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SCOTT SHIVELY

PRESIDENT AND CEO

BEXION PHARMACEUTICALS

ASK ME ABOUT The future of biotech in the Cincinnati region.

WHAT DREW YOU TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY AFTER SPENDING MUCH OF YOUR BIOTECH CAREER ON THE COASTS? Early in my career, I lived and worked in Cincinnati and very much enjoyed the experience. I was looking for a company that was developing products based on cutting-edge science and working toward commercialization to make a meaningful difference for cancer patients. I was introduced to Bexion and its history of evolving out of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and its successful progression to clinical trials. Once I met the Bexion team, came to understand Bexion’s potential, and experienced Covington, I was all in. WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE BIOTECH PLAYING IN THE REGION’S ECONOMY? A growing biotech community can provide jobs for qualified, talented people. As companies like Bexion are successful and receive more national and international attention, the region’s reputation as a biotech corridor will grow. This new capital can be re-invested in other companies across the region.

WHY IS THIS A FERTILE PLACE FOR BIOTECH GROWTH? It starts with a strong Midwest culture of vision and purpose that goes beyond the “get rich quick” attitudes in Silicon Valley and Northeast financial circles. The Commonwealth’s $15 million commitment to build a “wet” lab in Northern Kentucky will provide an incubator foundation for emerging biotech companies. As more biotechs progress in their development and become successful, the attraction to Northern Kentucky for other biotechs perpetuates itself.

–ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD

PETE BLACKSHAW

CEO

CINTRIFUSE

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Lessons from this year’s StartupCincy Week, which returned in person October 10-14.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR KEEPING THE TAFT MUSEUM OF ART RELEVANT? The tenants of cultural institutions that resonant consistently and sustainably with their communities create paths for encouraging curiosity, seek innovative ways to enliven historical topics and art objects, and welcome visitors from all walks of life. Our mission at the Taft is to create meaningful experiences by connecting people with great art, both in a historic setting and in the community.

WHICH OF THE TAFT’S MOST RECENT IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MOST FOUNDATIONAL TO ITS FUTURE SUCCESS? Like many institutions in the post-pandemic era, the Taft is in a period of evolution. Yet, unlike others, we activated a period of potential dormancy in the restoration of the exterior of our circa 1820 historic

WHAT WAS MOST IMPACTFUL ABOUT STARTUP CINCY WEEK? Back together in person for the first time since the pandemic, the renewed energy around StartupCincy this year was palpable. We had unprecedented levels of sponsorship and ecosystem collaboration resulting in 35 events featuring more than 150 speakers and hundreds of new connections made throughout the week. HOW MANY YEARS HAS THIS EVENT TAKEN PLACE? WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE EVENT? Now in its sixth year, the goal of StartupCincy Week remains to connect and catalyze our startup ecosystem by rallying diverse groups of stakeholders around our collective vision. We’re trying to make Cincinnati the No. 1 startup hub in the Midwest and a top innovation center in the country. HOW DOES STARTUP CINCY WEEK FUEL CINCINNATI’S STARTUP ECONOMY? The event brings innovators, founders, investors, and catalyzers of growth together to share inspiration, expertise, and spark new possibilities for growth in the region.

HOW DOES STARTUP ENTREPRENEURSHIP DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP? The main difference is in how they’re thinking about growth. Startups are designed to grow fast.

–E.M.W.

structure and reinstallation of our art collection. Such a robust capital project not only beautifies our campus but serves as a tangible beacon of our past and our resilience.

YOU WERE NAMED CEO IN AUGUST. COMING FROM CONNECTICUT AND ORIGINALLY MILWAUKEE, WHAT ATTRACTED YOU HERE? I’ve described the Taft Museum of Art and Cincinnati as a happy Goldilocks tale. With a background in large institutions and small ones, bustling urban areas and rural settings, I was intrigued by the Taft for its combination of an exceptional fine art collection and a historic structure, as well as its central location in downtown Cincinnati.

–E.M.W.

REBEKAH BEAULIEU

PRESIDENT AND CEO

TAFT MUSEUM OF ART

ASK ME ABOUT How to keep a 200-year-old cultural gem relevant for the next generation.