2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
2013-2014 A YEAR OF TRANSITION In 2013-2014 the NKY Chamber’s President of eight years, Steve Stevens, left to lead Greater Spokane Incorporated, the Spokane, Washington Chamber of Commerce. During his nearly 20 years with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Chamber President Steve Stevens compiled a list of accomplishments that include attracting jobs and investment to the region, elevating the Chamber to Five-Star status, boosting international trade opportunities and reorganizing the Chamber staff. Brent Cooper, President of C-Forward Information Technologies, who had served as Board Chair in 2011-2012, stepped in to serve as Interim President until the position was filled. Brent brought tirelesss energy to his role as Interim President, and because of his involvement and understanding of the NKY Chamber’s relationship to business and community, this transitional period went smoothly for staff and chamber members.
During his term as Interim President, Brent Cooper accepted the Five Star Accreditation Award on behalf of the NKY Chamber.
Board Chair, Debbie Simpson, led the Executive Search Committee through the search process. Through long hours of meetings and interviews, they were able to announce the new President/CEO of the NKY Chamber, Trey Grayson. Trey is a Northern Kentucky native who served two terms as Kentucky Secretary of State before taking a leadership role at Harvard University, his alma mater. From 2011 to 2014, he served as Director of the prestigious Harvard University Institute of Politics. Trey assumed his role as President of the NKY Chamber on July 1. “The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has been the most important organization in the region,” Grayson said. “It is an honor to lead an organization with a mission to strengthen business and improve our quality of life.” “This,” Grayson said, “is the perfect job to come home to.”
On June 2, Trey Grayson was welcomed back to Northern Kentucky at a reception announcing his position as President/CEO of the NKY Chamber. A large crowd attended this event, hosted by the NKU College of Informatics.
Staff, chamber members, and friends assembled at the NKY Chamber to wish departing President, Steve Stevens, success in his next adventure.
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2013-2014 NKY CHAMBER STAFF Trey Grayson President/CEO
Administration Stephanie Beach Vice President, Administration Sheri Goodenough Manager, Database & Finance Julie Rottman, CPA Vice President, Accounting & Finance
Public Affairs & Communications
Becky Warneford Receptionist
Adam Caswell Vice President
Bonnie Silva Receptionist
Kevin Donnelly Manager Rena Gibeau Manager, Creative Services
Business Growth & International Affairs Mark Peachey Vice President Kyle Horseman Coordinator Tim Norris Coordinator, Export Compliance
Member Relations & Strategic Initiatives Ruth Eger Vice President
Special Events Christie Rogers Director Brooke Schievink Administrative Assistant
IMPACT NORTHERN KENTUCKY INC. Leadership
Joni Huffmyer Manager
Leisa Mulcahy IMPACT Executive Director/Program Director, Leadership Northern Kentucky
Pam Mastruserio Vice President Women’s Initiative & Member Engagement
Ann Marie Whelan Program Director, Regional Youth Leadership
Laura-Aurora Stopa Director, Member Investments & Member Engagement
Employer Solutions
Diana McGlade Director, Sponsor Investments 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Amanda Dixon Vice President
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2013-2014 Chair Board of Directors
DEBORAH SIMPSON
The NKY Chamber Board of Directors was busy this year: • We formed tighter working relationships with our partner organizations. • We formed IMPACT, which is focused on leadership and workforce development • Our suite of small business tools that includes Small Biz U, Member Events and Consultants’ Corner was launched. • The Women’s Initiative celebrated their fifth anniversary with another sell-out breakfast. • During the session in Frankfort this year, in addition to our normal lobbying efforts, we began regularly bringing business leaders to meet with legislators. We believe this additional effort helped deliver the best results in many years, such as the Angel tax credit, and funding for the NKU Health Innovations Center and the Gateway Urban Campus, just to name a few. • And, we may not have gotten a new bridge, but we certainly advanced the conversation and moved the needle. Our businesses need roads and bridges—we hear it every day, and we will continue to lead the way on transportation issues so our region can grow and thrive. • We led relationship-building missions to places like Pikeville, Louisville, Owensboro and Bowling Green. We believe this strategy of ongoing visits around the state will deliver
2014-2015 Chair Board of Directors
STEVE HARPER
fruit not only in Frankfort, but in increased business connections, for years to come. • NKITA hosted another excellent MERX Conference which was focused on international best practices and offered the audience insights into how to do business overseas. We even got the Vice President from Papa John’s to say, “Cheese”. • We hosted Governor Beshear, Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, Congressman Thomas Massie, Kentucky’s Auditor Adam Edelen, Kentucky’s Secretary of State Allison Grimes, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, Leaders of the Kentucky and Ohio Departments of Transportation, and Cincinnati’s Mayor, John Cranley, at our Government Forums. • We set up regular meetings with our federal officials, in addition to our annual trip to D.C., to ensure ongoing dialogue with the business community. • And, we conducted a four month national search for a new President that resulted in bringing Trey Grayson back to NKY to lead our Chamber. The NKY Chamber Board of Directors is very proud of these accomplishments made during 2013-2014 in our efforts to build a stronger business community and a stronger Chamber.
A word from the incoming Board Chair: Your Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce continues to lead our community toward a better tomorrow. This year’s theme is Economic Competitiveness. We need to do everything in our power to make our region more economically competitive than ever before. How do we do this? By pursuing the other seven planks of our plan of work, including: •
Working with federal, state and local governments to minimize burdensome laws and regulations and to ensure that the taxes we pay are no more than those required to pay for essential government services and which are based on a 21st century economy
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Enhancing the communications with our various constituencies so that we’re all well informed and moving in unison to achieve our goals
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Pursuing additional opportunities to keep the Chamber’s future financial sustainability intact
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Working with state government to pass a heroin bill during the 2015 session and with community leaders to stamp out this scourge
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Collaborating with other organizations to help provide workers with the skills needed for the jobs available
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Assisting the CVG Board and area economic development entities to attract new carriers to CVG
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Bringing the community together around a plan to get our new Brent Spence Bridge corridor built
These are just some of the things your Chamber is working on for the betterment of our community. Join us as we boldly walk this path together. Let’s make it so! 4
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2013-2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • Chair of the Board - Deborah A. Simpson Multi-Craft • Chair-Elect - B. Stephen Harper, Harper Oil Products, Inc. • Immediate Past Chair - H. Lytle Thomas, Heritage Bank • Treasurer - David Heidrich, Zalla Companies, Stewart Ironworks • Secretary - Geralyn Isler, Business Benefits Insurance Solutions
VICE-CHAIRS • Advocacy, James E. Parsons, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP • Business Education, Jean M. Loftus MD, FACS, Loftus Plastic Surgery Center • Business Growth & International Affairs, Mark Exterkamp, The Bank Of Kentucky • Leadership Development, Michelle McMullen, Northern Kentucky University • Member Services & Communications, David Preisser, Preisser Enterprises • Special Events & Women’s Initiative, Caroline Weltzer, Viox & Viox, Inc. • Workforce Talent Solutions & Health Initiatives , Richard Field, Post Glover Resistors, Inc.
• CHAIR-APPOINTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS • Gregory Greene, Strategic Advisers, LLC • David L. Hatter, Definity Partners • Robert A. Heil, Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers, PSC • Marianne Schmidt Hurtt, PNC Bank • Philip J. Schworer, Frost Brown Todd LLC
Investors’ Circle:
• Donna Salyers, Fabulous-Furs • Mike A. Sipple, Jr., Centennial, Inc. • Amy Smith, DHL Express (USA) Inc. • Jamie Smith, Business Courier • Richard A. Tiberi, Fifth Third Bank • Rhonda Whitaker, Duke Energy • Wonda Winkler, Brighton Center, Inc.
STANDING MEMBERS • Candace McGraw, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport • G. Edward Hughes, Gateway Community and Technical College • LEGACY, Kristine Frech, Vision 2015 • LNK Alumni, Cassandra Forrester, Fifth Third Bank • Municipal Government League, Paul Meier, City of Crestview Hills • Geoffrey S. Mearns, Northern Kentucky University • John S. Dubis, St. Elizabeth Healthcare • Superintendents Association, Mike Borchers, Ludlow Board Of Education • David A. Armstrong, J.D., Thomas More College
ONE YEAR APPOINTMENTS • Steve Horn, The Christopher Financial Group • Dr. Lynne M. Saddler MD, MPH, Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Dept. • Mike Battles, Woolpert, Inc. • Vince O. Terry, Moody Nolan Inc. • Daryl J. Evans, Morgan Stanley • Dale J. Silver, C-Forward, Inc. • Janice Way, St. Elizabeth Foundation
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
• Boone County Judge/Executive, The Honorable Gary Moore ELECTED MEMBERS • Campbell County Judge/Executive, The • Carri Chandler, Toyota Motor Honorable Steve Pendery Engineering & Manufacturing North • Kenton County Judge/Executive, The America, Inc. Honorable Stephen W. Arlinghaus • Adam Davey, VonLehman & Company, Inc • Eric Summe, meetNKY, Northern • Ralph E. Dusing, Bluegrass Commercial Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau Group LLC • Daniel E. Tobergte, NKY Tri-ED • John Hawkins, Pathfinder/MPI • William L. Scheyer, Vision 2015 Consulting • Fred A. Macke, Jr., Colliers International • John Nienaber, Heritage Bank
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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The voice of business in Northern Kentucky
ADVOCACY Overview Forty-five years ago the Northern Kentucky Chamber was created to be the main point of contact for the region. And, the fact remains true today as it did then: regional collaboration is key to Northern Kentucky’s success. For nearly five decades the NKY Chamber has facilitated regional solutions to important challenges. This is especially true for Advocacy. NKY Chamber Advocacy serves the distinct role of making it easier to do business. By pulling business leaders from across Northern Kentucky, the NKY Chamber can leverage contacts and resources to influence change on local, state, and federal levels.
Goals/Framework The NKY Chamber executes Advocacy work through a rigorous system that ensures all facets of the Chamber pipeline contribute to success. That system consists of four strategies that provide the framework to advance any policy position: 1.
Maintain and grow a grassroots network of supporters.
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Strengthen the internal advocacy process.
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Act as a regional problem solver for business issues.
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Maintain and develop strong relationships with policy makers.
Maintain and grow a grassroots network of supports NKY Chamber currently has over 4300 contacts receiving weekly updates on Advocacy initiatives. This list continues to business leaders through Advocacy events like Government Forum and general networking from Chamber staff. This group is critical to Chamber success as it is frequently utilized for executing “Action Alerts”. Chamber Action Alerts mobilize the grassroots network to contact legislators on key issues at strategic times during the legislative process. This was particularly successful in 2014 for advancing Consensus Committee projects like Gateway’s Urban Campus and NKU’s Health Innovations Center. This process also allows the Chamber to quickly survey members on new business issues.
Gov. Steve Beshear #selfie with Wm. T Robinson, Debbie Simpson, Casey Barach, Rep. Rick Rand, Sen. Katie Stine, Amanda Greenwell, Jim Uber, Rep. Arnold Simpson, and Trey Grayson. 6
Business Advocacy Council Chair Jim Parsons delivers NKY Chamber’s 2014 Legislative Agenda.
A new Advocacy initiative in 2013-2014 added another proactive tactic. Two Regional Leadership Exchanges laid the groundwork for building statewide support. By traveling to Pikeville and through Western Kentucky, Chamber members began creating relationships that have and will continue to lead to greater success in the future.
Strengthen the internal advocacy process The Chamber uses an intricate method of developing and endorsing policy positions that includes input from subject matter experts and regional business leaders and oversight from the NKY Chamber Executive Committee before approval of the full NKY Chamber Board. In an effort to continuously improve, the process was re-evaluated after the 2014 General Assembly Session. The results, to be rolled out in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, will better leverage community partnerships and scarce regional resources to create an even more unified voice with deeper grassroots connections.
Act as a regional problem solver for business issues • The fragmented political nature of Northern Kentucky provides an opportunity for the NKY Chamber to step up as the regional convener for complex issues. • Initiatives like “Prez in the Round” afforded dozens of members the opportunity an intimate sit down with Chamber Leadership to discuss any challenges on the horizon. • The Chamber also played a lead role in addressing regional challenges that transcend traditional “business issues”. For instance, the Advocacy department convened the Northern Kentucky Consensus Committee to build regional support for capital projects prior to the 2014 General Assembly Session. Staff also serves on the community leadership team to address our most immediate threat, the Heroin Epidemic.
Retiring Sen. Katie Stine addressing the business community at the 2014 Legislative Appreciation Breakfast. NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Maintain & develop strong relationships with policy makers The cornerstone to successful advocacy is relationships with policy makers. The rigorous Advocacy framework becomes moot if elected officials do not answer the phone when NKY business leaders call. Longstanding staples Where We Stand, Day and Night in Frankfort, Legislative Appreciation Breakfast, the Washington, D.C. Fly-in, and Government Forum all continue to provide an avenue for regular dialogue between Chamber members and elected officials. However, 2013-2014 saw a dramatic increase in the interaction between Chamber leadership and elected officials. Board members traveled to Frankfort weekly during the legislative session to keep priorities top of mind for our NKY Caucus, the Regional Leadership Exchanges set a precedent for meeting statewide legislators, and monthly luncheons with Congressman Thomas Massie’s office built a communication line like never before. The Northern Kentucky Business PAC gained visibility as well. The Chamber-created PAC hosted a series of debates for the Boone, Kenton and Campbell Judge/Executive primary elections. The efforts raised funds and notoriety for the region’s leading PAC.
Policy Priorities Each year the NKY Chamber Advocacy process yields a robust Legislative Agenda. While 2013-2014 was no different in this regard, the results of increased advocacy efforts left Northern Kentucky with the most successful General Assembly session in years. New relationships, strategic partnerships, an engaged grassroots system, and added programming all contributed to moving policy priorities forward.
Communications Strategies In order to develop a stronger grassroots network of Chamber members and improve the flow of vital information, Chamber staff members use several media formats. Anyone can receive tweets of late- breaking news as it happens by following @nkychamberadam on Twitter. The primary advocacy website is www.actfornky.com. Anyone can sign up for the Advocacy E-Flash email update (http://www.nkychamber.com/Services/GovernmentAdvocacy.aspx). It follows local, state, and federal legislative sessions, tracks significant bills, and alerts readers to urgent business issues and important events. The weekly email reaches 4,500 subscribers. Contact Information Adam Caswell Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications acaswell@nkychamber.com 859.578.6386 Kevin Donnelly Manager of Public Affairs kdonnelly@nkychamber.com 859.578.6391
Major successes: Consensus Committee u KCTCS u Gateway Urban Campus u JCTCS - Carrollton Campus n Northern Kentucky University Health Innnovations Center l Riverfront Commons Key Transportation Investment u Brent Spence Bridge n KY 536 l KY Route 9
u Funding options were approved to allow KCTSC to build priority projects throughout the system n NKU was authorized nearly $100M to build the Health Innovations Center l Dollars awarded to continue development Dollars awarded to continue design work u n The east-west connector will open southern part of the region to development l New access into the Urban Core
u Angel Investor Tax Credit
u Individual angel investors are provided added incentive to invest in entrepreneurial endeavors
u Cyber Security
u Instills protocol for protecting sensitive information for citizens and businesses
u Child Care Assistance Program
u Supports those working to climb the career ladder while ensuring kids are receiving appropriate childcare.
Conclusion While successful, there is still much work to be done. Issues like public-private partnerships, expanded gaming, addressing the heroin epidemic, medical review panels, and telecommunications reform all remain unresolved and will be the platform of the 20142015 legislative agenda. 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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Providing the Resources that Support Business Growth
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS The NKY Chamber’s department of Business Growth & International Trade offers activities, resources and support to help business expand markets and connect with potential new customers. Through training and educational programming, business owners / managers get the help they need to enhance their professional skills and the overall competitiveness of their enterprise.
Create Activities and Programs that will Grow Local Businesses and Enhance their Competitiveness The NKY Chamber is committed to supporting the competitiveness and growth of member businesses both domestically and abroad. Accomplishments in the business community to grow our regional economy are as follows:
to take stock of the current business situation and business competencies then develop deliberate strategic and tactical actions to position the business for profit, growth and success. • Leveraged a long-standing partnership with the local chapter of SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives to provide more than 400 hours of one-on-one counseling to over 125 Northern Kentucky business start-ups. • Recognized the region’s top growing small businesses at the 13th annual Emerging 30 Celebration. The award celebrates the success of local businesses with average annual revenue
• Connected over 200+ chamber members to purchasing managers, and sourcing opportunities from prominent corporations from the region. Organizations presenting opportunities for their purchasing organizations include: Toyota, Mubea, Kroger, KY Lottery, Drees Homes, Messer Construction, Tri-Health, City of Cincinnati, Horseshoe Casino, Turfway Park, Jarden Leisure & Entertainment, Louisville Water Company, NKU and the University of Cincinnati. • Operated six Business Referral Networks (BRN) that assisted local companies put a one-to-one sales referrals to work for them to secure a continuous stream of potential new business leads. • Partnered with the Tri-State Minority Development Council and the Women-Owned Business Network to highlight local business opportunities to over 80 minority, disabled and women- owned businesses. • Partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to offer a free-of-charge “Small Business Check-Up”
Sharing best practices with women entrepreneurs from the Middle East.
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This partnership with SCORE offers free small business advice to members and non-members alike.
The Chamber hosted an international delegation from the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor’s Leadership Program.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
growth of 15% or more over the past three years. • Created three new peer-to-peer roundtables for Women business leaders and Small Business owners. • Assisted businesses in identifying global market opportunities that facilitated the connection of international business relationships resulting in the generation of $15 million in global contracts to local companies. • Grew the regional capacity for global commerce by hosting 95 local companies at MERX 2014, an International Trade Conference and Best Practices Summit. • Engaged Chamber members in citizen diplomacy with foreign delegates from Bahrain, Denmark, Jordan, Macedonia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, South Korea, Tajikistan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) via the State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program. • Advocated on behalf of local exporters to level the playing A fantastic day to tap entrepreneurial support agencies at UpStart 2013. fields in Asia and Europe and open the door for foreign direct investment via support of the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (TPP) and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). • Facilitated the flow of traded goods to other countries from Northern Kentucky by authenticating and sealing more than 13,500 certificates of origin/export documents through the Chamber seal programs.
Members learn how to qualify for doing business with the regions more prominent organizations at Chance-to-Meet the buyer program.
MERX 2014 Local businesses gathered to hear the keynote address from Bob Smith of Papa John’s International, shown at left, at Merx 2014, an International Best Practices Summit and Trade Conference.
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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Assisting Businesses in Meeting Their Employment Needs
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The NKY Chamber’s Workforce Development programs help businesses in meeting their employment needs by understanding what job skills are required to compete globally. Collaborative efforts with educational institutions and community partners ensure training programs are aligned to meet demands and to recruit talent and improve the region’s workforce pipeline.
2013-2014 Accomplishments:
• Monthly HR Group programs provided best practices for recruiting and retaining talent and continuing education credits for HR professionals. • Assisted and participated in Reverse Job Fair for Gap associates, aligning employer needs to the displaced workers’ skill sets. Company participation from Innotrac, L’Oreal, Mubea, Club Chef, Zumbiel, FedEx.
• Workplace Safety Network offered quarterly programs involved iHerb, R.A. Jones, amazon.com, and LeanCor. • Responded to needs among local employers in the distribution/logistics industry regarding their increased hiring needs for seasonal positions by organizing a front page feature in Kentucky Enquirer highlighting the 12,000 warehouse jobs available and companies seeking candidates.
• Business Engagement efforts focused on strengthening collaboration with the Northern Kentucky Education Council/ Action Team 5 and tracking increased engagement in program areas of the Business Engagement Toolkit. The Chamber connects schools to local companies for career days, business engagement tours, and other needs as shared by the Council. Tracking system shares progression towards annual goal of a 5% increase. Regional launch of Business Engagement Toolkit and engagement tracking process in partnership with NKY Education Council. • ImpactNKY provides a strategic platform for community partners focused on workforce and leadership development. The 2013-2014 Board was chaired by Rhonda Whitaker with Duke Energy. ImpactNKY identified Workforce Development focus areas for the Chamber including: Advocacy, Pipeline Development/Awareness Campaign and Data Collection/Communication of Employer Needs.
Close the Deal at Holmes High School brought business leaders and students together to discuss the importance of college or technical training after graduation.
• Confirmation by Public Affairs/Advocacy Chair for Impact Board to become policy development group for workforce issues (state and federal). • Workforce team members completed nearly 200 employer and/or workforce supplier consultations from September 1, 2013-August 31, 2014. In addition, the team responded to workforce related requests and provided resources to over 350 companies. Information primarily focuses on opportunities for business engagement, talent recruitment strategies or workforce services such as wage data, legal support, etc. 10
Each year the NKY Chamber and Impact NKY partners with the Northern Kentucky Education Council to present the Excellence in Education Celebration, honoring accomplishments of students and teachers. NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• www.jobs-nky.com experienced steady increases in utilization by employers and jobs seekers. Averaging 35 job postings a month and 100 job seekers a month accessing the site to either upload their resume and/or post their resume directly to a position on the site. • Strengthened partnership with NKY SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) by hosting full-day Strategic Six Pack conference. • Employment Extravaganza drew over 530 job seekers and included participation from 40 local employers seeking talent. In 2013, the event collected job seeker data to gain insight on demographics, education levels, employment status and desired careers.
The annual Employment Extravaganza brings together hiring representatives from more than fifty local businesses with over 700 job seekers.
• College Connect is a network of post-secondary institutions representing the Greater Cincinnati region, including partners throughout Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. The network includes nearly 20 colleges and universities and connected with employers including Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions and Legion Logistics, among others. • Monthly HR Webinar series continued as a way to serve the HR needs of small to mid-size companies seeking latest trends and legal updates. • STEM Girls Day Out offered career exploration to 60 female students visiting companies including: Duke Energy, Toyota, Delta, Messier Bugatti and Gateway Community & Technical College.
Programs presented by the NKY Chamber Workforce committees aim to address the needs of issues faced by NKY businesses.
• Partnered on numerous regional job fairs through the recruitment of companies including: n National College Career Fair n Hiring our Heroes Job Fair n Supply Chain Industry Career Fair, n Kentucky Career Center Veteran’s Job Fair n Recruit Military Partnership • The Chamber supported Close the Deal at Holmes High School. Close the Deal is a program of the Lt. Governor’s Office that encourages students to understand the need for education beyond high school and its connection to success in the workforce.
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
STEM Girls Day Out brings young students into local manufacturing businesses to discover the possibilities of careers related to manufacturing, a growing industry in NKY. 11
Expanding Business Opportunities Business to Business & Member to Member
MEMBERSHIP The NKY Chamber’s member engagement strategy is to increase the value of membership into the Chamber, through committment to the on-going development of business tools and relevant programing needed to interact with member businesses on their terms. Accomplishments and strategic refinements to this program of work towards the proactive engagement of members and improved value proposition of the Chamber are as follows:
Member Events, such as Your Chamber is a Gold Mine and the PNC Webinar below, offer members the opportunity to hold events at the NKY Chamber facilities.
Ralph Dusing is recognized at the final Board of Directors meeting for 20132014 for his volunteer service.
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Engaged C-level executives from larger members through the “Prez in the Round” luncheon series.
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Created Member Events, a new platform that allows members to promote their businesses to other Chamber members through the hosting and marketing of on-site seminars, workshops or other business related events.
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Increased the profiles of (28) members as recognized authorities in the NKY Business community by showcasing their professional expertise through the Chamber’s new Consultants’ Corner and Speaker’s Bureau program.
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Created a new member resource: Consultant’s Corner, a pre-build network of trusted member volunteers ready to provide advise (free-of-charge) to companies on any number of pressing business issues.
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Execution of the bi-monthly “Your Chamber is A Gold Mine” series to train members on networking and relationship building skills required to get the most from their Chamber membership.
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Development and implementation of a comprehensive member engagement plan with a new 1st week, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month outreach process.
Lisa Jones receives the Rookie of the Year award for volunteerism from Debbie Simpson.
Tabitha Marshall is named Ambassador of the Year for her outstanding service as a member of the Chamber Ambasssadors.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER BOARD OF ADVISORS Connections and Access Distinguish this Powerful Network The Board of Advisor membership level is not only an investment in the Chamber, but also in a powerful network. Membership has special privileges including private receptions with high-ranking officials and visiting foreign dignitaries, recognition in Chamber publications, and special events exclusively for Board of Advisor members. This past year over 98% of the Board of Advisors renewed their memberships, and 13 new companies joined at that level.
AAA Allied Group Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing, PLLC Aimbridge Hospitality: • Embassy Suites Cincinnati • Cincinnati Marriott at Rivercenter • Hilton Cincinnati Airport Amazon.com Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Apex Environmental Services, LLC APG Office Furnishings The Bank Of Kentucky Barnes, Dennig & Co., Ltd., CPA’s Bensons Catering/BB Riverboats BKD, LLP Boone County Fiscal Court Bowlin Group, LLC Business Benefits Insurance Solutions
The Board of Directors/Board of Advisors Happy Hour hosted by Delta Private Jets.
A large crowd attended the Board of Directors/Board of Advisors Happy Hour at the new Mercedes-Benz Ft. Mitchell dealership. 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Business Courier The Business Spotlight CAFCO Services Carespring Health Care Management Cassidy Turley Castellini Group Of Companies Catholic Health Initiatives Celanese CENGAGE Learning Inc. Central Bank C-Forward, Inc. Chase Chick-fil-A at Houston Road Christ Hospital Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport Cincinnati Bell Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter The Cincinnati Reds Cintas - Cincinnati/KY Division Citi Citizens Bank Of Northern Kentucky Citizens Deposit Bank Columbia Sussex Corporation Commonwealth Bank & Trust Co. Commonwealth Hotels, LLC: • Hampton Inn Cincinnati Airport South • Hampton Inn Riverfront • Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Airport • Residence Inn -Airport • Metropolitan Club Continental Building Products Corporex Companies, Inc. Cors & Bassett, LLC Crawford Insurance Creation Museum / Answers in Genesis Dana Holding Corporation Delta Air Lines, Inc. Delta Private Jets DHL Express (USA) Inc. Dressman Benzinger LaVelle psc DRS Environmental Systems Inc. Duke Energy ebay Enterprise EGC Construction Corporation Embassy Suites Cincinnati RiverCenter Enquirer Media Ernst & Young LLP Fidelity Investments Fifth Third Bank First Financial Bank First Security Trust Bank 13
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER BOARD OF ADVISORS — continued Fives Cincinnati Forcht Bank Fort Mitchell Country Club Frost Brown Todd LLC Gallatin Steel Gateway Community and Technical College General Cable Gerner & Kearns Co. LPA Global Business Solutions, Inc. Graydon Head Griffin Industries HealthPoint Family Care Paul Hemmer Companies Heritage Bank Hillshire Brands Company Hilton Cincinnati Airport Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport Hollywood Casino & Hotel HORAN Horseshoe Casino - Cincinnati Huff Realty, Inc. Humana Huntington Bank IPSCO Kentucky Inc. Jeff Wyler Florence Buick GMC - Commercial Division Kenton County Fiscal Court Kerry Toyota KLH Engineers, PSC KPMG, LLP The Kroger Co. Lexus RiverCenter L’Oreal USA Mazak Corporation McLane Foodservice Distribution Meet NKY Merchants Bank & Trust
Mercy Health Meritor Automotive, Inc. Merrill Lynch The Metropolitan Club Meyer Tool, Inc. Millcraft Mubea Inc. NetGain Technologies, Inc. NOR-COM, Inc. North American Stainless L.P. Northern Kentucky Area Development District Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission Northern Kentucky Convention Center Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky Water District Northkey Community Care Office Depot/Max Business Services Division Owen Electric Cooperative, Inc. Park National Bank Paycor, Inc. Perfection Group, Inc. Perfetti Van Melle USA Pilot Freight Services PNC Bank Pomeroy Post Glover Power Transmission Solutions R.A. Jones & Co. RCSN Executive Search & Leadership Consulting Receptions Banquet And Conference Center - South Republic Bank Rising Star Casino
The Board of Directors/Board of Advisors meeting in March was highlighted with the presentation of the NKY Chamber’s Five Star Accreditation by Ben Taylor, Executive Director, US Chamber of Commerce, Great Lakes Regional Office. 14
Sam’s Club Sanitation District No.1 Schwan’s Global Supply Chain Inc. Sharp Business Systems Signode SouthComm Publishing St. Elizabeth Healthcare St. Elizabeth Physicians Sterling Ventures, LLC Sweco TANK Thomas More College Time Warner Toyota Boshoku America Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. TriHealth Corporate Health Division Turfway Park Turnbull-Wahlert Construction, Inc. Turner Construction Company U.S. Bank UC Health Ultimate Air Shuttle University of Kentucky UPS Verst Group Logistics VonLehman & Company, Inc. Walmart - Alexandria Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Wells Fargo Bank WILD Flavors, Inc. Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. Wood, Herron & Evans YMCA Of Greater Cincinnati Zalla Companies ZF Steering Systems LLC
The Board of Directors/Board of Advisors Happy Hour gave New Riff an opportunity to introduce Chamber members to their brand new distillery in Newport. NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Opportunities to Learn and Interact
NETWORKING & EVENTS The Northern Kentucky Chamber offers activities and programs that help local businesses grow and enhance their competitiveness. Over the past year, the Chamber has produced over 140 events. The 2013 Annual Dinner in September gave members a chance to “Get Your Game On!” as the Chamber celebrated the beginning of a new year and passed the Chairman’s gavel to Deborah Simpson (Multi-Craft). One thousand attendees enjoyed tailgating and mingling with local mascots as the Chamber honored winners of the Walter R. Dunlevy Frontiersman Award, Walter L. Pieschel, ImageMaker Award, and the Devou Cup awarded by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Eggs ‘N Issues provided a monthly forum for members to network while expanding their knowledge and engagement on key issues facing the business community. The year kicked off with the State of Northern Kentucky Address where over 200 attendees had an opportunity to engage with our local county Judge/Executives, and concluded with an energizing presentation from Johnna Reeder, President & CEO of REDI Cincinnati. Eggs ‘N Issues reached over 1,400 Chamber and community members this year.
Johnna Reeder, President and CEO of REDI, discusses the work and initiatives aimed at developing jobs in the region.
Each year, Emerging 30 celebrates the success of the 30 fastest growing companies in the region.
The Annual Golf Classic had another successful year as businesses from around the region gathered for a day of golf, food, fun, and networking at Summit Hills Country Club on August 19th. Morning golfers enjoyed breakfast courtesy of Chick-fil-A at Houston Road and were treated to lunch and door prizes after wrapping up on the course. A sold out group of 30 foursomes took to the links after lunch and ended their day with a social hour in the clubhouse.
The Annual Golf Classic gives members an opportunity to network in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Each year at the NKY Chamber’s Annual Dinner, awards are presented for outstanding volunteerism and community service. From left, Robert Hudson receives the Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award; Willam and Mary Sue Butler receive the Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Devou Cup;. the ImageMaker Award is awarded to St. Elizabeth Healthcare and the Mayo Clinic collaboration, and Barbara Moran Johnson is presented the Walter L. Pieschel Award. 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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Professional Development
WOMEN’S INITIATIVE The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative was born in 2008 when two long-standing female members realized the need for women programming. In the past six years, the initiative has grown by leaps and bounds. The mission statement of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative is: The women’s initiative is the leading organization for women of all career stages to connect, grow and achieve for business and professional success.
CONNECT, GROW and ACHIEVE CONNECT consists of all the events such as monthly CONNECT Hours for relaxed, social relationship building; the annual Golf Outing for fun networking and friendly competition; two professional series events during the year that provide education on various topics and the annual breakfast featuring a well-known national speaker. GROW is the mentor/mentee program. This one-on-one pairing is for women who work for a Chamber member company and are interested in fostering their professional growth. Each woman is paired with a male or female mentor for support and guidance to achieve their career development goals. The GROW program (mentor/mentee) currently has 20 mentees paired with mentors.
Connecting Shore to Shore, an event held jointly with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber in July, increased attendance from 143 in 2013 to 223 this year.
Women’s Initiative Professional Series workshops offer professional development programming that is both stimulating and fun.
The Roundtable program makes up the ACHIEVE area. Participants are women in upper level careers and the program is designed to give women professionals an opportunity to join a circle of peers to foster their professional development. The Fifth Annual Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast was a sell-out with over 600 attendees, and featured the debut of The Spirit of Achievement Award, which was presented to Wonda Winkler, in photo below. Keynote speaker was Dorie Clark, a former presidential campaign spokeswoman, and author of the newly-released Harvard Business Review Publishing book “Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future,” shown in photo right.
The Women’s Initiative Annual Golf Outing in June gave women a chance to interact and network.
Mentor Charis Borchers and Mentee Tricia Watts, told the story of their mentoring relationship in the Business Journal May/June 2014. 16
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A Commitmment to Leadership in Northern Kentucky
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Leadership Northern Kentucky The Northern Kentucky Chamber continued its commitment to leadership development in the region by providing a high quality, experiential program through Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK). The program is managed by a steering committee of volunteers. The program celebrates 35 years of developing leaders, and more than 1,100 alumni. Each class is intentionally diverse, representing a variety of organizations and companies. Participants develop an understanding of the strengths and challenges inherent in the region where they work and live. Leadership Northern Kentucky is a nine-month program developed to train emerging and existing leaders who will bring new skills, fresh ideas and a broader vision to the boardrooms, communities, government, schools and nonprofit organizations in our region. Congratulations to the 50 leaders who were selected to represent LNK 2014!
LNK Alumni Leadership Northern Kentucky boasts over 1,100 Alumni that serve as policy level community trustees for over 450 different organizations as well as elected and appointed officials, and as leaders in the private, public and non-profit sectors. The LNK Alumni hosted the Third Annual Leadership Breakfast featuring the former COO of Chick-fil-A and best selling author, Mr. Jimmy Collins, as the keynote speaker. An inspiring event with over 250 attendees, Mr. Collins shared excerpts from his book, Creative Followership. Proceeds from the annual breakfast provide scholarship funding for both Leadership Northern Kentucky participants as well as Regional Youth Leadership students.
Helping Moms Have Healthy Babies: Leadership Northern Kentucky 2014 Class Project Healthy Newborn House Ribbon Cutting, shown above: Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2014 worked with Transitions, Inc. to provide support and funding for the Healthy Newborn House. The Healthy Newborn House provides housing and support for expectant and new mothers who are battling addiction to heroin. Mothers and their infant can stay in the home for up to four months after giving birth. During this time the moms receive life skills training, addiction support, education support and assistance in looking for permanent housing. Heroin, one of the biggest epidemics in NKY, affects everyone. In 2012, over 1,400 babies in Northern Kentucky were treated for drug withdrawal. Preventing this from happening is one of the number one goals of the Healthy Newborn House.
Leadership Breakfast Night in Frankfort
LNK Class 2014 shown meeting with Kentucky Governor Stephen Beshear and Kentucky legislators at the Governor’s mansion for “Night in Frankfort.” 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Leadership Northern Kentucky and Regional Youth Leadership hosted the Third Annual Leadership Breakfast with the former COO of Chick-fil-A, Mr. Jimmy Collins. An inspiring event with over 250 attendees, Mr. Collins shared excerpts from his book, “Creative Followership.” Dustin DiChiara, LNK Incoming Chair 2015 with Leisa Mulcahy, LNK Program Director and Jimmy Collins, former COO of Chick-fil-A at the Leadership Breakfast. 17
Regional Youth Leadership Class of 2014 graduation photo.
Regional Youth Leadership Modeled after Leadership Northern Kentucky, Regional Youth Leadership supports the leadership development of future leaders through community based, experiential learning opportunities. The Class of 2014 completed the program in March and is the twentieth class to graduate since the program began in 1995. The mission of RYL is to help build leadership skills and encourage community involvement among young people. Regional Youth Leadership brings young leaders from the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area schools together to identify, develop, refine, and practice their leadership skills in order to become catalysts for change. Students participating in Regional Youth Leadership are presented with new challenges and opportunities for intellectual, creative, social and personal growth.
Ann Marie Whelan, Program Director of RYL, accepts a sponsorship check from Dustin DiChiara of Chick-fil-A and the Leadercast Leadership Seminar.
As part of the Health Session, RYL Students support their classmates from the ground during students learn about volunteerism at the Ronald McDonald House. a high ropes activity.
The Class of 2014 participated in an 8-month program encompassing sessions and activities throughout the region on topics such as diversity, law, criminal justice and economic development. The goal of each day is to increase the students knowledge and expose them to issues and resources surrounding the topic in a very interactive and innovative manner. During the sessions, students practice their leadership skills and learn to step out of their comfort zone.
Student Evaluations Students selected to participate in Regional Youth Leadership are asked to complete pre- and post-program evaluations. Evaluations aid in determining the impact of programming on student behavior, serve as a foundation for future session development, and ensure constant program improvement. Evaluations are reviewed by the RYL Steering Committee to ensure an increase in knowledge and skill level. Highlights from the 2014 evaluation include the following: • 54% increase in understanding the complex issues and challenges faced by our region. • 67% increase in awareness of the resources and opportunities available in our region. • 58% increase in understanding how our local government operates. • 76% increase in understanding of economic development in our region. • 52% increase in understanding of the impact arts & culture have in our region. 18
Students learn about criminalistics and fingerprinting technique during the Criminal Justice Session. NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Members Sharing Advice, Leads and Career Milestones
COMMUNICATIONS Our Goals for 2013-2014: To have the Chamber viewed as a hub for information, and increase our presence in social media platforms.
2013-2014 Accomplishments: • Increased traffic to the NKY Chamber website by 176% (40,000 views in 2012-13, and 110,328 in 2013-2014) • Published high quality, bi-monthly Business Journal magazine format published six times a year. Steadily increased advertising revenue. Developed a new section in the Business Journal called Member Milestones, designed to highlight news and accomplishments of member companies. • Increased distribution of the Business Journal by 11%, and developed strategies to partner with Ultimate Air and St. Elizabeth for distribution. • Printed and distributed with the Business Journal an inaugural insert, Chamber Bites, designed to spotlight member restaurants. • Developed a social media strategy to schedule regular posts in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. • Produced videos related to Chamber members, and videos spotlighting the new members of the Leadership Northern Kentucky class of 2015.
NKY Chamber social media campaigns: NKY Chamber Facebook Posts - 264 Increased followers by 37% (1400 to 1912) NKY Chamber Twitter Followers increased by 91% (1790 to 3434) NKY Chamber LinkedIn NKY Chamber Group members increased by 21% (1901 to 2309)
KEMI Receives Excellent Financial Stability Rating for 14th Straight Year Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) is pleased to report that A.M. Best Company has affirmed our A- (Excellent) Financial Stability Rating for the fourteenth straight year and revised the company’s outlook to stable. A.M. Best is the leading provider of financial ratings for the insurance industry worldwide. The rating is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of KEMI’s balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile and is especially important in today’s volatile workers’ compensation insurance market. Freund, Freeze & Arnold Relocates NKY Office to Fort Mitchell Freund, Freeze & Arnold, a Legal Professional Association is improving the representation of its Kentucky clients by relocating its Northern Kentucky office to expanded space in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Located in the Chamber Office Park, near the crossroads of Buttermilk Pike and Dixie Highway, the expanded office will serve Freund, Freeze & Arnold’s state-wide client base. The new office is located within a short drive to all Northern Kentucky courthouses, is convenient to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and just over an hour from Lexington and Louisville. As of May 12, 2014, the new Northern Kentucky address is 2400 Chamber Center Drive, Suite 200, Ft. Mitchell, KY. All phone and fax numbers will remain unchanged. Legion Logistics Named Fastest Growing Logistics Company Legion Logistics is once again the fastest growing logistics company in the TriState area. While this would be impressive in any location, it is especially so in the Cincinnati area, which ranks fourth in the nation in number of logistics companies, behind Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. Legion Logistics is based in Florence, Kentucky, making it a great location for employees from Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Eastern Indiana. Co-owned by Lacy Starling, President, and Antony Coutsoftides, CEO, the company grew 347 percent in 2013, with sales revenue of $15.2 million. Says Starling, “being part of the Fast 55 two years in a row has confirmed our belief that we have the greatest employees and offer the best customer service in the industry.” Coutsoftides July/August 2014
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MEMBER MILESTONES
Member Milestones Promotions, Appointments, New Jobs and Awards
Submit your Milestones by email to rgibeau@nkychamber.com. Posts are limited to about 250 characters. Photos should be 300 dpi and of good quality. Submissions may be edited. adds, “Fast 55 hasn’t seen the last of the Legion. We’ll be back next year.” Northern Kentucky-Based Federal Credit Union Unveils New Brand The Northern Kentucky-based SEMC Federal Credit Union unveiled its new name and brand today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The credit union will retire its old name and look in favor of a clean, modern style. The new name and brand, Cove Federal Credit Union, will continue to emphasize the credit union’s commitment to financial care, service and trust. Cove Federal Credit Union is located at 577 Dudley Road, Edgewood, KY, 41017. Cove Federal Credit Union is rated as one of the top credit unions in the country by both Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings. Information about the credit union, membership and service offerings can be found at www.covefcu.com. Dr. R. Michael Greiwe is NGLA Finalist R. Michael Greiwe, M.D., of Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers, has been selected as a finalist for the LEGACY Leadership Next Generation Leader Awards in the Medical and Health Services category. According to Kristine Frech, President of LEGACY Leadership, Dr. Greiwe “was selected from a tremendously talented pool of your professionals, and was judged by community leaders based upon his professional achievement, demonstrated leadership, and community service.” Dr. Greiwe is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, shoulder, and elbow injuries. He has authored dozens of articles and book chapters related to shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine, and has won numerous awards for outstanding research in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Greiwe serves as Director of Orthopaedic Research for Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers, NKY Chamber Business Journal
and was selected as a finalist for the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “Health Care Heroes” Award in 2014. Dr. Bruce R. Holladay Presents Teaching Sessions to Orthopaedic Surgeons Bruce R. Holladay, M.D., of Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers, recently presented two teaching sessions to groups of orthopaedic surgeons for Shoulder Labral Reconstructions. Dr. Holladay recently educated fellow orthopaedic surgeons in San Francisco at the University of California, San Francisco Laboratory in the Orthopaedic Trauma Institute Surgical Training Facility, and in Largo, Florida at the Center for Orthopaedic Education. Both presentations were sponsored by ConMed and Linvatec. Dr. Holladay is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries. He also has a special interest in cartilage transplantation procedures, and serves as the President of Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers. RoundTower Technologies Ranked #197 RoundTower Technologies has been named to 2014 Solution Provider 500 (SP500) list by The Channel Company. The list ranks the top revenue-generating technology integrators in the U.S. and Canada whose forward-thinking approach to the channel has helped them evolve and thrive in today’s cloud and services-driven IT era. The list spans eight categories from hardware and software sales, to managed IT services. RoundTower ranked #197 in the annual ranking; up from their 2013 ranking of #305. “Our rapid climb up this prestigious list is a direct result of the skill level and dedication that our employees bring to the job every single day. Their maniacal focus on customer satisfaction will continue to serve us well in the years ahead. A big thank you goes out to all of them,” says Stephen Power, Managing Partner, RoundTower Technologies 23
Why do we “Break Bread” with our customers, co-workers, friends and prospects? Because sharing a delicious dish with someone is the universal way that folks create and sustain bonds with each other. Upscale or casual, ethnic or all-American, Wiedemann beer or a pink cocktail….face it, it’s a great day to do business in NKY over a bite to eat! We hope that you’ll enjoy our 1st Annual Chamber Bites Restaurant Guide and consider yourself “introduced” to seventeen of our NKY Chamber Restaurants, all of who work hard every day to ensure that you have the right dining destination for every business and personal occasion. It goes without saying that all of the restaurants in this guide are your partners in supporting our sparkling economic climate, so do support them by choosing them for your business lunch, to cater your office party or to take your mom to dinner. You will even be rewarded for dining at all 17 of these fabulous Chamber venues… see the back page of this Guide to find out how you can Eat and Win! Bon Appetit!
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The mission of the
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
is to develop strong businesses and a vibrant economy in Northern Kentucky and its surrounding region, through business advocacy and leadership, resulting in a better quality of life for all.
300 BUTTERMILK PIKE, SUITE 330, P.O. BOX 17416, FT. MITCHELL, KY 41017 WWW.NKYCHAMBER.COM 859-578-8800 / FX 859-578-8802