trucks, live music and equine-themed fun will go on from the first race to the last! Enjoy all the park has to offer, plus the World Championships at the city’s biggest Watch Party!

The excitement of the Breeders’ Cup isn’t limited to just two days of world-class racing! Kentucky’s Horse Country is the legendary home of Breeders’ Cup Champions—past, present, and future. Whether you’re visiting from afar or a local looking to experience the magic in your back yard, you can go behind the scenes to meet the legends of the turf up close.

TANDY PARK TAKEOVER

Imagine a Kentucky-style “mash up” of food, art, music and more – right in the middle of town. Starting 11:30am and continuing until 7:30pm, experience our city’s “Maker Community” with painters, musicians and all sort of artists in the pavilion at Tandy Park. Beginning with food and performance offerings during the day, the Takeover will close out each night with great live music as well. Check back for lists of those performing Wed-Fri night!

OCT

28-30

THE PURPLE TICKET

Imagine winning an almost magical experience for Breeders’ Cup 2026. But it’s not a golden ticket – but the PURPLE TICKET in partnership with WLEX-TV. Just go to wlextv.com and register to win a Grandstand Box for six on Friday and Saturday, plus $500 in merchandise, plus dinner at Malone’s after the races. You must be over 21 to register for this incredible opportunity to watch the World Thoroughbred Championships in style!

9/28/26

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BusinessLexington

LIVING IN LEXINGTON

Tradition, yes, but with deepening feel for how to live well today

BY BRENT OWEN

particular moment happens when you live in Lexington long enough — you stop thinking of a city trying to evolve and start realizing it has already evolved around you. Horse farms, bourbon, historic neighborhoods, and natural bluegrass landscapes still define our city’s identity. Increasingly, though, those instinctive traditions share the stage with newer investments in public spaces, entertainment, food, art, public transportation and the amenities that make a place attractive not only to visitors but for locals. Nowhere is that more apparent than downtown. Gatton Park has transformed a long-overlooked and underused stretch of the city into a genuine gathering place. The 12-acre park, part of the larger Town Branch Commons system, connects downtown with trails, parks and neighborhoods creating 22 miles of continuous walking, running, and cycling routes. Gatton Park is not simply nice for jogging or to walk the dog. Its programming is integrating into Lexington’s entertainment economy with live music and outdoor events, and becoming the sort of civic living room cities spend decades trying to foster. Lexington sees entertainment today as an economic-development strategy rather than simply something to do Friday night. The flourishing music scene includes longtime anchors such as Rupp Arena, The Lexington Opera House, Manchester Music Hall, and The Burl. On the west side of town a new space is popping up at The Commons, a 42-acre mixed-use development. Its projects are

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bringing together dining, hospitality, trails, bourbon, and entertainment. The Rail, a new 2,000-capacity music venue, will open in 2027 and aims to host 80 shows annually with more than 160,000 visitors. Lexington’s restaurant scene has spread well beyond the downtown core. Carson’s Back Porch opened in May, adding another upscale dining option to the downtown Vine Street corridor. New concepts are popping up across the city, from Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Hamburg to Mirror Twin Brewing’s south Lexington location, while independent and international concepts continue filling smaller spaces all over. The significance isn’t simply the number of restaurants. It is the geography and diversity. For years, certain parts of Lexington were destinations for dining while others were places you drove through. Neighborhoods such as Hamburg, Palomar, Tates Creek, and South-

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington

Gatton Park at Town Branch opened in downtown Lexington in 2025 to add a 12-acre attraction with trails, live music, outdoor events and more to further invigorate the city’s fun and entertainment scene. Photo furnished by Gatton Park on the Town Branch

land all now have their own culinary identities. Mirror Twin’s south Lexington taproom, for example, gives residents another neighborhood gathering place without requiring a trip downtown. Bourbon tourism continues to provide powerful economic tailwinds. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail welcomed 2.7 million visitors in 2025, with 80% coming from outside Kentucky. The trail expanded again in 2026 to 68 experiences, including new urban tasting rooms and destinations in the Lexington-Louisville-Bardstown bourbon corridor. For Lexington, bourbon increasingly means more than distilleries. It means restaurants, hotels, transportation, retail, events and experiences built around visitors who want to spend several days here — which is why making it easier to get around shows good infrastructure foresight. Lextran launched LexRide in 2026, a free seasonal down-

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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town circulator connecting Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block. Operating Thursday through Saturday evenings from April through October, the service runs every 12 to 15 minutes. That’s meaningful as many view parking as an add-on to the price of admission. Outside the urban core, Lexington’s relationship with nature is changing, too. Kelley’s Landing opened to the public in 2025, giving residents the recreational offerings of the Kentucky River paddling, fishing, and access to the rural landscape — reminding us Lexington’s greatest asset remains the countryside just beyond its borders. The city’s cultural landscape is expanding alongside its physical one.

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BusinessLexington

One of many produce focused venues, Lexington Farmers Market operates year round on Saturday mornings and early afternoons in the Fifth Third Pavilion at Henry A. Tandy Park on Main Street downtown. Photo by Honeysage Photo Co. | Amani Nichae, courtesy of VisitLex

Murals have become part of Lexington’s visual vocabulary, peppering facades all over town from the enormous Abraham Lincoln mural downtown to the John Prine mural outside Apollo Pizza in Meadowthorpe. All over town, arts organizations continue to add layers, including LexArts, Lexington Art League, and newer spaces such as Institute 193. Filmmaking is becoming part of the city’s economic identity. “She Dances,” starring Steve Zahn and Ethan Hawke, was filmed in and around Lexington, and “The Opium Equation” was shooting locally in 2026. FilmLEX’s work has generated $3 million in local economic impact across roughly 19 projects. Recently opened Lex Studios offers full service facilities for any production that finds its way to the Bluegrass. There is also a quieter side to Lexington’s growth: the infrastructure of community. FoodChain, a local nonprofit operating an indoor aquaponics farm and community grocery, represents a different kind of food economy. Its Neighborhood Green Grocery offers local produce, pantry staples and prepared foods while connecting food access with education, agriculture, and workforce development.

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And Lexington’s civic evolution is showing up in less flashy ways. In 2024, the city became only the second Kentucky city to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification, recognizing its work toward sustainability. The city also continues to rank among Kentucky’s strongest performers on LGBTQ+ equality. In 2025, Lexington ranked 34th nationally in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, placing it in the top 6.7% of cities evaluated. All of this has enhanced Lexington identity and not changed it which is the beautiful part of a city like ours. The horses are still here. Bourbon still flows. Elkhorn Creek still winds through the countryside. Downtown still has historic bones. Lexington is becoming a city that understands its history doesn’t have to be a ceiling. It can be a foundation. And perhaps that is what it feels like to live here now, watching a familiar city slowly, but unmistakably figure out what it wants to be when it grows up. n

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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9/28/26

2:52 PM

BusinessLexington PA R K S

There’s a space for everyone at these Central Kentucky parks BY KRISTEN ROBERTS

hat Central Kentucky has no shortage of bourbon, horses or rolling hills is well known. But did you know the state also has its fair share of parks? One of the greatest things about the region is the sheer beauty and atmosphere — bright flowers and foliage, long and winding back roads, acres of land that serve so many purposes. Lexington alone includes 108 city parks, and there also are local, separately owned and operated park sites. Each one has a

different niche — something for the hiking fanatic, dog owner, sports lover or garden enthusiast. A park builds community, Paul Hooper, information office supervisor for Lexington Parks and Recreation, said. “They (parks) allow people to meet their neighbors and see other people and connect with them,” Hooper said. “We live in a time where it’s really easy to disconnect, unfortunately, and parks are communal spaces that are so critical to our lives.” Here are a few Central Kentucky parks to keep in mind next time you’re looking to relax or meet a new friendly face.

The Arboretum is a 100-plusacre state botanical garden on the University of Kentucky campus with a two-mile loop showcasing local natural history and native plants. Photo by Matthew Barton | UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Enviorenment

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BusinessLexington The Arboretum The Arboretum, also known as the state botanical garden, spans over 100 acres on the University of Kentucky’s campus. The park differentiates itself with Walk Across Kentucky, a two-mile loop around the park that showcases local natural history and native plants. The park contains an interactive children’s garden and a vegetable garden from which fresh produce is donated to people experiencing food insecurity, according to Arboretum Director Michael Wall. The park is beloved by many Lexingtonians, Wall said. It strives to connect people with nature in ways that encourage human health. “We really want to look for those sort of opportunities to help people connect with nature in a way that is restorative for people, both physically and mentally,” he said. Kentucky Horse Park Owned and operated by the Commonwealth since the late 1970s, the Kentucky Horse Park has had horses on its grounds for over 200 years. It offers trolley tours and horseback rides, and it hosts numerous events year-round, receiving over one million visitors each year. The park also contains camping grounds, museums and a Kids Barn with hands-on educational activities. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary This 734-acre nature sanctuary is a favorite in Lexington, according to Hooper, with miles of hiking trails and a scenic overlook of the Kentucky River. The natural area park provides visitors a get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park also contains natural and historical formations, Hooper said. Historic remnants from early 19th-century settlers can be found throughout the park.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary east of Lexington is a 734-acre hiking and wildlife viewing park run by local government. Photo furnished

Gatton Park on the Town Branch One of the newest parks in Lexington, just outside Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center, has created a safe space for children to play and adults to admire the little things amongst the fast-paced downtown around them. The area has a large stage and amphitheater, a water play area, dog park, a loop for walkers or runners and public art on display. Allison Lankford, CEO of Gatton Park Conservancy, calls it is a version of Central Park. “Any park that’s kind of a central park in the heart of downtown becomes a park for everyone,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for people to come together who might not otherwise interact in their daily life.”

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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Lakeview Park In Franklin County, Lakeview Park has been warmly welcoming visitors since the early 1990s. The park includes the Carter House, walking trails, a nine-hole executive golf course with a driving range, pickleball courts, disc golf course, skate park and hosts the county fair each year. Lakeview is also in the process of building a $14 million softball and baseball complex with seven fields, Park Director Charles Lewis said. He said its planned completion is around Dec. 2026. “It’s a low-stress atmosphere,” Lewis said. “(A place) for people to come in and kind of get away from the fast-paced, rip-and-run daily grind.” n

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BusinessLexington NONPROFITS

14,000 pursue improving local lives without having to make a profit doing so

nnual budgets of $4.6 billion that back nearly 14,000 jobs make Fayette County’s 2,000-plus registered nonprofits an important part of Lexington’s economic engine. Sectors range from healthcare to education, mutual benefit and the arts. Nonprofits are connected to all aspects of city life and help deliver many of the critical services residents have come to rely on. With the reliability of funding from sources like government grants declining, organizations like the Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN) — which connects registered organizations with resources and policy makers so they can better fulfill their missions to serve communities — are more critical than ever. “We’re seeing organizations trying in every way possible to be nimble and continue to provide services and meet their missions in ways that weren’t natural or immediate to them in the past,” explains KNN Executive Director/CEO Danielle Clore. Human services (26.8% of Lexington nonprofits) and healthcare (49.7% of Lexington nonprofit revenue) dominate the city, but other sectors like the arts (0.7% of annual revenue and 8.1% of total nonprofits) continue to grow. For example, organizations like Amplify aim to connect musicians with resources for everything from management and graphic design to mental health and housing. According to Clore, each nonprofit sector, no matter how big or small, is equally critical to delivering on their missions and elevating the city’s quality of life. “Whether human services or the arts, it’s the work of all of us to build thriving communities where people enjoy living, working and raising a family,” Clore said. “If we learned anything from the pandemic, it’s how the arts impact mental health and how housing impacts

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BY SHANNON CLINTON

“Whether human services or the arts, it’s the work of all of us to build thriving communities where people enjoy living, working and raising a family” DANIELLE CLORE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, KENTUCKY NONPROFIT NETWORK

employability. Everything we experience in our lives is connected, and that’s the beauty of the charitable nonprofit sector.” Kentucky Nonprofit Network is focusing “on more collaboration and connectedness among the folks who are making our communities stronger.” During the pandemic KNN delivered on better collaboration among local nonprofit coalitions in Lexington, Louisville and Southeast Kentucky. In the past year it added three more clusters, expanding to Northern Kentucky, Northeast Kentucky (near Morehead and Ashland) and Western Kentucky (in Paducah). These chapters help the network better tap into local issues and connect with local decision makers to even better tackle issues being faced in their own backyards. “We want to ensure that when local decision making happens they’re looking to nonprofits as a way to connect with residents in the community for important things like housing and helping to reduce opioid-related deaths,” Clore said. “Every area has its unique issues to address. We just want to build time for them to come together and strategize on how to best serve their communities.” This growing collaboration within KNN has evolved into an urge to engage in public awareness. It launched its first paid marketing campaign titled “Nonprofits Get It Done.” The aim is to drive home to people how much nonprofits impact their lives, even as more and more things try to complicate achieving their goals. “Not everyone speaks a nonprofit language, even though it is my love language,” Clore jokes. “The vast majority of people know they receive services and enjoy performances, but they may not realize how nonprofits make a lot of that possible. Our goal is to raise that awareness because of the growing number of threats, specifically around policies that impact nonprofits, that may hinder them from fulfilling their missions.” n

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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Benton Nighbert and Jared Curry, Vulcan Materials

DO GOOD. BUILD LOCAL IMPACT.

Your corporate giving can do more. We can help! For decades, Vulcan Materials has helped build the Bluegrass region. Now they’re helping build its future through strategic charitable giving. Supporting endowments held at BGCF, like the Fund for Greater Lexington, gives Vulcan smart tax advantages through the Endow Kentucky Tax Credit that are good for its bottom line and its community. Scan the QR code below to hear Vulcan’s interview on our podcast, the Do Good Radio Hour. We’d love to help your business do the same. Give us a call!

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BusinessLexington MEETING VENUES

PHOTO BY AA STUDIOS PHOTO COURTESY OF VISITLEX

Shiny new amenities, Southern hospitality are growing Lexington’s convention business

BY SHANNON CLINTON

eyond the meeting and convening itself, good conventions are an entire experience with many moving parts and relationships between event planners, venue officials, vendors, the lodging and tourism industries, restaurants and more. Afterward, the effect of meetings and conventions continues to ripple throughout local, regional and state economies. 2025 was a strong year for meetings and events in Lexington, VisitLEX Vice President of Sales and Services Marci Krueger-Sidebottom said.

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“VisitLEX booked and hosted 245 groups in 2025, which represented 92,000 room nights with 30,000 attendees experiencing Lexington and the Bluegrass area,” she said. “These 245 meetings and events were a $55 million economic impact to our city.” Others are taking notice on a national stage. Krueger-Sidebottom pointed out Lexington was recognized in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as the #1 Most Tourist-Friendly City in the U.S., the #6 Best Food City, and the #8 Best Small City. VisitLEX statistics show a maximum 9,000 guest rooms in the city, 5,000 of which are committable for conventions here. Krueger-Sidebottom also keeps track of hotel occupancy rate data, too, which shows occupancy rates in Fayette County last year at 61.2 percent, up slightly from 2024. So far this year,

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BusinessLexington Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center, left, with 20,000 seats and 200,000 square feet of space, respectively, are the cornerstones of the growing convention and tourism industry. VisitLEX reports more 9,000 guest rooms operate at more than 61% occupancy. The Marriott City Center on downtown’s central block is the newest member of Lexington’s cluster of major hotels with modern convention and meeting facilities.

occupancy rates through July were 60.4 percent, down 1 percent compared to last year. Even so, she said, group meetings and events have exceeded occupancy numbers this year compared to 2025. Lexington’s major venues for meetings and conventions include the four-year-old 200,000-square-foot Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena. The arena, one of the nation’s sports holy sites, can seat a general session of 20,500 and CBC can service 7,500 more conventioneers. There is the convenience of meeting space and lodging in one location at multiple Lexington hotels like Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, with its 28,901 square feet of event space, which its website touts can accommodate up to 1,200. Hilton Lexington/Downtown and Hyatt Regency Lexington both are listed with VisitLEX as having 366 guest rooms. Hilton has a general session capacity of 1,000 plus banquet and breakout meeting spaces. Hyatt caps its general sessions at 900 plus banquet and meeting rooms. Others offering lodging and meeting space include Lexington Marriott City Center, 21c Museum Hotel, and Clarion Hotel Conference Center North, and there are more than 20 on VisitLEX’s roster. Having facilities is one thing, but filling them is quite another. Lexington is a popular destination for events like Lexington Comic and Toy Con, which held its annual event at Central Bank Center Sept. 4-6, and will again in 2027. The event draws about 30,000 over three days. “Meeting planners are sharing with our team that they experience record-breaking attendance numbers at their Lexington conferences and conventions,” Krueger-Sidebottom said. “I believe Lexington’s central location, affordability and the reputation that Lexington has received for being so friendly and welcoming have been a factor in these positive attendee numbers.” In summer 2025, the American Ambulance Association held its convention in Lexington, and Krueger-Sidebottom said its event organizer had high praise for the city, citing its genuine Southern hospitality, warmth and thoughtfulness, local gifts and other memorable experiences members will not soon forget. Also notably and coming right up, 2026’s annual Kentucky Association of Counties conference for leaders of the Commonwealth’s 120 counties will take place jointly at the Hyatt Regency Lexington and the Hilton Lexington Downtown, and expects about 850 people. The Southeastern Theatre Conference comes to Central

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MARRIOTT

Bank Center in March 2027 after being in Chattanooga this year. Also next year the Kentucky Senior Jr. Beta Conference will bring 7,000 participants in late January, many filling local hotels. A new place to gather is the 12-acre Gatton Park on the Town Branch waterway, a year-old urban park near Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center whose space enhances convention-goers’ experiences and lets them unwind and relax in down time. Amenities include a spacious lawn, public art and an amphitheater that can hold 5,000 when concerts and festivals take place. “Groups looking at Lexington are excited about the possibilities from this new outdoor space,” Krueger-Sidebottom said. “Opening night receptions with live local entertainment is a convention attendee’s dream. People want to be outside after a long day of meetings.” Lexington has award-winning restaurants, the hip Distillery District, live music, Keeneland, exploring the Kentucky Horse Park and so much more, with the local goal always being to have those guests stay an extra day or two to soak up the local culture or vow to plan a future vacation here. n

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BusinessLexington

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BusinessLexington F O O D & R E S TA U R A N T S

Farm hospitality ethic flavors the entire Southern-through-ethnic Lexington food spectrum

BY SHANNON CLINTON

exington’s food culture is a multicourse meal, full of fresh and flavorful ingredients respecting the culinary traditions both here and from faraway places. It adds the passion of the people behind the scenes who work hard to grow, source and prepare the ingredients for each customer to enjoy. “Lexington’s food culture feels so special because it’s so authentic,” said Erin Goins, founder and chief storyteller of Bites of the Bluegrass, a culinary walking tour experience in Lexington that mixes regional history with eclectic tasting experiences. “It feels like a city feeding itself first — and inviting everybody else to pull up a chair. “We have this rich heritage of agricultural land, generations of Kentucky food traditions, bourbon woven into the culture, and a serious farm-to-table ethic that existed way before ‘farm-to-table’ was even a thing,” Goins said. “The most frequent comment I hear is, ‘I had no idea Lexington has food like this.’ ” Many guests arrive with an awareness of bourbon, horses, fried chicken and Hot Browns, Goins said, but soon realize food and beverage experiences here have so much more to offer. “Then they discover great Mexican food, sushi, Middle Eastern flavors, barbecue, bakeries, cocktails, chef-driven restaurants, immigrant-owned spots, and incredibly sophisticated Southern cooking — all in a city where you can move among those places easily,” she said.

Epping’s on Eastside is one of many top rated Lexington restaurants that are family operated and present globally inspired dishes served with Kentucky’s special Southern hospitality. Photo by Mary Jane Speer, courtesy of VisitLex

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 u

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BusinessLexington County Club restaurant explores traditional slow smoked meats presented with unique combinations of flavors and textures from around the world. Photo by Mary Jane Speer, courtesy of VisitLex

Christie Eckerline, chief operating officer at The Kentucky Castle in nearby Versailles, which has a 72-seat Castle Farm onsite restaurant, explains that Executive Chef Tim Smalley draws influences from varying cultural cuisines melded with traditional Southern and seasonal ingredients. “Having been exposed to different cuisines throughout his career, Chef Smalley enjoys combining them to offer our guests something new to savor that is crafted with care, served with intention, and also rooted in Kentucky’s rich Bluegrass culinary heritage,” Eckerline said. “Guests of Castle Farm get to enjoy an elevated dining experience where they will see a new menu with each season change. Along with new seasonal dishes, guests get to join us for seasonal cocktails that highlight garden-fresh herbs, house-made infusions, and local ingredients, offering a rotating selection of drinks curated as thoughtfully as our menus.” A new fall brunch menu features Quiche Lorraine, TKC Chili, Apple Pie French Toast and Crab Cake Benedict, along with returning favorites like Black Cherry Grilled Cheese. The fall dinner menu has Red Snapper Ceviche, French Onion Soup, Chilean Sea Bass and Stuffed Eggplant, as well as perennial guest favorites Shrimp & Grits, Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon and Toby’s Fresh Bread. The restaurant expects to announce periodic Bourbon Pairing Dinners. Reservations here are required, though walk-ins are accommodated if possible, she said. Stacy Roof is CEO/president of the Kentucky Restaurant Association, and said Lexington is increasingly becoming known as a food-lover’s destination. “Lexington may once have been thought of as an incubator for corporate (food) brands, but between catering to a uni-

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versity audience, horse enthusiasts and growing some wellknown and loved independent concepts — many successfully long-term — it has developed more diverse restaurant and beverage offerings,” she said. And as any restaurant owner will tell you, the industry comes with its own set of trials and tribulations, particularly in recent years. “The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart by any means, so finding success or even breaking even can be challenging,” Roof said. “Escalating costs, changes in local ordinances and state laws and post-Covid protocols are still having an impact on business owners.” Goins said she’s hard pressed to pinpoint a favorite meal. “That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child,” she said. “I have had so many memorable meals in restaurants like Holly Hill Inn, Dudley’s, Giuseppe’s, and Cole’s. There are so many special downtown spots like Salt & Vinegar, Buddha Lounge, School Sushi, Stella’s, Distilled. But the dishes I’ve been thinking about lately have come from 3Ten, Floating Lotus, Honeywood, Mileta, Merrick Inn, and Epping’s.” Lexington diners already frequenting a steady rotation of favorites have even more choices on the way. New restaurant announcements occur weekly it seems, and Commerce Lexington’s website says there are about 600 Lexington restaurants in business. Recent restaurant openings include Mulberry Street Bar & Kitchen serving everything from kebabs to Irish coffee; Chilean Taste with its churrascos, lomitos, and empanadas; and Charming Magnolia Eatery in Greyline Station with its all-day breakfast fare and more. Declared to be coming soon are Hellenic Kitchen by Greek restaurateur Ilias Pappas; Charis in the 21c Museum Hotel building by the culinary team at Mileta; and for a sweet treat, Jenn’s Splendid Ice Creams at Fritz Farm, and many more.

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BusinessLexington

PARTNER CONTENT

Sayre School Students Continue to Excel on AP® Exams

Granddam Restaurant at the Manchester Hotel aims to offer flavorful culinary adventure. HoneySage Photography | Amani Nichae, courtesy of VisitLex

Strong academics and a culture of high expectations continue to set Sayre School apart. The Class of 2026 posted an impressive 85% Advanced Placement® exam pass rate, outperforming an overall school pass rate of 80% and demonstrating the school’s commitment to college-level achievement. Students earned exceptional results across multiple disciplines, including 100% pass rates in Spanish and Psychology, 95% in Science, 92% in History, and 90% in English. Students enrolled in Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Statistics achieved a combined 73% pass rate. Beyond passing scores, Sayre students excelled at the highest levels. Nearly 70% of all AP® exam scores earned were a 4 or 5, the average AP® score was 3.4, and 61% of the graduating class earned AP® Scholar Awards.

What would Goins, an experienced food tour guide, tell someone who’d never visited Lexington about its dining scene? “I’d tell folks that there is a lack of pretense here,” she said. “You can have a beautifully prepared meal from a nationally-recognized chef and then, a few blocks away, eat something wonderful in a tiny family-run restaurant that somebody’s aunt or grandmother taught them to make. “We have old-school Southern food, Appalachian influence, Black culinary traditions, bourbon culture, horse-country elegance, college-town creativity, and food brought here by people from all over the world. And, that’s exactly why Lexington keeps getting so much attention. We have multiple James Beard-nominated chefs and a nod from Condé Nast as the #6 Best Food City in the country.” There would be no restaurants without farmers, who deserve acclaim for their efforts, as do restaurant owners and chefs who strive to source ingredients locally as much as possible. “That’s the part worth treasuring the most,” Goins said. “Lexington isn’t merely surrounded by farms, the farms actually participate in the restaurant culture. Our best restaurants are often owned by people you will actually see in the dining room. They know the farmers and there’s very little distance between the people growing the food, the people cooking it, and the people eating it. The food scene is so collaborative that restaurant owners recommend one another and bartenders suggest where you should go next, she said, and beautiful plates feel generous instead of fussy. “Our heritage of bountiful farmland and hospitality matter as much as the technique.” n

“Our AP® results reflect the dedication of both our students and faculty,” said Clint Calzini, Head of the Upper School. “Our teachers challenge students while providing the support they need to succeed, and our students consistently rise to that challenge.” Sayre currently offers 21 Advanced Placement® courses, and every student enrolled in an AP® class is expected to take the corresponding national exam, reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic rigor and accountability. Adding to this success, the College Board recognized Sayre School with Platinum distinction on the 2025 AP® School Honor Roll for the third consecutive year, highlighting the strength of its college-preparatory program and its commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.

LEARN MORE AT SAYRESCHOOL .ORG BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington

E N T E R TA I N M E N T A R T S

The Arts Are On Track $150M fine arts campus joining lineup of The Burl, The Rail, Railbird, theater and movie stars BY MATT WICKSTROM

rom music to murals and everything in between, Lexington has long been a hub for creatives, so much so that the sector employs more folks locally (7,080 people) than wholesale trade and agriculture industries. That trend is strengthening through a combination of artsy folks from outside the Commonwealth moving to town, new construction projects and the return of local fan favorite events like PRHBTN. The latter is a public exhibition spearheaded by John and Jessica Winters to showcase non-traditional muralists on buildings throughout the city. Begun in 2011, it ceased operations in 2022 but returns this month with six new pieces of art. PRHBTN has splashed over 40 murals across the city, ranging from the towering depiction of Abraham Lincoln on Kentucky Theatre’s rear wall to Louis Armstrong at 185 Elm Tree Lane. Current projects propelling Lexington’s art scene include The Rail, a new 2,200-capacity multi-purpose event space opening in early 2027 in an emerging entertainment district, The Commons, on West Main Street. With even greater ambition,

PRHBTN has produced over 40 murals in downtown Lexington and helped exhibit and sell thousands of pieces of art by local and regional Kentucky Artists. Photo courtesy of VisitLex

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BusinessLexington

Since its first live show in July 2016, The Burl has become one of the most active and beloved music venues in Kentucky, welcoming hundreds of live performances each year. Photo by Richie Wireman/Cornett, courtesy of VisitLex

a $150 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation last year will create a massive new home for UK’s College of Fine Arts at South Broadway and Bolivar Street, with elements including a several hundred seat theater and a pavilion surrounded by sculptures and ample greenspace. Meanwhile, the already established venues and events at the heart of Lexington’s creative economy are continuing to grow. The Burl music venue in The Distillery District celebrated a decade of business in July with one of its biggest shows to date, a performance by widely revered Wilco. Launched in 2016 exclusively for music, The Burl has expanded into a mini campus with a walk-up food window, retro game arcade, outdoor concerts and a brewery that makes it a one-stop shop for entertainment and nightlife. The venue sponsors a stage at Railbird, Lexington’s premiere music festival since 2019. A multistate destination event — this year’s 32 performers included Ella Langley, Tyler Childers, The Lumineers and Robert Earl Keen — draws 45,000 plus daily to The Red Mile and pumps millions ars into the local economy.

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Meanwhile, Broadway level production and talent provider Lexington Theatre Company continues building out space at 2323 Alexandria Dr. it first acquired in 2024. The completed building will feature rehearsal space, scenery and costume shops, educational studios, black box performance space, administrative offices, and more. Founders Lyndy and Jeromy Smith are fulfilling an aim to bring stars to town to help grow more here in the bluegrass. Beyond Broadway-caliber talent, other creatives are relocating to Lexington too: Graphic designer Anna Pollock (Bainbridge Island, Wa.), rock n’ roll musician Dylan Whitlow (Nashville), and actor/comedian Steve Zahn (Minnesota/Pennsylvania), who launched a film studio, Macaroni Art Productions, with colleague Rick Gomez (“Band Of Brothers”) in 2025. Between growing its music, theater, film, murals, capital investment and grassroots events, Lexington’s creative economy is running on all cylinders and gaining speed. As projects like the re-worked College of Fine Arts and The Rail come online, arts are poised to play an even bigger role in the city’s future moving forward. n

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BusinessLexington

AC T I V E L I F E S T Y L E

Imagine a unique outdoor activity and Lexington offers an enjoyable version BY BRENT OWEN

or a city of its size, Lexington offers a surprising number of ways to get out of the house and get moving. In 2026, active lifestyle here does not require joining a gym or training for a marathon. It can mean throwing a disc in a park, paddling underground, walking among native Kentucky foliage, joining a basketball league, or spending a Saturday exploring the region’s museums. Start with disc golf. Lexington has four public courses, including 18-hole layouts at Veterans Park and Jacobson Park, plus a nine-hole course at River Hill Park. Veterans Park adds 240 acres of trails, fields and open space to the experience, while Jacobson Park combines disc golf with fishing, kayaking, paddle boats, basketball, and a dog park. Prefer a hoop with a net attached for your ball? Lexington Parks & Recreation maintains 50 basketball courts and offers organized leagues throughout the year. The city’s legendary Dirt Bowl — it began in 1967 and sometimes draws celebrity players — remains a summer institution at Douglass Park, alongside Junior Dirt Bowl and Sun Bowl leagues. Lexington’s extensive trail system provides another easy outdoor recreation entry point. The city maintains trails for walking, hiking, running, and cycling; including the 12-mile Legacy Trail out to the Kentucky Horse Park and 10 miles of hiking at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. The University of Kentucky’s Arboretum is a 100-acre public garden with two miles of trail across from Kroger Field and Kentucky Proud Park. Horticultural gardens and a Walk Across Kentucky representing the state’s distinct natural regions are

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PHOTO BY AA STUDIOS

an ideal backdrop for walking or simply slowing down to enjoy the scenery. The Arboretum is free and welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually. And when Lexington’s own backyard isn’t adventurous enough, Red River Gorge is roughly an hour away and provides miles of hiking, climbing, camping and various water activities, making it an easy weekend escape. At Gorge Underground, visitors can kayak through a flooded, century-old limestone mine. The guided tours require no previous kayaking experience; there is no current, wind or waves, and the mine stays around 52 degrees year-round. Not every recreational pursuit requires hiking boots, either. Being active in Lexington can also mean opportunities to learn.

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BusinessLexington The International Museum of the Horse at Kentucky Horse Park and the Secretariat Center connect recreation with the history of the Thoroughbred. And the Aviation Museum of Kentucky offers more than 50 attractions, including historic aircraft, military aircraft, engines, and aviation artifacts. The Headley-Whitney Museum, tucked along Old Frankfort Pike in the middle of horse country, offers a very different experience, centered on art, design and the legacy of jewelry designer George Headley Whitney. For something more cerebral, escape rooms have become another form of active entertainment. Countdown Games in Hamburg and Breakout Games offer immersive rooms where teamwork, problem-solving, and a ticking clock replace the treadmill. That may be the larger lesson of recreation in Lexington in 2026. Staying active doesn’t have to look like exercise. It can be competitive, contemplative, educational, or social. Sometimes it’s basketball at Douglass Park. Sometimes it’s a walk through Kentucky’s landscapes at the Arboretum. And sometimes it’s sitting in a kayak, underground, wondering how exactly this became a perfectly reasonable way to spend a Saturday afternoon. n

PHOTO FURNISHED BY THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

The summer Dirt Bowl basketball tournament, opposite page, in Douglas Park is widely known for the talent it has attracted since the 1960s. Kayakers, left, love the beauty of the Kentucky River. Above, Lexington has eight disc golf courses at its parks.

PHOTO BY MIKE WILKINSON COURTESTY OF VISITLEX

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington

Chambers of Commerce REGIONAL CHAMBERS RANKED BY NUMBERS OF MEMBERS OCTOBER 2026

Rank

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Chamber Name Address Phone Website

Members in 2026

Members in 2025

Counties/Geographic Area Served

Commerce Lexington 330 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-4447 commercelexington.com

1,900+

1,850

Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce 160 E. Main St. Georgetown, KY 40324 (502) 863-5424 gtown.org

650+

Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce 484 Chenault Road Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 223-8261 frankfortky.info

Annual Events

Top Executive

Chamber services and programs available to member businesses within an eight-county region (Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford counties); Economic Development division works within a nine-county area (eight counties listed plus Montgomery)

Adapt. Compete. Grow. - Business Forum; An Evening with Commerce Lexington; Commerce Lexington Leadership Visit; International Trip; Regional Summit, Washingington, DC Fly-In; Salute to Small Business

Nick Nicholson Member, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC (2026 Board Chair)

650+

Scott County and surrounding counties of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, and Jessamine

Annual Awards Celebration; Annual Golf Outing

Eric Del Valle (President)

600+

Franklin County

Annual Golf Scramble; Annual Auction & Gala; Farm to Table; Mingle at the Springhouse; Professional Development Series; Women in Networking

Tina Shade (President & CEO)

Richmond Chamber of Commerce* 201 E. Main St. Richmond, KY 40475 859) 623-1720 richmondchamber.com

600

Madison County (Richmond and Berea)

State of the City Address; Annual Business on the Greens Golf Tournament; Leadership Luncheon; Taste of Richmond; City Fest; EKU State of the University Address; Annual Chamber Awards Banquet

Colleen Spencer (President & CEO)

Woodford County Chamber of Commerce* 126 S. Main St. Versailles, KY 40383 (859) 873-5122 woodfordcountyinfo.com

415

Woodford County (Versailles and Midway) and surrounding counties of Franklin, Fayette, Anderson, and Scott

Chamber Golf Scramble; Twilight Festival; Kentucky Women’s Conference; Santa Shuffle 5K and Kids Reindeer Dash

Emily Downey (President & CEO)

Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce 61 S. Main St. Winchester, KY 40391 (859) 744-6420 winchesterkychamber.com

400+

450

Clark County

Beer Cheese Food Week; Annual Chamber Member Awards Banquet; Golf Scramble

Cindy Banks, IOM, MHA (Executive Director)

Mercer County Chamber of Commerce 101 S. Main St., Ste. 1 Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859) 734-2365 mercerchamber.com

385+

Mercer County and surrounding region

Pioneer Days Festival; Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival; Small Business Saturday; Annual Awards Dinner; Lean 2 Green Community Clean-Up; Perk Up! Monthly Breakfast Meeting

Jill S. Cutler, M.Ed, KyACE (Executive Director)

Jessamine Chamber of Commerce* 116 S. Main St. Nicholasville, KY 40356 (859) 877-4351 jessaminechamber.org

382

Jessamine County

Annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner; Kentucky Wine & Vine Festival; Golf Scramble; Monthly Luncheons and Legislative Meetings

Ronda May (Executive Director)

BUSINESS LEXINGTON OCTOBER 2026

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BusinessLexington

Chambers of Commerce REGIONAL CHAMBERS RANKED BY NUMBERS OF MEMBERS OCTOBER 2026

Rank

9 10 11 12 13 14

Chamber Name Address Phone Website

Members in 2026

Members in 2025

Counties/Geographic Area Served

Mt. Sterling Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce 124 N. Maysville St. Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 (859) 498-5345 mtsterlingchamber.com

365

363

Anderson County Chamber of Commerce 1388 Bypass North Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 (502) 839-5564 andersonchamberky.org

280+

Paris-Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce* 806 Main St. Paris, KY 40361 (859) 987-3205 parisbourbonchamber.com

Annual Events

Top Executive

Montgomery County and surrounding counties of Fayette, Clark, Bath, Bourbon, Menifee, Nicholas, and Powell

Annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet; Golf Scramble; Membership Breakfast and Luncheons; Business After Hours; Keeneland Tailgate, Christmas Parade

Jason S. Rainey (Executive Director)

280

Anderson County and surrounding counties of Fayette, Franklin, Mercer, and Shelby

Annual Golf Classic; Longest Day of Play; Backyard BBQ Cookoff; Annual Gala

Jeri Lynn Carmickel (Executive Director)

250

Bourbon County (Paris, Millersburg, North Middletown)

Golf Scramble; Best of Bourbon County Awards Dinner and Gala; Bluegrass Hearing Clinic Festival on Fifth Summer Concert Series, local elected officials breakfast; legislative update from state officials; ParisBourbon County Christmas Parade

Allyson Bishop (Executive Director)

Berea Chamber of Commerce 424-B Chestnut St. Berea, KY 40403 (859) 986-9760 bereachamber.com

236

202

Madison County (Richmond and Berea)

Annual Golf Scramble; Spoonbread Festival; Annual Chamber Banquet; Berea Christmas on Main Stree and Christmas Parade; Spring and Fall 5K; State of the City Address; Coffee & Conversation; luncheons and after hours networking events

Tina Bowling (Executive Director)

Danville - Boyle County Chamber of Commerce 105 E. Walnut St. Danville, KY 40422 (859) 236-2361, ext. 120 danvilleboylechamber.com

200+

Boyle County

Third Thursday in Downtown Danville; Fall Golf Scramble; Legacy & Leadership Gala; Coffee & Connections

Sarah Pollom (Executive Director)

Cynthiana-Harrison County Chamber of Commerce 141 E. Pike St., Ste. 3 Cynthiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-5236 cynthianakychamber.com

200

220

Harrison County

Annual Community Impact Awards; Breakout Leadership Conference; Annual City/County Update; Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series

James Smith (Executive Director)

Source: Information obtained from individual Chamber of Commerce websites and contacts. Key: * = Previous published figure used as no update was available; NA = Not available

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raise your glass. Lexington Bourbon Week is back Nov. 5-14, 2026! Join us for 10 days of unforgettable bourbon experiences, presented by Give270, the local organization that raises funds for nonprofits through engaging, bourbon-focused events. Sip your way through off-menu cocktail creations, sample exclusive tastings, explore distilleries, and score giveaways and surprises along the way. Discover new flavors, celebrate your favorites, and be part of a week that brings the city together over the spirit we love. Don’t miss your chance to toast, taste, and explore! Opportunities for sponsorship and restaurant/bar participation remain for a select few. Contact Amy at events@smileypete.com. lexingtonbourbonweek.com

•LE

XINGTON•

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRODUCED BY

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LE GREGG

STRONG FOUNDATIONS. BRIGHTER COMMUNITIES.

Our environmental services support commercial property transactions, development, and construction. This can include environmental assessments, site investigations, regulatory compliance, and other environmental consulting services.

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2456 FORTUNE DR. #155 LEXINGTON, KY 40509

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859.252.7558 WWW.LEGREGG.COM

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