Alltech’s annual conference is underway in downtown Lexington, bringing together employees and others for a week of events, networking and inspiring talks from top speakers, including retired U.S. Gen. Colin Powell and University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari.
Pearse Lyons, founder and CEO of the Nicholasville-based global nutrition leader, also spoke to attendees at this year's conference, dubbed "REBELation." He spoke of setting and achieving goals, avoiding “energy vampires” or people who’s negativity undercuts enthusiasm, and “doing what makes your heart sing.”
The symposium put a sharp focus on the craft beer and spirits industries, jumping off from Alltech’s brewing and distilling expertise. (The company makes Kentucky Ale beer and Town Branch bourbon, among other beverages.)
This year's conference follows a couple of high-profile business moves by Alltech. In April, the company reached an agreement acquire Canadian animal nutrition firm Ridley Inc. in a deal that is expected to create a company with $1.6 billion in combined revenue, adding hundreds of employees and dozens of facilities. That deal is expected to be finalized in June. And in February, Alltech announced the purchase of United Kingdom-based firm E-CO2 Project Limited, which provides environmental assessments and mitigation programs for livestock operations.