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Commerce Lexington Roundtable Events Commerce Lexington hosted a series of business engagement roundtables in an effort to gather the perspective of the business community during the Goals & Objectives public input phase of Imagine Lexington 2045. These conversations were centered on different segments of the local economy and included the development sector, major employers, small businesses, signature industries, commercial property owners, the Commerce Lexington Board, and Minority Business Owners. Methodology During the roundtable the participants were asked for their feedback on the business climate in Lexington and how city policies may be helping or impeding future jobs and prosperity. The sessions generally followed this agenda: 1. Welcome from the facilitator/host, Carla Blanton, Commerce Lexington’s 2022 Public Policy Chair.
Commerce Lexington Events & Dates Development Sector – 4.6.22 Major Employers – 4.7.22 Major Employers, pt.2 – 4.7.22 Innovation/Small Business – 4.8.22 Hospitality, Tourism, Signature/Visitor Industries – 4.12.22 Commercial Property Assoc. of Lexington – 4.13.22 Innovation/Small Business – 4.13.22 Commerce Lexington Board – 4.25.22 Minority Business Owners – 5.2.22
2. Business Climate Questionnaire that included some personal/business demographic questions, as well as four feedback questions: a. What are the strengths to Lexington’s business climate and policies? Please list the top three strengths. b. What are the greatest challenges to your business? Please list the top three challenges. c. What city policies or other issues may be impeding your ability to grow jobs in Lexington? Please list up to three concerns or issues. d. What can local policy-makers do to help your business succeed in Lexington? Please list up to three suggestions. 3. An overview video prepared by the Division of Planning was shown that explained what the Comprehensive Plan is, why it is important, and why people should get involved. 4. Roundtable discussion based on the four survey prompts, led by Carla Blanton. Planning staff attended of all of the meetings, but did not participate in the discussion. 5. Wrap-up Comments
