Lexington, KY, August 12, 2025
News Summary
During the week of August 11-15, Lexington will recognize its small businesses as part of the city’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Mayor Linda Gorton and city leaders highlighted their importance at a recent event. This year’s Salute to Small Business Awards will honor BACK Construction, DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, and The Hope Center for their contributions to the community. The celebrations will feature various events, including a ceremonial first pitch at a Lexington Legends game, as well as a luncheon where the Small Business of the Year will be announced.
Lexington Honors Small Businesses During 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Lexington is set to honor its small businesses during the week of August 11-15 as part of the city’s ongoing 250th anniversary celebrations. This recognition aligns with a year-long series of events designed to highlight notable moments in Lexington’s history, as shared by local media outlets.
Mayor Linda Gorton and other city leaders underscored the importance of small businesses at an event hosted last week at the Red Mile. The upcoming celebrations are a reflection of the community’s dedication to recognizing the crucial role small enterprises play in the local economy.
Commerce Lexington, an organization committed to promoting the business community, has been recognizing small businesses in Lexington since 1986. The organization stresses that small businesses have gained significant importance within the economy, with over 19 million new small business applications filed in the United States since the end of 2020. Notably, small businesses have accounted for 71% of total job growth nationwide since 2019.
Salute to Small Business Awards Program
This year, three local businesses will be honored during the celebration: BACK Construction, DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, and The Hope Center. BACK Construction, established in 1981, will receive the Business Success Award for its evolution into a full-service design-build firm. DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, founded in 2017, will be recognized for Achievement in Entrepreneurship due to its second-chance employment opportunities and recent expansion to a second location. The Hope Center is slated to receive the Nonprofit Community Impact Award for its comprehensive approach to recovery and new treatment program initiatives.
Upcoming Events
The week-long celebrations will feature various events aimed at highlighting the contributions of small businesses. Activities include social media features, live interviews on Facebook and Instagram, as well as a gathering at 46Solutions. A highlight of the week will be the Salute to Small Business Night at the Ballpark on August 13, where award winners will participate in a ceremonial first pitch during a Lexington Legends game.
Additionally, the Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon will be hosted at the Central Bank Center, where tickets are available for purchase. At this luncheon, the recipient of the 2025 Small Business of the Year award will be announced.
Community Engagement
The Lexington community is encouraged to engage with the ongoing celebrations and share questions or story ideas related to the city’s long history via email at [email protected].
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the 250th anniversary celebrations in Lexington?
The purpose is to honor the history of Lexington and recognize the contributions of small businesses within the community through various events and awards.
When will small businesses be recognized in Lexington?
Small businesses will be recognized during the week of August 11-15, 2025.
Which small businesses will be honored this year?
This year, BACK Construction, DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, and The Hope Center will be honored.
What events are planned to celebrate small businesses?
Events include social media features, live interviews, a gathering at 46Solutions, a Special Night at the Ballpark, and a Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon.
How can the community get involved?
The community can engage by sharing ideas or questions related to Lexington’s history via email at [email protected].
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 250th Anniversary Celebration | Year-long events highlighting Lexington’s historical moments. |
| Dates of Small Business Recognition | August 11-15, 2025. |
| Award Categories | Business Success Award, Achievement in Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit Community Impact Award. |
| Honored Businesses | BACK Construction, DV8 Kitchen & Bakery, The Hope Center. |
| Salute to Small Business Night | Featuring a ceremonial first pitch at a Lexington Legends game. |
| Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon | Takes place at the Central Bank Center with ticket sales. |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Crowds Descend on Lexington for 250th Anniversary
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- WTVQ: Lexington Celebrates New School Year and 250th Anniversary
- WCVB: Lexington Massachusetts Commemorating 250th Anniversary
- Google Search: Lexington 250th Anniversary
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
