Our annual LIBA Board Elections
Each member present at the event will be able to cast one paper ballot naming their 7 candidates of choice for the board (one ballot per membership), so please come out and get involved! We have 9 candidates for our 7 open slots. Below you will find their answer to the question: Why do you want to serve? And we have their full applications available HERE. Please take a look and get involved by attending the event and placing your vote!
Meet our Candidates
Cynthia Brown
Navigate Enterprise Center, 2821 Klempner Way, Louisville KY 40205
I would like to serve on the LIBA Board because I am passionate about the local business environment & I believe I could bring a unique perspective. I currently am the director for a nonprofit agency that works with underserved entrepreneurs to assist them with starting and growing small businesses. Almost all are independently owned, and represent a diverse array of backgrounds and industries. On a daily basis I have firsthand access to a variety of the struggles and obstacles they face and work with them to identify solutions and resources. In addition, I have been a free-lance graphic artist & marketing consultant for many years. I think the experience of being in business for myself and being a resource provider gives a unique view of the local business environment.
Renee Gehring
DMLO CPAs, 9300 Shelbyville Rd., Ste. 1100, Louisville, KY 40222
I would like to serve on the LIBA Board for several reasons. The first being that I love the idea of being able to support the local businesses. I have been wanting to contribute more to my community for several years now and hope that participating on this board would be a great use of my skills.
Tracy Karem
Louisville Public Media, 619 S. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
I’ve been a member of LIBA for about 8 years, it’s one of my favorite organizations. Meetings are fun, I can see how the board keeps trying to engage members by having meetings in different locations, changing content, and I leave feeling like I’ve learned something. I also like how LIBA is expanding into other neighborhoods, and really wanting to be a member organization for all locally-owned businesses. These are meetings and events that I look forward to.
Mike Lorenzen
Republic Bank, 9600 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY 40242
I’ve lived in Louisville for 27 years (grew up in California) and I have watched the metro area grow and thrive in many ways. I have been an active participant in various organizations both personally and professionally that have allowed me to contribute my time, ideas and resources to the service of others. The LIBA Board position is another opportunity for me to help. Louisville has many unique and valuable characteristics that must be preserved and enhanced. I want to help in those efforts!
Lance Minnis (current board member, up for re-election)
Commonwealth Financial Advisors, LLC, 9403 Mill Brook Rd., Ste 100, Louisville, KY 40223
I believe passionately in the mission and goals of LIBA, and my own professional goals are closely aligned with those of LIBA. I believe the only way to a just, fair, sustainable economic future for our city and region is for bolstering local independent business, having government and the public on board. I believe with my passion for this, my experience with LIBA, and my work with member engagement and B to B concerns, that I have a lot to offer to continued Board service with LIBA.
Barbara G. Nichols
South Louisville Business Association, P.O. Box 9755, Louisville, KY 40209
I feel I have a more integrated knowledge of South Louisville and can contribute to the goals LIBA has while continuing to serve South Louisville.
Ashley S. Parker (current board member, up for re-election)
Parker & Klein Real Estate, 3610 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40207
It has been an honor and an adventure serving the board of LIBA as Vice President and currently President. I have been on the board since 2012 and was elected VP in 2013 and President in 2016. I would like to remain in this role to continue leading LIBA specifically focusing on: enhancing our monthly meetings with members, developing a 501C3, raising funds through new members, sponsorships and events, and promoting locally-owned, independent businesses and to educate citizens on the value of purchasing locally.
Matt Stack
Stack Insurance Agency, 6009 Brownsboro Park Blvd Suite A, Louisville, KY 40207
Over the past year, I have volunteered on membership engagement initiative, but I feel like I could offer more given the flexibility of schedule and perspective as an independent business owner myself. I understand the importance of buying locally and promoting that message to the community. I am very excited about LIBA’s 5-year strategic plan, and I would like to play an integral role in seeing this through.
Tori Thompson (current board member, up for re-election)
Kertis Creative, 786 S. Shelby Street, Louisville, KY 40203
First and foremost, I have been employed by and intricately involved with small, local businesses since moving back to Louisville in 2007. I have seen the joys and the struggles of a small business and understand the inner workings. At times the struggle can be real, but the community support is the greatest reward. I have, and still do, work on a small team of dedicated and creative people. Working for a small business, especially in the creative industry, allows for freedom and relationships you can’t always get in the corporate world. In 2010 my husband opened his own catering company, and I came to understand even more intimately the workings of a small business. Before, the success of my employer could affect my paycheck and office morale. Now being a partner, with my partner, the success of the business, the highs and lows, affected our family and our household. I say all this to show that I know what goes into owning and operating a small business. I recognize and respect the skills, the responsibility, and the gusto it takes to set out on that venture/adventure. Serving on the board would allow me opportunities to encourage and support my community, on a deeper level. I want to give of my time and talents to further grow and support this local economy. Another reason I want to serve is to bring greater attention to areas of town that do not have a regular (positive) spotlight on them. I am passionate about bringing people to these parts of town. It’s important to see the communities already in place, and to appreciate the history and potential for growth. I want to continue to serve as a board member in order to help grow the diversity of LIBA members, because Louisville has a lot to offer all over town!
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