Whether you're referring to a business venture, economic development, communication, networking, or even transportation, the word "connection" serves a vital role in each. Think about it for a second. Just about everything we do throughout our daily lives takes a connection to get the job done.
In the same way that a business wants to achieve that all-important connection with its customers, those involved in economic development hope to maximize connections with site selectors and consultants representing companies that could potentially move to the Bluegrass. Of course, a great deal more goes into economic development than just helping those making site location decisions informed about a region. Believe it or not, everyone has a role in economic development in our city.
For example:
--> When a teacher helps a student to understand a math problem, it not only keeps our educational system strong, but also ensures a quality workforce that attracts companies to the area.
--> When new bike and walking trails are built in and around the city, the health of our residents becomes better and potential new firms can recruit and retain employees upon their move.
--> When new arts and performance venues are opened and more public art is placed around Lexington, it not only improves our quality of life, but again helps strengthen that connection with new and existing industry.
--> When an ice rink is opened in the heart of our downtown area, it's a very cool thing that gets people talking and helps lure people and business here.
Connections are also necessary in successful public-private partnerships. A lot of cities claim to have strong public-private relationships in economic development, but Lexington has shown how to produce maximum effectiveness through the internationally-recognized Bluegrass Business Development Partnership (BBDP), which includes Commerce Lexington Inc., the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, and the University of Kentucky.
This innovative partnership has streamlined the economic development process for entrepreneurs, as well as new and existing businesses. The BBDP has served nearly 6,000 clients and announced the creation of 5,300 new jobs and over $382 million in capital investment since its inception in 2007.
In June 2012, we'll take a closer look at another city, which has leveraged the power of public-private partnerships to get things done when we visit San Antonio, Texas, during the Commerce Lexington Inc. Leadership Visit. Along the way, we'll see quite a few parallels between what San Antonio and Lexington have done and are striving to do.
The Lexington that you and I know from a decade ago is very different than what we see before us today. Likewise, the city we become a decade from now will probably be tough to recognize. Whatever Lexington becomes, it will only happen because of everyone working together to find the unique connections that produce results.
I would like to thank Harry Richart for his hard work and dedication to Commerce Lexington Inc., serving as Board Chair over the past year. His steady leadership and guidance kept the organization moving forward, and I appreciate his commitment to Commerce Lexington. It is an honor for me to serve as Board Chair this year, and I look forward to working with many of you in 2012.
Jeri Isbell
2012 Commerce Lexington Inc. Board Chair
Vice President, Human Resources
Lexmark International, Inc.