Cane Run Area Business Association

Cane Run Area Business Association

New Member Information

Thank you for your interest in the Cane Run Area Business Association (CRABA). We extend a hearty welcome to you and look forward to seeing you at our meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. We meet in the basement of Lee's Lane Baptist Church, located at the cornerof Cane Run Road and Lee's Lane.

Each meeting includes the best breakfast in town, prepared by a group of Lee's Lane Baptist Church members, and a program, usually a guest business speaker from the community. CRABA members pay annual dues of $25.

Cane Run Area Business Association History

Early in 1991, Commissioner Darryl Owens received a letter from an area resident about the deterioration of the community. Commissioner Owens contacted the Office of Economic Development and the wheels were set in motion that would substantially change the quality of ljfe on Cane Run Road. By February of 1991 the Cane Run Area Business Association became a reality, headed by its first president, Joyce Korfliage (Rhea).

The Cane Run Area Business Association (CRABA) was formed for the purpose of creating a climate in this neighborhood that is conducive to economic growth and to create a single voice with which to address local government. Issues addressed by the association have included: police protection, maintenance services, zoning regulations, community special needs, a park and meeting rooms for the use of residents, and residential quality of life. The aim of this association is to help create and maintain a harmonious environment that is beneficial to both the neighborhood and the business community.

One of the first projects initiated by the new business association was a summer program for area youth. The program was held at Lees Lane Baptist Church and included Kentucky arts and crafts and martial arts activities, with quality role models and supervision for participants. Following the successful summer program, the Cane Run Area Business Association began working on a succession ofprojects specifically aimed at impacting the quality of life in the area.

• After school programs were thought to be a vital element for helping to get “latchkey kids” off the streets. The children needed a place where they could remain in a safe atmosphere, have fun, and continue to learn. The Cane Run Area Business Association helped fund after school sites at Cane Run, Crums Lane and Wellington elementary schools. These programs became virtually an overnight success and within a month, there were about 600 kids on the waiting lists. One of the goals that came out of the GOALS for Greater Louisville project was written using the Cane Run area program as a model. When the goals were presented at public meetings, the “after school” goal was ranked in the top third in importance by the citizens of Jefferson County.

• In 1992, the Cane Run Area Business Association began working within the framework of local government to acquire a park and/or neighborhood center where residents could hold meetings, wedding receptions, or even social “get-togethers”. Members of CRABA met with Metro Parks officials, participated in Cornerstone 2020, and turned out busloads of residents to attend public meetings and let their voices be heard.

• Community Oriented Policing was implemented in the Cane Run area and was headquartered at the Tradewinds Shopping Center. The two officers assigned there worked to establish rapport with the young people of the community. This program had a major impact on crime statistics in the area.

• The Cane Run Corridor Zoning Study was implemented by Commissioner Darryl Owens in response to concerns raised by CRABA. The study resulted in a major area rezoning to correct past errors and create consistency between zoning and actual use of property in the area. The rezoning has made it easier for persons who wish to start new businesses in the Cane Run area to do so without the expense and delay of negotiating a zoning change.

• A CRABA grant request resulted in Jefferson County Government investing $93,000 in landscaping along Cane Run Road. CRABA members joined in the effort to instill pride in the area by planting flowers to go along with the trees and shrubs planted by the County.
• CRABA was the first business association to begin area-wide clean-ups. Rubbertown company employees, small business people, school groups and area residents have all participated in the spring and fall efforts to keep the Cane Run corridor clean. The idea was adopted by the CoAlliance of Business Associations as an annual project; however, Cane Run is still a leader in number of participants and TONS of trash picked up.

• CRABA spearheaded and helped finance summer programs for youth that have been herd at Highland Park Baptist Church, Cane Run Elementary and Crums Lane Elementary schools. These programs are now being run by Metro Parks.

• CRABA leaders met with Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Stephen Daeschner to discuss community needs related to choosing the site location for Farnsley Middle School.

• A CRABA brainstorming session indicated that after school programs for youth and making local school facilities and resources available to the entire community were still among top priorities for the group. A CRABA committee formed to work on these issues ultimately evolved into the Cane Run Corridor Community Schools Advisory Board.


The Cane Run Area Business Association has played an important role in keeping open lines of communication between area business and local government. As one of the most active, get-things-done business associations in Jefferson County, CRABA has been a valuable advocate speaking out on issues of importance to its members. CRABA has also:

• forged a cooperative alliance with industries in Rubbertown and Riverport to further facilitate progress and development;

• sponsored a Christmas festival for the community which included an art fair, Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, and rides on the “Cane Run Express”;

• worked closely to get Neighborhood Place into this community where, we believe, it was most needed;

• set up a meeting with police commanders that resulted in Jefferson County Police implementing an anti-drug task force in the Shanks Lane, Broadleaf Drive and Oboe Drive area;

• sponsored a Christmas storefront decorating contest to encourage merchants to make their businesses as cheerful and attractive as possible during the holiday season;

• worked with county government to create the Neighborhood Response Teams, consisting of police officers and social workers operating as one unit to identify and work to correct social problems that could eventually lead to criminal behavior; and

• worked with TARC and local government to have bus service extended along Cane Run Road to the Riverport so those without vehicles could secure jobs in this fast-growing light industrial area.

One of the original dreams of the CRLIBA founders became reality in May 1998, when County officials unveiled plans to create a community park adjacent to Farnsley Middle School. A walking track along the perimeter of the park is being used by many area residents and Metro Parks soccer programs at Farnsley ‘s Community School play there. Further development of the park is underway.

By meeting together for breakfast each month, business people in the Cane Run area have gotten to know and support one another and the community in which we work. Please join us.