Our mission is to enhance downtown Frankfort’s historical appeal, supporting and advocating for our community through exceptional experiences, signature events, networking, and more. Our vision is to see downtown Frankfort as a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown, fostering a sense of belonging for residents and tourists alike.
— Downtown Frankfort, Inc., mission and vision
Growing up in Frankfort, Suzy Hosley experienced all of the city’s fun events such as summer concerts on the Old Capitol lawn, Expo and Candlelight. As an adult, she is excited to have the opportunity to preserve and build upon those time-honored traditions and to introduce new opportunities to Frankfort residents and visitors.
Suzy began working as the executive director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., in July 2023. Her insider’s perspective, combined with many years of working with the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, gives Suzy a real hometown advantage for achieving the mission of the downtown community.
Recently, FRANK. magazine asked Suzy the following questions:
FRANK.: How was it growing up in Frankfort?
Suzy: Growing up in Frankfort has always felt to me like I was part of a close-knit, charming community … Frankfort is quaint, beautiful, and full of traditions that give a unique rhythm to life here. I loved the traditions like Candlelight, Summer Concert Series, Derby and Expo that bring us all together. As a younger person, there were times I wished for the energy of a bigger city, but I realized that what we have here is truly special — a community that knows each other and cares deeply, and I feel lucky to have grown up surrounded by that.
FRANK.: Having lived in Frankfort for many years, how has your perspective of the community changed?
Suzy: As a teenager, we were always looking for something to do, usually just driving around, exploring the landscapes of Frankfort, and finding ways to connect with other young people. Now, as a parent and community advocate, I’m excited to focus on making Frankfort a welcoming destination for families of all ages and tourists alike. It’s inspiring to see Frankfort evolve into a true destination beyond just the Capitol, with our unique shops, events and experiences.
FRANK.: How has your creative background and work experience helped you to introduce new programs and growth through DFI?
Suzy: I earned my bachelor of arts degree from Kentucky State University, where I loved the art program and was on a first-name basis with many professors. My art professors organized many trips for us to explore arts communities in various cities, which truly shaped my appreciation for cultural engagement and really broadened my perspective. After college, I started working with the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, a role that opened so many doors in our business community and allowed me to collaborate with regional leaders — a time I’m incredibly thankful for. Through the chamber, I also completed the U.S. Chamber Southeast Institute of Organizational Management, which gave me essential tools and experience in organizational development, preparing me to help lead and grow Downtown Frankfort, Inc.
My creative background gives me a unique lens to envision and develop programs that both highlight Frankfort’s charm and bring fresh energy to our downtown. Having studied art and been involved in community-driven creative projects, I naturally look for ways to blend artistry with functionality, making our events not just gatherings but immersive experiences. It’s important to me that our programming feels both engaging and reflective of Frankfort’s character, and that we’re drawing in new audiences while enhancing the experiences of our long-time community members.
These events truly do take a village. Knowing how to connect and collaborate with other organizations is essential to creating impactful programs. By engaging with local businesses, community groups and volunteers, we’re able to expand our reach and create events that resonate on multiple levels. Each partner brings a unique perspective and strength to the table and that collaboration makes a real difference in bringing our shared vision to life in Downtown Frankfort. It’s rewarding to see how teamwork and community spirit elevate these programs, ensuring they’re successful and inclusive experiences for everyone involved.
FRANK.: What is your vision for the community as the DFI director?
Suzy: I hope for our community to build on the momentum we’ve created as a true destination that offers a high quality of life for our residents and attracts newcomers. My vision is for Frankfort to be a place where people feel a deep sense of pride in our charming community and all it has to offer. This includes supporting local businesses, fostering community events and enhancing our downtown to ensure that both residents and visitors have enriching experiences.
FRANK.: In what ways do you think Frankfort and DFI are capitalizing on bourbon tourism?
Suzy: DFI is strategically capitalizing on the boom in bourbon tourism by creating programming that not only encourages our residents to embrace downtown but also attracts the attention of our neighbors and visitors. The philosophy we follow is simple: If you build it, they will come.
Our events and initiatives are designed to enhance the vibrancy of Frankfort’s charming downtown and showcase it as a fun place to be. For example, our Summer Concert Series has been a significant draw. We saw many tourists staying in Frankfort, choosing to cancel their plans to visit Lexington or Louisville after touring the distilleries for the day, and instead enjoy what we offer right here. This shift leaves folks with a lasting impression that Frankfort is a lively community full of exciting opportunities, proving that you can have a fantastic time without leaving for a bigger city.
FRANK.: What DFI events are planned for 2025?
Suzy: We are in the process of finalizing our 2025 events. However, you can expect our traditional treasured events to return along with some of our recent newly created events, like Witches Night Out, Chocolate Stroll, Bourbon Week and more.
