BUSINESS JOURNAL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF NKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JULY/AUGUST 2021
INNOVATING FOR SUCCESS CHASING INNOVATION P 6 GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOR ENTREPRENEURS P 10 FUNNY BUSINESS, FEATURING JOLLY PLUMBING DRAINS HEATING & AIR P 20
Shannon Schumacher, CBC
Account Executive, Kentucky Market
Providing Innovative Solutions and Healthier Outcomes for Kentucky Businesses At HORAN, we champion bold innovation backed by data to help employers and individuals thrive. As an industry thought leader, we explore new horizons in health care, benefits, employee engagement and wellness. We work harder to deliver all the strategic benefits, planning and execution you’d expect from a true partner. And, we do it with a laser focus on your short and long-term outcomes. We’re in your corner as an extension of your HR team to help manage your benefits, while improving your employee experience. For more information about how HORAN can help with your benefits strategy, contact Shannon Schumacher at 859.572.4500 or ShannonS@horanassoc.com.
10
CONTENTS
4 Chair's Letter 6 Chasing Innovation 10 Governor's School for Entrepreneurs 14 Business Spotlight: RiskVersity 16 2021 NGLA Finalists
20
18 Legislative Outcomes 20 Funny Business, Featuring Jolly Plumbing Drains Heating & Air 24 Q&A with the Board of Advisors & Board of Directors 26 GROW NKY & NKY Tri-Ed Launch "Live Here" Website
27
27 YouScience & MyCareerE3 Cultivate Local Talent 28 Around the Chamber 32 Ribbon Cuttings 34 Member Milestones 38 Upcoming Events
ON THE COVER: Jolly's Founder Barry Jolly announcing their introduction to Heating & Air with a "tattoo."
INNOVATION JULY/AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 3
CHAIR’S LETTER
DAN CAHILL Chair, NKY Chamber President & CEO, HSD Metrics
THE PRECURSOR TO INNOVATION in any organization is a culture which promotes creative and innovative thought. There is no breeding ground for new ideas unless the soil is fertile. The beliefs and values established by leaders and then communicated and reinforced through various methods shape employee perceptions, behaviors and understanding through culture. Organizational culture that supports and promotes innovation commonly has three characteristics. Curiosity is the first. If teams are not asking questions, they are not exploring new options. Sounds easy enough until leaders are faced with the notion of those questions challenging current processes, technology, and practices. Curiosity can be as fruitful as it can be dangerous. The second is an acceptance of failure. Many of us have heard the phrase “fail fast” because failure is an important and costly part of the learning process. Teams need permission to fail and must have the backing of management to take risks that may not always pan out.
PAGE 4
Finally, innovative companies need to have inspiring, supportive leaders that support a culture that may not always create a home run on the first swing. These leaders cannot leave team members out to dry when they try and fail. They also need to manage the limits of innovation and recognize that innovation can take companies on a precarious path from time to time. In short, innovation takes guts. It is difficult. But those who know how to do it are well positioned to compete in today’s ever-changing business world. The three characteristics above are visible in many Northern Kentucky companies and the community. Leaders of companies are doing an outstanding job of innovating to stay competitive on the national and even international stage. This activity is possible because we start planting the seeds of innovation through student programs that include Kentucky’s best from across the Commonwealth. You will see in this month’s issue how these programs impact our homegrown, internationally-recognized companies. Northern Kentucky is also multi-dimensional when it comes to innovation because we are transforming our traditional industries as well as new industries supported by our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"
Creativity and innovation are fueled by diversity of thought. We must create a culture which fosters this in order to ensure the sustained economic vitality of our region.
Northern Kentucky must be seen as a welcoming community in order to attract the world-class talent necessary to be globally competitive.
"
Northern Kentucky is a logistics hub. We are arguably the epicenter of national logistics because of our location and infrastructure. This asset creates a very rich breeding ground for local startup programs who continue to gain support. The NKY Chamber has an important role in this process. As the leading business organization in the region, it is critical that we clearly articulate the business case for diversity, equity and inclusion. Simply put, Northern Kentucky must be seen as a welcoming community in order to attract the world-class talent necessary to be globally competitive. Creativity and innovation are fueled by diversity of thought. We must create a culture which fosters this in order to ensure the sustained economic vitality of our region. On a final note, this is my last article as Chair of the Northern Kentucky Chamber Board of Directors. The staff of the NKY Chamber and the Board have made this experience one of the most fulfilling of my professional career. I have watched this group of individuals innovate with guts—unafraid to fail fast, ask questions and lead with courage. I ask that you continue to support the NKY Chamber and its efforts. We have a special community with a unique and vibrant Chamber to help guide it. NK Y
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Employee wellness that fits your budget Reduce costs on your company health plan with Humana Humana wants to see your small business succeed, which means helping your employees get well and stay well — at a lower cost. As a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, you may be eligible to save as much as 40%.
Visionary company care • Financial sustainability for a stronger tomorrow
• Member experiences that outpace change
• Customer-centric care that delivers results
• Support that builds healthier organizations
Contact your agent to request a quote.
Humana.com GCHL89BEN
Chasing Innovation By Tabari McCoy Scooter Media
PAGE 6
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Northern Kentucky companies continue to push forward in their respective industries
What do most people think of when they think of Kentucky? Could it be bourbon, college basketball or perhaps the famous bluegrass that gives the Commonwealth its nickname? The expanding Northern Kentucky business community, however, suggests a different answer altogether: Innovation.
In February 2020, it was reported that the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region was home to more Fortune 500 companies per capita than New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Amazon, Citi and L’Oréal USA are among the national brands that have a home in Northern Kentucky, but they are far from the only companies thriving south of the Ohio River. Get to know three of the dozens of companies helping Northern Kentucky to lead the way in innovation across their respective industries.
Innovative Kentuckians
Ephraim McDowell (1771-1830): Performed first successful surgical removal of an ovarian tumor, 1809. He settled in Danville and began his practice as a surgeon.
Matthew Bacon Sellers (1869-1932): Among first to experiment with gliding and power flight, aeronautical research.
Garrett A. Morgan (1877-1963): African-American inventor who originated a respiratory protective hood similar to modern gas masks. Invented first automatic, tri-color traffic signal, 1923.
John T. Thompson (1860-1940): United States Army officer, inventor of the Thompson Machine Gun (tommy gun).
PICTURED: Nathan B. Stubblefield (1860-1928): Successfully demonstrated wireless voice transmission radio, 1892. Born in Murray, died in Almo, Kentucky.
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 7
MAZAK USA Founded: 1974 Location: Florence No. of Employees: 600 at the Florence facility
“We make the stuff that makes the stuff.” This description of Mazak from company president Daniel Janka is simple, but it makes sense. That’s because there is no denying Mazak’s innovation has pushed the company to be one of the world’s largest machine tool companies, essentially serving as the start of the supply chain. The North American headquarters of the Oguchi, Japan-based company, Mazak’s Florence complex manufactures machines that create parts to build machines across the automotive, medical, aerospace and consumer technology industries, among others. This includes machines that can make titanium landing gears for airplanes to small components like cylinder heads in engines. Janka says the company is actively innovating several projects designed to meet current needs. This includes developing more automation to help resolve the deficit in the U.S. manufacturing labor force while potentially creating new, high-paying jobs and digital manufacturing solutions that can connect machines on the production floor. The company is also tackling the heightened focus on cybersecurity with edge devices that prevent information being transferred from one machine to another from being hacked. What’s key to being successful and innovative in a high demand sector? Janka’s answer is simple: “The people.” “Our human capital is our most valuable resource and having access to the education and technology in this region helps us fuel innovative thinking and innovative ideas. There’s almost nothing we can’t make when we put our minds to it.”
PAGE 8
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CAR-PART.COM Founded: 1998 Location: Ft. Wright No. of Employees: 200-plus
Voted one of the 2021 “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” by the Best Companies Group, Car-Part.com has grown significantly from its origins as a family-run salvage yard in Ft. Wright. Now operating with employees in 25-plus states, the company’s innovative foresight has made them a leading provider of web solutions for automotive parts recyclers nationwide. Company co-founder Roger Schroder says his company uploads several million parts from 4,000 different parts suppliers throughout North America daily. This allows body shops, insurance claim repair personnel and dealerships to use their web site as a one-stop shop to find parts. “Instead of looking at 1,000 websites, you can just go to Car-Part.com and it'll tell you who has the part, how much it costs, and you can contact them directly,” says Schroder. Now looking to expand into processing e-commerce transactions directly, Schroder says innovation comes from following an old business staple: Listening to your customers when they tell you what they need and figuring out how to best give it to them. “It’s having the insight to know that if you can save people time and make life easier for your customers, suppliers, the parts’ buyers, it’s a good thing,” he says. “It’s better to spend the extra time to do it right for people whenever you can.”
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
ETHOS LABORATORIES Founded: 2011 Location: Newport No. of Employees: 158 full-time + contracted
Innovation is one of the 12 core values fundamental to Ethos Laboratories, the Newport-based medical testing and assessment facility dedicated to “positively contributing to the pain management community by improving the lives of patients.” Accredited by the College of American Pathologists in August 2014, innovation has allowed the high complexity toxicology lab to experience significant growth from its original home: A former children’s daycare facility in Fairfield, Ohio, with playground equipment and child-size restroom facilities to match. Ethos’ dedication has resulted in the development of its Foundation Pain Index (Foundation PI), which looks at 11 biomedical origins of chronic pain to find non-opioid-based treatments for patients. This is in addition to last year’s development of Tru-Immune™, a test that “detects the presence and magnitude of neutralizing antibodies that prevent infectivity of the COVID-19 virus.” According to Ethos, the test was the first of its type, processing samples in less than three hours. Ethos Laboratories Director of Human Resources and Compliance Colleen Kirkpatrick credits employee engagement for the company’s success. Says Kirkpatrick, “Without our employees we would not be as successful as we are, nor as innovative.” Kirkpatrick believes the same can be said regarding future innovation throughout the Northern Kentucky region. “We sit in a wonderful Tri-State area … We have access to some of the best schools in the country with the University of Kentucky, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier. When you look at the hospital system with Cincinnati Children's Hospital and some of the other systems, it just provides a wonderful place to find talent for what we do in the medical arena,” she says. “(Likewise), the NKY Chamber and other local government agencies are always looking at ‘How do we make the environment better?’ When you do that in an area, you are ensuring everyone is getting huge benefits and making sure this the best place to remain our home.” NK Y
PAGE 9
Governor’s Governor’s School School for for Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs
By Atley Smedley, Northern Kentucky University
CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR TALENTED entrepreneurs across Kentucky to grow and thrive – that's when the Commonwealth is at its best, and that's why the Kentucky Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) looks to usher in a new era of business innovation. GSE is a relative newcomer on the list of Kentucky's Governor's Schools, welcoming its first group of students in 2013. Each year 72 of the state's best and brightest teenagers spend their summer months here in our backyard. Held on Northern Kentucky University's (NKU) campus, the three-week residential program arms future entrepreneurs with a creative space and the necessary tools to unleash their entrepreneurial spirits for the betterment of Kentucky. At GSE, they’ll learn how to be courageous, to take risks with their ideas, to embrace diverse thinking, to work collaboratively and to creatively solve problems,” says Tasha Sams, GSE’s executive director. “Our teens walk away with the confidence and know-how to start a business, as well as an entrepreneurial mindset that will serve them throughout their lives. They’ll never be ‘stuck’ if they can create a solution, forge a new path or reinvent themselves to adapt to any set of circumstances life might throw at them. In fact, what we look for in our participants can’t be tabulated. We seek the innovative thinkers, the collaborators, the risk takers, the change makers, the teens with a drive that is unstoppable. They are Kentucky’s future business creators and leaders.” GSE provides an alternative to the standardized learning environment by immersing them in a new way of thinking. During the program, high school students learn firsthand about the opportunities, benefits and pitfalls of launching a business concept—from the idea phase to pitching it to potential investors. While building a working team, students tour businesses, meet and learn from seasoned entrepreneurs and spend hours developing and crafting business models. Businesses from across the state, including Toyota TMMK, Forest Giant, El Toro, Awesome Inc. and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, welcome students into their spaces. PAGE 10
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
"Our teens feel confident in taking calculated risks, in being creative, in finding clarity in ambiguity - and they aren’t afraid of failure." Tasha Sams, GSE Executive Director
Teens also learn how to turn failure into opportunity every step of the way. GSE culminates with its Demo Day event, where motivated teams develop a business model, design a prototype and pitch their startup to a large audience and panel of judges. Dozens of alumni have chosen to enroll in entrepreneurial programs at Kentucky universities and attribute this decision to the inspiration they received by attending GSE in high school. GSE fosters and empowers the Commonwealth's future business owners and community leaders, giving these teens the support they need to go from high school to business owners. While participants gain vital entrepreneurial skills through the program to use as they enter the workplace or continue into higher education, more than 16 new businesses have been launched by GSE alumni since it started. Others have filed for multiple patents and developed new ideas and relationships that sow the seeds for more business formation. GSE provides more than $2.7 million in scholarship funding opportunities to Kentucky high school students each year through partnerships with collegiate partners. More than 350 student entrepreneurs have received scholarship funding through the program. “The mindset that GSE instills and cultivates in our teens is sought after. Our teens feel confident in taking calculated risks, in being creative, in finding clarity in ambiguity - and they aren’t afraid of failure,” adds Sams. “They leave GSE with an entrepreneurial mindset that will serve them for the rest of their life. Our many college and university partners recognize this - and we are so thankful to offer $5 million in scholarship opportunities thanks to them. These are the teens you want on your campus, because they will become the innovators who shape our world. " INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
In 2018, GSE selected NKU as the host campus for its summer sessions. The success of NKU's Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship helped to lay the groundwork for the partnership. NKU's innovative, transdisciplinary academic experience complements GSE's entrepreneurial experience. And to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for its experience, GSE and NKU announced the addition of a second summer session for 2021. So how is introducing the startup mindset pivotal for remaining competitive? It is a great recruiting tool to put our region on the map with these young future business leaders. At NKU, the entrepreneurial spirit permeates throughout its campus. The university created the Collaborative for Economic Engagement, which serves as a one-stop innovation hub to leverage regional agencies and support businesses and entrepreneurs. NKU received $750,000 in federal funding this spring to build and diversify economic engagement in our region. “We know that fostering innovation and inspiring ambitions remains key to building a vibrant Commonwealth. Here at NKU, we focus on advancing the region’s entrepreneurial capacity—whether it’s equipping them with the resources and expertise or bolstering connections,” said NKU President Ashish Vaidya. “We’re thankful to partner with the GSE and provide young entrepreneurs pathways for success.” Parents, educators, entrepreneurs and teens who believe grit, a growth mindset and creativity in problem solving tell as much about a young person as good grades and test scores, can learn more about the Governor’s School of Entrepreneurs at www.KentuckyGSE.com. NK Y PAGE 11
Unbox Great.
Boxes, packaging and shipping supplies for your business Pickup or Same Day Delivery Order online at www.3dcorrugated.com
3D CORRUGATED B OXE S & S HIP P IN G S U P P L IE S
513-241-8126 ∙ 400 W 3rd St, Covington, KY 41011 info@3dcorrugated.com ∙ www.3dcorrugated.com
We’d love to tell your story. (859) 414-6882 823 Scott Blvd; Covington, Kentucky 41011
Cincinnati PRSA 2020 Small/Mid-Sized PR Agency of the Year
“BANKS CAN AND SHOULD BE A GREAT SOCIAL FORCE.” – Garvice D. Kincaid – Founder, Central Bank
Garvice D. Kincaid 75 years later, it’s words like these that still guide Central Bank. While we’ve made some modern advances since 1946, we’ll never stray from the community-driven mission of our founder, Garvice D. Kincaid. Garvice knew that a bank could and should be a pillar of its community – in good times and bad. True back in 1946. And equally true today.
Florence Member FDIC
•
Fort Mitchell • Crestview Hills 859-905-5502
•
Union
CENTRAL TO YOU. centralbank.com
Digital Marketing Handled Local Search Review Marketing Paid Advertising Social Media
Lisa Jones Give Lisa a call for a FREE consultation!
Digital Marketing Consultant 859.743.5124 | LSJones@revlocal.com
Business Spotlight:
By Tabari McCoy Scooter Media THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SPOTLIGHT PODCAST IS DEDICATED TO HIGHLIGHTING the people and companies that make our region a diverse collective of ideas and innovation. The podcast is co-hosted by Kathrine Nero and NKY Chamber Director of Marketing and Communications Jeremy Schrand and features members discussing their work, the local economy and efforts to better the region. For our debut feature, we are shining the spotlight on recent NKY Spotlight guest, RiskVersity. A risk management consulting firm, RiskVersity works to help its clients identify and then embrace or transfer risk. RiskVersity President Laurence Jones appeared on Northern Kentucky Spotlight recently to chat with Nero about risk management given the increased attention to cyber security in the wake of more people working remotely. Responding to a question about insurance, Jones explained that, while some companies may think insurance is enough to cover their interests, it is only a part of risk management. He believes businesses should consider how to keep their business open or serve customers in new ways, both on and off site. This in turn will allow them to be prepared for whatever could happen including disaster recovery. This, he says, is why RiskVersity works to help businesses “identify and understand what their unique business brings from a risk perspective as risk isn’t always bad. Risk is also an opportunity for growth.” He further explained while risk can be thought of as what can be “catastrophic” for startups, it is also what can generate revenue (i.e., bringing a new product or service to market). Nero later noted that given heightened attention to cybersecurity, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and all the shifts due to COVID-19, it seems like the perfect time for companies to conduct risk management assessments. Jones agreed, saying his company was among those “nervous” at the start of the pandemic given the uncertainty both RiskVersity and their clients faced. Noting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) helped to stabilize many businesses, he also mentioned how the outside events such as the fallout from the death of George Floyd last summer could affect their business. RiskVersity helps companies understand how such dynamics can impact an organization. These are reasons why he says it’s important to identify risk stemming from ineffective justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) measures by diagnosing cultures to improve work environments. New episodes of Northern Kentucky Spotlight release every Monday and can be viewed live at the NKY Chamber’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nkychamberofcommerce. Listen to this episode in its entirety and others you may have missed by visiting www.nkychamber. com/nkyspotlight or any of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify today. NK Y
PAGE 14
RiskVersity 151 W. Fourth Street #27 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 644-1085 www.riskversity.com
Laurence Jones, President NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
NKY SPOTLIGHT
Listen to the region's best business podcast.
Avaliable on:
Watch Live on Mondays at 4:00 PM Facebook.com/nkychamberofcommerce Vimeo.com/nkychamber
NKYChamber.com/NKYSpotlight Title Sponsor:
Digital Sponsor:
NKYP
presents the
Next Generation Leader Awards Education
C.J. Fryer Beechwood High School
Entrepreneurship
Elsheika Thompson Beechwood High School
Angela Walker Cincinnati Public Schools
Ricardo Grant NKU SoCap Accelerate & Paloozanoire
Medical & Healthcare Services
Angela Brunemann St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Jessica Cleek St. Elizabeth Physicians
Mark Ramler Mansion Hill Properties
Professional Services
Erica Neff St. Elizabeth Physicians
Olivia Amlung, Esq. Kentucky Office of the Attorney General
Ryan McLane DBL Law
Public Service & Community Organizations
Skilled Trades & Technology
Lauren Copeland Brighton Center
Jason Hickey Terracon Consultants
Jessica Fette City of Erlanger
Joe Klare The Catalytic Fund
Troy Fedders St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Courtney Kleier NKY Chamber
Hannah Lowen New Riff Distilling
Carey Sanders Fifth Third Bank
Madison Smith Fifth Third Bank
NKYP Legend Award
Public Relations, Media & Marketing
Cara Brooks Duke Energy
Joshua Reid Inphlu
Lauren Vogel Scooter Media
Shannan Boyer Scooter Media
Hotel Covington | Tuesday, July 27 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM | NKYChamber.com/NGLA NGLA Presenting Sponsor:
NGLA Award Sponsors:
NGLA Host Sponsor:
NKYP Presenting Sponsor:
NKYP Event Sponsor:
NKYP Supporting Sponsor:
Leadership Council for Nonprofits
A more connected community is a better community. Spectrum is proud to support the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Looking to tackle that summertime to-do list? Turn your home’s equity into cash with Heartland Bank’s
Home Equity Line of Credit
2.99
LIMITE TIME D O F F E R!
%
*
APR
or prime minus 0.26% for the life of the line NO closing costs • Limited time offer
Visit us at
Ft. Mitchell • Ft. Thomas • Union or see us online at Heartland.Bank
Kara Barnett AVP, District Manager
(859) 916-7342 Kara.Barnett@Heartland.Bank
*Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is a variable rate that will adjust to the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the last day of the month, currently at 3.25% as of 05/26/2021. If the Prime Rate changes, your interest rate and payment will adjust accordingly. A balloon payment may result, if applicable. Maximum interest rate is 24%. These rates are available to applicants with a minimum credit score of 725 and a maximum loan-to-value of 80%. Floor rate is equal to initial rate at time of closing. Your rate may also be different depending upon your credit history. Maximum line amount is $250,000. Loan term is ten years. Initial draw of at least $10,000 is required. A Heartland Bank checking account is required to take advantage of this special offer. $50 minimum opening deposit required for Heartland Free Checking or Heartland Basic Checking Accounts. $100 minimum opening deposit required for Heartland Advantage Checking or Heartland Premium Checking Accounts. Draws and payments can be made during the entire term of the loan. Lines over $250,000 in first lien position may require title insurance. Minimum monthly payment for a HELOC is $100 or the balance owed if it’s less than $100. Monthly payment is 1% of the principal balance at the time it bills each month, so it will fluctuate month to month. There is an annual fee of $50.00 that is waived the first year, and is applicable every year thereafter. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance may be required. 1-4 family owner occupied properties only. Property must not be currently listed for sale. Maximum debt-to-income ratio of 40%. This offer is valid for new equity lines only. Interest only HELOC products are also eligible for this offer. For interest only HELOC product, the loan term is three years. Monthly payment is the interest owed on the principal balance at the time it bills each month, so it will fluctuate month to month. Subject to credit approval and appraisal. Consult a tax advisor about the deductibility of interest. Other rates and terms available. ** Offer ends 06/30/2021.
2021 Kentucky 2020 Kentucky General General Assembly Assembly
NKY CHAMBER Legislative Outcomes TOP WINS FOR NKY BUSINESSES COVID LIABILITY PROTECTIONS - SB 5 Establishes critical liability protections for businesses facing potential COVID related lawsuits. The threat of frivolous and costly litigation related to the pandemic could severely hinder KY’s economic recovery.
TAX RELIEF FOR PPP PARTICIPANTS - HB 278 Allows KY businesses to deduct from their state tax burden expenses paid with forgiven PPP loans, conforming with federal law.
LEGISLATIVE WINS FOR NKY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX RELIEF – HB 413 Suspends taxable wage base and holds the 2020 tax schedule for 2021 and requires all benefits paid due to a declared emergency, come from a pooled account and not iindividual employers’ reserve accounts.
STABILIZE CHILD CARE SECTOR – SB 148 Restricts regulations that can be imposed on certified family childcare homes to encourage more in-home care, which could expand access to childcare for Kentucky’s working families
HISTORIC HORSE RACING – SB 120 Clarifies language to ensure historical horse racing is included in the legal definition of parimutuel wagering in order to protect the status quo of operations currently at racetracks.
VOTING REFORMS – HB 574 Incorporates some of the best-practices of KY’s COVID 2020 voting method, including absentee voting portal, limited in-person early voting, and the option for counties to deploy “super-centers.”
MODERNIZE CALL BEFORE YOU DIG LAW - HB 303 Sets up a system for proactive communications between utility companies and excavators to better plan for marking underground facilities before excavation.
UTILIZE TELEHEALTH – HB 140 Expands access to health care through telehealth and codifies current COVID-19 related telehealth provisions in statute, ensuring KYians have continued access to medical care.
LABOR LAW CONSISTENCY – HB 475 Requires KY occupational safety and health regulations to be no more stringent than the federal rule.
TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM REFORM – HB 258 Changes made to the pension plan for future teachers in KY to help stabilize the long-term outlook for the Teacher Retirement System. New teachers would be placed into a hybrid plan that combines elements of defined benefits and defined contribution.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE – HB 561 Would have generated hundreds of millions in dollars in new state revenues to invest in KY’s infrastructure. As a thriving economic engine of the state, it is critical NKY has a world-class infrastructure system. This bill proposed a modest increase to the state gas tax, established a multi-modal transportation fund, and would have reformed KY’s outdated road-aid formula, which places urban areas like NKY at a disadvantage when it comes to road maintenance and improvements. HB 561 would have generated an additional $460M per year in new revenues for investment in our roads. SPORTS WAGERING – HB 241 Would have created new opportunities for business development and tourism in KY by authorizing sports wagering. Almost every state surrounding KY has taken steps to create a regulatory and taxation framework for sports wagering.
Advocacy
PAGE 18
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
2021 Kentucky 2020 Kentucky General General Assembly Assembly
NKY CHAMBER Legislative Outcomes FUNDING LEGISLATIVE WINS FOR NKY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND – HB 382 Allocates $575M toward the drained Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to help pay down the federal loan.
INVEST IN BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE – HB 382 & HB 320 Allocating $300M to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS – HB 249 Expands the annual cap on the KY certified rehabilitation tax credit program from $5M to $100M. This program leverages private dollars to support investments in historic buildings and neighborhoods, which helps support investment, development and economic growth.
FILM TAX CREDITS – HB 249 Reinstates film incentives to a refundable tax credit, capped at $75M, making KY competitive again. This is an industry that has jobs across the spectrum from entry level to executive and supports many businesses hurt by the pandemic including caterers, hotels, makeup artists and others.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – HB 192 Allocates $8M to support public transportation by addressing the loss of toll credits, which are generally used to meet matching requirements for federal grants.
FULL – DAY KINDERGARTEN – HB 382 Appropriates $140M for all day kindergarten throughout KY. Current state law provides funding for only half-day kindergarten.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES REMOVE SMOKERS AS A PROTECTED CLASS – SB 258 Would amend the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to remove language designating smokers as a protected class of citizen in Kentucky on par with race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age and disability. LEGAL LIABILITY REFORM– SB 17 Would have implemented important reforms to KY’s legal liability system, KY’s unfriendly legal climate continues to harm economic growth and drive up costs for businesses and consumers.
Advocacy
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 19
-
No Funny Business
By Tabari McCoy Scooter Media
AUTHENTICITY DOESN’T JUST MAKE THE JOLLY PLUMBING DRAINS HEATING & AIR BRAND – IT SELLS IT, TOO. “Just be who you are because that's going to be the easiest thing you can do. You can try to to do it all, but at the end of the day if it's not who you are, then people are going to see through it or it's not going to be sustainable,” says Ryan Eten, Jolly’s Marketing Director on how the company approaches the way it advertises its brand. “It was always things that we believed in or that we thought was funny because again, (it’s) who we are. It's who Brady is; it’s who our plumbers are … we replicate what resonates with people.” That simple strategy is what keeps Jolly’s customers happy … Because despite the company’s use of humor, their innovative marketing strategy is no laughing matter.
PAGE 20
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Founded by Barry Jolly in 1979, Jolly specializes in water, sewer, heating and air conditioning service throughout the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Brady Jolly took over as company CEO upon his graduation from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in 2014, overseeing the company’s expansion into restoration and property maintenance. Another innovation under Brady Jolly’s tenure? The Jolly Event Center, a facility capable of hosting up to 250 people when not being used for events like the twicea-week basketball games that were a company staple pre-COVID-19. One driving factor behind the company’s success has been its fun-filled marketing campaigns, something Eten and Brady Jolly have worked on for the past several years. Working for a video production firm before officially joining the company, Eten says marketing has long been of importance to the company, dating back to founder Barry Jolly’s creation of the company’s playing card logo. According to Eten, the senior Jolly realized early that the customer service experience is just as important in retaining business as is delivering quality work itself. That in turn created the philosophy the company has kept ever since: “Putting the customer at ease to know the job will be done right.” “We are very much a ‘hire the right person’ business. Put the right team together and the plumbing trade will come. You'll have experienced and happy plumbers staying here,” he says. “That’s who's going to take care of our customers the same way that Barry did, so that's the philosophy of Jolly Plumbing: Honest, friendly and being prompt are our values. When we're hiring someone, those are the three qualifiers.” What could be the best way to showcase those qualifiers? For Eten, it was simply a matter of thinking about what’s in a name.
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 21
“Our name is ‘Jolly,’ so we already have fun kind of ingrained in our name,” he says. “It was like ‘Let's just be fun and people will remember that. If we hire the right people that are fun as well, it will all work together.’”
BATHROOM HUMOR WITH PURPOSE The gamble proved itself to be correct. Trying to answer how to get eyes on their company, Jolly took to social media – which Eten says was akin to the “wild, wild west” at the time – having its plumbers read children’s books like Everybody Poops. The ad was a hit for the company, which Eten says was a production of an old staple from improv – saying “yes and” to everything. Another success for Jolly? A sports parody that resulted in “a ton of calls and requests from people saying ‘I want that guy from the commercial’ … That was the first time where we felt like ‘All right, we might be onto something,” he says. Eten, who’s “looked at as the most hated or the most loved person in the office when a shoot day comes around,” says the benefit of potty parodies extends beyond new business. “One of our guys said he had somebody in his neighborhood at the gas station see him and say, ‘You're that guy from the commercial.’ They’re little local celebrities which is awesome and that's what we want,” he says. “We want to promote trades (as professions) to where kids want to do it. Robots aren't going to be able to do plumbing anytime soon, so we're going to need skilled laborers – that starts with changing the image of what those skilled laborers look like.”
Rudy Harris, principal of Harris Media Co. in Newport, has worked to produce Jolly’s commercials for the past several years. He says he enjoys working with the company because the nature of their innovative marketing reflects the dedication to the customer service mantra Eten outlined above. “They're professional people,” says Harris. “They do an excellent job at their trade, but at the same time they realize the value in humor.” Given the type of people taking note of Jolly’s work, the strategy seems to be paying off nicely. “There’s an agency guy who’s one of my buddies ... He sat down at our new office here in Newport and he said ‘All right. Tell me about Poopé,’ which was this funny, quirky, fake cologne commercial we made to coincide with timing of the Super Bowl,” recalls Harris. “People have recognized the humor while we’ve maintained that certain benchmark of quality.”
WATCH THE THRONE Eten isn’t sure what is next for Jolly’s marketing efforts … All he hopes is that it will keep the company on top of its innovative marketing throne (literally and figuratively). “I always say I have Jolly on my mind 24/7. If I hear something on the radio, see something on TV or hear someone says something, I immediately just think, ‘Okay … how can I apply that to what we do?’” he says. “It's going to be something that is fun. It's going to involve our plumbers and it's going to talk about our five-star service … I don't want to send boring plumbing emails out every quarter.” NK Y
PICTURED: Behind the scenes with Jolly & Harris Media at White Whale Tattoo.
PAGE 22
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Owner Brady Jolly in front of a green screen for a video that parodies classic local commercials. INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
Jolly's technicians posing and dancing for their TV commercials. PAGE 23
IN N O VA
Q&A
ON TI
EDITION
Board of Advisors & Board of Directors
with the
HOW IS YOUR COMPANY INNOVATING TO STAY COMPETITIVE IN YOUR INDUSTRY? THIS COULD BE A NEW PROCESS, NEW TRAINING, NEW TECHNOLOGY, CHANGE IN PHILOSOPHY, ETC. Dan Janka President Mazak North America During COVID, Mazak initiated new, and expanded current, on-line services to support our customer’s service/training needs and to keep them informed of our latest information and technology. We also updated our parts portal to increase the ease and availability for customers ordering parts for machine maintenance during this time.
Susan Robben Director, Account Management Humana This pandemic called for changes in the way that we access health care in order to minimize the transmission of Covid-19 and reduce the impact of patient surges on medical facilities and resources. In April of 2020, Humana had more than 1 million telehealth visits, a daily average of more than 33,000 visits, among its network providers, compared with just a few hundred per day. As demand grew, we leaned into our partnership with Doctor on Demand and our new virtual primary care product called On Hand. With On Hand, members could receive unlimited primary and urgent care from their mobile phone, tablet or computer for $0. On Hand gives employers the opportunity to affordably offer healthcare benefits to employees without sacrificing comprehensive, quality care.
Mindy Kershner Sr. Manager, Communications & Community Affairs CVG Airport CVG continues to implement many new innovative technologies. An autonomous ground support vehicle is being tested on our campus. Housekeepers are trained on how to operate autonomous technology with a new floor-scrubbing robot. Employees have also engaged in wearable technology via TaskWatch. The Samsung watches transform data into actionable and measurable tasks. The future of airport innovation is happening at CVG! PAGE 24
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Henry Webb Superintendent Kenton County School District During the 2021-21 school year, the Kenton County School District partnered with Northern Kentucky University to offer the NKU-KCSD Young Scholars Academy, allowing high school juniors to take college classes on NKU's campus at a discounted rate. In its inaugural year, 74 scholars completed a full-time college course load in one of two career pathways, while also completing college general education classes and their Kentucky state graduation requirements. Seventy-five percent of these students earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Even though they are attending college full time, many of these scholars still participate in extra-curricular activities at their home high school.
Adrijana Kowatsch VP, Advancement & External Affairs Gateway Community & Technical College 1) Paramedic to RN program – In response to a request from St. E, the work experience and education of a paramedic was leveraged to design a 12-month paramedic to RN program. The first cohort starts in fall 2021. 2) Moved all student services to a virtual format in response to the pandemic. Postpandemic, we will keep a virtual option so students will have the luxury of completing the admission and advising, and even their coursework, at a time and location that meets their needs. 3) Paralegal – Partnered with a data center (SHP and NKCEAD) to identify gaps job openings and number of graduates. These data were used to start a paralegal technology program, the only one in Northern Kentucky.
Lisa Cooper Executive Director Northern Kentucky Area Development District The NKWIB recently approved a new policy that will allow us to offer a new source of training funds to businesses in Northern Kentucky. This new policy creates the Incumbent Worker Training fund, to which employers can apply to receive funds with a scaled match, based number of employees. The board also allocated $70,000 in our budget towards this new program. Having created this program in collaboration with NKY Tri-ED, we are excited to be able to increase the variety of resources available to help employers increase their retention rates while supporting existing employees as they upskill.
Mark Looy Chief Compliance Officer Ark Encounter and Creation Museum When AiG’s themed attractions, the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, were shut down for a few months last year due to Covid, the question became: how could we still reach thousands and thousands of people each day with our messages? AiG decided to launch a video-streaming platform in 2020 called Answers.TV and it soon had subscribers in 183 countries with access to over 3,000 videos and live on-line events. The most popular programs: nature shows for the whole family, documentaries, and videos dealing with pressing social issues of the day, like racism. The subscription revenue generated by the relatively new technology of video-streaming was substantial and helped us get through a difficult 2020.
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 25
GROW NKY & Northern Kentucky Tri-ED Launch “Live Here” Website
Photo by Ben Gastright
By Cheryl Besl NKY Tri-ED BUSINESSES IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY ARE HIRING AT A RAPID PACE – DRAWING EMPLOYEES to the region from Greater Cincinnati and throughout the U.S. “The NKY economy is running at full speed. Our existing employers are recruiting talent and as we attract new companies and jobs to NKY we recognized that a central location with resources for people moving to the region was needed,” shared Tri-ED CEO Lee Crume. “Together we are launching livehere.northernkentuckyusa.com to provide our employers and people considering moving to the area with a central source of information that shares all of our region’s assets,” added Leisa Mulcahy, VP of Workforce at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of GROW NKY. “HR executives from a variety of companies and industries have contacted both GROW NKY and Tri-ED requesting livability information on Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati region – housing options, realtors, schools and day care. Now we can easily send them to the website.” Comey & Shepherd Realtors and Huff Realty relocation experts are sponsors of the website and are prominently featured to ensure that newcomers will receive housing recommendations tailored to their needs. The website features videos from Tri-ED and the Cincinnati Experience in addition to the many arts and cultural amenities newcomers and residents alike enjoy in addition to excellent school systems and higher education institutions, details on the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and the features and character of Northern Kentucky’s neighborhoods and communities. A companion website for veterans considering moving to NKY and the Cincinnati region will launch later this year – stay tuned! NK Y
PAGE 26
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
YouScience & MyCareerE3 Cultivate Local Talent By Jennie LaMothe, NaviGo
THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY REGION is taking an innovative approach to fill local workforce gaps. GROW NKY’s Pillar 2 Strengths-Finding committee has leveraged YouScience, an aptitude and career exploration and certification platform, to align and connect student talent to our regions’s workforce pipeline. YouScience Discovery uses online brain games to match what students do well (aptitudes) and what they like to do (interests) with in-demand careers for which they have a competitive advantage. Students get personalized feedback about how their abilities can be utilized in schools, work, and daily lives. This type of self-awareness and etification can have a profound impact on students’ present choices and the futures they envision for themselves. YouScience Discovery uses engaging brain games to measure how users process and solve problems – without feeling like just another test. Performance measures of aptitudes go beyond what students see around them and help expand their vision of opportunity and possibility. An analysis of the Discovery results of more than 11,000 high school students found that few female students (22%) had interest for careers in high-demand industries like IT, manufacturing, and
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
construction. However, a majority of those female students (78%) had aptitudes for those careers. Gender stereotypes and societal biases also impact male, minority, urban and rural students. However, YouScience is the great equalizer. A study by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement measured 3,000 students across 35 high schools and found that after experiencing YouScience Discovery, students showed a significant improvement of intent to persist, self-awareness, self-empowerment, career exploration, and career decision making. When students understand their natural talent, their purpose comes to life, their future becomes clearer, and they believe in their power to change the world. More than 14,500 Northern Kentucky students across 14 high schools have already experienced YouScience, with more on the horizon. As more students uncover their aptitudes and best-fit careers, we will have a more accurate picture of the region’s upcoming talent. With that insight, industry and education can better partner to create more enriching experiences for our youth.
Through regional aptitude reports, schools will be able to identify talents of this region’s future leaders. Once that talent is identified for each student, schools can seek opportunities to connect students to industry. This is where MyCareerE3, a new work-based learning platform available to Northern Kentucky schools and businesses, comes in. In the past, students’ path of discovery may have been limited. Now they can log into MyCareerE3, find work-based learning experiences available and gain experience before they even graduate from high school. MyCareerE3 offers three levels of interaction between students, schools, and industry. Students can gain exposure, exploration and experience to businesses/ industries through this platform. Businesses can gain access to students who are interested in learning more about their business/industry through this platform as well. Northern Kentucky’s students of today are its leaders of tomorrow. With YouScience and MyCareerE3, the opportunities for the talent of our region to grow are endless. Thank you to Citi, Duke Energy Foundation, OneNKY Alliance/Truist Foundation for funding support. NK Y
PAGE 27
Sponsored by:
2021 BUSINESS IMPACT AWARD WINNERS SMALL BUSINESS
Red Hawk Technologies
MEDIUM BUSINESS
LARGE BUSINESS
Turner Construction Company
AquiSense Technologies
INNOVATION
START-UP
Tier1 Performance
ASMI
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS (FOR-PROFIT)
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS (NON-PROFIT)
Celanese Corporation COOL PLACE TO WORK
Hub + Weber Architects PAGE 28
BAWAC HERITAGE
Redwood School & Rehabilitation Center NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
2021 OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF NKY HONOREES BUSINESS GROWTH
RACHEL DESROCHERS EMERGING LEADER HONOREE
DANIELLE AMRINE OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF NKY HONOREE
NANCY GRAYSON OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF NKY HONOREE
IRENE ENCARNACIÓN HELEN CARROLL CHAMPION OF EDUCATION HONOREE
LEE ANN ERNST HENRIETTA CLEVELAND INSPIRING WOMEN HONOREE, PRESENTED BY ST. ELIZABETH HEALTHCARE
SUSAN MCDONALD JUDITH CLABES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE
Best Sanitizers
Gute Medical
Holistic Veterinary Care
Motus Freight
Sitetology INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
THE NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
JEAN SCHIRTZINGER GATEWAY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ANISSA BRADLEY CHANDRA HUFF NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY PAGE 29
AROUND THE CHAMBER Leadership Northern Kentucky Graduation - New Riff Distilling
NKYP Coffee & Conversation - Biggby Coffee
Eggs 'N Issues: Post Pandemic Education - Receptions, Erlanger, featuring:
David Rust PAGE 30
Kendra McGuire
Alvin Garrison NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Community Award presented to Duke Energy
Eggs 'N Issues: Post Pandemic Education - Receptions, Erlanger
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
Community Award presented to SHP
PAGE 31
RIBBON CUTTINGS HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY 71 Cavalier Blvd, Suite 216 | Florence, KY 41042 | 859-927-3566 | hwcg.com/northernkentucky PICTURED: Lori Hazelwood, ChaseTek-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Kimberly Heestand, Bluegrass Care Navigators-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Corey Walkup, WesBanco-Ribbon Cutting Sponsor; Stacey Thornberry, Homewatch CareGivers; Mollie Erpenbeck, Homewatch CareGivers; Megan Jones, Homewatch CareGivers; Jane Young, Re/Max Affiliates-NKY Chamber Ambassador
ASSOCIATES IN PEDIATRIC THERAPY 51 Cavalier Blvd, Suite 230 | Florence, KY 41042 | 859-899-2022 | kidtherapy.org PICTURED: Back Row: Tammy Mabry; Mallory Trentman; Cathy Moore; Kerry Verme; Scott Sageser; Matt Pettit; Jeanne Burnett; Jennifer Andersen; Tori Schaub, Front Row: McKenzee Muenchen; Natalie Mudd; Alison Visconti; Kayleigh Schuler; Rachel Schnabel; Cindy Lowe; Delissa Mertz; Emily Chandler First Front Row: Jason Cooper, B.O.R. Restoration-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Lauren Sclesky; Renea Sageser; Lenae Stansky; Lori Hazelwood, ChaseTek-NKY Chamber Ambassador
BUFF CITY SOAP 7690 Mall Road | Florence, KY 41042 | 859-534-2588 | buffcitysoap.com PICTURED: Scott Meyer, Patrice & Associates-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Lacey Murphy, Buff City Soap; Ellie Walls, Buff City Soap; Corey Walkup, WesBanco-Ribbon Cutting Sponsor; Scott Stewart, Dwyer Insurance-NKY Chamber Ambassador
Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:
PAGE 32
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
RIBBON CUTTINGS CHAMBERLIN OWEN CPA 3216 Dixie Highway | Erlanger, KY 41018 | 859-431-0700 | cnocpa.com PICTURED: Rob Hageman, Edward Jones-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Morgan Estill; Mandy Schwenke; Michael Green; Connie Hartke; Rev. Richard Chamberlin, John Chamberlin, CPA; Patty Edgley; Lori Owen, CPA; Nancy McKibben; Shannon Puglisi, CPA; Jessica Fette, Mayor, City of Erlanger; Matt Kremer, City Administrator, City of Erlanger; Joe Schlimm, Heritage Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador
STORYPOINT SENIOR LIVING 9255 US-42 | Union, KY 41091 | 859-443-7471 | storypoint.com PICTURED: Bev Christensen, Humana-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Starlette Fowler, Bluegrass Care Navigators; Rachel Musson, StoryPoint; Melissa Toole, StoryPoint; Lynn Abeln, NKY Chamber; Michelle Arnold, Executive Director, StoryPoint; Jeremy Barkey, StoryPoint; Larry Solomon, Mayor, City of Union; April Coffee, WesBanco-Ribbon Cutting Sponsor; Jane Young, Re/Max Affiliates-NKY Chamber Ambassador
AMY Z HOME TEAM 2500 Chamber Center Drive | Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 | 859-466-0140 | nkyrealestateweb.com PICTURED: Scott Stewart, Dwyer Insurance-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Daryl Bashford, Blue Moon Estate Sales-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Corey Walkup, WesBanco-Ribbon Cutting Sponsor; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber; Amy Zimmerman, Amy Z Home Team; Ashley Sharits, Amy Z Home Team; Vincent Moncelsi, Amy Z Home Team; Clinton Jones, Amy Z Home Team; Mary Burns, City of Ft. Mitchell; Edwin King, City of Ft. Mitchell
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 33
RIBBON CUTTINGS THRIFTING ON EASTERN 2014 Eastern Avenue | Covington, KY 41014 | 859-491-8303 PICTURED: Bottom row left to right: Christine Ray, Keller Williams Realty Services-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Tom Stoll – Brighton Center Board Chair, Ken Muth – Brighton Properties Board Member – Madison Smith – Brighton Center, Jennifer Wiley – Brighton Center, Georgia Mook – Brighton Center, Jenelen Dulemba – St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Melissa Sommer – Brighton Center VP, Wonda Winkler – Brighton Center President and CEO, Talia Frye – Brighton Center VP, June Miller – Brighton Center – Chief Financial and Administrative Officer; Chris Perkins, 7 Hills Church-NKY Chamber Ambassador, Tom Jaracz, Premier Planning Group; Joe Schlimm, Heritage Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador Back row left to right: Tony Herms – Brighton Center, Jamie Linkugel – Brighton Center, Amy Kerdof – Brighton Center, Danielle Montgomery – Brighton Center, Brittany Honaker – Brighton Center, Gloria Miller – Thrifting on Eastern Volunteer, Jennifer Hansert – Brighton Center, Connie Laake – Brighton Center, Amy Wiley – Brighton Center, Sheila Forman – Brighton Center
THE ION CENTER FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION 835 Madison Avenue | Covington, KY 41011 | 859-491-3335 | ioncenter.org PICTURED: Lori Hazelwood, ChaseTek-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Sammy Sniegowski, The Ion Center for Violence Prevention; Joe Meyer, Mayor-City of Covington; Jamie Sivrais, The Ion Center of Violence Prevention; Christy Burch, The Ion Center for Violence Prevention; Bethany Flick, The Ion Center for Violence Prevention; Milena Steele, The Ion Center of Violence Prevention; Shannon Smith, City of Covington Commissioner; Christine Ray, Keller Williams Realty Services-NKY Chamber Ambassador
LET US HELP YOU PROMOTE!
PAGE 34
We want to help you promote and celebrate your ribbon cutting ceremony for your new facility, expansion, anniversary celebration or open house! We’ll bring our trademark giant blue scissors, a group of Chamber ambassadors, and a camera to capture the excitement of your special day. Call Lynn Abeln at (859) 578-6390 to schedule your FREE ribbon cutting today!
Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Trusted Solutions. Focused on You. You can count on Civista Bank to bring creative, customized solutions and prompt answers to your business and personal banking needs. Our experienced team is focused on your ongoing success and the growth of the communities we call home. Whether you want to finance a project, purchase new inventory or buy a new home, our primary goal is to help you achieve yours.
Zachery Bailey Private Banking NMLS# 869670
859.320.1254
Greg Corsmeier Mortgage Lending NMLS# 643600
859.320.1252
Over
$1.3 billion in loans outstanding to commercial businesses.
12.31.2020
Kevin Garrett
Commercial Banking
859.320.1253
David Stringer
Commercial Banking
859.320.1251
Learn more at civista.bank Mark Sams
300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 103 Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 800.604.9368 21CZN06 CommBankAd_7.75x5.indd 1
IMPROVING TRAVEL
THROUGH INNOVATION From automated floor scrubbers to autonomous vehicles, CVG is committed to innovative partnerships that advance the aviation industry.
Visit CVGairport.com/EnterCVG for more information.
Commercial Banking
812.496.0704
2/2/21 9:58 AM
MEMBER
CENTENNIAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
FIVE SEASONS
MILESTONES
SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS!
Centennial Executive Search announces the hiring of Marcus Gardner as Chief Growth Officer. Marcus comes to Centennial with extensive experience as a C-suite leader who has led organizations through transformational growth while creating profound impact. Marcus brings with him more than 20 years of experience building and working with high-performing entrepreneurial teams. His expertise in aligning bold visions and turning those into executable strategies make him a great fit for Centennial’s next chapter of growth. At Crossroads and Horizon, he played a key role in influencing the organizations’ vision and drove meaningful results as they became two of the fastest-growing churches in America over the last 20 years. We look forward to building on our 46 years of success while continuing to increase the success of our clients, and our team, under Marcus’ leadership.
Five Seasons Sports Club recently announced the promotion of Nancy Conard to Vice President of Operations. Conard will now manage all four Five Seasons locations in Crestview Hills, Ky., Cincinnati, Dayton and Burr Ridge, Ill. For more than 20 years, Conard has worked for Five Seasons in a variety of roles and has continuously added responsibilities since starting as the business manager for the Cincinnati location in 2001. “I’m honored to take on this newly developed role with Five Seasons,” Conard said. “I am equally as excited to continue to enhance our programming in order to increase our member value. We are more than a sports club. We are a full-service solution that can serve families’ every need. From health and fitness to social groups, it’s important to us that Five Seasons is the answer for everyone.” Read more about Nancy at nkychamber.com/fiveseasons.
Read more about Marcus at nkychamber.com/centennial.
All NKY Chamber members are invited to share announcements & personal achievements in the Milestones column. Send Milestones to bgastright@nkychamber.com
PAGE 36
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
IPS LOGISTIX
IPS Logistix was awarded the HSI (Homeland Security Investigation) 2020 Outstanding Partnership Award. This award is presented to companies for exemplary partnership in the furtherance of public safety. Last year, CEO Darrel Lyell initiated a strategic partnership with HSI to ensure that his company is not participating in the shipment of illegal goods out of the United States. RAC NKY provided guidance on prohibited items and regulations regarding parcel services. Through VP of Operations Whitney Lyell’s observations and awareness, she alerted HSI to 20 suspicious shipments during FY20, which gave HSI NKY the ability to develop these shipment alerts into multiple leads and controlled deliveries on a variety of weapon components that were being exported to numerous countries. The award was presented by Section Chief, H. Ray Shulter and the local CVG HSI team. Read more about IPS Logistix at nkychamber.com/ips.
KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann appointed Deputy Coroner Amber Constantino, RN, BSN, FNE as Coroner, succeeding retiring Kenton County Coroner Dr. David Suetholz. “Amber Constantino has over twenty years of health care experience, most recently serving as Deputy Coroner,” said Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “She demonstrates clear knowledge of the responsibilities of the Coroner’s position, and comes with the strong endorsement of her predecessor.” Amber Constantino received a degree in nursing from Good Samaritan in 1999. Prior to joining the Kenton County Coroner’s Office, she worked at St. Elizabeth Healthcare as a Forensic Nurse Examiner providing care for victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, and interpersonal violence. As a forensic nurse, each patient contact requires the use of triage skills as well as an extensive history and physical examination. She also continued her education and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Kentucky University in 2018.
PERFETTI VAN MELLE
Confectioner Perfetti Van Melle announces that Francisco “Paco” Tello has been named Vice President, Operations for Perfetti Van Melle North America. In this newly created leadership role, Tello expands his duties to oversee Perfetti Van Melle’s end-to-end supply chain for U.S. and Mexico, including Manufacturing & Engineering, Process & Technology and Supply Chain Management. He reports to Sylvia Buxton, President/CEO of Perfetti Van Melle North America. Tello will build on his extensive background manufacturing and supply chain with Perfetti Van Melle and before that with Mars Incorporated, Condumex and Coca-Cola FEMSA. He earned an Industrial Engineering degree from Universidad del Valle de Mexico. Read more about Francisco at nkychamber.com/pvm.
Read more about Amber at nkychamber.com/coroner.
INNOVATION | VOLUME 40 NUMBER 6
PAGE 37
EVENTS
JULY 7/1 7/8 7/8 7/13 7/14 7/26 7/27 TBD
Workforce Safety Forum: Workers' Compensation | Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 AM Government Forum – Leader McConnell | Drees Pavilion | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM NKYP: Cocktails and Conversation | Bru Burger Bar, Fort Mitchell | 4:00 – 5:00 PM Eggs ‘N Issues: Cincinnati Bengals | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30 – 9:00 AM HR 100: Employee Mental Wellness - Impact & Opportunities | Virtual | 8:00 – 9:30 AM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM NKYP: Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs) | Hotel Covington | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Business After Hours | Newport on the Levee | 4:30-6:30 PM
AUGUST 8/10 8/11 8/11 8/12 8/17 8/24 8/30
Chamber Golf Outing & Clinic | The Golf Courses of Kenton County | 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM NKY Leadercast: Shift 2021 |Fifth Third Arena, University of Cincinnati | 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM Getting the Most from Your Chamber Membership | NKY Chamber | 9:00 – 10:00 AM NKYP: Coffee and Conversation | TBD | 8:30 – 9:30 PM Eggs ‘N Issues: CVG Update | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30 – 9:00 AM Small Business: Ask the Expert | Virtual | 9:00 AM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM
SEPTEMBER 9/2 9/9 9/14 9/15 9/16 9/27
Workforce Safety Forum: Active Shooter | 10:00-11:00 AM Annual Dinner Presented by Fifth Third Bank | NKY Convention Center | 5:00 – 8:30 PM Eggs ‘N Issues: State of Northern Kentucky | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30- 9:15 AM HR 100: Legal Update | 8:00 – 9:30 AM Business After Hours | TBD | 4:00-5:00 PM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM
LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS? NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by: Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 P.O. Box 17416 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 859-578-8800 NKYChamber.com The Business Journal is a benefit of membership and included in membership fees. Annual subscription rate for nonmembers is $24. Periodicals Postage Paid USPS-548630 at Covington, KY.
PAGE 38
Postmaster: Please send address changes to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330, P.O. Box 17416 , Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017-0416. Subscribers: Please send address changes by e-mail to info@nkychamber.com. © 2021, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors. All rights reserved. CEO/Publisher Brent Cooper | bcooper@nkychamber.com
Marketing / Communications Director Jeremy Schrand | jschrand@nkychamber.com Design & Photography Ben Gastright | bgastright@nkychamber.com Vice President Membership – Sponsorship Sales Lynn Abeln | labeln@nkychamber.com Director, Sponsor Investments Diana McGlade | dmcglade@nkychamber.com Chamber Communications Committee Jamie Glavic, Tabari McCoy, Kelly Rose, Atley Smedley, Charley Wayman & Casey Williams
Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications Kristin Baldwin | kbaldwin@nkychamber.com
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
A nnual Golf Golf Outing Outing & Clinic C l i ni c Annual The Golf Courses of Kenton County
Tuesday, August 10 | 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM | NKYChamber.com/Golf Title Sponsors:
Annual Dinner
Annual Dinner 2021
Presented by
Save the Date: Thursday, September 9
Raising Our Spirits Thursday, September 9th 5:00 - 8:30 PM Northern Kentucky Convention Center NKYChamber.com/AnnualDinner
Host Sponsors:
Dunlevy Award Sponsor:
Pieschel Award Sponsor:
Unity Award Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor:
Centerpiece Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor:
ImageMaker Award Sponsor:
Robinson Award Sponsor:
Devou Cup Presented By:
Horizon Award Presented By:
