Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner Is February 7

USINESS OCUS BOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. F JANUARY 2013 VOLUME XXI, ISSUE I

Commerce Lexington Inc. Presented By Annual Dinner is February 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 2013 Commerce Lexington Inc. Public Policy Statements

www.CommerceLexington.com BUSINESS FOCUS January 2013: Volume XXI, Issue I

INSIDE THIS ISSUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 4-5 Economic Development Division Year In Review Business Focus is published once a month for a “Art of the Deal” Event Recap total of 12 issues per year by Commerce Lexington Inc., 330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Venture Club’s Entrepreneurial Celebration is Jan. 31 KY 40507. Phone: (859) 226-1600

EVENTS: 2013 Chair of the Board: 6-8 Danny Murphy, Assistant Dean of Register Now for Omaha Leadership Visit Administration and Community Engagement Roundtable: Get the Most Out of Your Membership University of Kentucky College of Law 26-27 Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner is Feb. 7th Publisher: Blue Grass Airport Hosts Feb. 28th Business Link Robert L. Quick, CCE, President & CEO Commerce Lexington Inc.

Editor: Mark E. Turner PUBLIC POLICY: Communications Specialist: Elizabeth Bennett 9-24 Commerce Lexington Inc. Public Policy Statements Printing: Post Printing Mail Service: Lexington Herald-Leader

Subscriptions are available for $12 and are GET CONNECTED: included as a direct benefit of Commerce 28-31 Ambassador of the Year Finalists Announced Lexington Inc. membership. Business Focus (USPS 012-337) periodical postage paid at Leadership Lexington: Health & Human Services Recap Lexington, Kentucky. Leadership Central Kentucky Visits Jessamine County Welcome New Commerce Lexington Inc. Members POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Member Personnel Announcements Business Focus, Commerce Lexington Inc., P.O. Box 1968, Lexington, KY 40588-1968. ON THE COVER Annual Dinner cover design by Stablemate WHAT 2 WATCH 4 Creative LLC. Photos courtesy of Keeneland, Blue Grass Airport, and Bill Straus Photography. DISPLAY RATES For DISPLAY RATES in Business Focus, con- Blue Grass Airport Hosts Next Business Resource Roundtable tact Dana Zinger at (859) 226-1607 or Commerce Lexington Inc. Business Helps You Get the Most Out of [email protected], and an Link Event on February 28 Your Membership account executive will contact you. PERSONNEL UPDATES Submit your company’s awards and milestones or personnel changes and additions to [email protected]. Personnel news might include promotions, SAVE THE DATE: KEMI Presents Registration Available for 2013 additions, awards and milestones, recogni- Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Commerce Lexington Inc. tions and certifications and/or appointments. Dinner on February 7, 2013 Leadership Visit to Omaha Information is published only as space permits.

2 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013 Commerce Lexington Inc. Announces Murphy: History Important to Members of 2013 Executive Board Future Community Success

Danny Murphy, 2013 Chairman of the John Mahan, Regional & Agricultural “Commerce couldn’t be more Board, Assistant Dean of Administration Representative, Owner, Mahan Farms; Lexington Inc. has accurate when & Community Engagement, University been known by dif- describing of Kentucky College of Law; Taft McKinstry, General Counsel, ferent names since Lexington’s trans- Managing Member, Fowler Bell; Kevin Atkins, Lexington-Fayette Urban it was founded in formation over the County Government Representative, Chief Herb Miller, Vice Chair, Leadership 1881, originally the last 100 years. Our Development Officer, Lexington Fayette Development, President, Columbia Gas Chamber of history is filled with Urban County Government; of Kentucky; Commerce, later defining moments the Board of that changed our Carla Blanton, Vice Chair, Public Policy, Robert L. Quick, CCE, Board Secretary, Commerce, the course and created Owner, Carla Blanton Consulting; President & CEO, Commerce Lexington Lexington Chamber DANNY MURPHY the vibrant com- Inc.; of Commerce, and UNIVERSITY OF munity and region Laura Boison, Treasurer, Market then the Greater KENTUCKY that we enjoy today. President, U.S. Bank; Ken Sagan, Chair-Elect, Chairman, Stites COLLEGE OF LAW Lexington Chamber In many cases, it & Harbison PLLC; Larry Forester, Vice Chair, Community & of Commerce, but 2013 CHAIRMAN was the steadfast Minority Business Development, Dave Sevigny, Vice Chair, Membership & its mission has COMMERCE perseverance and Commercial Loan Officer, VP, Marketing, Owner, DMD Data Systems; remained the same. LEXINGTON INC. vision of business Community Trust Bank; Commerce and community Darby Turner, Vice Chair, Economic Lexington operates as an leaders and elected officials David Freibert, At-Large Representative, Development, Member, Bingham advocate for businesses of all coming together for a com- Director, External Affairs, Kentucky Greenebaum Doll LLP; types and sizes. Since the mon cause that made things Utilities Company; very first board meeting in like Keeneland, Blue Grass Danette Wilder, Business & Education November 1881, the chamber Airport, Rupp Arena/ James Hardin, Vice Chair, Business & Network At-Large Representative, has been involved in parallel Lexington Center, the Education Network, Career & Technical Director/Owner, SealingLife Technology; Education, Fayette County Public issues like business recruit- Kentucky Horse Park, Toyota Schools; Nancy Wiser, Vice Chair, ment and expansion, sanitary in Georgetown and merged Communications, President, Wiser sewers and other infrastruc- government a reality. If even Karen Hill, At-Large Representative, Strategies. ture and transportation one of those things doesn’t COO/Chief Nurse, Central Baptist issues, and improving the happen, then the Bluegrass Hospital; area’s quality of life. Region that we know today Members of the full Commerce It’s often said that to get would look vastly different. Jeri Isbell, Immediate Past Chair, Vice Lexington Inc. Board of Directors are where you want to go, you See “Chairman” on Page 28 President, Human Resources, Lexmark listed on Page 6 of this issue. have to first know where International Inc.; you’ve been. That sentiment

JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS FOCUS 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A Collaborative Effort of the Bluegrass Business Development Partnership (BBDP):

SUBMITTED BY: Gina Greathouse, Margaret Ridley, Kimberly Rossetti & Alaina Stephens, Commerce Lexington Inc. Economic Development Division

Commerce Lexington Inc. Economic Development Division 2012 Year in Review

Commerce Lexington Inc.’s economic development team had a very successful year in terms of announced jobs and capital investment through new locations and 2012 E.D. Goals expansions. This page features a summary of our 2012 results. To read more about GOAL ACTUAL the specific projects in 2012, visit www.locateinlexington.com/About-Us-News--- Notes.aspx. Our staff is looking forward to another successful year in 2013. Project Leads 130 131 Existing Business Visits 150 153 Site Visits 25 41

Types of Leads: 2012

2012 New & Expanding Business Report

ANNOUNCED COMPANY INVESTMENT JOBS SMC LLC $1,880,000 94 Triton Container International $375,000 18 Lexmark International, Inc. $20,000,000 Types of Locations: 2012 KD Analytical Consulting $897,800 15 CirrusMio, Inc. $200,000 10 Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky $31,900,000 86 Amazon.com $20,700,000 550 Big Ass Fans $8,000,000 150 Xact Communications $1,567,942 20 PremierTox $250,000 25 Nitto Denko $2,492,040 23 Bingham McCutchen $22,589,098 250 Birtley $10,000,000 50 Allylix Inc. $1,631,000 14 Webasto Roof Systems $10,009,426 65 SBIR Companies $4,907,000 50

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4 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

“Art of the Deal” Highlights Why Bingham McCutchen Chose Lexington

On December 5th, Commerce Lexington hosted a special event for our top investors titled the Art of the Deal – Why Bingham McCutchen Chose Lexington for its new Global Services Center. The event, which was held at the Black Box Theater downtown, fea- tured a panel of the project team, including Ms. Tracee Whitley, Chief Operating Officer, Bingham McCutchen, Mr. Mark Klender, Principal, Deloitte Consulting, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Ms. Gina Greathouse, Senior VP, Economic Development, Commerce Lexington Inc., and Mr. Bill Lear, Managing Director, Stoll Keenon Ogden, moderator. The panel delved into details on how and why Bingham chose Lexington from over 350 other cities. Investors were able to ask questions and network with the group afterward the event. Thank you to our sponsors of the event!

During a Top Investor Event on Dec. 5th at the Black Box Theater downtown, Bill Lear (Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC), far left, moderated a panel that included members of the project team that worked with Bingham McCutchen this year. The panel included (left to right) Mark Klender (Deloitte Consulting), Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Tracee Whitley (Bingham McCutchen), and Gina Greathouse (Commerce Venture Club’s Entrepreneurial Lexington Inc.). A reception was held after the event (shown below). Celebration is January 31, 2013 Please mark your calendar for Thursday, January 31, 2013, for the annual Lexington Venture Club Entrepreneurial Celebration entitled “Toast of the Town.” The event will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Toasted Barrel (517 West Main Street – across from Heritage Hall). Please join us to recognize start-up and early stage companies in the region who received investment in 2012. For more information, please contact Stacy Lackey at (859) 225- 5005 or [email protected].

JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS FOCUS 5 EVENTS

MAY 8 - 10, 2013 | OMAHA, NEBRASKA CLX Board of Directors Announced for 2013 Roszalyn M. Akins, Director, Black Honorable Jim Gray, Mayor, Lexington- Mike Price, GM - Human Resources, Register Now for 2013 Males Working Academy, First Baptist Fayette Urban County Government; Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Church Bracktown; Inc.; Omaha Leadership Visit Steve Grossman, Senior Vice President, Mike Ash, City President, Fifth Third J.J.B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons, LLC; Robert G. Riggs, Owner, Riggs Sales Bank; Service, Inc.; PRESENTED BY: Paula Hanson, Partner, Dean, Dorton, Tucker Ballinger, President, Forcht Allen, Ford PSC; Warren Rogers, President, W. Rogers Bank; Company; Tom Harris, VP, University Relations, Shelia Bayes, Owner, Shelia Bayes Fine University of Kentucky; Tom Shelton, Superintendent, Fayette Jewelers; County Public Schools; Connie Harvey, EVP & Group Commerce Lexington's annual Leadership Visit David Blackwell, Dean, University of President, Healthcare, Finance, Marcus Simpson, IT Consultant, Kentucky Gatton College of Business & Insurance, Xerox; Integrity IT; has helped expose Central Kentucky's leaders to Economics; the best ideas of model communities throughout Don Hellmann, President, Chase/ J.P. David Smith, Member, Stoll Keenon the United States, producing valuable lessons that Al Blevins, President, Lexington- Morgan; Odgen PLLC; Bluegrass Association of Realtors; have been applied to the improvement of the Bo Henry, Market President, Republic Scott R. Smith, Senior Consultant, Bluegrass Region. Mark your calendar to attend Jim Browder, President & CEO, Bank & Trust Company; Smith Management Group; the 2013 Commerce Lexington Inc. Leadership Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dr. Augusta A. Julian, College President Howard Stovall, Owner, Signs Now; Visit presented by CHASE/J.P. Morgan, May 8-10, & CEO, Bluegrass Community & 2013. Dr. Eli Capilouto, President, University Technical College; Nick Such, Partner, Awesome, Inc.; of Kentucky; The choice for 2013 is a city that may not be Mark Manuel, VP for Workforce & Harold Tate, Owner, Urban Toolbox “top of mind” for many people, but its top eco- Laura D’Angelo, Partner, Dinsmore; Institutional Development, Bluegrass Inc.; nomic rankings over the last few years caught our Community & Technical College; Greg Dixon, General Manager, Baker Lisa Underwood, Partner, Wyatt Tarrant attention. In fact, this city appears on several of Iron & Metal Co., Inc.; Heidi Matheys, VP, Global Brands, & Combs, LLP; the same lists for which Lexington has recently Ashland, Inc.; received recognition, such as Best Value Cities, Bill Farmer Jr., President & CEO, United George Ward, Executive Director, Way of the Bluegrass; Ann McBrayer, Owner, Kentucky Eagle, University of Kentucky Coldstream Best Cities for Young Professionals, Most Inc.; Research Campus; Business-Friendly Cities, and Best Places for Eric Frankl, Executive Director, Blue Grass Airport; Eli Mertens, Publisher, TravelHost of Yajaira Aich West, Vice President, Client Business and Careers. That’s why we’ve selected the Bluegrass; & Community Relations Director, PNC; OMAHA, NEBRASKA, as the site of the 2013 James Frazier, III, Managing Member, Leadership Visit. McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland, Gregory C. Mullins, Director, Blue & Dr. Owen Williams, President, PLLC; Co. LLC.; Transylvania University.

Vince Gabbert, VP, COO, Keeneland Cheryl Norton, President, Kentucky REGISTRATION FORM: Association; American Water; Members of the Commerce To download a 2013 Leadership Visit registration Lexington Inc. Executive form, visit www.commercelexington.com/events/ Linda Gorton, Vice-Mayor, Lexington- Porter “P.G.” Peeples Sr., President & Fayette Urban County Government; CEO, Urban League of Lexington; Board are listed on Page 3 of leadership_visit.aspx or for questions about the this issue. trip, contact Lynda Bebrowsky at (859) 226-1611 or [email protected].

6 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013

EVENTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 | 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. | COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. (330 EAST MAIN STREET) Resource Roundtable Helps You Get the Most Out of Your Membership

So you’ve recently become a member of PRESENTED BY: Commerce Lexington Inc. Now what? Or, maybe you just rejoined and are looking to get involved, or perhaps your company has been a long-time member, and you’d like to see what’s different. Well, now’s your chance to ask a ques- tion you’ve always wanted to ask or learn more about our many programs and events from our GOLD SPONSORS knowledgeable account executive team. RON ALLEN KELLY BATES KELLY HINTON DMD Data Systems Commerce Lexington Inc. account execu- TravelHost of the Bluegrass tives Ron Allen, Kelly Bates, and Kelly Hinton will be on hand to lead a discussion about getting the most out of your membership during the next FOOD SPONSOR ABOUT THE ROUNDTABLES: Business Resource Roundtable event presented by These events provide a topical presentation that is Sam’s Club NetGain Technologies on Tuesday, January 8, relevant to the success of small business owners Networking is from 3-3:30 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Commerce Lexington and business professionals. They also allow mem- Inc.’s first floor conference room. Come and learn bers the opportunity to discuss ideas, share best p.m., while the program about the organization’s valuable events and pro- practices, and work through challenges. runs from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. grams, as well as the many other things your business can utilize just by being a member. HOW TO REGISTER: The Roundtables are open to Commerce Lexington Inc. members at no charge. However, please register prior to the event by contacting Liz Bennett at (859) 226-1615 or lbennett@ CommerceLexington.com.

Winner’s Circle Program Surpasses Production Goal for Tenth Straight Year Led by 2012 Chairman Alan Stein, Commerce Lexington Inc.’s annual Winner’s Circle program wrapped up in December with a luncheon at Andover Golf and Country Club. For the tenth consecutive year, the program sur- passed its production goal and at press time had reached one of its highest totals in the history of the program at just over $653,000. The top three teams in terms of production for 2012 included Kentucky American Water/Windstream Communications, Central Bank & Trust Co., and Chase/J.P. Morgan. The top three individuals were Cheryl Eadens (Ambassadors team), Keith Preston (Central Bank & Trust Co.), and Teresa Haggard (Kentucky American Water/Windstream team). Winner’s Circle Chairman Alan Stein said, “I am so proud of what our volunteers accomplished in 2012. We began with our most aggressive goal in the program’s history, and they delivered. I can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work and dedication to the program. It truly makes a difference for Commerce Lexington Inc. and the community.”

8 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013 LEGISLATIVE FOCUS

2013 PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL CHAIR

For over 130 years, Commerce Lexington Inc. has been the leading advocate for the Central Kentucky business community. These continuing tough economic times pres- ent persistent challenges for the nearly 1,700 members of Commerce Lexington Inc. and our fellow Kentuckians throughout the Bluegrass Region.

Commerce Lexington's Public Policy Council will continue to serve Central Kentucky's business community by advocating for pro-business legislation at all levels of government, while maintaining the relationships with our elected federal, state and local officials and their staffs to keep Commerce Lexington engaged with key policy makers. We pledge to work together with our elected leaders to identify issues affecting the business community and reach the best solutions on behalf of our members. Many communities strive to create an image of being "business-friendly." In Central Kentucky, we strive to be a place where businesses have an opportunity to achieve BARRY MAYFIELD 2012 CHAIR maximum success. COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL Commerce Lexington's Public Policy Council will continue its efforts to bring the Bluegrass Region together to speak with one voice on those issues affecting business, EAST KENTUCKY POWER industry and education in Central Kentucky. The statements on the following pages COOPERATIVE, INC. address our positions on many of those issues. The Public Policy Council will work tire- lessly to protect the viability of our state's small businesses, as well as our Commonwealth's signature industries. Finally, we will continue to focus on educational attainment at all levels, which is essential to the success of our Commonwealth.

All of this would not be possible without you, our members from across Central Kentucky, who want to be engaged in the decision-making process and help form our unified effort. When we have spoken with one voice, we have achieved effective results for Central Kentucky. We look forward to working with our elected leaders at the federal, state and local level throughout the upcoming year.

COMMERCE LEXINGTON’S PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS Commerce Lexington's Public Policy Council is the ments are published annually in Commerce Lexington's bricks, mortar and labor that make the structure that is "Legislative Focus." Copies of the agenda are distributed to Commerce Lexington's Public Policy effort. The council all of Commerce Lexington's members, all 138 members of members and chair are all volunteers and represent a vari- the General Assembly and the Governor's Office. ety of non-profit, local government, large and small busi- In the heat of a Legislative Session, there are always nesses, education groups and utilities representing a broad important and timely legislative issues and bills that arise. spectrum of Commerce Lexington's 1,700 member compa- When the Public Policy Council is asked to weigh-in on leg- nies. The Council's Chairman is appointed annually by the islation, emergency meetings take place for the Council to Chair of the Board of Commerce Lexington. take up the legislation and create Commerce Lexington's The Public Policy Council meets monthly May through position. The position is then presented to the Executive December and establishes the agenda for Commerce Board for approval if time allows. Lexington for the upcoming session. During these meetings, the Council hears from a variety of groups, non-prof- To find out more about Commerce Lexington Inc.’s Public its and businesses that want to join Commerce Lexington Policy process, its positions or stances on specific issues, or in advocating for their positions in Frankfort and pieces of legislation being watched in government, contact Washington. Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc. After the Public Policy Council approves the policy state- at [email protected]. ment, the positions are then approved by Commerce Lexington's Executive Board. Once approved, the state- 10 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

An Evening in the Bluegrass Reception Mayors’ Panel: Kentucky Regional Tour Public Policy Luncheon

2012 COMMERCE LEXINGTON PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL

Barry Mayfield, 2012 Chair Eric Gregory David Royse East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. Kentucky Distillers Association Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC

Dennis Anderson Chad Harpole Ed Saunier Anderson Communities Kentucky Chamber of Commerce North American Van Lines

Bob Babbage Andy Haymaker Julie Schmidt Babbage CoFounder Haymaker Development Company Kentucky Education Television

Carla Blanton, 2013 Chair Stephen Hillenmeyer Scott Smith Carla Blanton Consulting Stephen Hillenmeyer Landscape Services Smith Management Group

Tony Bonner Jay Ingle David Switzer Dinsmore Jackson Kelly PLLC Kentucky Thoroughbred Association

Patrick Brewer Todd Johnson Judy Taylor Lexmark International, Inc. Homebuilders Association of Lexington Keeneland Association

Kim Bryant Mary Kreyenbuhl Darryl Thompson Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co. Fayette County Public Schools

Steve Byars Eric Lycan Jon Woodall University of Kentucky Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland, PLLC

J.D. Chaney Herb Miller Kentucky League of Cities Columbia Gas of Kentucky

Rick Christman David Moss ADDITIONAL COPIES OF Employment Solutions Inc. Kentucky Coal Association THESE STATEMENTS: The 2013 Public Policy Statements Greg Dixon Rob Mudd Baker Iron & Metal Co. Laboratory and BioDiagnostics, LLC (LabDx) brochure is published by Commerce Lexington Inc. (330 East Main Street, Bill Emrick Stewart Perry Suite 100, Lexington, KY 40507). Ferrari & Fogle Perry and Perry/State Farm Insurance Additional copies of this brochure are available at the Commerce Lexington Inc. David Freibert Robert Riggs offices, or the document can be down- Kentucky Utilities Co. - LG&E Riggs Sales Service, Inc. loaded on-line at www.Commerce Lexington.com > PUBLIC POLICY.

11 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

EDUCATION

Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that education is one of the most important func- tions of government, and therefore urges policymakers to make fully-funded public primary and postsecondary education a top priority. Increases in educational attainment at all levels enhance the social fabric and quality of life in our community. Continuous learning positively impacts the lives of individuals while laying the groundwork for enhanced business productivity and economic activity, which benefits all our citizens.

CREATING & MAINTAINING PARENTAL & COMMUNITY SCHOOL LEADERS INVOLVEMENT

Commerce Lexington Inc. fully supports all efforts that help Recognizing that not all children have an effective adult advocate, but increase student achievement through training for well-prepared that parental and community involvement is a critical component to school superintendents, principals and teachers. academic achievement, Commerce Lexington Inc. backs innovative Superintendents must have the authority to make or participate approaches to facilitate collaboration toward common goals. in critical personnel decisions in schools; particularly, in persist- Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the efforts of the One ently low performing schools. Basic leadership skills and ongoing Community, One Voice Achievement and Closing the Gap professional development are critical leadership attributes for Community Committee. Their inclusive efforts to identify measura- principals to become effective leaders within our schools ble goals and accountability strategies will help move the Fayette statewide. Teachers must be held accountable for instructional County Public School district towards closing the achievement gap strategies and practices that yield student achievement results in among all students, while raising overall student achievement. the classroom through formative, summative, and end of course exams (EOC). We must look at competitive pay for our teachers, including innovative forms of differentiated compensation which SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION would reward teachers based on performance and the achievement levels of students. OF SB 1 (2009) / COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS QUALITY EDUCATION Included in these initiatives is a mandate for the Kentucky Council on INVESTMENTS Postsecondary Education (CPE), the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE), and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to develop Commerce Lexington Inc. supports quality investments in a unified strategy to reduce college remediation rates of recent high our children’s education and opposes the General Assembly school graduates by at least fifty percent by 2014 from the rates in using local school district’s reserve funds to balance the 2010, and to increase the college completion rates of students State Level General Fund. Commerce Lexington Inc. fully enrolled in one or more remedial classes by three percent annually supports any and all investment in early childhood education from 2009 to 2014. including mandatory preschool and an equitable, full-day kindergarten program statewide. Commerce Lexington Four key strategies have been identified to promote college and opposes any legislation having public education funding career readiness and degree completion: transferred to private institutions. Commerce Lexington sup- r ports the General Assembly increasing the number of school Accelerated Learning Opportunities (focusing on the expansion of days closer to the national average of 180 days, and the inter- AP/IB access and dual credit opportunities). r national average of 193 days. Commerce Lexington opposes Secondary Intervention Programs (focusing on the development the state mandating a local school districts calendar. of transitional coursework). r Commerce Lexington fully supports the lifelong educational College and Career Readiness Advising (focusing on the full imple- programming and work KET delivers to schools and the pub- mentation of the Individual Learning Plan and comprehensive advis- lic. Through technology, KET provides access, equity, and ing programs). r quality educational resources focused on student achieve- Postsecondary College Persistence and Degree Completion (focus- ment and teacher preparedness. In addition, KET plays a key ing on bridge programming, accelerated learning opportunities, and role in assisting Kentuckians with less than a high school student support and intervention systems). 12 educations receive their GED. 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

The Commonwealth of Kentucky recognized in 1997 that states with Top 20 public research universities have healthier, more prosperous citizens. Commerce Lexington Inc. recognizes the role that UK plays in education, health care and economic development for Lexington and all of Kentucky. One of Commerce Lexington’s priorities is supporting UK as it strives to attain Top 20 status and it encourages the General Assembly to adequately fund UK’s base appropriation that supports its teachers and students. Commerce Lexington Inc. also recognizes the important role that the other public and private institutions of higher learning play in Central Kentucky and we urge the inclusion of independent institutions in cooperative postsecondary edu- ENHANCE cation programs with their public counterparts. TECHNICAL SKILLS COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH TRAINING

Commerce Lexington Inc. supports investments in the research capacity of the Having a highly educated and capable University of Kentucky for building and enhancing the laboratory, office and class- workforce is critical in attracting busi- room facilities needed to attract and house top-flight faculty and researchers. nesses to the region and keeping workers Commerce Lexington supports the Research Challenge Trust Fund ("Bucks for skills up-to-date to retain business and Brains") and applauds the General Assembly who provided the universities added industry. Many Central Kentuckians need flexibility to use state and matching funds to build research space for cutting edge access to skills training including incum- laboratories and equipment. Commerce Lexington Inc. also encourages the General bent workers, those seeking jobs or Assembly to make additional appropriations for research at the state’s research uni- updated skills, and high school students versities. planning for careers. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the Kentucky Community College and Technical System (KCTCS) and Bluegrass Community and UNIVERSITY CAPITAL Technical College which serves the Central Kentucky region. Additionally, it is UK has the oldest campus among the public universities in the Commonwealth and, critical that high school students who as a result, has tremendous need to improve student residences, add more effective choose the technical training career path learning space and increase and modernize research capacity. These facilities will have access to grants and other financial help UK recruit, retain and graduate more students while adding to the University’s assistance. service to the Commonwealth. Commerce Lexington supports capital from the state for new classroom and research space, in partnership with UK when appropriate, and granting authority to construct new student residences financed by the University. In addition, Commerce Lexington Inc. supports giving Kentucky's universities and col- leges the maximum amount of flexibility to develop their capital infrastructures. This includes giving postsecondary institutions the ability to get legislative approval for capital projects as needs arise, not just through the budget process.

13 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

EDUCATION

CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT OF BCTC NEWTOWN CAMPUS

Current college facilities are filled to capacity with little opportunity to increase enroll- ments. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the continued development of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Newtown Campus, to support increasing access to higher education in the region. A 100,000 square foot facility is part of phase two construction. It is expected to house nursing and allied health classrooms and labs, science FAYETTE CO. and mathematics classrooms and labs, and support areas. Funds will be used for schematic design, the integration of current buildings into the college, and new construc- PUBLIC SCHOOLS tion. An agreement has been reached with the state Heritage Council to retain a portion of the historic structures on the current site. The KCTCS six-year plan includes a request 2020 VISION in the 2012-2014 biennium for funding the construction of this project with a total scope of $45 million. This facility is needed in order to begin the transfer of programs from the Cooper Campus on the University of Kentucky's campus to the Newtown Campus. Commerce Lexington Inc. is encouraged by and supports the Fayette County Public Schools 2020 Vision project and its goal of enhancing the quality of education in BCTC ADVANCED Fayette County. This ambitious long term project began by bringing the community MANUFACTURING FACILITY together to determine the best ways to help all children reach the highest levels of learn- Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the proposed BCTC Advanced Manufacturing ing through recommendations and imple- Facility to be located in the Lane’s End Business Park in Georgetown/Scott County. mentation of suggestions that will trans- This project was included in the 2006 Kentucky state budget authorization for design form all aspects of our public schools and site acquisition only in the amount of $1,500,000. This facility calls for the con- through an examination of the barriers chil- struction of an 80,000 square foot manufacturing technology learning center target- dren face in learning at all levels and mini- ed to automotive and other manufacturing industries. The new facility will provide mizing or eliminating them. customized training for all of the automotive-based manufacturing companies located in Central Kentucky and across the Commonwealth. BCTC will partner with Scott County Schools and regional industries to offer education in multiple manufacturing career pathways. In addition, the center will provide the opportunity for BCTC to STEM CRITICAL expand traditional academic certificate, diploma, and degree programs to the region. TO COMPETE Programs to be offered in the new facility include training for: r Automation systems: industrial maintenance, industrial electronics, PLCs, indus- Commerce Lexington Inc. believes Kentucky trial electricity, robotics, mechanical drives, fluid power, machining and CNC machin- students should be challenged at all educa- ing, welding, and tool & die. r Assembly systems: welding, painting, assembly, stamping, & plastics processes. tional levels and provided the instruction they r need to succeed in the new global economy. Manufacturing systems/lean manufacturing: quality, safety, problem solving and trouble shooting, communications, teamwork, lean process design. Improving academic achievement of all stu- r dents can be done by encouraging rigorous Industrial and manufacturing engineering technology: CAD, new process/new and relevant courses and experiences. model technicians, 3-D simulation, computer information systems, and information Critical to Kentucky’s ability to compete in the technology. global economy is a commitment to increasing the focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in our schools. Secondary career and technical education programs, comprised of project-based learning, should also be fully utilized to fur- ther this goal. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports legislative and local district efforts to increase graduates in these disciplines to 14 meet the ever-growing needs of employers. 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

EDUCATION

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Having a highly educated and capable workforce is critical in attracting and retaining businesses to Central Kentucky. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the Kentucky Community College and Technical System (KCTCS) and its Central Kentucky affiliate, Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Additionally, it is critical that high school students who choose the technical training career path have access to grants and other financial assistance.

Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that distinguishing our workforce as skilled and educat- FINANCIAL ed is an asset that positively impacts our region’s ability to attract, retain and expand businesses. Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that students at all grade levels must be LITERACY engaged and be prepared to succeed in the workplace or higher education. It is critical to understand current and future workforce needs of the region to be able to strategically Commerce Lexington supports the address those needs. Commerce Lexington Inc. encourages the legislature to review and, inclusion of “Financial Literacy” educa- if needed, amend the existing workforce development training programs; ensure that they tion in Central Kentucky’s school class- are appropriately funded and that resources are properly allocated among the programs, rooms. This training can be achieved with the flexibility to meet the workforce needs of the business community. through traditional curriculum development or through private-public initiatives such as Junior Achievement’s ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY partnership with the Fayette County Public Schools. Financial literacy pro- Commerce Lexington Inc. fully supports the development of effective public/private part- grams introduce students to important nerships focused on addressing the adult literacy problem in central Kentucky and believes life skills and concepts such as budget- that making adult literacy a priority investment across the state, as well as a public policy ing, banking, understanding the differ- priority for central Kentucky, is critical. ence between debit and credit cards, using credit responsibly and financial r Identify adults who fall into this category. planning, as well as investments such r Actively encourage individuals to participate in adult education and literacy programs. as stocks, bonds and other securities. r Take deliberate steps to provide easier access to available programs. In addition to providing students with r Support fully-funding the Bluegrass State Skills Program and adding more flexibility for a skill set essential for a successful eligible adults. future, Commerce Lexington believes that financial literacy education in our Commerce Lexington Inc. also supports expanding the amount of financial aid opportuni- schools is imperative to training a ties available for working adults who need assistance for technical training and postsec- future workforce that is an attractive ondary education. local resource for new business and economic development. CONTINUOUS LIFE-LONG LEARNING

To remain competitive businesses must continuously improve their processes and products. Employees must embrace the same principle as it relates to life-long learning and skills upgrades. While incentives are commonly offered to businesses willing to locate or expand in the Commonwealth, Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that additional funding of flexible training incentives will help address business specific needs. We encourage the legislature to consider incentives that encourage employees to upgrade skills. A well-educated and skilled workforce should become another incentive for companies to make investments in the Commonwealth.

15 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

HEALTH CARE MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL HEALTH CARE REFORM

Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that both business owners and employers should have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their employees quality affordable health insurance available from the private market, not government. However, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) passed by Congress last year created a great deal of uncertainty for employers. The effect of PPACA will not be completely realized until federal regulations have been finalized and REDUCE implemented over the next few years. Commerce Lexington Inc. remains concerned that employers that have previously provided voluntary health insurance coverage for their employees will now SMOKING face mandated levels of health insurance coverage as well as increased taxes and penalties, Therefore, Commerce Lexington Inc. is committed to monitoring the implementation of the Kentucky continuously leads the nation in PPACA and will continue to provide input to our federal and state policymakers in an effort to adult smoking rates and is second among ensure that employers can provide quality affordable health insurance coverage to their employees high school and middle school students. without being continually overburdened with federal regulations and penalties. The smoking related loss of economic productivity is over $2 billion dollars annually in Kentucky alone. Commerce Lexington fully supports raising Kentucky’s cigarette EFFECTIVELY COMBAT DRUG tax to be more in-line with the national average. Additionally, steps and programs AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE should be implemented by the General Assembly to stop Kentucky Medicaid Commerce Lexington Inc. acknowledges the need to address Kentucky’s rising prescription drug patients from smoking. and methamphetamine abuse problem. Both private and public sector leaders realize the negative effect of drug and substance abuse on their employees and citizens, particularly in terms of rising health care costs and lost production in Kentucky’s workforce. According to the Kentucky HEALTH CARE Office of Drug Control Policy, lost productivity, health care costs and drug-related crimes associated with illegal drug abuse cost the state of Kentucky $2.5 to $3.6 billion annually. PROFESSIONALS The severity of both prescription drug abuse and illegal methamphetamine production cannot be overstated. Commerce Lexington Inc. supported the provisions of HB 1 passed during the 2012 Many areas of Kentucky are underserved by Special Session, otherwise known as the “pill mill” bill and will continue to monitor the imple- health care professionals, which contribute to mentation of the legislation. Commerce Lexington will seek to provide input as necessary with poor access and higher medical costs for our members of the Kentucky General Assembly in order to ensure that unscrupulous physicians and citizens. Commerce Lexington encourages “pill mills” are held accountable for their actions. the General Assembly to initiate programs and funding to encourage medical professionals to serve both the rural and inter-city areas which may appear less desirable. HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Commerce Lexington Inc. supports legislation that provides tax credits and incentives to employ- MEDICAL ers for creating health and wellness programs for their employees. Kentucky’s population consis- tently ranks near the top of the list among the states for overall poor health indicators. Poor health MALPRACTICE among Kentuckians is a drain on the state’s resources, leading to increased health care costs for employers and employees, as well as leading to increased utilization of health care services among Commerce Lexington Inc. will support effec- the state’s Medicaid recipients. Health and wellness programs offer employers the opportunity to tive measures to address the escalating address the culture of poor health in the Commonwealth by promoting preventive health care as costs of medical malpractice insurance for well as educating and encouraging healthy lifestyles among their employees. Health and wellness health providers, which has contributed to programs often serve as an effective health care cost containment measure and serve to promote higher health care costs, higher health insur- personal responsibility among employees for their own health outcomes. Commerce Lexington ance premiums, and continues to create the Inc. will continue to support programs and policies that incentivize companies to educate and pro- potential for reduced access to care. mote health and wellness for their employees. 16 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Across the nation companies– including those in Central Kentucky – are taking positive measures to make their operations more efficient, which has led to a reduction in carbon emissions. They have also implemented voluntary pollution controls and pollution preven- tion programs because it’s good for the environment and financially good for business. Despite these voluntary measures, the most immediate threat to Kentucky’s business climate is the pending energy legislation and regulatory obstacles that place an undue burden on states, like Kentucky, that rely heavily on coal-fired generation plants for electricity. These proposals do not incentivize companies for going above and beyond regulations, nor reward companies who have already implemented positive best management practices to help the environment.

In addition, these proposals cause a serious negative impact to Kentucky’s coal, manufacturing, and chemical industries as well as a negative impact on our residents. For years, Kentucky’s coal industry has provided the Commonwealth with low cost electricity and attracted dozens of energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminum, automobile and other manufacturing facilities that employ tens of thousands of Kentuckians. Kentucky’s coal industry drives a significant portion of the Commonwealth’s state and local tax base and provides tax dollars across Kentucky for infrastructure projects such as roads and water/sewer projects through coal severance taxes.

ENERGY POLICY

Commerce Lexington Inc. supports efforts to: r Diversify utility portfolios through voluntary renewable energy r Maintain the production of affordable, reliable energy. programs such as landfill gas, biomass, wind, hydro and solar, if r Protect the viability of Kentucky’s coal industry – including pre- possible. serving the direct and indirect jobs that the industry provides r Develop and continue partnerships among the private sector, statewide. agriculture community, universities and the Commonwealth. r Encourage conservation and energy efficiency programs to r Encourage and secure research grants and opportunities for reduce electricity usage. our state’s postsecondary institutions to develop technology and r Provide incentives for clean-coal investments and alternative infrastructure needed for alternative fuels and energy. energy sources. r Assist Kentucky’s utilities and mitigate price volatility for our r Provide tax credits or equivalents for carbon capture and dis- families and businesses. posal by companies. r Encourage the production and use of reliable and less carbon r Support increased funding for research, development and uti- intensive energy fuels, like natural gas, that are of abundant sup- lization of new technologies to reduce emissions, particularly car- ply in North America. bon dioxide (CO2). r Remove the state moratorium on the consideration of nuclear power plants to encourage market-based energy production.

UNFUNDED MANDATES / AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS

Commerce Lexington opposes unfunded mandates trickling down r These financial analyses should be conducted by people with expe- from federal and state agencies that impact local governments with- rience in developing financial impacts before the solution is finalized. out regard to the affordability of the mandates, and the ability of a local community, its businesses and taxpayers’ to absorb the costs. r If it is determined that the entity cannot reasonably afford the solu- Commerce Lexington will advocate for regulatory reform efforts at all tion required by the state or federal agency, then the state should be levels of government to address the problems associated with required to assist the entity in developing an alternate financial plan. unfunded regulatory mandates. These efforts should include, but not be limited to the following: Commerce Lexington opposes efforts at a local and state level to be more stringent than federal regulatory guidelines. Commerce r Agencies should be asked to demonstrate the economic impact to Lexington supports the use of a waiver of fines for Notice of Violation businesses and local communities of implementing new regulations. (NOV) first time offenders and placing reasonable time limits on punitive action following the issuance of NOVs by state agencies. r Consent Decrees or other legal or administrative requirements Commerce Lexington supports a process where the General should take into account and publically demonstrate the ability of Assembly must review and approve any changes to new General local governments, quasi-governmental agencies, schools and busi- Permits being proposed by state agencies. Our organization also nesses ability to afford the alternatives demanded by the state and/or supports legislative review for Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) EPA. on our streams developed by the state or USEPA. 17 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

PROMOTE A SENSIBLE REGULATORY APPROACH

Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the efforts of the state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth through a fair and consistent non- discriminatory regulatory process that ensures both the health and welfare of the public as well as the economic viability of the state’s private sector workforce. Commerce Lexington opposes any legislation or regulations that would serve to increase the state’s electricity rates at an accelerated pace and place Kentucky’s businesses at an economic disadvantage CENTRAL KY. in the global marketplace. WATER SUPPLY Commerce Lexington continues to oppose U.S. EPA’s attempts to overstep its regulatory oversight role and impose an extraordinary number of federal mandates that will undoubt- edly have a significant negative impact on the business community. USEPA should not be Commerce Lexington Inc. supports an permitted to circumvent its own federal rulemaking process in an attempt to establish new efficient, equitable and sufficient water overly stringent regulatory standards that will adversely impact every citizen, business, supply for the entire region. Commerce agency and economy in the state. Lexington supports investments in maintenance and upgrades on the lock and dam systems of the Kentucky River to enhance and conserve our region’s pri- LAND USE PLANNING mary water supply. Commerce Lexington also supports interconnectivity agree- Commerce Lexington opposes statewide, prescriptive attempts to shape local land use and ments among municipalities throughout development contrary to community established needs and priorities. Commerce Lexington Inc. Central Kentucky. believes it is imperative for regional communities to voluntarily collaborate and coordinate regional planning efforts with regard to natural resources, housing, utilities, economic development and transportation. Commerce Lexington Inc. encourages communities to develop comprehensive plans that bal- ENVIRONMENTAL ance the need for housing while protecting agriculture industries and natural resources. STREAMLINING Affordability of housing is not just an issue for low income central Kentuckians: availability and affordability of housing is an issue of concern for expanding and relocating companies. As we plan for continued growth and development, we must evaluate the impact each decision has on Implementation of infrastructure projects is our ability to develop and maintain housing options within the reach of all our citizens. critical for community development. Oftentimes these public projects are subject Commerce Lexington strongly supports the use of Brownfield Redevelopment in communities to requirements for review of environmental through the use of the Voluntary Environmental Remediation Program (VERP). This program impacts in accordance with the federal should be expanded to allow tax incentives, low interest loans or grants or other federal and state National Environmental Policy Act. matching funds for those committed to redeveloping the state’s Brownfield sites. Although such impacts can and should be considered, the process for evaluation of, and challenges to, infrastructure projects on SOLID WASTE that basis must be streamlined in order to assure that important public infrastructure The management of solid waste is a local responsibility and existing law allows local gov- projects are not victims of procedural ernments the necessary flexibility to develop a solid waste disposal strategy unique to the maneuvering and unnecessary delay. needs and expectations of their individual communities. Commerce Lexington Inc. urges enhanced enforcement and education to address illegal dumping and littering. We sup- Commerce Lexington supports legislative port programs such as Eastern Kentucky PRIDE and Bluegrass PRIDE that encourage and efforts that: assist citizens, local governments and schools to clean up illegal trash dumps and other r Require concurrent review of documents. solid waste problems as well as promoting environmental awareness and education. r Require full disclosure of funding from Education remains a critical component in changing the habits and attitudes of individu- those either for or against a particular issue. als across Kentucky. We also support programs that educate Kentuckians on the benefits r Recognize the need to restore balance to of recycling, programs that make recycling more convenient, and strategies that develop the process of public need and environmen- and enhance market demand for recycled materials. Commerce Lexington Inc. believes tal stewardship. that this type of multi-faceted strategy will have a more significant, long-term impact in 18 addressing the need for Kentucky to embrace recycling. 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

HUMAN RESOURCES & LABOR

Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that people are the driving force of business. Productivity and creativity dictate the success of individual businesses and therefore our economy as a whole. Public policy options should be about creating and sustain- ing an environment that encourages maximum flexibility to reward excellence and encourage innovation in human resource management. Policies that tend to foster one-size-fits-all approaches, or that intentionally or unintentionally create “us vs. them” environments in the workplace are not conducive to businesses’ goal of excel- lent employee relations and communications.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS RIGHT TO

Commerce Lexington Inc. was supportive of and encouraged by the 2008 Special Session, WORK which addressed Public Employee Pensions and Healthcare. Commerce Lexington believes the current Task Force on Kentucky’s public pension system represents another Commerce Lexington Inc. believes every opportunity to make sustainable changes to the commonwealth’s pension system in the worker is both capable of, and entitled to, 2013 session of the Kentucky General Assembly. We would like to encourage the General making his or her own determination Assembly to implement the following changes in order to address the unfunded pension regarding union membership. The decision liability in the Kentucky Employee Retirement System (KERS), County Employee not to affiliate with a labor union should be Retirement System (CERS), and Lexington’s Police & Fire Pension Fund: no less deserving of protection than the freedom to affiliate with a union. We sup- -> Adopt a Defined Contribution/ Hybrid Plan: Move to a defined contribution plan/hybrid port legislation to prohibit requiring any plan for new employees. Private sector employers moved away from defined-benefit plans worker to join a union as a condition of due to the lack of sustainability in these pension plans. A defined contribution plan would employment. reflect the benefits offered to most employees in the private sector. A hybrid contribution plan was identified by The Pew Center as a promising approach that had been adopted by at least five other states. Either approach offers a more sustainable public employee pen- PREVAILING sion system than the current defined-benefit plan. WAGE -> Continue to Reduce Public Employee Health Care Costs: The General Assembly should continue to focus on reducing public employee health insurance costs. The 2010 General Commerce Lexington Inc. supports legisla- Assembly should be commended for taking this approach, which offers additional savings tion to repeal mandatory prevailing wage in by reducing costs for current employees and retirees. Public employee health insurance the Commonwealth. The result would be constitutes 55% of total pension costs, and asking employees and retirees to contribute reduced costs and increased capacity for more to their health insurance would offer significant savings. public works, benefiting employers, employees and taxpayers alike. At a mini- -> Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Reform: The Kentucky General Assembly should con- mum, prevailing wage requirements sider eliminating COLAs until the public employee pension system reaches an actuarially should be eliminated for the construction sound 80 percent funding level. In the event the Kentucky General Assembly wishes to of schools and other educational facilities. continue the practice of giving an annual COLA benefit, employees should be asked to pre- fund COLAs through increased contributions, and retirees should be given a payment option that provides an annual COLA. WAGE MANDATES -> Include Lexington’s Police and Fire Pension Fund in Pension Reform: Lexington is the only city in the commonwealth to oversee its own pension fund for hazardous duty work- Commerce Lexington Inc. supports gov- ers. Currently, Lexington’s Police and Fire Pension Fund face an unfunded pension liabil- ernment efforts to find balanced, long- ity of more than $260 million, which does not include more than $100 million in outstand- term solutions to the problems con- ing pension bond debt or more than $200 million in unfunded liability for medical bene- fronted by our community. We do not fits. Commerce Lexington would like to urge the General Assembly to include Lexington’s support shortsighted reactions, such as Police and Fire Pension Fund in any changes it makes to KERS and CERS in an effort to private sector wage mandates that address the growing unfunded pension liability facing Lexington-Fayette Urban County exceed state or federal guidelines. Government (LFUCG). Commerce Lexington also strongly recommends the Kentucky General Assembly pass amending language in statute that would return authority over the Lexington police and fire pension fund back to LFUCG. 19 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

HUMAN RESOURCES & LABOR OPPOSE “CARD CHECK”

Recently proposed regulations by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have sought to bypass Congress in order to achieve the goals of the misnamed “Employee Free Choice Act” by promoting “micro unions” and denying employees an informed choice about union representation. More specifically, the proposed new rules would limit the ability of employers to exercise their free speech rights and give them less time to educate employees about unionizing efforts. Commerce Lexington Inc. continues to encourage our congressional delegation to support riders to the Labor HHS REVISION OF Appropriations Bill: r To stop the NLRB from moving forward with a final rule on Ambush elections. STATUTE OF r To stop the NLRB from changing the standard for bargaining unit composition by permitting "micro-unions," as it has proposed in its invitation for briefs in the Specialty Healthcare case. LIMITATIONS LAW r To stop the DOL's Office of Labor Management Standards from moving forward with its proposal to change the advice exemption in the "persuader" rules - otherwise known as Commerce Lexington Inc. recognizes DOL's Gag Rule. Kentucky's five-year time period on employee wrongful termination or discrimination law- suits places an undue requirement on PUBLIC EMPLOYEE employers. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports changes to Kentucky’s statute that COLLECTIVE BARGAINING would make all employment discharge and discrimination type actions more uniform with federal guidelines while still protecting Commerce Lexington Inc. strongly opposes public employee collective bargaining. Public employees and employers. employees are afforded significant benefits, job protections, and established rank and pay scales – and the adjustment or alteration of them are decisions that can currently be made as a matter of public policy. IMMIGRATION UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Commerce Lexington Inc. supports a comprehensive immigration reform package TRUST FUND which includes modernizations to the guest worker program which addresses the needs Commerce Lexington Inc. believes that the integrity of the unemployment insurance trust fund of all Kentucky's work places. should be maintained. We oppose efforts to utilize the fund in ways that are contrary to its orig- inal purpose of providing unemployment insurance to temporarily displaced workers. Commerce Lexington Inc. was among several employer groups that supported the reforms SAFER to the state’s unemployment insurance system during the 2010 special session, and the effort to address repaying the interest on the loans to the federal government during the WORKPLACES 2012 session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Commerce Lexington Inc. will continue to monitor the implementation of the reforms to the state’s UI System. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports allowing employers to share factual and documented information about past employees, without WORKERS' COMPENSATION subjecting themselves to undue liability, when providing references to inquiring Commerce Lexington Inc. supports a workers’ compensation statute that offers clear and employers during the hiring process. We objective definitions of injury and disability, uses objective medical findings of impairment for also support legislation to allow employers awards, continues the reduction of litigation, and encourages retraining and education, to to help fight illegal drug use in the workplace. return to work at a different position at a comparable rate, while abating growing costs for Commerce Lexington Inc. opposes any central Kentucky employers. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports any legislative or regulato- expansion in the current concealed/carry ry measure that will help control Kentucky’s rising medical and prescription drug costs in laws that would allow employees to bring workers’ compensation cases without disrupting needed services to injured workers. deadly weapons into the workplace. 20 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

TAX POLICY

Commerce Lexington Inc. recognizes that in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, promoting long-term economic development and job growth must be a top priority when revenue options are being considered. Tax policy at all levels of government must be guided by a well-researched, balanced approach that provides for necessary public investments and expenditures, while avoiding policies that could serve as disincentives to economic growth and private sector employment and investment. State and local tax code changes should recognize and encourage long-term future growth, and provide sufficient revenue options so that local governments are able to tailor their tax policy to local condi- tions. Commerce Lexington encourages lawmakers to monitor the impact of Kentucky’s tax code on the private sector and to take action when necessary to ensure Kentucky remains competitive with its surrounding states. As the Kentucky General Assembly con- templates comprehensive tax reform, Commerce Lexington Inc. will evaluate any and all FEE INCREASES tax proposals by using the following criteria: THROUGH r Effectiveness: Tax policies should be reviewed to examine their intended and unintend- ed impacts with other laws. Laws that are contrary in intentions should be corrected, just REGULATIONS as laws that are more burdensome than intended should be repealed or scaled back. r Competitiveness: state and local tax policy must create a positive climate that encourages business investment and job growth. State and local governments must look at r Revenue sufficiency: Tax policy should provide sufficient revenues overall to fund criti- each agency fee increase proposals care- cal priorities and mandated expenditures. fully and examine the fee increase based r Predictability and stability: Sources of tax revenue should be relatively predictable and on need and the rate of inflation since the stable over time. fee was last raised. No fee should be r Equity: The tax policy should be progressive, and not discourage economic activity, increased without a clear appropriation or employment, or wage growth. approval from the General Assembly, r Compliance and Administration: Any tax policy approach must be designed to facilitate Executive Branch or Urban County compliance and efficient administration. Council to the agency for what the fee increase was expressly intended. GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY

Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the efforts of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to ENTREPRENEURIAL concentrate on the need for government modernization highlighted in its Leaky Bucket report. Commerce Lexington Inc. will continue to call for the state of Kentucky to focus on INVESTMENT spending reforms in the areas of public employee health benefits, the public employee pension system, corrections and Medicaid. The Kentucky General Assembly should be commended for passing landmark legislation in the area of corrections reform that will Commerce Lexington Inc. supported the save taxpayers millions of dollars in the coming years. Commerce Lexington Inc. would 2006 Tax Modernization by the General like to encourage the Kentucky General Assembly to continue to aggressively pursue Assembly. However, the creation of the spending reforms highlighted in the Leaky Bucket report. Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) and the lack of ability to offset pass-through credits against tax on income from other businesses and other years have become ALCOHOL TAXES problematic. Commerce Lexington Inc. supports efforts to adjust the tax code to Commerce Lexington Inc. believes Kentucky must examine the manner in which the state encourage entrepreneurial investment in taxes distilled spirits, beer and wine. Kentucky has one of the Top 5 tax rates on alcohol the Commonwealth. sales in the US, higher than all contiguous states except Tennessee. The Kentucky General Assembly should consider rolling back the wholesale tax on alcohol sales in order to make the Commonwealth’s distilled spirit and alcoholic beverage industry more competitive with surrounding states.

21 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

Commerce Lexington Inc. fully supports the development of new incentives to help Kentucky’s small businesses grow and prosper in today’s global economy. We support new strategies to increase jobs by attracting companies to Kentucky. We advocate a regional approach to economic development planning and problem solving. We work closely with local governments and community organizations across Central Kentucky to develop a common vision for the prosperity of our region.

BLUEGRASS BUSINESS AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Kentucky’s sales tax on equine products put Established in 2007, Commerce Lexington Inc. continues to support its partnership our region and the Commonwealth at a dis- between the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, the University of Kentucky and advantage with competitor states. the Kentucky Small Business Development Center in an effort to encourage economic Commerce Lexington Inc. supports efforts development, investment and job growth in Central Kentucky. Since its inception the to eliminate this competitive disadvantage. Bluegrass Business Development Partnership has been a one-stop shop for the economic Commerce Lexington also supports the development needs of its clients. This program has served nearly 6,000 clients and equine industry’s efforts to address the announced the creation of 5,300 new jobs and over $382,000,000 in capital investment. health, welfare and safety of the thoroughbred racing industry as well as other equestrian sports. BLUEGRASS ECONOMIC TIF (TAX ADVANCEMENT MOVEMENT INCREMENTAL Commerce Lexington Inc. fully supports the collaboration between the Lexington-Fayette FINANCING) Urban County Government and Louisville Metro Government in their development of a regional business plan focusing on advanced manufacturing. Commerce Lexington Inc. CHANGES will continue to work with public and private sector leaders throughout the “Super Region” in order to leverage the region’s assets in an effort to improve the manufacturing industry and create new jobs throughout the Commonwealth. Commerce Lexington Inc. strongly supports and encourages the use of Tax Increment Financing for certain projects and infrastructure improvements. Commerce Lexington FREE TRADE Inc. supports continuous improvements to state TIF laws to help improve and maximize the potential of development opportunities International trade in goods and services accounts for nearly a third of the country’s GDP. created by a local government’s creation of Kentucky has established itself as a major exporter in a broad range of industries - from TIF Zones. manufacturing to agriculture, as well as an attractive location for foreign investments. More than 3,200 Kentucky companies now sell products overseas. Over 76% of these businesses are small- and medium-sized enterprises accounting for nearly $15 billion in annu- CONDEMNATION al export sales. These exports directly support 90,000 jobs in Kentucky, with tens of thousands more indirectly supported by exports. Commerce Lexington Inc. urges elected officials to support free trade agreements that open new markets and create new opportuni- Commerce Lexington Inc. is opposed to ties for businesses and workers in our region. government acquisition of privately owned businesses through condemnation for the purpose of operating the business.

22 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PROTECTING KENTUCKY'S SIGNATURE INDUSTRIES

EQUINE Thousands of acres of horse farms, world class venues such as Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park, and many horse related organizations’ national headquarters including the United States Equestrian Federation, earn Kentucky the title of Horse Capital of the World. Because of the substantial economic impact the equine industry has on our region LEXINGTON as well as the state, Commerce Lexington Inc. fully supports programs and initiatives to protect and enhance the future growth of the equine industry. These programs include DOWNTOWN alternative gaming at racetracks, innovative tax approaches, purse increases, increased funding for breeder incentive programs, appropriate funding to maintain the quality of the DEVELOPMENT Kentucky Horse Park, and other assistance to allow the equine industry to remain competitive. Over a decade ago, Commerce Lexington became the first Chamber to support alter- Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the native gaming at Kentucky’s racetracks to help protect our horse industry – this is a prior- mission of the Lexington Downtown ity we are proud to continue to support. Development Authority to enhance the relationship between the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods and to BOURBON attract more residents and business Kentucky is home to 95 percent of the world’s bourbon whiskey production and has more downtown, resulting in more citizens liv- than 19 distilling establishments within the state that employs 3,200 Kentuckians and ing and working in downtown. results in over 9,800 indirect jobs for our state’s economy. Kentucky’s bourbon industry Commerce Lexington fully supports annually exports more than $1.5 billion in products to more than 126 countries. Despite incentives and programs designed to being a signature industry, Kentucky has the third highest effective tax rate on distilled spir- increase the access and amount of public its in U.S. open market states. Commerce Lexington is proud to support Kentucky’s bour- art throughout the entire community. bon industry and will continue to advocate for policies and legislation that will allow the bourbon industry to retain its competitive advantage in the global market place, including supporting tax policies and incentives that will alleviate the overwhelming tax burden on TOURISM/ one of Kentucky’s premier industries. AGRI-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION The tourism industry is an important Commerce Lexington fully supports a regional transportation approach, including support- component of an overall economic ing the Ohio River Bridges projects in Northern Kentucky, Louisville and Western Kentucky development strategy. Commerce (I-69), the U.S. 27 to I-75 Connector in Jessamine County and the Newtown Pike Extension Lexington Inc. supports initiatives and in Lexington. We encourage the Kentucky Transportation Department to fund a regional incentives designed to enhance the transportation study to determine the short and long term road needs of the Central state’s tourism and agri-tourism indus- Kentucky region. Only through such cooperative efforts will we arrive at comprehensive try’s positive impact through the promo- solutions that preserve our unique identity, encourage economic and job growth, and tion of events and the promotion of enhance the overall quality of life for all central Kentuckians. Lexington as a tourism and agri-tourism destination. Commerce Lexington also supports efforts to attract the media and film industry to the Bluegrass, while working to ensure that efforts that might undermine tourism’s economic impact are minimized.

23 2013 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDIT

Accredited individual “Angel” investors should be encouraged to make capital investments into new high tech companies included in the following five focus areas: material science and advanced manufacturing; biosciences; human health and development; environmental and energy technologies and information technology and communications. These high risk investments lead to the growth of well-paying jobs and the acceleration of developing new products and technologies that will improve the lives of people living in the Commonwealth. Commerce Lexington supports the establishment of federal and state tax credits for individual “Angel” investors, similar to those found in the Kentucky Investment ENTREPRENEURIAL Fund Act (KIFA), and would support modifying the KIFA program to make individual angel investors eligible for the existing investment tax credit in order to increase angel investing ENVIRONMENT/ in Kentucky. CULTURE SERVICE AND TECHNOLOGY Commerce Lexington Inc. supports initiatives that encourage the continued devel- RETENTION TAX CREDITS opment of the knowledge-based economy in Central Kentucky. We support poli- With Kentucky’s unemployment rate continuing to hover above 9 percent, job retention is cies that facilitate the development and more important now than ever. Other states are aggressively pursuing Kentucky compa- retention of high tech manufacturing and nies to relocate using various tax incentive programs. Kentucky cannot afford to lose addi- biotechnology investments in our region tional jobs to other states; therefore Commerce Lexington supports a modification of the and specifically encourage additional Kentucky Reinvestment Act (KRA) to include service and technology firms in addition to research and development and technolo- manufacturing firms within the KRA program in order to retain service and technology jobs gy transfer activity in central Kentucky. in the Commonwealth. Commerce Lexington supports linking the tax credits directly to job retention, and would support implementing minimum requirements for companies to Commerce Lexington Inc. will be an advo- meet before the tax incentives become available. cate for public/private partnerships that move ideas to theory, theory to applied research, and applied research to developed commercial application. To help CORPORATE R&D provide additional financial support enabling such business activity to occur, INVESTMENT INCENTIVES Commerce Lexington Inc. supports the development of venture capital and seed American corporations are not doing “basic” research at the level they once were prior to capital funds that focus on central the economic downturn. Corporations would like for research universities to do the basic Kentucky investments. research and then the corporations would develop and market new technologies. Commerce Lexington supports the establishment of federal and state tax incentives to Commerce Lexington encourages the fed- encourage corporations to make cash investments or endowment gifts to research depart- eral government to continue the Small ments or proof of concept centers of public research universities as well as making invest- Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ ments in high tech, high risk start up technology companies. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) and for Kentucky to continue funding the state’s match program for these start-up companies.

EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013 | 5:30 - 9:00 P.M. | LEXINGTON CENTER’S BLUEGRASS BALLROOM KEMI Presents Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner February 7th

Commerce Lexington Inc.’s 2013 Annual Dinner light the organization’s focus for 2013. We’ll also pres- PRESENTED BY: presented by Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance ent several awards, including the Ambassador of the will be held on Thursday, February 7, at Lexington Year, Volunteer of the Year, Public Policy Advocate of Center’s Bluegrass Ballroom. The pre-dinner recep- the Year, and our Distinguished Leader Awards from tion is scheduled from 5:30-7:00 p.m., while dinner our Leadership Lexington youth and adult programs. and the program will run from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Danny Murphy, Assistant Dean of Administration Join us for great networking, good food, and a lit- and Community Engagement at the University of tle business, as we take a look back at 2012 and high- Kentucky College of Law, will take over as 2013 Chairman of the Board for Commerce Lexington Inc. and outline his priorities for the year. TO REGISTER: The cost to attend the 2013 Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner is $85 per person, or $850 per table of ten. To register, e-mail to [email protected].

PLATINUM SPONSORS Kentucky Utilities Co. Lexmark International PNC Bank EVENT DESIGN SPONSOR: ADEX International

RECEPTION SPONSOR: Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP

VIDEO SPONSOR: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS: Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital Congleton-Hacker Co. | Kentucky Community & Technical College System

BRONZE SPONSORS: Anderson Communities | Blue Grass Airport Child Care Council of Kentucky, Inc. Fifth Third Bank | GRW, Inc. | Lexington Clinic

AWARD SPONSORS: Bluegrass Community & Technical College Frost Brown Todd LLC Manpower of Central Kentucky Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC

INVITATION & PROGRAM DESIGN: Stablemate Creative LLC

26 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013 EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. | BLUE GRASS AIRPORT (4000 TERMINAL DRIVE) Blue Grass Airport Hosts Commerce Lex. Business Link on February 28

Blue Grass Airport is one of the most conven- EXHIBIT SPACE: SPONSORED BY: ient and accessible airports in the country, and on Limited exhibit space is available at this Business Thursday, February 28, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. you’ll be Link for Commerce Lexington Inc. members only. able to experience many of the amenities that peo- The cost to exhibit is $175. Contact Liz Bennett at ple enjoy as they make their way through the airport [email protected] to reserve to other places around the world and back again. your exhibit space. Take your networking and client-building to new heights by attending the next Commerce Lexington Inc. Business Link event at Blue Grass Airport’s main terminal. Browse the many exhibit tables and network with other business professionals.

TO ATTEND: The cost to attend the Business Link event is $5 for Commerce Lexington members, $10 for non- members (payable at the door).

ON-LINE REGISTRATION: Although it’s not necessary, if you prefer you can pre-register for Business Link events on-line at www.CommerceLexington.com. Online registration closes the day before the event. As always, you may still pay at the door. If registering online, please pick up your beverage ticket at the registration table on the evening of the event. PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR ONLINE REGISTRATIONS.

Women Leading Ky.’s Winter Roundtable Luncheons Start Jan. 17

Women Leading Kentucky’s Winter Roundtable Networking Luncheons kick off Thursday, January 17, with a theme of “Strong Brands Make Kentucky Proud.” The luncheons provide great professional development and business opportunities. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program and lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. For more details or to register on-line, visit www.womenleadingky.com. The upcoming Roundtable schedule is as follows:

January 17: Freelance writer and homemaking columnist Megan Smith and young entrepreneur Canaan Smith at Sal’s Chophouse in Lexington. February 5: Bingham McCutchen COO Tracee Whitley at Sal’s Chophouse in Lexington. March 5: Restaurateurs Bruce Drake and Brian McCarty at Sal’s Chophouse in Lexington. April 9: Cathy Zion, founder of Today’s Woman, at Kentucky History Center in Frankfort.

JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS FOCUS 27 AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Finalists Announced for Commerce Lexington Ambassador of the Year Award Bill Marshall Sue Miller, Commercial Mark Wiemer Assistant General Mgr. Lines Producer Banking Center Mgr. The Inn on Broadway Al Torstrick Insurance Republic Bank & 1301 S. Broadway Agency Trust Co. Lexington, KY 40504 343 Waller Ave., Ste. 101 3098 Helmsdale Place Phone: (859) 519-2060 Lexington, KY 40504 Lexington, KY 40509 Phone: (859) 233-1461 Phone: (859) 264-1347 About The Inn on Broadway: The Inn on About her job: As a com- About Republic Bank: "As Broadway is located on mercial lines producer with a Banking Center Manager South Broadway. This Al Torstrick, Sue is con- for Republic Bank, I have BILL MARSHALL SUE MILLER MARK WIEMER affordable boutique hotel, stantly calling on business- the privilege of working which originated as an es to talk about their insur- with the great people of annex to the earlier Campbell House Inn. ance needs. She said, "I travel most of Central Lexington to help them achieve their financial Kentucky, so the days are never boring." goals," said Wiemer. "Republic Bank is a great com- About being an Ambassador: "It’s amazing what a munity partner and is dedicated to giving back to wonderful and diverse membership we have, and to About Commerce Lexington: "Commerce Lexington the communities in which it serves." get a chance to meet so many interesting people, Inc. has been great for me personally, because I many of whom are getting started in business for have met people I might not have had the opportu- About Lexington: "There is an air of excitement that the first time, is a real honor.” nity to meet otherwise," said Miller. “It is great to be is creating a feeling of optimism and confidence. I able to discuss the many advantages of Commerce feel fortunate to be a part of a community that is About Lexington: , “I was born and raised in Lexington with members.” thriving, in light of economic issues that so many Lexington, and being able to see this fine city con- other communities are confronting.” tinue to grow and prosper makes me proud.”

The Ambassador of the Year Award will be presented during the 2013 Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner on February 7th at Lexington Center. Event information on Page 26. CHAIRMAN From Page 3

It’s important that, as a community, we’re able to tell our story so that we never underestimate what we’re capable of accomplishing in the future. There were skeptics in the background in all of the items I referenced above, but in the end there were more community leaders in the fore- front, who proceeded with confidence and determination to help shape us for the long term. Who knew that someday there would be an ice rink in downtown Lexington? Or the Fifth Third Pavilion and Thursday Night Live? Or that we would host an NCAA Final Four or the World Equestrian Games? Or that the community would re-open the Lyric Theatre or build the Legacy Trail? Or that we would be home to iconic brands like Amazon, Tempur-Pedic, Tiffany & Co., Lexmark, Toyota and others? Because our community has a history of turning visions into realities and achieving success in the face of challenges, we believe and expect that we will continue to do so. And, Commerce Lexington Inc. will be there every step of the way, whether it is leading, assisting or facilitating, to address the issues and goals now before the community – from helping to resolve our pension and sanitary sewer issues, to equipping our businesses with the tools they need to succeed, to partnering with our K-12 and higher education institutions and participating in the Bluegrass Economic Advancement Movement (BEAM) initiative. If we remember our history and embrace our future, then 100 years from now, our business and community leaders will reflect on what we accomplished today that ultimately changed the course of our region for the better. Thank you for the opportunity to be your 2013 Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair. I look forward to serving in the trenches with you.”

28 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leadership Lexington: Health & Human Services Day 2012-13 CLASS PRESENTED BY: By Billy Lanter, Unified Trust Company facility, leading to a partnership opportunity with UK Leadership Lexington Health and Human Services Hospital. Dr. Michael Karpf, Executive Vice President Day offered great insights into the inter-relationships of Health Affairs at the University of Kentucky, dis- among physicians, hospitals, insurers, government cussed the partnership with Shriners and how the agencies and non-profits in our community. We change provides opportunity for both leadership and began our day at Saint Joseph Hospital, where Bob growth. Skaggs of Cumberland Valley Insurance Management After lunch, Dr. Andrew Moore spoke about a pro- presented some sobering statistics on Kentucky’s gram he helped create called Surgery on Sunday, health challenges as the nation’s 44th most unhealthy which offers free surgical services to those that often PLATINUM SPONSOR: state. To conclude our time at Saint Joseph, Dr. fall through the cracks of health coverage. Next, the Robert Bratton, Chair of the Lexington Clinic’s class heard a moving testimonial from a brave Department of Family Medicine, discussed several woman who survived a domestically violent relation- changes and challenges in the world of health care ship through the assistance of the Bluegrass due to the Affordable Care Act, as well as its overall Domestic Violence Program. Her heartfelt story set impact on patients. the stage for visits to both The Hope Center and Next, the class traveled to Shriners Hospital for a God’s Pantry Food Bank. Each of these experiences tour and overview by Wanda Rice, Director of Public left class members feeling truly blessed and wonder- BRONZE SPONSORS: ing how we can help so many in need right here in the Relations at Shriners. With the vast improvements in Bluegrass Family Health Bluegrass. medicine, Shriners has become mostly an outpatient DelCotto Law Group, PLLC Saint Joseph Hospital - Part of KentuckyOne Health Frost Brown Todd LLC SPECIAL THANKS: Shriners Hospitals for Children Indiana Wesleyan University Kentucky Utilities Co. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Read a recap of the Leadership Lexington Youth Program’s Media and Arts Day from Kentucky, Inc. December on-line now at www.LeadershipLexington.com. TravelHost of the Bluegrass Leadership Central Kentucky Class Gets Overview of Jessamine County

By Kathy J. Walker, Nicholasville Police Department PRESENTED BY: The November session of Leadership Central Kentucky was hosted by Jessamine County and focused on transportation and growth. In an effort to better inform the public, our day started with an overview of the proposed I-75 Connector. Nancy Stone, the Chairman of the Jessamine County Transportation Task Force, along with County Judge Executive Neal Cassity, led the informative discussion. The group then traveled to the Valley View Ferry for a ride across the river, while County Magistrate George Dean told us about the history of the ferry, which started in 1785. RJ Corman Railroad Group provided us with lunch, while we received a detailed presentation about the company and the future of railroads in the United States. After lunch, we headed into Wilmore where we had a brief welcome to Asbury University and Asbury Seminary, followed by an amazing tour of Asbury’s Media Communications building. After our tour, we traveled down to High Bridge Spring Water and Kentucky Underground Storage. Jeff Baier, spoke about the history of those businesses and how they have made adjustments to continue growing for the future. We finished our trip in Wilmore, with a brief trip to High Bridge Park. To wrap-up our day, we returned to Nicholasville to tour the beautiful facility of Alltech, Inc. The tour concluded in the Pub, where class members were able to sample the Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Ale Light or the Bourbon Barrel Ale, which are brewed by Alltech, Inc.

JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS FOCUS 29 NEW MEMBERS

New Commerce Lexington Inc. members for the period of November 23, through December 19, 2012

Abigale Lynn LLC Lexington, KY 40509 Phone: (859) 299-1202 Shamrock Bar & Grille Gifts Phone: (859) 543-0505 www.horseshoeskentuckygrill.com Bar Teresa Wallen Web: www.bluegrassdentistry.com Heather Trump, Co-Owner 924 National Avenue, Suite 125 Lexington Sports & Social Club 154 Patchen Drive, Suite 87 Lexington, KY 40502 C & R Asphalt, LLC Sports Association Lexington, KY 40517 Phone: (859) 321-4275 Asphalt & Asphalt Products Karl Beisel Phone: (859) 269-7621 Web: www.abigalelynn.com Steven Coleman, President 2121 Richmond Rd., Lexington, KY 40502 Web: www.shamrocksky.com 415 Rebmann Lane, Lexington, KY 40504 Phone: (603) 867-4422 Another Man's Treasure, Inc. Phone: (859) 255-0077 Web: www.lexssc.com Shamrock Bar & Grille - Hartland Furniture Dealers Web: www.asphaltanimals.com Bar Barry Frazier, Owner Lexington-Fayette County Health Heather Trump, Co-Owner 3101 Clays Mill Rd., Stonewall Shopping Central Kentucky Orthopaedics Department 4750 Hartland Parkway, Suite 128 Center, Lexington, KY 40503 Physicians & Surgeons, Orthopedic Healthcare Lexington, KY 40515 Phone: (859) 296-5991 Theresa Braxton, Practice Administrator Dr. Rice Leach, Commissioner of Health Phone: (859) 245-9504 www.anothermanstreasurefurniture.com 1868 Plaudit Place, Lexington, KY 40509 650 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511 Web: www.shamrocksky.com Phone: (859) 543-0002 Phone: (859) 288-2486 Aquatic Resources Management LLC Web: www.centralkyortho.com www.lexingtonhealthdepartment.org Siemens Industry, Inc. Environment & Ecological Services Security Systems Josh Howard, President & Senior Commonwealth Health Management Lexington-Fayette Urban County Chris King Environmental Scientist Medical Billing Services Human Rights Commission 11001 Bluegrass Parkway 2265 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 100 Ed White Government Offices Louisville, KY 40299 Lexington, KY 40504 151 N. Eagle Creek Dr., Suite 12 Raymond A. Sexton, Executive Dir. Phone: (502) 267-1571 Phone: (859) 388-9595 Lexington, KY 40509 162 East Main Street, Suite 226 Web: www.siemens.com Web: www.aquaticresources.us Phone: (859) 263-4341 Lexington, KY 40507 Phone: (859) 252-4931 Strategy Health MD Bluegrass Dentistry Days Inn/Horseshoes Kentucky Grill Web: www.lfuchrc.org Healthcare Dentists Hotels/Motels Michael Betts, Founder Nardos Benton, Owner Brian Dodge, Owner New Life Day Center, Inc. 923 Star Shoot Pkwy. 3475 Richmond Road, Suite 100 1987 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40505 Non-Profit Organizations Lexington, KY 40509 Steve Polston Phone: (859) 457-9924 224 N. Martin Luther King Web: www.strategyhealthmd.com Lexington, KY 40507 Phone: (859) 699-2500 Target Metabolism Weight Control Program Pick's Fundraising Ashley Singleton Fund Raising Counsel 3100 Old Todds Road Adam Pick, Owner Lexington, KY 40509 1838 Paradise Lane, Ashland, KY 41102 Phone: (859) 576-6917 Phone: (304) 416-4336 Web: www.targetmetabolism.com Web: www.picksfundraising.com Tema Isenmann Pinnacle Productions Manufacturers Video Production Daniel Craft, Business Manager David Harl, Producer 2107 Sandersville Road 620 W. Main St., Lexington, KY 40508 Lexington, KY 40511 Phone: (859) 253-8927 Phone: (859) 252-0613 Web: www.pinnacleproductions.com Web: www.temaisenmann.com

Positively Java The Cellar Bar & Grille Coffee Break Service & Supply Bar James K. Walters, Owner Heather C. Trump, Co-Owner 1555 E. New Circle Rd., Suite 142-190 3265 Lansdowne Drive Lexington, KY 40509 Lexington, KY 40502 Phone: (859) 757-2700 Phone: (859) 317-8301 Web: www.positivelyjava.com Web: www.cellargrille.com

Randstad USA Staffing Valpak of Lexington Employment Services Advertising-Direct Mail Anna Lewis Peter St. Germain, Owner 3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 300 984 Princess Doreen Drive Lexington, KY 40513 Lexington, KY 40509 Phone: (859) 219-9675 Web: www.randstadstaffing.com

30 BUSINESS FOCUS JANUARY 2013 PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

A diverse group of projects have been recognized for Jean R. Hale, Chairman, President and CEO of MML&K Government Solutions announced that Ellen Excellence in Architectural Design or Technical Merit Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., was recently recog- Williams, former chairman of the Republican Party of by the Kentucky Society of Architects (AIA Kentucky), nized by American Banker magazine as one of the Kentucky and respected business leader and owner of a chapter of The American Institute of Architects. nation’s “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking.” Ms. Capital Network, will join MML&K’s team of dedicat- EOP Architects was recognized for the Urban Active Hale has been with Community Trust Bancorp for ed government affairs professionals. Fitness at Polaris in Columbus, Ohio, and GRW, Inc. over 43 years. was recognized for TrusT Lounge in Lexington. Preston-Osborne was recognized with three awards at Laura Day DelCotto and Dean A. Langdon, members the 2012 Traverse Awards for Excellence in Tourism Andover Golf and Country Club appointed 30-year of DelCotto Law Group PLLC, were recently selected Marketing produced on behalf of the Lexington PGA of America veteran, Bob Swezey, as its new gen- by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Convention and Visitors Bureau. Also, Preston- eral manager. America 2013 in the fields of Bankruptcy and Creditor Osborne Marketing Communications and Research Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. recently welcomed two new staff members, including Beaumont Family Dentistry has announced the asso- Langdon was also chosen in the field of Litigation- Jennifer Larkin as vice president of marketing services ciation of Ryan J. Golibersuch, DMD with Patricia E. Bankruptcy. Additionally, DelCotto Law Group PLLC and Katie Dent as a project manager for Energy Banc, Takacs, DMD, PSC. was recognized in the 2013 U.S. News-Best Lawyers an energy efficiency consulting division within the firm. “Best Law Firms” in the practice areas of Bankruptcy Blue & Co., LLC announced the addition of the fol- and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Republic Bank announced that Lawrence Wetherby lowing individuals in its Lexington office: Mackenzie Reorganization Law (Tier 1). has been named as vice president, senior business Bullock and Justin Watkins as staff accountants. Blue banking officer at its Perimeter Drive location. & Co., LLC was also recently named an “All-Star Michael W. Cox has become President of Denham- Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate Advisors Firm” by INSIDE Public Accounting in the following Blythe Company, Inc. Lexington announced the hiring of Neal Metcalfe as categories: Top 5 Health Care Consulting Firms; Top an advisor with the firm. 5 Fastest-Growing Firms by Region; Top Training The following associates have joined Dinsmore’s Focused Firms; and Long-Range Planning “All-Star Lexington office, including Kristeena L. Johnson and Vanderbilt Law School has elected Stites & Harbison Firms.” Patrick D. Schach. Meanwhile, Drew Millar was attorney Bob Beck, Jr., to its Board of Advisors for awarded the 2012 Alice Neeley Memorial Award, 2012-2013. The firm also announced the addition of The Kentucky Aviation Association, in partnership which recognizes outstanding associates. Steven A. Neace to its Lexington office. with the Kentucky Department of Aviation, announced the following awards: Bobby Owens, Mike Brown, veteran sales consultant and recent Maggie Mick has been promoted to director of devel- member of the LFUCG Airport Board, was named training manager, recently retired after 38 years with opment at The Council of State Governments, head- Airport Board Member of the Year in the commercial the Don Jacobs Organization. quartered in Lexington. service airport category and Eric J. Frankl, A.A.E., Executive Director of Blue Grass Airport, was named Enderle & Company announced that Amber Stone The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky has announced Airport Manager of the Year in the commercial serv- has joined the firm as a staff accountant. its newly elected Board of Directors for fiscal year 2013, ice airport category. including: Tony Arnold, Boehl Chair in Property & Fifth Third Bank: Jamie Eads recently joined Fifth Land Use and Professor of Law at Brandeis School of Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s North Third’s Private Bank as vice president for the Law, U of L; Larry Cox, Executive Director for Kentucky America Racing Academy (BCTC-NARA) recently Institutional Trust Team; Kelly Lewis has joined the Department of Agriculture; Tom Smith, Vice President participated in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al bank as mortgage loan originator at the Richmond of Vessel Engineering for Ingram Barge Co.; Bob Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival in Road Banking Center; and Aaron Mason has been Wade, Jr., local farmer and owner of Back Forty Farms; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For the first time, named mortgage loan originator at the Georgetown and Stephen Workman, UK Assistant Dean for a BCTC-NARA graduate apprentice jockey was invit- Banking Center. Research. ed to ride in the International Apprentice Jockey Race that took place during the festival. Forcht Bank has named Todd Harris as the bank’s Turf Town Properties: Jeff Thompson has joined its new Compliance/CRA Officer. team of professional sales associates. Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital Board of Directors named Barry Lindeman as director of Lyndon Mayor Susan Barto took office as the The Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County human resources. Kentucky League of Cities President, while Midway announced its inaugural winners of the Individual and Mayor Tom Bozarth was elected as First Vice Corporate Champion of Diversity Awards, and pre- CDP Engineers recognized Jonathan Nieman for President, and Bardstown Mayor Bill Sheckles was sented two Community Service Awards at its Annual passing the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) elected as Second Vice President. The officers will Empowerment Banquet. Diversity Award Winners exam. serve one-year terms. included Mark A. Johnson (Individual Champion) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. Central Baptist Hospital and University of Kentucky’s Lexington Art League announced the hiring of (Corporate Champion). Community Service Award Albert B. Chandler Medical Center each recently Michael Andrews as development director. Winners included Kentucky Utilities Co. and State received a Consumer Choice Award from the Farm Insurance. National Research Corporation. The award identifies Lexington Legends Professional Baseball announced hospitals which healthcare consumers have chosen new additions Christy Peguero and April Dietrich as SUBMIT PERSONNEL NEWS: as having the highest quality and image in over 300 corporate account executives. Submit your company’s awards, personnel markets throughout the U.S. changes, additions, or promotions for Business MCF Advisors: Brittany L. Browning, CPA, has joined Focus to [email protected]. CLARK Material Handling Company appointed Dale the firm’s Lexington office. Information is published in the order received and Guckian as sales manager, North America and Jim only as space permits. Gillespie as national accounts sales representative.

JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS FOCUS 31 Periodical Postage PAID at Lexington, Commerce Lexington Inc. Kentucky 330 East Main Street, Suite 100 P.O. Box 1968 Lexington, KY 40588-1968

COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY 2013: FEBRUARY 2013: 2 Leadership Lexington Youth Program presented by Raising 5 24th annual Economic Outlook conference, 8:00 a.m. - Cane’s Chicken Fingers: Mid-Year Session. Noon, Lexington Convention Center; Register on-line at www.gatton.uky.edu/eec. 8 Business Resource Roundtable presented by NetGain Technologies, Inc., 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., at Commerce Lexington’s 5 Women Leading Kentucky’s Winter Roundtable Networking first floor conference room (330 E. Main St.). - SEE PAGE 8 Luncheon, Noon - 1:30 p.m., Sal’s Chophouse. Register at www.womenleadingky.com - SEE PAGE 27 10 Leadership Lexington Day Session presented by W. Rogers Company: Mid-Year & Economic Development Day. Leadership Lexington Youth Program presented by Raising 6 Cane’s Chicken Fingers: Higher Education and Career 16 Leadership Central Kentucky presented by LG&E KU - PPL Development Day Session. Companies and College Cable Services, Inc. at Scott County for Workforce Development / Education Session. Commerce Lexington Inc. Annual Dinner presented by 7 Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., Women Leading Kentucky’s Winter Roundtable Networking Lexington Center’s Bluegrass Ballroom. - SEE PAGE 26 17 Luncheon, Noon - 1:30 p.m., Sal’s Chophouse. Register at www.womenleadingky.com - SEE PAGE 27 14 Leadership Lexington Day Session presented by W. Rogers Company: Growth / Preservation / Agriculture Day. 21 Commerce Lexington Inc. offices closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day. 20 Leadership Central Kentucky presented by LG&E KU - PPL Companies and College Cable Services, Inc. at Fayette County for Quality of Life/Health Services Day.

Business Link sponsored and hosted by Blue Grass Airport, 28 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., main terminal. - SEE PAGE 27