Business Lexington September 2023 by Smiley Pete Publishing

IN THIS ISSUE

BusinessLexington SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOL. 19 ISSUE 9

A Kentucky Sports Betting Primer

Small-town Culiary Charms: Chef Ouita Michel embraces the appeal of out-of-the-way destinations PAGE 9

As sports betting rolls out across the state, here’s a look at how the program is designed to work PAGE 15 Happy Campers: Part summer camp, part wellness retreat — introducting Kentucky’s first all-inclusive summer camp for adults PAGE 10

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Q&A with Craig Williams: The steadfast environmental advocate reflects on a decades-long mission to rid the world of chemical weapons safely PAGE 22

BizLists Commercial Lenders PAGE 16 | SBA Lenders PAGE 18 | Family Law Firms PAGE 19

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CraveWorthy: Two friends parlay a mutual affection for fermented foods into culture-changing business

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BizIQ: Jason Falls chief infl , Corn with five uence strategistett’s can bene ways your busin, fit from influenc ess ers

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Q&A BizLex

ness: ent Busi l is Independique hote standing New bout to fit in by designed 10 out PAGE

Independent Business: From rentals and sales to guided trips and glamping, Canoe Kentucky helps clients enjoy time on the water PAGE 10

oa TCrystal en GreWilkinson BizLexQ Q&A &A

BizLexQ& A

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Independ Designer ent Business bespoke Albert Luko : menswea nga’s Albert Cou r label, personal ture, takes crafting ized approacha clients custom piec in es for PAGE

Mary J. Davis

The new Rosenb dean of UK’ s erg Col on emerg lege of J. David in the legaing opportu Law l profess nities PAGE 21 ion

wide on expands m, wins state curriculu on PAGE 12 recogniti

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INSIDE CRAVE and LEXINGTON BURGER WEEK GUIDES

A NEW NEST ON NANTUCKET: LANSDOWNE HOME BECOMES MODERN RETIREMENT DESTINATION

INSIDE CRAVE and LEXINGTON BURGER WEEK GUIDES

SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL BUSINESS: KENWICK TABLE

WILD STYLE

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF GLASSBLOWING AT TRIFECTA DESIGN STUDIO

THE LEXINGTON ARTIST AND ARCHITECTURE PROFESSOR PREPARES FOR HER FIRST SOLO EXHIBIT, OPENING THIS MONTH AT THE LOUDOUN HOUSE

1997

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CREATIVE TYPES:

ARTIST AND ARCHITECTURE PROFESSOR LIZ SWANSON

Mark Lenn Johnson CREATIVE TYPES

STUDIO MEL, A NEW DESIGN BUSINESS LAUNCHED BY IDENTICAL TWIN SISTERS, BRIGHTENS THE WALLS OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACES WITH UNIQUE MURALS

INSIDE:

THE STATE OF LOCAL REAL ESTATE

In the Abstract

TAKING A CREATIVE APPROACH TO HELPING ARTS ENTREPRENEURS THRIVE

A LONGTIME PERFORMER AND SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS, OCTOGENARIAN LINDA CAREY WILL EXHIBIT HER ABSTRACT PAINTINGS – A FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION SHE ADOPTED MUCH LATER IN LIFE – AT THE WILLS GALLERY THIS MONTH

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WITH A SWATH OF NEW SMALL BUSINESSES OPENING IN RECENT MONTHS, HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WINCHESTER ENJOYS A REVITALIZATION

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LEXINGTON ARCHITECT CLIVE POHL

LORD JOHN VINTAGE RETRO FASHION AND DECOR

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A FAMILY AFFAIR

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A CONVERSATION WITH THE LOCAL MUSICIAN, RADIO DJ AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER APRIL 18-24

APRIL ‘22

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Liz Swanson

IN WITH THE OLD: LORD JOHN VINTAGE RETRO FASHION AND DECOR

Spirited Light

A FAMILY AFFAIR: THE UNIQUE MURALS OF SISTER DUO STUDIO MEL

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A NEW NEST ON NANTUCKET: LANSDOWNE HOME BECOMES MODERN RETIREMENT DESTINATION SPIRITED GLASS: THE MAGICAL WORLD OF GLASSBLOWING AT TRIFECTA DESIGN STUDIO

A MAN OF MANY HATS

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

Kenwick Table IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, THIS COFFEE SHOP, BAR AND GATHERING SPACE HAS BECOME A BUSTLING SOCIAL HUB FOR THE KENWICK NEIGHBORHOOD

TALKING SHOP WITH THE ARTIST, ENTREPRENEUR AND NEWLY MINTED HAT MAKER BEHIND T. HIGDON STUDIO

JAN. 2023

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COMMUNAL CREATIVITY: A HISTORIC NORTH LEXINGTON SPACE GETS NEW LIFE AS A GALLERY, STUDIO AND EVENT SPACE

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TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS AND CREATIVE PARTNERS KREMENA TODOROVA AND KURT GOHDE CONCOCT A STYLISH SEND-OFF FOR THEIR MULTI-FACETED “UNLEARN FEAR + HATE” PROJECT

NOV 18

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MAKE ART, NOT HATE

HEALTHY EATING: TIPS AND A RECIPE FROM NOURISHED FOLKS’ OWNER RIAH DURICK

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T ERE OE H

Clive Pohl

Devine Carama How this Lexington hip hop artist fuses his passions for poetry and music with social justice and youth empowerment

Woodland Triangle

Lexington’s “original business suburb” continues to thrive

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GETTING TO THE KNOW THE PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT BEHIND POHL ROSA POHL, AS HIS FIRM CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF BUSINESS

THE LOCAL JEWELRY ARTIST CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF HER STUDIO, MEG C JEWELRY GALLERY, WITH GROWTH, EXPANSION AND A NEW LOCATION

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Arts and entertainment, local people and businesses, cocktails and recipes, real estate and more in every issue!

IRONS IN THE FIRE: ARCHITECTURAL BLACKSMITHS MAYNARD STUDIOS

O’ HOLLY DAY

Something to Celebrate

PLUS: PARANORMAL PERCEPTIONS BAKING WITH STELLA PARKS AND MORE!

The Junior League of Lexington’s Holly Day Market celebrates 10 years

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SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

BusinessLexington Chuck Creacy PUBLISHER

chuck@bizlex.com Chris Eddie PUBLISHER

chris@bizlex.com Tom Wilmes EDITOR

tomw@bizlex.com Drew Purcell

CONTENTS PVAStatistics

AppHarvest Looks to Reorganize with Bankruptcy Filing:

The latest statistics on local residential properties PAGE 6

AgTech start-up seeks a new direction amidst financial struggles

EconomicAnalysis

PAGE 14

A monthly look at economic indicators compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Kentucky PAGE 7

ART DIRECTOR

drew@bizlex.com Vickie Mitchell COPY EDITOR

Sharon Metz BIZLISTS EDITOR

sharon.metz66@gmail.com Donna Hodsdon

WriteStuff

Overcoming writer’s block: Techniques for boosting creativity and productivity PAGE 7

IndependentBusiness

Alex Martin

Happy campers: Feeling nostalgic for the days of sleepaway camp? Part summer camp, part wellness retreat, this new initiative aimed toward adults might be for you PAGE 8

Amy Eddie

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donna@bizlex.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

alex@smileypete.com amy@bizlex.com Ann Staton

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Small-town culinary charms: As Wallace Station celebrates 20 years and with a new cooking studio in Versailles, Chef Ouita Michel embraces the appeal of out-of-the-way destinations PAGE 10

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A Kombucha bar, distillery, and a wine bar are pulling into Greyline Station PAGE 11

PHOTO FURNISHED

BizLists

Commercial Lenders PAGE 16 SBA Lenders PAGE 18 Family Law Firms PAGE 19

Who’sWho

Employment updates and notable achievements from around the Bluegrass PAGE 20

Julietta Market Seeks to Relocate: A founding tenant of Greyline Station, representatives say the market needs higher visibility at lower costs PAGE 12

A Kentucky Sports Betting Primer: As sports betting rolls out across the state, here’s a look at how the program is designed to work PAGE 15

Q&A with Craig Williams: The steadfast environmental advocate reflects on a decades-long mission to rid the world of chemical weapons safely PAGE 22

y a d e m ga M mEeNnUu DINE-IN | CARRY-OUT | LARGE PAN CATERING PERFECT FOR TAILGATING AND WATCH PARTIES Proud Partner of UK Athletics

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Significant wealth requires sophisticated solutions.

We believe in thinking differently. For over 30 years, our team has guided families, business owners, and foundations in managing the complexities and opportunities that wealth creates.

Musgrave Dunn & Associates 300 West Vine Street • 10th Floor • Lexington, KY 40507 • www.fa.ml.com/musgrave • 859.231.5258 Timothy Dunn, CIMA®, CEPA®, CFP®

Travis K. Musgrave, CEPA®, CPFA®,

Valerie Marshall

Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor

CRPC™, CIMA® Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor

Financial Advisor

Travis Musgrave has been recognized by: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2018-2023.

Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” 2009-2023.

Published annually Jan–April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Published annually in February-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.

Investing involves risk and past performance does not guarantee future results. The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list. Rankings considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience, who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. The Top 1,200 award included top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. For both awards, other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and data provided by the advisors themselves. Years prior to 2014, this Barron’s list consisted of 1,000 advisors. Data and sources for all Forbes awards and their rankings provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www. SHOOKresearch.com. Awards are based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and apply an algorithm that measures best practices, client retention, industry experience compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and firm generated income. Investment performance is not a criterion. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and ad wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CIMA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org. CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification mark CFP® in the U.S. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

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SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

BusinessBriefs Blue Run Spirits acquired by Molson Coors Blue Run Spirits, established in 2020, has announced its agreement to be acquired by Molson Coors Beverage Company. Located in Georgetown, Kentucky, Blue Run swiftly emerged as a significant player in the whiskey realm, accumulating numerous awards and accolades. This strategic acquisition marks Molson Coors’ entry into the spirits sector, bolstering its presence in this domain as it diversifies from its beer origins and expands its product portfolio. In tandem with this expansion, Molson Coors has introduced Coors Spirits Co., an extension of its existing spirits operations that now encompasses Blue Run, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, and Barmen 1873 Bourbon. This acquisition effectively doubles Molson Coors’ spirits team. Molson Coors’ foray into the whiskey sphere commenced in 2021 with the launch of Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, securing double gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This was followed by the introduction of Barmen 1873 Bourbon in 2022. Michelle St. Jacques, Chief Commercial Officer of Molson Coors, emphasized the significance of this move: “In merely three years, Blue Run has achieved what many brands aspire to do over generations, all while operating at the luxury end of the

whiskey spectrum. Importantly, we are dedicated to upholding Blue Run’s established reputation for quality, design, and innovation as we continue to expand our spirits portfolio.” The founders of Blue Run – Mike Montgomery, Tim Sparapani, Jesse McKnight, and Andy Brown – will remain integral to the brand. Mike Montgomery will take on an expanded role within Molson Coors as Vice President of Coors Spirits Co. Jim Rutledge, a Bourbon Hall of Famer, will continue as Blue Run’s distillery consultant and liquid advisor, while Shaylyn Gammon will serve as whiskey curator for Coors Spirits Co. David Coors will continue to steer Molson Coors’ full-strength spirits strategy and business development, assuming the role of Executive Chair of Coors Spirits Co. Mike Montgomery reflected on their journey: “From the outset, Blue Run aimed to break new ground and resonate with a diverse generation of whiskey enthusiasts. We are grateful for the reception from the whiskey community and are excited about Molson Coors’ endorsement of our vision and its commitment to our growth.” Blue Run’s offerings are presently available in 31 states. In March 2023, Blue Run unveiled plans to construct a modern $51 million distillery in Georgetown. These plans will proceed under the new ownership. Furthermore, Blue Run is set to release three new whiskies in the upcoming late summer/fall season. BL

IMAGE FURNISHED

Last March, Blue Run announced plans to build a modern $ 51 million distillery in Georgetown. Those plans will continue under the new ownership.

Merrill welcomes Valerie Marshall to the Musgrave Dunn & Associates team. Valerie toValerie the Musgrave Dunn & & Associates Associates team. Turning yourMerrill ambitions into action begins with aMarshall conversation. can give you straightforward advice and guidance, Merrillwelcomes welcomes Valerie Marshall Dunn team. and will work with you to create a personalized approach to pursuing your goals. Turning give you straightforward advice and guidance, Turningyour yourambitions ambitionsinto intoaction actionbegins beginswith with aaa conversation. conversation. Valerie Turning your ambitions into action begins with conversation. Valerie can give give you you straightforward straightforwardadvice adviceand andguidance, guidance, and will work with you to create a personalized approach to pursuing goals. and will work with you to create a personalized approach your goals. and will work with you to create a personalized approach to pursuing your goals.

Musgrave Dunn & Associates Musgrave Associates Merrill Lynch Wealth Management ValerieMusgrave Marshall,Dunn CFP®& & Associates Financial Advisor ®® 300 West Vine Street Merrill Valerie Marshall, CFP Merrill Lynch LynchWealth WealthManagement Management Valerie Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Valerie Marshall, CFP® 10th Floor Financial Advisor 300 West Vine Street 859.231.5220 Financial 300 Financial Advisor 300 West West Vine Vine Street Street Lexington, KY 40507 10th Floor 10th Floor 859.231.5220 10th Floor 859.231.5220 859.231.5220 Lexington, Lexington, KY 40507 Lexington,KY KY40507 40507 fa.ml.com/musgrave fa.ml.com/musgrave fa.ml.com/musgrave fa.ml.com/musgrave

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America

ll Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &Lynch, Smith(“BofA Incorporated (also referred to as(also “MLPF&S” or registered “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are are affiliates of ofBank of America Merrill Smith referred or makes available investment products sponsored, managed, Corporation Corp.”).& is a registered broker-dealer, investment adviser, Member SIPCcertain and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Pierce, Fenner Fenner &MLPF&S Smith Incorporated Incorporated (also referred to to as as “MLPF&S” “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed distributed or or provided provided by by companies companies that that are affiliates affiliates of Bank Bank of of America America oration (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a Corp.”). registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPCMember and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Corporation (“BofA MLPF&S is broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, SIPC aa wholly owned of Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is aa registered registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and and wholly owned subsidiary subsidiary of BofA BofA Corp. Corp. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

Are Not May tment products: Investment Are Notproducts: FDIC Insured AreInsured Not BankAre Guaranteed May Lose Value Investment products: Are Not Not FDIC FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Bank Guaranteed Guaranteed May Lose Lose Value Value Merrill and the Bull logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

and the Bull logo are trademarks of Bank of Corporation. ll and the Bull logoMerrill are of Bank of America CFPregistered Board the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. Merrill and theowns Bulltrademarks logo are registered registered trademarks ofCorporation. BankPLANNER™, of America America and Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and (with © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. CFP Board the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® CFP® (with plaque plaque design) in the the U.S. U.S. Board owns the marks CFP®,owns CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the design) U.S. in © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. 023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

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MAP4923105 | AD-07-23-0752.B | 470957PM-0922 | 08/2023 MAP4923105 MAP4923105 || AD-07-23-0752.B AD-07-23-0752.B || 470957PM-0922 470957PM-0922 || 08/2023 08/2023

MAP4923105 | AD-07-23-0752.B | 470957PM-0922 | 08/2023

8/27/23 4:40 PM

SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

PVAStatistics These statistics on local residential and commercial property are compiled by the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator. The data reflect the most up-todate information available at the time of printing for this publication, but monthly figures may be revised as additional public records of property transactions are submitted and become available.

The Best Business Bank in Town.

Top Commercial Transactions for July 2023 DATE

Running a business can be challenging. Feel confident you’re making the right choices for your business with expert guidance from our team of honest, experienced lenders.

ADDRESS

PRICE

ENTITY

7/6/23

3094 Helmsdale Place

$5,908,912

FCPT Holdings LLC

7/21/23

166 Pasadena Drive

$1,675,000*

Pasadena 166 LLC

7/13/23

2833 Liberty Road

$1,425,000*

Liberty Park Development LLC

7/13/23

2853 Liberty Road

$1,425,000*

Liberty Park Development LLC

7/27/23

2151 Cypress Drive

$1,125,000*

Denton Properties LLC

7/27/23

2157 Cypress Drive

$1,125,000*

Denton Properties LLC

7/28/23

2425 Regency Road

$760,000

Harith Properties LLC

7/24/23

2012 Regency Road

$650,000

Veracruzin LLC

7/19/23

790 Enterprise Drive

$600,000

Lucky Properties KY LLC

7/20/23

200 W Main St.

$500,000*

Grand Hall LLC

7/31/23

185-191 Eastern Ave.

$450,000

Shadeland Investments LLC

7/11/23

3795 Camelot Drive

$405,000

Saleh Ahmad

7/10/23

214 Arlington Ave

$365,000

Trott, Terren

7/13/23

1795 Alysheba Way Unit 5203

$152,000

Ironworks REI LLC

CALL US TODAY TO CONNECT WITH YOUR ESSENTIAL FINANCIAL PARTNERS AT (859) 233-4500. bankofthebluegrass.com

3094 HELMSDALE PLACE $5,908,912

*Sale Price Based on a Multiple-Parcel Transaction ** Parcel includes multiple improvements, see property record for details

Proud to call Versailles, Kentucky home

Residential Sales Data for July 2023 The chart below shows the monthly residential sales activity in Fayette County for the previous 24 months. The data for the most recent month reflect a projected estimate from the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator and are subject to change. 2023 RESIDENTIAL SALES

2022 RESIDENTIAL SALES

2021 RESIDENTIAL SALES

800 700

Creating a Culture of Impact Educating Nursing Leaders to Have a Greater Impact on Diverse, Rural and Underserved Communities. Specialties Offered: • Nurse-Midwife • Family Nurse Practitioner • Women’s Health Care NP • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP “I chose to study at FNU due to its rich history, dedication to underserved populations, and flexibility with online classes.” — KAITLYN RYCHLOWSKI, MSN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C FNU Alumna

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600 500 400 300 200 100

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

-36%

-31%

-20%

-40%

-32%

-39%

-23%

-13%

-19%

-30%

-38%

-43%

MONTHLY PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER PREVIOUS YEAR

frontier.edu

For more local residential and commercial real estate information, visit the website of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator at www.fayettepva.com.

8/27/23 4:40 PM

SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

EconomicAnalysis A monthly look at economic indicators compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Kentucky. For more on CBER, visit www.cber.uky.edu.

Payroll emp. MSA**** Manufacturing Employment Durable Goods (KY) **** Manufacturing: Lexington-Fayette MSA Total Employees**** Unemployment Rate MSA**** Payroll Employment, US Manufacturing Payroll Employment US Unemployment Rate, US Consumer Price Index, Southern Region Consumer Price Index, US Producer Price Index, US Index of Leading Indicators** Fed’s Index of Industrial Production** 3-Month Treasury Yield*** 10-Year Treasury Yield***

Real GDP (millions $)

Recent Data Aug. 2023

1-Month Change

1-Year Change

295,000 June 169,300 June 31,627 June 3.70% June

0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 15.6%

3.7% 3.2% -0.6% 0.0%

156,342,000 July 12,985,000 July 3.50% July

0.1% -0.0% -2.8%

2.6% 1.3% -2.8%

297.279 July 305.695 July 254.847 July

0.2% 0.2% 0.2%

3.4% 3.2% -1.1%

106.0 July 102.2 June

-0.7% -0.6%

-0.5%

5.49% July 3.90% July

1.3% 4.0%

256.5% 24.2%

1st Qtr. 2023 20,404,088

1-Month Change 0.6%

1-Year Change NA

Note: In some cases 1 mo. And 1 yr. changes are based on revised data from previous mo./yr/ * Source: The Conference Board Research Group; http://www.conference-board.org/ ** Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release, http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/G17/ *** Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release; https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h15/ **** Source: St. Louis Federal Reserve; https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/ ***** GDP is reported as Real Gross Domestic Product, Chained Dollars [Millions of chained (2012) dollars] Seasonally adjusted at annual rates (Updated numbers as of Jan. 27, 2023); https://apps.bea.gov/histdata/histChildLevels.cfm?HMI=7

WriteStuff

By Lucy Jayes

Overcoming Writer’s Block: Techniques for Boosting Creativity and Productivity Writer’s block affects writers of all kinds — from hobbyists to novelists and professional content creators. Causes range from perfectionism to daily life distractions and just plain feeling stuck.

without thinking of how others will receive the writing, can break you out of writer’s block. You can always edit a messy draft into a final product that you’re proud to share, but you cannot edit a blank page.

The good news is that no matter the cause of your writer’s block, there is a solution. Here are several suggestions:

Create writing rituals: The late writer Toni Morrison would wake early in the morning, make herself a cup of coffee, and drink it while watching the sunrise. Then, she would write longhand on a yellow legal pad with a No. 2 pencil. Afterward, she’d type a revised version of what she’d written on her computer and print it out to make further edits. Writing rituals can be as simple as burning a candle or sitting in a particular chair. Anything that cues your mind that it’s time to begin writing.

Read: When I struggle with developing ideas for my essays, reading other pieces leads me to discover nuggets of information that turn into promising ideas to explore. In particular, reading about different topics than I usually write about often leads to unexpected connections and inspires some of my most engaging writing. Take a break: It may sound counterintuitive, but when you’re having difficulty writing, sometimes walking away from your notebook or computer is the best thing you can do. The Wright brothers developed the prototype for the airplane after going on a picnic, where they observed buzzards in flight. Sometimes, when we stop searching for ideas, the ideas come to us. Often, putting the work away and returning to it with fresh eyes can give you a new perspective. Write for yourself: When writing, it can be hard not to think about the finished product. But, allowing yourself to write freely,

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Turn off distractions: I’m often distracted by phone notifications. Even turning my phone to silent mode isn’t enough. Consider removing yourself entirely from distractions. For example, place your phone in another room. Shut the door. Or write at a time when everyone else in the household is asleep. If you keep showing up to the page, inspiration will eventually meet you there. BL Lucy Jayes is a development associate at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. The Carnegie Center is a nonprofit educational center offering seasonal writing, publishing, language classes, and community programming. For more, visit carnegiecenterlex.org.

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IndependentBusiness

PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

Camp founder Joelle Riding (left) and director of operations Marjorie Amon.

Happy Campers Part summer camp, part wellness retreat — introducting Kentucky’s first all-inclusive summer camp for adults BY DAN DICKSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s a kid, Joelle Riding didn’t want to go to summer camp. Every summer, she remembers not wanting to leave her Lexington home or her mom to hang out with a bunch of strangers. But every summer, she ended up ultimately glad she did go. Those few days at camp stayed with her well after summer ended. “I feel like the things I learned at summer camp, I still use today,” Riding said. “I learned how to make friends with a whole bunch of different people and be confident in myself. I

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feel like I carried on that spirit as an adult.” As an adult, she carried on the tradition of what adults do: She went to college, got a job, traveled, and moved away from her Kentucky home. And around the time Riding moved back to Lexington, the 28-year-old started thinking about what the next decade or two would hold for her. One question kept popping up. “What did I enjoy doing as a kid?” Riding wasn’t asking herself about a career, necessarily, but something extra. After studying marketing and international business at University of Kentucky, she started her own web design business, Dope Magic. That self-reflection resulted in a rear-view

look at summer camp and another question. Why isn’t there something like that for adults? When she first got the idea in May, Riding said she felt goosebumps. She knew she had to follow the feeling. She wanted to start a summer camp for adults. “Once I get an idea, I will do anything,” she said. “I’m like a Duracell bunny.” Part of that included some TikTok research, which showed video footage of Camp Rahh, a Seattle-based camp promising a world where “capture the flag, scavenger hunts and campfire sing-alongs aren’t just reserved for children.” And she found other similar camps on Google. “Yes, they exist,” she said. “There’s not many of them yet, though. And many of them are in bigger cities.” One called Camp No Counselor started 10 years ago and now has offerings in New York, California and Texas. The concept was also romanticized by a book-turned-Netflix movie, “Happiness for Beginners,” released on the streaming site in August. It follows a group of adults on a hiking excursion along the Appalachian Trail.

Riding decided early on where she wanted to hold her camp: Kentucky. “I’m so excited to bring this to Kentucky, because I want people to know you don’t have to leave Kentucky to have a good life and good opportunity,” she said. “You don’t need to go to Colorado or Oregon or California to experience awesome things. They’re right in your backyard.” She planned to get the first installment going by 2025 or so, but once Riding and her team – all volunteers – got to work, they pulled together a plan and found an available campsite in time to host the first camp this year. Billed as Kentucky’s only all-inclusive summer camp for adults, the inaugural fourday Adult Wilderness Camp, or AWC, is set for October 5-8 at Camp Horsin’ Around in Perryville. An online entry describes AWC as the “perfect blend of summer camp nostalgia and a wellness retreat.” The camp is open to 50 guests, aged 21 and up, who might participate in activities such as woodworking, herbology, tie dye, archery, meditation, silent disco or yoga. Attendees will of course not be forced to participate in any

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Joelle Riding (left) has organized what she belieives to be Kentucky’s “only all-inclusive summer camp for adults.”

specific activity, but organizers encourage folks to go beyond their comfort levels a bit. Not on the list of options? Scrolling on Instagram or drinking a beer. The camp is intentionally technologyfree and substance-free. Counselors will have a system for keeping phones stored from campers, but phones will be accessible for small windows of the day and for emergencies. Riding said she wanted to create a space without technology to help people “get back to their roots.” “With Covid, we were forced inside and a lot of the time got on social media because that was the only way to feel connected to people,” she said. “We’ve gone too far down that road where we’re just watching other people live their lives.” And she wanted to provide a healthy outlet for people to connect in a sober setting. “This camp is for the people who, for one weekend, are willing to put away their phones, meet themselves a little bit more than they have before,” the website reads. “And most importantly, are brave enough to go up to a stranger and say ‘Hey, can I play?’” BL

THAT STARTS WITH YOU. At Central Bank, we live, work and thrive in the same communities you do. You’re neighbors, friends, business partners. We know and understand you, and your business, because we build relationships with you – every day. That helps us serve you better, and that’s what makes “highly personal banking” more effective banking. We start with you.

Adult Wilderness Camp Camp Horsin’ Around Perryville, Ky., Oct. 5-8. For more info visit www.adultwildernesscamp.com centralbank.com

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Member FDIC

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CraveWorthy Small-town Culinary Charms As Wallace Station celebrates 20 years and with a new cooking studio in Versailles, Chef Ouita Michel embraces the appeal of out-of-the-way destinations. BY SHANNON CLINTON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ople are willing to travel to out-of-theway, small-town destinations for an exceptional culinary experience—and the support from those communities remains strong. Indeed, her Holly Hill & Co.-branded locations like Zim’s Cafe and The Thirsty Fox in downtown Lexington, Smithtown Seafood on West Sixth Street, and Honeywood at The Summit at Fritz Farm cater to the convenience of urban dwellers. But the Midway Bakery and Holly Hill Inn? They’ve been bringing diners in droves to Midway for years. Windy Corner Market is nestled in the heart of horse farm country on the outskirts of Lexington. Similarly, Wallace Station Deli and Bakery is situated on a country road just outside Versailles. When Wallace Station opened 20 years ago, its first patrons were local horse farm workers, Michel said. Over time, those patrons have become not just regulars but also friends and neighbors. Small-town residents “will come out and support you,” she said. Due to its secluded location, Michel said some people thought she was crazy when she opened Wallace Station in a turn-of-the20th-century building that once served as a post office, gas station, and general store. But, as the restaurant celebrates its milestone 20th anniversary this year, Michel said the setting exemplifies the beauty, authenticity, and experience customers crave. Located along a National Scenic Byway, it’s also the “only place on that byway where you can stop and get a meal,” she said. Wallace Station, in turn, led to the development of Windy Corner Market. “We got that opportunity to open Windy Corner Market because people saw how successful we could be with a concept like Wal-

lace Station, and I hope it’s a model for other communities,” she said. Earlier this year, the James Beard Foundation Award multi-nominated chef, who shares a birthday with Julia Child, opened Holly Hill & Co Cooking Studio in downtown Versailles, with cooking classes taught by herself, members of her team, and special guest instructors. While Michel said she’s been cooking nonstop for the past three years, mostly for large gatherings booked through her catering business, Holly Hill Events, she said cooking in front of a live audience offers a different dynamic and a personal connection. She also plans to use the studio to film content for a new YouTube channel that shares what her vision of Kentucky’s food culture is all about. The inaugural summer session themes— including Cooking with Memory, Craft a Perfect Bourbon Menu, and Julia Childthemed recipes—quickly sold out. Fall themes are in development for September, October, and November dates. She’s planning a brunch class with how-tos on cocktails, hollandaise, poached eggs, classic French omelets, and sides. Other themes focus on Greek food and on apples. The setting is intimate, with groups limited to 16 guests as Michel shares her thoughts on food, her career, and more while conducting the cooking demos. “I do better in small spaces where you can really talk and share stories,” she said. Guests enjoy a multi-course meal, as well. Classes on knife sharpening and other kitchen skills will also be offered. While Michel—who’s also recently launched the video series called “Up Home with Ouita Michel” and a cookbook—says she has no plans to open additional restaurants any time soon, does she have other ideas percolating? “Oh, absolutely, every single day!” she said. BL

wallace station PHOTOS FURNISHED

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Holly Hill & Co. Cooking Studio and new cookbook PHOTOS FURNISHED

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QuickBites xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx BY SHANNON CLINTON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

wo longtime friends have joined talents to open their own Georgetown bakery, Pretty Girls Sweets and Cakery. Stacey Roach and Sandy Rodriguez, who have been friends for nearly three decades, recently opened the bakery at 739 S. Broadway. According to Roach, its name and logo are tribute to their daughters. The women want to be an inspiration to their children as they pursue their shared dream. “Sandy has done cakes for approximately two years from home, and I have always been a baker,” she said. “I recently walked away from my job of 10 years as a logistics manager and texted Sandy one night and said, ‘Let’s open a bakery” – and here we are!” Top sellers include oatmeal cream pies, cinnamon rolls and beautifully decorated custom cakes, Roach said. Bread options change daily and future plans include adding coffee to the menu. Special requests are also accommodated, often on the next day’s menu, she added. “We are looking forward to building relationships with our community in our hometown,” Roach said. In other area food and beverage industry news: The Ketch has been sold to a group of local investors, former owner Art Howard said. The restaurant, established in 1987, has been in the Howard family since 1995 and on the market almost one year. Now Howard says it’s time to retire. July 24 was the last day of service in its latest incarnation. “It was (emotional),” Howard said, adding that many former employees and regular customers came in to bid adieu to the former owners. Howard said his plans now include traveling and golfing. As for The Ketch, he said he isn’t sure what the new owners have in store, past extensive remodeling. The first Kentucky location of the Italian fine dining restaurant Vallozzi’s was scheduled for a soft opening in late August at 110 Court St., Versailles. With sister restaurants also owned by Julian Vallozzi located in Greensburg and Pittsburgh, the restaurant will feature authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients, imported meats and cheeses and an award-winning wine collection. The restaurant has an upstairs bar and wine cellar, and a wine and bourbon locker area where loyal patrons can store their favorite beverages. Fiesta time! New Mexican restaurant announcements abound, including El Jefe on Richmond Rd.; Pepper’s Mexican Grill in the former Sultan location at Hartland; La Dona Mexican Restaurant & Cantina at 2220 Nicholasville Rd., #102; and Monarca Authentic Mexican Restaurant, located in the former Lexington Diner space at 841 Lane Allen Rd., Lexington. Louisville Business First reports that Wild Eggs officials are in talks with the Lexington franchisee about signing a new four- to five-unit deal on new Lexington locations. The Void Sake Co., 949 National Ave., unveiled its new food truck, Nebutori, which had an Aug. 1 grand opening and serves ramen and traditional Japanese fare.

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PHOTO FURNISHED

Longtime friends Stacey Roach and Sandy Rodriguez have opened Pretty Girls Sweets and Cakery in Georgetown, Ky.

Ramsey’s Diner is opening a new location at 112 Lucille Dr. at Masterson Station, replacing the now-closed Tates Creek location. Not Your Ordinary Kitchen launched at Greyline Station with its Aug. 12 soft opening, touting itself as “turned up a notch from Grandma’s cooking and where food is everything but ordinary!” Recent menu items included stuffed salmon and stuffed chicken, both with cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, as well as cheesesteaks. Dumplings & Noodles has opened on 3695 Nicholasville Rd., with ramen and other noodle-based dishes, Chinese entrees, dumplings filled with pork, custard, beef and more, as well as appetizers, fried noodles and rice. Coffee, anyone? The Oregon-based coffee chain, Human Bean, opened its second locally-owned site at 2644 Richmond Rd. in late July, with specialty coffees, smoothies, teas and breakfast items to go. A new mobile coffee service called Beans & Brews has opened and is popping up at several area establishments, including Tates Creek Kroger. Dutch Bros Coffee announced it would open its first Kentucky location this fall at 234 E. New Circle Rd., near Bryan Avenue, serving up coffees, smoothies, freezes, teas and energy drinks. The Vietnamese sister concepts Pho BC and Black Pearl bubble tea have relocated to 171 W. Lowry Ln., just down the shopping center from their original Lowry Lane location. Bad Wolf Burgers has returned to its origins in the Meadowthorpe area, having relocated to a new location at 1401 N. Forbes Rd. after the lease on its most recent location on South Broadway expired this summer. Sadly, BoBi Cones, an offshoot soft-serve location in Palomar Centre by Crank & Boom, announced that it would close at the end of August. “It’s been a great run but it’s time for us to say goodbye so our team can focus on other projects,” a post on the company’s Facebook page read. LaRosa’s Pizzeria has also closed its location at 2890 Richmond Rd., with a company press release saying that an official announcement about the replacement restaurant would be made later this year. BL Have a food- or beverage-related update to share? Please email info@smileypete.com.

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Julietta Market Seeks to Relocate A founding tenant of Greyline Station, representatives say the market needs higher visibility at lower costs BY SHANNON CLINTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

dynamic public marketplace in the heart of the Bluegrass, Greyline’s 65,000-square-foot building has a storied history,” is the sentiment Greyline Station’s website has prominently posted on its home page. That story has entered a new chapter recently, with the announcement that its largest tenant, Julietta Market, would not be renewing its three-year lease set to expire October 31, and is planning to relocate to a different location. How the two entities continue to evolve post-exodus is still being ironed out, and we spoke with leaders of each to glean early indications of their plans. The 23,000-square-foot Julietta Market launched in the fall of 2020 as a project of the now-defunct North Limestone Community Development Corporation. The market was conceived to offer a platform for local small business entrepreneurs, especially women and underrepresented minorities from the Lexington area, providing them with resources and affordable spaces to nurture their businesses. Taking advantage of these opportunities, numerous vendors have established stalls and shops here, showcasing a diverse range of offerings from baked goods and popcorn to home décor and plants. Over the past three years, several vendors have utilized Julietta Market as a stepping stone towards launching their own own brick-and-mortar shops. Earlier this year, the nonprofit Northside Common Market assumed the lease for Julietta Market, with Adina Tatum as its executive director. Shortly after taking on this new role, Tatum engaged consulting group Project for Public Spaces to explore avenues for developTATUM ment, rebranding, refinement, and sustainability for the market. Tatum noted that private organizations seldom operate public markets, and the current rent was deemed prohibitively high. “Public markets are typically owned by municipalities or nonprofit organizations,” she added, offering controlled or reduced rent along with lower vendor costs. “This played a pivotal role in our decision to relocate,” she said. Greyline Station owner and developer Chad Needham affirmed that he did not attempt to influence the market’s departure. In response to financial concerns, he proposed a smaller space within Greyline at a reduced rate and with enhanced security and air conditioning, but that offer was rejected. “Now we’re just parting ways, and they have their mission and vision that they want to accomplish and we wish them the best in that,” he said.

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PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO

“It’s a pretty level playing field here,” Lexington Tool Library organizer Tim Hahn said. “Anybody can become a member, and anyone that’s a member can volunteer to help run the space.”

Needham confirmed that several tenants, such as North Lime Coffee & Donuts, Old North Bar, Rise Up Pizza, Wyng Kyng, Social Vegan, Nourished Folks, Vintage Therapy, Community Lex Radio, and newcomers Darling wine bar and Bespoken Spirits, will continue to operate at Greyline Station. He has also enlisted the expertise of Revel Real Estate Consulting Group, recognized for their work with marketplaces such as Fort Hill Market in Lynchburg, Grand Central Market in New York City, and Krog Street Market in Atlanta. Their collaboration with Greyline is set to commence in early August. With that group’s input for fresh ideas, Needham said what he intends for Greyline to be an exciting public market that will be open six days a week, with culinary experiences in a revamped food hall, entertainment, new retail, art, and opportunities for new small businesses to locate in a forward-thinking, inclusive and welcoming site. He said he also anticipates continuing with popups events like block parties and the Night Market. “I think that community engagement is important and that ability for smaller microentrepeneurs to be here creates a fun experience for the neighborhood or anyone visiting, and also gives them the opportunity to sell their wares,” Needham said. Tatum said Julietta Market officials have decided to find another nonprofit to partner with or find a space it can manage alone, preferably somewhere in the downtown area with adjacent outdoor space that can be used to help with community engagement and visibility from nearby streets, which she said the current location lacks. “That way people know what we’re doing and they’re curious, ‘Oh what is Julietta Market?’ and will stop in, she said. Tatum said for now, the name of the

market will stay the same, though some rebranding may be on the horizon. The market’s mission remains to create an “entrepreneurial ecosystem” to remove barriers to success from marginalized communities. Tatum said some current tenants are still deciding whether they’ll stay at Greyline Station or make the move with others to the forthcoming new Julietta Market location, which she hopes will be acquired and ready to reopen in early 2024. One such vendor is Jamie Fairman, owner of Forage plant store. “I think that overall that this decision for Julietta to move on and find a space more conducive to their operations is good for both them as well as Greyline as a whole,” she said. “Unfortunately, the two entities operate very differently, with most other Greyline tenants having consistent hours, while Julietta having very sporadic, inconsistent hours based on their offerings for their tenants.” She said it was hard for customers to separate Julietta and Greyline as two separate entities, and unfortunately the market often felt “empty” during the week. She foresees new life for each in going their separate ways.

“Public markets are typically owned by municipalities or nonprofit organizations. This played a pivotal role in our decision to relocate.” ADINA TATUM, JULIETTA MARKET EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“I feel that it is an opportunity to recapture those customers that felt discouraged and hopefully bring consistent traffic for all and have a very lively, consistent operation,” she said. “And I feel like Julietta will hopefully be able to find a location/space that is conducive for their operations and be able to thrive and have the autonomy they deserve, too.” Tatum said one goal she has for the new location is to ensure that vendors have a good mix of items being sold without repeats or overlap from stall to stall. Another is to require consistent hours from business owners, and to screen prospective vendors for viability and soundness of business plan during the application process. During this transitional phase, Tatum said she plans to use any cost savings to hire more staff to provide support for businesses in different phases of growth and development, and to not only offer business resources to members during their market affiliation, but afterward as well, when they’ve left to operate their own storefronts. She’s also compiling a report about how, as market graduates go on to launch their own new enterprises in Lexington and surrounding communities, there are defined, notable economic development impacts, not just community development aspects. Two years from now, Tatum hopes she will enter the new location of Julietta Market and see a dynamic space bustling with activity, while others now in the fold now may have moved on to their own standalone locations. “I hope to see an engaged community,” she said. “I hope to see growth, I hope to see activity. I hope to see family, I hope to see families engaging. Just community, positivity, a positive reputation and support from the city. I hope to see people really stepping up and supporting our entrepreneurs and seeing how important it is to support the people we’re supporting.” BL

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GET BOOKISH IN THE BLUEGRASS! It’s a FREE family-friendly event that has something for everyone: • Author meet and greets • Main Stage conversations • Children’s Tent activities – story times, illustration workshops, face painting, arts and crafts, magicians, and more • Writer’s Room workshops • All kids ages 12 and under receive a FREE BOOK* * Free Book Voucher entitles children 12 and under to one (1) free children’s book from inside the Children’s Tent up to $25.00 value. Valid while supplies last on October 21, 2023 ONLY.

OCT 21, 2023 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington

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VISIT

kybookfestival.org

TOURISM, ARTS AND HERITAGE CABINET

The Kentucky Book Festival is a program of

KENTUCKY HUMANITIES

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AppHarvest Looks to Reorganize with Bankruptcy Filing AgTech start-up seeks a new direction amidst financial struggles BY LIZ CAREY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he company that once promised to make Appalachia the center of AgTech in the U.S. has filed for bankruptcy as it looks to reorganize its operations. AppHarvest, the greenhouse-centered farm system, filed for bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas on July 23. The move follows a turbulent few months for the company that has recently seen its revenue dwindle and its founder and CEO replaced. Now, the company is seeking to sell off its farms and restructure while moving in a new, and hopefully profitable, direction. According to bankruptcy filings, the company obtained a commitment from Equilibrium, the company’s largest secured creditor, for $30 million on debtor-in-possession financing to fund operations at three of the company’s four farms. “We have funding to keep the business running as usual until the last week of September at Morehead, Richmond, and Somerset,” company spokesman Travis Parman said in an email interview. “During this time, we’ll be working to sell the farms to investors with the goal of keeping them continuously operational so they continue to employ about the same number of folks as now.” The company’s farm in Berea has already been sold to its distribution partner, Mastronardi Produce. Previously, AppHarvest owned the 60-acre indoor farm that produces tomatoes. In December, the company sold the property to Mastronardi and then leased the

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farm from it. Now, however, AppHarvest has said it has turned the farm over to Mastronardi. In return, Mastronardi will provide AppHarvest with $3.75 million, as well as funding to support the company’s “restructuring plan,” AppHarvest said in a press release. The company said it is diligently working to restructure operations so it can maximize value for creditors and to preserve the jobs it created. Parman said the company created 1,000 jobs at the four farms. “Employees at the Berea farm already have been transitioned to the new owner, Mastronardi Produce,” Parman said. “Employees at Morehead, Somerset, and Richmond are focused on business as usual during this restructure and can expect to be compensated as usual and continue to have access to benefits. The goal is to minimize any disruption to employees.” The goal moving forward, Tony Martin, AppHarvest CEO, said, is to increase volume, quality and, sales. “The AppHarvest board of directors and executive leadership evaluated several strategic alternatives to maximize value for all stakeholders prior to the Chapter 11 filing,” Martin said. “The Chapter 11 filing provides protection while we work to transition operation of our strategic plan, Project New Leaf, which has shown strong progress toward operational efficiencies resulting in higher sales, cost savings, and product quality.” Started in 2018 by Kentuckian Jonathan Webb, AppHarvest was intended to be a new age in agriculture in the Commonwealth that would bring economic development and jobs to Appalachia. Utilizing European greenhouse systems, the company put acres of agriculture under glass, allowing it to harvest nearly year-round. Additionally, the company said its Central Kentucky location was positioned to reach nearly 70 percent of American markets within a day’s drive — getting produce to

retailers quicker and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2019, the company had gained the attention of investors, including Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Inclusive Capital Partners, Equilibrium, Narya Capital, Lupa Systems, Breyer Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst. Board members for the company included Martha Stewart, Narya Capital cofounder and Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance, Impossible Foods CFO David Lee, and impact investor Jeff Ubben. In 2020, the company opened its Morehead operation, where it expected to produce about 45 million pounds of tomatoes annually. Other farms soon followed in Berea, Richmond, and Somerset, growing lettuce, more tomatoes, and berries. After announcing it would move into office space on West Short Street in 2021, AppHarvest raised close to $475 million when it went public. By 2023, the company used its farms as collateral to obtain four loans worth $246 million, including one for $50 million backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But by August of that year, the company announced it had only $3.1 million in sales, citing labor and productivity challenges,

and reduced its annual projected earnings. Later that year, the company was hit with five shareholder lawsuits in federal court alleging AppHarvest overstated hiring and retention figures, including in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and that the company misled investors through its public statements. Those lawsuits are still pending. As a result of challenges facing the company, in November 2022, a “restructuring” took place when president David Lee and COO Julie Nelson left the company. By then AppHarvest had accumulated a more than $270 million deficit and was warning investors there was “substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a growing concern.” This January, Tony Martin took over the CEO position from Webb, who remains on the board. Martin, who has years of experience with controlled environment agriculture, said the focus going forward would be efficient operations. “AppHarvest is at an exciting inflection point transitioning from a construction and development mode to an organization focused on core operational excellence,” Martin said at the time. “I believe AppHarvest has a tremendous opportunity to leverage its world-class CEA network at a time when both changing climate and major grocery retailers are demanding it. We’re working to ramp up production and revenue by ensuring efficient, cost-effective delivery of high-quality produce to major grocers and restaurants.” Parman said the company was working to find buyers for the farms. “Multiple parties have expressed interest in the other three farms, and more continue to do so. The value of the farms is so great the likelihood of purchase is nearly 100 percent,” he said. “During the restructuring process, we are hosting prospective buyers and providing them details on the operating potential of the farms. The value of the farms is rooted in them remaining in operation to generate revenue, so we anticipate any potential buyer will maintain similar ongoing work.” The company’s future, he said, is up to whomever buys the farms. “What’s next will depend on how the buyers wish to leverage and manage the assets — through the existing team, independently, or some combination — and whether they wish to continue to use the AppHarvest name,” he said. BL

“I believe AppHarvest has a tremendous opportunity to leverage its world-class CEA network at a time when both changing climate and major grocery retailers are demanding it. We’re working to ramp up production and revenue by ensuring efficient, cost-effective delivery of high-quality produce to major grocers and restaurants.” TONY MARTIN, APPHARVEST CEO

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A Kentucky Sports Betting Primer As sports betting rolls out across the state, here’s a look at how the program is designed to work

BY DAN DICKSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hen Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed into law House Bill 551 last March, the Kentucky sports gambling bill not only created new opportunities for seasoned sports bettors around Kentucky, but potentially open sports betting to thousands of casual fans as well. Although Kentucky’s sports betting law took effect June 28, its implementation is set to begin in September . The first retail sportsbooks—only available at sanctioned Kentucky racetracks—are set to go live in the state on Sept. 7, and online sports betting will begin Sept. 28. Bettors said it was about time Kentucky joined neighboring states in offering legal sports betting. No longer will Kentuckians have to hop state lines to place those types of bets. “I never thought it made sense to keep going over the bridge to Indiana to bet,” said Mickey Hedges, an occasional sports gambler from Frankfort. “And now my cousin up in Covington won’t have to drive over the bridge to Ohio just to bet. It just makes sense for us to do it in our own state.”

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Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, a Republican from Georgetown, pushed hard for passage of the bill. “Freedom won the day,” said Thayer. “We’re a sportscrazy state and people want to be able to make a choice of their own free will to make wagers on sports events, like almost all of our neighboring states.” Kentucky is the 38th state to legalize sports betting. State officials estimate sports betting could bring in $23 million in new tax revenue for the state, with most tax proceeds going toward Kentucky’s financially troubled state pension system. By comparison, Thayer said, Tennessee took in an estimated $68 million in sports betting tax revenue last year. He said he looks forward to Kentuckians not crossing over “to spend their money in other states.” Not everyone favors legal sports betting in the state, however, arguing that it’s a highly addictive form of gambling and that Kentucky families will be hurt when people spend money that they cannot afford to lose on gambling. In response to these concerns, the new law sets aside 2.5% of the state’s gambling tax revenue for addiction programs. A study revealed that more than 100,000 adults in Kentucky displayed problematic gambling traits and 45,000 adults struggled with gambling addiction, according to data from the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling. In Lexington, Keeneland and Red Mile Gaming and Racing chose to partner with Caesar’s Sportsbook, the sports wagering platform for Caesars Entertainment. An agreement calls for the racetracks to have access to mobile sports wagering and to open brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook locations. “Keeneland’s venture with Caesars Sportsbook holds exciting potential and furthers our mission to introduce new audiences to

horse racing,” said Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Caesars is a globally respected brand.” “Opportunities with sports wagering on site, added to live racing, simulcasting, and HHR [historical horse racing] games accomplish goals we have worked toward for several years,” said Red Mile chief operating officer Shannon Cobb. “Our relationship with Keeneland and Caesars in this venture could not be more valued.” To become a licensed betting facility, the racetracks must pay the state an up-front fee of $500,000 and an annual renewal fee of $50,000. Bets placed in person at horse tracks and other physical sites will have an excise tax of 9.75%. Online wagers will be taxed at a higher rate of 14.25%. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) is the regulatory body for sports betting activities and has established standards and procedures for operators to obtain and maintain licenses. The KHRC was chosen to govern because it has 114 years of experience in gambling regulation. It hired Hans Stokke as executive advisor. He will build a new department to inspect and enforce state regulations. KHRC representatives have also consulted with gaming officials in New Jersey, Ohio, Colorado, Massachusetts and with Major League Baseball to gain insights. Kentucky players must be at least 18 years old. However, some betting operators, such as Caesars Sportsbook and FanDuel, require betters to be age 21 or older. Customers can bet on everything from Kentucky Wildcats sports and college sports in general, to the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, boxing, NASCAR, pro golf, and a wide variety of other professional sports. With the roll out of gambling in the state slated for early and

late September, extra efforts were made to get everything up and running for the NFL season. The NFL draws a tremendous amount of sports gambling. Fans in Kentucky will be able to wager beginning with NFL Week 4. Customers will be able to place wagers through licensed Kentucky websites and up to 30 mobile sports betting apps. The more prominent sites entering this competitive marketplace, besides Caesar and FanDuel, include BetMGM, DraftKings, BetRivers, and WynnBET, to name a few. Users will also be able to use sports betting facilities at Keeneland, Red Mile Gaming and Racing, Churchill Downs, and other racetracks in the state, as well as at Kentucky Speedway. Betting on horse races will only be allowed in person and through specific online sports race books, such as TwinSpires, TVG or FanDuel Racing. When using the online sites or locations, gamblers could have many dozens of betting options within a single contest. For example, customers will be able to study in-game and player information and bet on point spreads (margin of victory) and point totals (known as the over/under). Parlays are popular because they let a person bet on two or more outcomes within a game. Props are side bets when a customer bets on specific aspects of a game or an individual player’s performance, such as a basketball player getting 10 rebounds or a football player rushing for 100 yards or more. Depending on how they play, customers will be eligible for bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty rewards. It is all designed to keep customers happy and coming back. High rollers will note that the maximum allowed legal bet in Kentucky will be $5,000. The maximum allowable daily loss will be $10,000. BL

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Commercial Lenders Lexington area lenders ranked by dollar amount of commercial loans June 30, 2023 UBPR Report Fayette County Offices/ Branches

Lender Address Phone Website

Dollar Amount Commercial Loans as of 6/30/23 (thousands)

Total Earnings Assets as of 6/30/23 (thousands)

New Peer Group # Insured Commercial Bank

Top Local Executive

Republic Bank & Trust Company 333 W. Vine St., Ste. 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 300-3333 www.republicbank.com

$487,231

$5,859,770

3 - assets between $3 billion and $10 billion

Todd Ziegler (Market President)

Republic Bancorp, Inc./ Louisville, KY

Community Trust Bank, Inc. 100 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 389-5350 www.ctbi.com

$380,662

$5,068,102

3 - assets between $3 billion and $10 billion

Billie Dollins (Central Kentucky Region President)

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc./ Pikeville, KY

Central Bank & Trust Company 300 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (800) 637-6884 www.centralbank.com

$333,604

$3,372,345

3 - assets between $3 billion and $10 billion

Luther Deaton Jr. (President & CEO)

Central Bancshares, Inc./ Lexington, KY

Independence Bank 444 E. Main St., Ste.108 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 686-1775 www.1776bank.com

$124,845

$3,457,645

3 - assets between $3 billion and 10 billion

Stacy Berge (Lexington-Fayette County President)

Independence Banshares Inc./ Owensboro, KY

Traditional Bank 49 W. Main St. Mount Sterling, KY (859) 296-0000 www.traditionalbank.com

$91,085

$2,235,897

4 - assets between $1 billion and $3 billion

Daniel Mason (President)

Traditional Bancorporation, Inc/ Mt. Sterling, KY

Whitaker Bank 2001 Pleasant Ridge Drive Lexington, KY 40509 (800) 650-0099 www.whitakerbank.com

$41,495

$1,798,050

4 - assets between $1 billion and $3 billion

Mark Walls (Regional President)

Whitaker Bank Corp. of KY/ Lexington, KY

Forcht Bank 2404 Sir Barton Way Lexington, KY 40509 (866) 523-1445 www.forchtbankky.com

$39,713

$1,346,845

4 - assets between $1 billion and $3 billion

Tucker Ballinger (President & CEO)

Forcht Bancorp., Inc./ Corbin, KY

City National Bank 534 Marsailles Road Versailles, KY 40383 (859) 879-9455 www.bankatcity.com

$18,474

$321,915

5 - assets between $300 million and $1 billion

Skip Hageboeck (President & CEO)

City Holding Company/ Charleston, WV

Peoples Exchange Bank 175 Brooks Place Way Winchester, KY 40391 (859) 744-4159 www.pebank.com

$14,817

$494,348

5 - assets between $300 million and $1 billion

Matthew White (Market President)

Genbeach Co., Inc./ Winchester, KY

Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. 101 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-4500 www.bankofthebluegrass.com

$9,702

$322,993

5 - assets between $300 million and $1 billion

Bill Allen (CEO)

Bluegrass Bancshares, Inc./ Lexington, KY

Rank

Bank Holdings/ Location

Lenders with Bundled Figures from FDIC * June 30, 2023 UBPR Report Bank Address Phone Website

Dollar Amount Commercial Loans as of 6/30/23 (thousands)

Total Earnings Assets as of 6/30/23 (thousands)

Chase Bank 201 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-2710 www.chase.com

$8,022,625

$119,028,380

$497,408,289

WesBanco Bank 400 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 244-7204 www.wesbanco.com

$1,231,727

$14,986,016

$102,218,272

$599,013,165

Stock Yards Bank 401 Main St. Paris, KY 40361 (800) 467-1939 www.syb.com

$1,186,680

$6,988,988

Truist Bank 360 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 281-2120 www.truist.com

$89,976,000

$472,688,000

Cumberland Valley National Bank 1721 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 268-1189 www.cvnb.com

$66,084

$674,971

Fifth Third Bank 250 W. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 455-5333 www.53.com

$48,360,000

$184,038,000

Lender Address Phone Website

Dollar Amount Commercial Loans as of 6/30/23 (thousands)

Total Earnings Assets as of 6/30/23 (thousands)

Bank of America 1808 Alysheba Way Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 629-3660 www.bankofamerica.com

$344,994,000

$2,234,152,000

PNC Bank 301 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 281-5383 www.pnc.com

$129,290,039

US Bank National Association 2020 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 232-8181 www.usbank.com

4 5

Rank

Source: Source: FDIC.gov, Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), Uniform Bank Performance Report (UBPR), June 30, 2023, utilizing the figures from the Balance Sheet $. Footnote: *These are local banks that bundle totals for the FDIC reports and the local figures could not be secured.

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SBA Lenders Fiscal year lenders ranked by number of loans in Kentucky 10/01/22–05/31/23, most recent lenders report per SBA

Rank

Lender Address Phone Website

Total # of Loans 2022/23

Total Loan $ 2022/23 $18,881,400

The Huntington National Bank 710 E. Main Street, Ste. 110 Lexington KY 40502 (859) 514-6022 www.huntington.com

U.S. Bank, National Association 2020 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 232-8181 www.usbank.com

Community Trust Bank, Inc. 100 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 389-5350 www.ctbi.com

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company 12900 Factory Land Louisville, KY 40245 (502) 222-8424 www.syb.com

Republic Bank & Trust Company 333 W. Vine St., Ste. 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 300-3333 www.republicbank.com

PNC Bank - National Association 1301 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40204 (502) 581-7560 www.pnc.com

Newtek Small Business Finance, Inc. 1440 Broadway New York, NY 11042 (212) 356-950 www.newtek.com

4 5 6 7

Top Official and/or SBA Loan Officer Perry Dunn (SBA Specialist)

Bank Address Phone Website

Rank

Perry Allen (Regional President)

$9,645,500

Billie Dollins (Central Kentucky Regional President), Andrew Jarvis (VP Commercial Loan Officer) James A. Hillebrand (CEO)

$2,206,000

David A. Cohen (Managing Director, Chief Production Officer, and Co-head of Bridge Lending)

WesBanco Bank, Inc. 2509 Sir Barton Way Lexington KY 40509 (859) 264-0468 www.wesbanco.com

$10,296,700

Ashely Lane (VP Commercial Lending System Officer)

BayFirst National Bank 700 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 440-6848 www.bayfirst financial.com

$2,176,300

Anthony N. Leo (CEO)

Live Oak Banking Company 1741 Tiburon Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 790-5867 www.liveoakbank.com

$9,563,400

Huntley Garriott (President)

First Financial Bank 201 Limestone Drive Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 875-4500 www.bankatfirst.com

$2,156,000

Archie M. Brown, Jr. (President and CEO)

Gbank Financial Holding, Inc. 9115 W. Russell Road, Ste. 110 Las Vegas, NV 89148 (702) 851-4200 www.g.bank

$2,618,700

T. Ryan Sullivan (CEO and President)

Peoples Bank of KY 105 S. Main Cross Flemingsburg, KY 41041 (606) 845-2461 www.peoplebankky.com

$12,983,000

Ben Womack (SBA Specialist)

South Central Bank, Inc. 2000 Warrington Way, Ste. 200 Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 715-4292 www.southcentralbank.com

$874,000

Kurt Hummel (SBA Specialist)

TIE

10 TIE

$9,374,700

Todd Ziegler (Market President)

12 TIE

$21,860,000

Kathy Pleasant (Sr. VP and Director SBA Lending)

12 TIE

$2,785,000

Peter Downs (President)

12 TIE

504 Lenders

Top Official and/or SBA Loan Officer

Readycap Lending, LLC 200 Connell Drive, Ste. 4000 Berkeley Heights, NJ (800) 453-3548 www.readycapital.com

TIE

$25,422,800

Total Loan $ 2022/23

8 TIE

$21,133,900

Total # of Loans 2022/23

TIE

Ranked by number of loans in Kentucky 2022-23 Rank

Lender

Loan # 2022/23

Loan $ 2022/23

Capital Access Corporation - Kentucky

$6,909,000

Community Ventures

$6,592,000

Alloy Development Company, Inc.

$2,072,000

Access Business Development & Finance

$1,998,000

Premier Capital Corporation

$1,340,000

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Source: US Small Business Administration, Lender Relations Specialist/District International Trade Officer. Note: minimum loans 4, this is due to spacing. Definitions: The “SBA” in SBA loans stands for the Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration is a federal agency dedicated to helping entrepreneurs improve their small businesses, take advantage of contracting opportunities, and get better access to small business loans. What is 504 lending? Also called the Certified Development Company or CDC/504 loan, the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan is a commercial real estate loan used to purchase land with buildings on it, fund new building construction, renovate or improve property, or purchase long-term equipment. Micro Lenders. Micro lending can be described as an agreement between a borrower and the lending company, (Micro lender/Cash loan). Micro lending (also called cash loan) The borrower has the right to information pertaining to their loan(s) ie. the capital amount borrowed, interest payable, number and amount of installments.

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STUDIO MEL, A NEW DESIGN BUSINESS LAUNCHED BY IDENTICAL TWIN SISTERS, BRIGHTENS THE WALLS OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACES WITH UNIQUE MURALS APRIL 18-24

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IN WITH THE OLD: LORD JOHN VINTAGE RETRO FASHION AND DECOR

THE LEXINGTON ARTIST AND ARCHITECTURE PROFESSOR PREPARES FOR HER FIRST SOLO EXHIBIT, OPENING THIS MONTH AT THE LOUDOUN HOUSE

APRIL 18-24 APRIL ‘22

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magazine

CREATIVE TYPES:

ARTIST AND ARCHITECTURE PROFESSOR LIZ SWANSON

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Family Law Firms Ranked by total number of lawyers in office/or family law divisions - Lexington area 2023 Firm Name Address, Phone Website

# Lawyers in Office/or Family Law Divisions

Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC 300 W. Vine St., Ste. 2100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-3000 www.skofirm.com

30/ 11

Embry Merritt Womack Nance, PLLC 201 E. Main St., Ste. 1402 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 543-0453 www.emwnlaw.com

Osborne Fletcher, PLLC 302 W. High St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 287-0949 www.osbornefletcher.com

Managing Partner(s) in Office

Year Founded Locally/Number of Offices

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, paternity actions, grandparents’ rights, child custody and visitation, post-nuptial agreements, post-dissolution planning

P. Douglas Barr

1897/ 5

4/ 3

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, paternity actions, grandparents’ rights, child custody and visitation

Darren L. Embry, Joyce A. Merritt, James G. Womack, Samantha T. Nance

2011/ 3

5/ 5

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreement, spousal support, post-divorce modification, grandparents’ visitation, child support, adoption, domestic violence, estate planning, legal separation, foreign/out of state orders and more

Crystal Osborne, Kate Green Fletcher

2016/ 1

Britton Johnson, PLLC 200 W. Vine St., Ste. 800 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 963-2241 www.brittonjohnsonlaw.com

3/ 1

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, paternity actions, grandparents’ rights, child custody and visitation

Anita M. Britton

2011/ 1

Kershaw & Baumgardner 250 W. Main St., Ste. 1850 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 381-1145 www.kbfamilylaw.com

3/ 2

Divorce, custody and visitation, post-divorce modification, child support, spousal support, grandparents’ rights, paternity actions, prenuptial agreements, mediation, collaborative divorce, property division, arbitration

Valerie S. Kershaw

2003/ 1

McBrayer, PLLC 201 E. Main St., Ste. 900 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-8780 www.mcbrayerfirm.com

20/ 13

James H. Frazier, III

1963/ 2

Thompson Law Office 219 N. Upper St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 280-2222 www.ethompsonlaw.com

2/ 2

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, paternity actions, grandparents’ rights, child custody and visitation. Other: child abuse/neglect, adoptions, grandparents and third party custody, domestic violence

Eddy Thompson

2007/ 1

Law Office of Lisa J. Oeltgen 120 N. Mill St., Ste. 300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 523-1606 www.familylawky.com

2/ 2

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, grandparents’ rights, child custody and visitation

Lisa J. Oeltgen, Esq.

2011/ 1

Gess Mattingly & Atchison, PSC 201 W. Short St., Ste. 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-9000 www.gmalaw.com

10/ 5

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, grandparents’ rights, child custody, visitation, paternity actions, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence

Guy M. Graves

1954/ 1

Fowler Bell, PLLC 300 W. Vine St, Ste. 600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6700 www.fowlerlaw.com

3/ 2

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, paternity actions, child custody, visitation

Taft McKinstry, Matthew Boggs

1897/ 1

The Cornett Law Firm, PSC 155 E. Main St., Ste. 101 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 255-2889 www.thecornettlawfirm.com

1/ 0

Divorce, property division, prenuptial agreements, child support, spousal support, post-divorce modification, grandparents’ rights, child custody, dependency, neglect, abuse

John Crafton Cornett

2010/ 1

Rank

TIE

Local Partners/ Paralegals

Family Law Practices Area Focus within Family Law

Source: Business Lexington questionnaire, firm websites, firm representatives and legal directories. Other firms may have qualified but did not respond by deadlines.

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SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

Who’sWho

EMPLOYMENT NEWS AND AWARDS IN OUR COMMUNITY

BAHRANI

OTIENO

TRAVER

SANCHEZ VEGA

KRISTY

WEISS

SEEVERS

NORMAN

CAMPBELL

CASH

D. MORGAN

RAMIREZ-ICAZA

BRINKER

SPEARS

MARTIN

HOUP

GREER

THOMAS

MASON

WHALEN

LANG

ELLIOTT

KIRKLAND

MILLER

REKHRAJ

TROSPER

ENSLEY

MAXTED

LYNCH

MATTOX

FOSTER

ELKINSON

DRENKHAHN

LARIS

ANGELUCCI

JONES

MITCHELL

FLEES

RUPP

STEIN

RICKARD

CRAMER

GUENTHNER

SOTO

New Hires & Promotions The Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) named four new members to its board of directors. New members include: Jeni Al Bahrani, Thomas More University; Tom Otieno, Eastern Kentucky University; Brett Traver, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation; and Angelica Sanchez Vega, Community Foundation of Louisville. A new slate of members also stepped into their roles on the executive committee on July 1: Mark Kristy, PricewaterhouseCoopers (retired) – board chair; Susan Weiss, Net Tango, Inc. – board vice-chair; K. Daniel Seevers, Lexmark International, Inc. – secretary; and Mike Norman, Kentucky Science Center – treasurer.

Brinker, MD; and R. Christopher Spears, MD. AppHarvest has named controlled environment agriculture veteran Tony Martin its chief executive officer.

Emily Elliott to senior accountant; Rebekah Kirkland to senior accounting specialist; Jordan Miller to senior manager; Geetika Rekhraj to senior accountant; and Keda Trosper to senior administrative assistant.

Lucy Houp was recently promoted to asssistant vice president of property marketing at NAI Isaac.

Dan Ensley was recently named regional sports director for the YMCA of Central Kentucky.

Commerce Lexington Inc. is has welcome seasoned fundraiser Lisa Deaton Greer to the position of director of investor and sponsorship development.

CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in Mount Sterling and Lexington have added Claire Maxted, PA-C, to their growing team.

Eastern Kentucky University has appointed Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Vincent A. Thomas as the new executive director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Bob Gigliotti has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Shaker Village.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board has appointed Daniel Mason as chair of the board.

Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning’s executive director Shayla D. Lynch recently submitted her resignation, effective August 11, 2023, to focus on her duties as Lexington’s District 2 Councilmember. Jennifer Mattox will serve as the interim executive director until a new director is hired.

Accounting, tax, and consulting firm Blue & Co., LLC announced the following recent promotions: Adam Campbell to manager; Abigail Cash to senior accountant.

Lexington Christian Academy has named former Lextran executive Jill Barnett as the school’s new director of development.

CHI Saint Joseph Medical Care – Obstetrics and Gynecology in Lexington announced the addition of Katherine Foster, MD.

RE/MAX Elite Realty has welcomed Kenny Whalen as the newest addition to their brokerage.

Elizabeth Elkinson, MD has opened the area’s first concierge gynecology and wellness practice, a new type of medical service that aims to provide access to the doctor and her team 24/7, offering same-day appointments in-person or through telehealth.

Dinsmore has welcomed labor and employment attorney, Donald C. Morgan to its Lexington office. Lexington Clinic has welcomed three new physicians: Carlos Ramirez-Icaza, MD; Kory N.

BLX_Sep23_24.indd 20

The Asbury University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has named Kelsey Lang as senior woman administrator.

Erin Drenkhahn, MD, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group in Lexington. RE/MAX Elite Realty has named Alfonso Laris, Karen Angelucci, and Janet Jones as the newest additions to their brokerage. Valvoline CEO Sam Mitchell announced his retirement effective Sept. 30. Mitchell has led the company for 20+ years and will be succeeded by president of retail services, Lori Flees. White Oak Commercial Real Estate’s announced the following new hires: Frederick Rupp – associate in investment sales and leasing; John Stein – associate in investment sales and leasing; and Mary Beth Rickard – office administrator. Downtown Lexington Partnership has hired Cameron Cramer as marketing and communications coordinator. Mike Guenthner has joined Central Bank as senior vice president, senior market lender. Paladin, a leading commissioning, engineering, and sustainability consulting firm, has appointed Elizabeth Bishop Soto as its new sales account executive. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Network has named Frontier Nursing University chief

diversity and inclusion officer Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN, as the network’s Chair-Elect. Stock Yards Bancorp has promoted Shannon Budnick to executive VP, director of wealth management and trust group. Budnick will succeed Kathy C. Thompson upon her retirement effective January 2, 2024. Rector Hayden Realtors® has expanded its commercial real estate division and will be lead by industry veteran Beth Bell Brown. Other commercial agents added to the team include: Gary Denton, Chad Helm, Richard Sims, and Richa Tyagi.

Kudos Dickinson Wright announced that Chambers 2023 High Net Worth (HNW) Guide has named the firm’s Private Wealth Law practice in Kentucky as a “Top Ranked” practice. The HNW Guide listed Lexington office Dickinson Wright attorneys Jeffrey L. Gehring, Tara N. Halbert, and Henry C.T. Richmond, III, as “Leaders in their Fields”. Dickinson Wright attorney Andrew Dorisio has been listed as an IP Star in the Managing Intellectual Property 2023 Guide. Dickinson Wright also announced

8/27/23 4:41 PM

SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

Who’sWho

EMPLOYMENT NEWS AND AWARDS IN OUR COMMUNITY

ALEXANDER-DELPECH

BUDNICK

BROWN

DENTON

HELM

SIMS

TYAGI

GEHRING

HALBERT

RICHMOND

A. DORISIO

BRYANT

E. DORISIO

JOHNSON

OWEN

MAYFIELD

HARGIS

SCHICKLI

DECKER

AMATO

BALL

BLANDFORD

BOARMAN

FRAZIER

GUARNIERI

HAGGIN

HINKLE

LAWSON

LOGSDON

MACLIN

A. MORGAN

D.L. MORGAN

RICE

SHAUGHNESSY

WEBSTER

WINGFIELD

WOODALL

WORLEY

YATES

YUNKER

ADAIR

SHAW

IRELAND

SHEPPARD

that attorneys in the firm’s Lexington office have been included in the 2024 editions of Best Lawyers in America®, Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch”, and Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year”. Those recognized on the Best Lawyers in America® list include: Kimberly Bryant, Emily M. Dorisio, Jeffrey L. Gehring, Brian M. Johnson, David A. Owen, and Henry C.T. Richmond, III. Recognized on the Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” list include: Tara N. Halbert, and Logan Mayfield. Recognized on the Best Lawyers in America® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” list included: Henry C.T. Richmond, III. Managing Intellectual Property magazine has named Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys Michael S. Hargis and Warren D. Schickli to the 2023 “IP Stars” list. Attorney Mandy Wilson Decker was also selected for Managing IP’s 2023 Top 250 Women in IP list. Decker was also recently elected as the chairelect of the newly-formed Kentucky Bar Association IP Law Section and as inaugural chair of KYIPA’s board of advisors. The Lexington office of McBrayer PLLC had 20 attorneys recognized in the 2024 editions of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in America and Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers 2024 recognition was awarded to the following: Stephen G. Amato; Kenton L. Ball; Jaron P.

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Blandford; Keeana Sajadi Boarman; James H. Frazier, III; David J. Guarnieri; Mary Estes Haggin; Lisa English Hinkle; Virginia L. Lawson; Douglas T. Logsdon; Robert E. Maclin, III; Anne-Tyler Morgan; Daniel Luke Morgan; W. Brent Rice; Christopher J. Shaughnessy; Zachary Webster; Luke A. Wingfield; Jon A. Woodall; Preston C. Worley; Brendan R. Yates; and Katherine K. Yunker. The Lyric Cultural Arts Center has appointment Christian Adair as its new executive director. Kentucky American Water has received three Partnership for Safe Water awards. The awards, which honor efforts in continuously optimizing water treatment plant operation and performance, were recently announced by the American Water Works Association. KET’s Renee Shaw, a trailblazing leader and advocate for positive social change, has been awarded KASA’s prestigious William Nallia Award for her outstanding contributions to public education in Kentucky. Mary Lloyd Ireland, MD, orthopedic surgeon and professor in the department of orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Kentucky, was recently inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Hall of

Fame at the organization’s 2023 annual meeting. Energy Insurance Agency has been recognized by the Insurance Journal for the second consecutive year as one of the distinguished Top 100 Property/Casualty Independent Agencies in the United States. Award-winning, Lexington-based bourbon brand RD1 Spirits has been named to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®. Forcht Bank announced it has signed a brand partnership deal with University of Kentucky freshman Wildcat, Reed Sheppard. OVG360, the provider of venue management to Central Bank Center, has been recognized as a top destination for meetings and conventions by Facilities & Destinations magazine. The prestigious Prime Site Award is given annually to the top convention and exposition centers in the United States. Commerce Lexington Inc. announced the selection of the 43rd Leadership Lexington class. New class members include: Travis Adams, Jonathan Allen, P. Anthony Allen, Kacy Allen-Bryant, Stephanie Arnold, Tracy Bruno, Jamila Carter, Jodi Chmielewski, Michael Dilly, Colby Ernest, Chris Farris, Laura Farris, Scottie Frans, Jenny Frey, Lauren Gawthrop, Benjamin

Green, Megan Griffith, Joey Harris, Jeanette Hart, Mandy Higgins, Melanie Jackson, Sarah Jefferson, Mason King, Cheryl Klever, Angie Lang, David Leone, Eric Lindsey, Debbie Link, David Lowe, Soraya Matthew, Kevin Metcalf, Emily Metcalfe, Gina Miller, Sharon Mofield-Boswell, Darryl Neher, Christian Nelson, Brian Peterson, Melissa Reynolds, Heather Shaffer, Ashley Sipple-McGraw, Logan Sparks, Meg Sutton, Sam Swayze, Jason Thompson, Chrissie Turner, Courtney Turner, Nicole Ware, Reuben Watson, Graham Winchester, Kevin Young, Frank Yozwiak. The Leadership Central Kentucky program recently announced its newest class of members which include: Keifer Adkins, Julie Breitigan, Russ Coffey, Cassie Collins, Kristan Curry, Emily Jo Davis, Betsy Dexter, Andrea Giusti, Mackenzie Hanes, Katherine Hutchinson, Phil Jun, Christian Motley, Megan Nichols, Jordan Parker, Catherine Pauley, Allison Pettrey, Valerie Phillips, Kaelyn Query, Melissa Ramsey, Amanda Revely, Nicole Rivera, Matthew Roberts, Caelin Scott, Brady Shultz, Debbie Smith, Tyler Smith, Tori Summey, Ame Sweetall, Andrea Viney, Eli Wallace, Mary Yohon, Loni Yost, Nathalya Zarth. LexArts has named the following new members to its board of

directors: Laura Babbage, CHI St. Joseph Health; Anne Hardy, Maker’s Mark Distillery; Anne Murry, Murry Foundation; Bryce Oquaye, MADHUNDREDS; Rebecca Sherman, Stites & Harbison; and Phillip Richardson, Keeneland Association (pending board approval). Commerce Lexington has presented its Small Business of the Year award to 46Solutions. Other awards presented at the Commerce Lexington Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon presented by Forcht Bank included: Business Success Award – 46Solutions; Minority Business Award – You’ve Got Curls & Hair Loss Center; Entrepreneur Award – Lexington Event Company; and the Nonprofit Community Impact Award – Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass. Frontier Nursing University’s (FNU) Student Veterans of America, one of six Student Interest Groups at FNU, has been accepted into the Student Veterans of America national network. SVA membership provides military-specific scholarship and networking within the military and veteran community across the United States. BL Who’s who for you? Submit your company’s recent hirings, promotions, and awards for listing in the Who’s Who section of Business Lexington. Email a press release and photo to info@bizlex.com.

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Craig Williams The steadfast environmental advocate reflects on a decades-long mission to rid the world of chemical weapons safely BY LIZ CAREY

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n July 7, the last remaining chemical weapons stored at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky, were safely destroyed. This achievement signifies the culmination of a multi-decade endeavor aimed at eradicating a substantial stockpile of chemical weapons developed and stored in the United States since World War II. Craig Williams can now breathe a sigh of relief. He and other concerned citizens have been pushing for the safe destruction of the stockpile since 1984, when Army representa-

Flo Mayer, at top, Vena Preston, at right, and Karen Miller, far right, reside at Ashland Terrace in Chevy Chase. Residents enjoy a wide variety of amenities and activities, from games ardening. PHOTOS FURNISHED

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tives first came to Richmond and announced that they were going to incinerate munitions loaded with VX and Sarin nerve agents and mustard gas that were stored in the community. They asked, “‘Did anyone have any questions?’ And, of course, in the interest of making sure that the community, public health, and the environment were adequately protected, I had several questions, along with many other people,” Williams said. Williams and fellow citizens organized into two groups to effectively channel and address their concerns: the “Concerned Citizens of Madison County” and “Common Ground.” These grassroots orga-

nizations collaborated to establish the inaugural National Citizens Conference on Chemical Weapons in 1990. Hosted in Richmond, the landmark event welcomed representatives from other U.S. sites where chemical weapons were stored, the Pacific islands, and the Russian Federation. The conference culminated in the creation of the “Citizens’ Accords on Chemical Weapons Disposal,” which emphasized prioritizing environmental and public health protections and community involvement in decisions related to disposal methods. In 1988, the Army’s decision to incinerate chemical weapons across U.S. and Pacific sites clashed with an international treaty banning such disposal methods. Advocates pressed for safer alternatives, supported by evidence linking incineration to chemical releases. Funding was secured to enlist experts who proposed feasible alternatives in line with the treaty’s principles. Six technologies capable of closed-loop chemical destruction ultimately passed screening, and neutralization programs were initiated in Kentucky, Colorado, Indiana, and Maryland. Williams has worked to bring an environmentally secure conclusion to the chemical weapons issue for almost four decades. He is a founding member and current president of the Kentucky Environmental Foundation (KEF). He participated in the International Forum on Chemical Weapons Destruction in The Hague, where he delivered presentations to representatives of the 193 signatory nations of the international treaty under which the Richmond stockpiles were eliminated.

Williams is also a charter member of the Kentucky Governor’s Chemical Material Demilitarization Citizen’s Advisory Commission and is a cofounder and secretary of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, which received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its work to ban landmines. He has received several tributes in the U.S. Congress and was presented the John O’Connor Citizens Achievement Award in 2003. In 2006, he was the North American recipient of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. Craig lives on a small farm in Berea with his wife, Teri, near their two children and seven grandchildren. We spoke with him about his advocacy work. What lessons in leadership would you like to share from your experiences? You have to have an open mind about what you’re trying to do and how long and complicated a task may be. If you expect to have a significant impact and reap results that are very big in their scope, you have to realize that and not try to make things happen in a period of time that’s unrealistic. The biggest rule of thumb that I espouse is the importance of credibility. A mistake that many groups make is exaggerating risks or exaggerating solutions before they are mature. That can lead to credibility issues with people, organizations, and agencies that you need help from to get across the finish line. The activist community doesn’t have the luxury of making false claims or exaggerations. And to get credibility back can take a long time — if ever. We have to be able to prove we’re right every time we say something. If you get diverse groups all advocating for your position — because you have shown them that you are demonstrably accurate in your position — you can go a long way. If you lose that credibility, you have created a tough situation to accomplish your objective. Another thing: If you can’t laugh, it isn’t worth it. I’ve always managed to keep a sense of humor and try to impart that to others. If you can get folks laughing who normally disagree with you, you’ve made a significant step toward reaching consensus. Our early dialog groups in the program included

the Pentagon, Army, technology corporations, environmentalists, indigenous groups, civil rights groups, business organizations, and some regulatory agencies we were in court with — we had some real distance between our positions. But when we would have the dialogue conferences, the facilitator would always rely on me to open the session with some sort of joke. It loosens up the atmosphere. People don’t tend to be as hostile towards one another if they share a laugh before you get into the details. Where do things at the Bluegrass Army Depot stand now? Richmond, Kentucky, got rid of the last stockpile of chemical weapons associated with the international treaty. It was a great moment. On October 11, there will be an event to celebrate it at the Army Reserves Center at the Bluegrass Army Depot. The program is in its closure phase, which will last about two years. Any structures exposed to chemical agents will be decontaminated and razed. The remaining buildings and infrastructure are valued at about $1.5 billion. So, what do you do with all that stuff? The answer has yet to be determined. The workers — close to 1,500 people — have done an amazing job, safely destroying 523 tons of chemical warfare agents contained in 101,000 live munitions, with explosives and launchers. It’s a unique and highly skilled workforce becoming available over the next two years and has a big economic impact on our area. The Bluegrass Area Development District, the Army’s retraining center, Kentucky Environmental Foundation, and others are working together to attract new industries and place as many of these folks into the local industrial and services economy as they can. What will you be doing now that the destruction program is winding down? Beyond working with the matters of the closure of the chemical weapons program, well, I’m supposed to be semi-retired. But, the Kentucky Environmental Foundation is still very active. We’re working to make our model of meaningful community engagement available to others facing environmental challenges. BL

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COMING IN OCTOBER THE OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE OF BUSINESS LEXINGTON WILL FOCUS ON THOSE WHO INNOVATE, MAKE AND DO IN THE AREAS OF MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY, AND WILL FEATURE THE FOLLOWING BIZLISTS:

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