It’s a well-known fact that networking is the key to business success. No matter what specific industry you are in, forming professional relationships is a great way to get exposure for your business as well as personal support within your community. At Brescia University Online, we know that our students can benefit from joining local Kentucky business organizations while they work to complete their degrees. That’s why we’ve put together this list of networking organizations. Read on for profiles of some of the top business groups in the state of Kentucky.
Business Lunch Networking: This group is based in Lexington and gives professionals an opportunity to promote their businesses. Business Lunch Networking also discusses business practices, marketing and solutions to real life business situations. Members share their own experiences with the group, creating an environment of education, different perspectives and knowledge of best practices. There is no financial obligation involved with membership. The group meets on the second Friday of every month at Gattitown in Lexington.
Cabinet for Economic Development: This is the primary state agency in Kentucky that is responsible for encouraging job creation and retention, as well as new investments in the state. Programs are designed to support and promote economic development by attracting new industries to the state, assisting in the expansion of existing industries. This group strives to lead a statewide network of support for entrepreneurs, small business owners, knowledge-based start-up entities and communities in preparing for economic development opportunities. The Cabinet is governed by the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership, which is responsible for adopting a strategic plan.
Women Leading Kentucky: This is a non-membership organization that creates business and leadership networking opportunities for women at all stages of their careers. Its goal is to enable women to lead, learn, achieve and give back. Women Leading Kentucky offers eight networking luncheons each year, at which prominent Kentuckians are invited to speak and share their professional and personal challenges and lessons learned. This group also holds a statewide conference in Lexington each year. Women and men who are interested in the group’s market, as well as national and international speakers participate. Women Leading Kentucky also awards eight to 10 undergraduate scholarships each year.
Kentucky Nonprofit Network: This is an association of all types of organizations in all 120 Kentucky counties. The Kentucky Nonprofit Network serves as a statewide resource for nonprofit board members, staff and other leaders, as well as a resource for effective nonprofit organizational practices and an advocate for the nonprofit sector. Its mission is to “serve, strengthen and advance the Commonwealth’s nonprofit organizations.” This group provides quality programs and services that encourage nonprofit collaboration, effectiveness, accountability and innovation.
Kentucky Networking Group: This is a business networking organization that offers members the opportunity to share ideas and contacts while building relationships. It is based in Louisville and provides increased exposure to many other people and business, networking tools, free workshops on networking and more.
U.S. Green Building Council – Kentucky Chapter: This group aims to improve the health and welfare of Kentucky citizens through a sustainable and responsibly built environment. It also seeks to educate and promote the design, construction and operation of environmentally responsible buildings and fabricated environments in Kentucky. The organization is a space for education, advocacy and dialogue for all stakeholders in order to increase market capacity for sustainable development and access to all.
Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce: is For more than 100 years, this organization has provided valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals. Its membership base is almost 900 and the Chamber serves as a partner in community and business development initiatives. Overall, it serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region. The current goals of this organization include creating opportunities and advancing the success of small businesses, as well as developing and connecting leaders for the future.
Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce: This group aims to promote economic development, job creation and overall business growth in Lexington and its neighboring communities. The Chamber also aims to strengthen existing businesses in the area through the programs and services it offers. Its economic focus is on entrepreneurial start-ups, business expansion, retention and new job creation. This includes advocacy, workforce development, community development and the cultivation of local and regional leadership.
Greater Louisville Chamber of Commerce: The Metro Chamber of Commerce is the leading economic development agency for the Greater Louisville area. Its purpose is to enable the region to become an environment where businesses thrive through imagination and innovation. The group increases human capital, drives job creation and entrepreneurship, maximizes global opportunities and fosters business leadership engagement on relevant regional issues.
Business With BUonline
All of these Kentucky organizations are great options for business students and professionals like you. And no matter where you are in your business career, we have the online program you’re looking for. With our business and business-related degrees at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s level, you can get the education you need to meet your personal and professional goals. The Kentucky business community is as connected and thriving as ever, and you can become a part of it with a degree from BUonline.