NKY Business Journal | May/June 2022

g n i t t e B Y K N n o

BUSINESS JOURNAL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF NKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT

MAY/JUNE 2022 'RAISING S' THE STAKE P 24

TOURISM TAKES THE STAGE P 8 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY P 11 UNIQUELY NKY P 18

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CONTENTS

4 Chair's Letter 8 Tourism Takes the Stage 11 Southern Hospitality 18 Uniquely NKY 24 Raising the Stakes 28 Air Travel Returning at CVG, Future Looks Bright 30 Q&A with the BOA & BOD 32 The Science of Talent Development 34 Around the Chamber 40 Member Milestones 43 Ribbon Cuttings 46 Events ON THE COVER: A glimpse at the future of Turfway Park

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TOURISM MAY/JUNE 2022 VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5 TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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CHAIR’S LETTER

GARREN COLVIN Chair, NKY Chamber President & CEO, St. Elizabeth Healthcare

MEMBERS OF THE NKY CHAMBER KNOW THAT Northern Kentucky is a beautiful community in which to live, work, and play. From professional sports teams, parks, museums, theaters, and festivals there is literally something for everyone to enjoy. These big-city attractions help to shine a national spotlight on our community, which drives vital economic growth through tourism and destination business development.

One of the NKY Chamber’s strategic imperatives is to help support growing, attracting, and retaining world-class talent to our region. Increased tourism boosts the revenue of our economy, creates thousands of jobs, and creates cultural exchange between visitors and residents, all of which positively impact our residents by improving our community’s standard of living.

We are grateful to have an already strong economic sector, which includes technology, manufacturing, business, education, and healthcare. Our region is home to several Fortune 500 companies as well as prominent public and private universities. The vibrancy of our economic sector, coupled with strong educational opportunities, creates a robust atmosphere that draws in young talent and professionals. The ability to attract and retain talent in our region is a critical component in creating a flourishing region where people of all backgrounds can come with new ideas and innovative strategies to achieve what we aspire to be as a thriving business community.

As we partner with businesses and community organizations, we will continue to focus and drive the NKY Chamber’s three strategic imperatives to ensure our region is a place where all people can come with new ideas, grow, thrive, and call Northern Kentucky home. Increased tourism will be an essential piece of this success, and as people are traveling now more than over the past two years, they will choose our charming community where small-town hospitality combines seamlessly with big-city experiences.

As always, thank you for everything you do to help make Northern Kentucky an even better and healthier place to live and work.

Thank you,

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Outstanding Women Honorees

Sylvia Buxton President/CEO North America Perfetti Van Melle USA

Amy Quinn Dye VP of Private Banking Republic Bank

Julia Keister Founder & Owner Lil’s Bagels

Jennifer Steele CEO, Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & NKY

Emerging Leader Honoree

Amanda Dempsey, Ed.D. Early College Supervisor NKU Young Scholars Academy for Kenton County Schools

2022 OWNK Awards Luncheon Tuesday, May 17 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center 3861 Olympic Boulevard | Erlanger, KY

Helen Carroll Champion of Education Honoree

Stacie Strotman Executive Director Covington Partners

Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honorees Presented by St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Amy Beck Registration for this event is now CLOSED. If you wish to be placed on the WAITING LIST, please contact Beth Farrer at bfarrer@nkychamber.com

VP of Private Banking Republic Bank

Martha Barnes Retired from PNC, St. Elizabeth Volunteer

Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Honoree

Kathy Jennings Senior VP of Oncology & Patient Services, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Title Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsor:

Event Sponsors:

Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship Recipients OWNK Award Sponsor:

Media Partner:

Allison Jayne Reynolds Gateway Community & Technical College

Rachel Elizabeth Gateley Northern Kentucky University

Shannon Swikert Education Partners:

Thomas More University

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T O U R I S M Takes the Stage

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

ACCORDING TO JULIE KIRKPATRICK, PRESIDENT AND CEO of meetNKY | Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2019 was a record year for Northern Kentucky in terms of tourism. Then came the pandemic, leaving many businesses within the industry her organization promotes – hospitality, entertainment, restaurants, etc. – desperately seeking to turn back the clock.

Of course, despite what superhero movies and other science fiction would have you believe, there is no way to turn back time. Kirkpatrick, however, chooses to focus on the future. She believes progress requires forward-thinking, making this moment in time critical to the Cincy Region’s future.

“If we're only getting back to 2019, we're still behind. Our plans are about all of us advancing to where we should be by 2023 and 2024,” Kirkpatrick says. “2021 was a good year, we are not back to great, but great is within our grasp. We're going to keep working towards great with all our partners.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

the Ark Encounter’s “40 Days and 40 Nights of Gospel Music” festival happening later this year. Add in the national attention gained during the Cincinnati Bengals’ recent Super Bowl run, venues hosting conventions, the re-opening of Turfway Park and the consistent appeal of the bourbon trail (a.k.a. The B-Line) and Kirkpatrick’s excitement is justified as meetNKY leverages data to produce and prove positive results.

“One of the biggest initiatives that we started in 2021 was an earned media effort where we are working with journalists across the country, telling them the Northern Kentucky story, inviting them to come see it for themselves and write about it, ”Kirkpatrick says. “We had 53 articles written about our experiences in Northern Kentucky that put about 310 million eyeballs on this region. That will start to turn into visitation and interest.”

Another important initiative is meetNKY joining forces with Visit Cincy (Cincinnati CVB) to promote the Cincy Region as a destination under a unified branding effort. This promotes both sides of the river collaboratively versus competing with one another. “It's a 50/50 partnership, putting a flag in the ground (to mark) where bourbon meets beer, world-class professional sports meet world-class professional arts and where culinary comes together with outdoor experiences,” Kirkpatrick says.

The impact of tourism on Northern Kentucky’s economy was on full display earlier this spring when meetNKY hosted their annual meeting themed “Tourism Takes the Stage”. The gathering, held at at PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION in Newport, presented the organization’s annual report and featured remarks MICROS, MACROS AND MAJOR POTENTIAL by several local business leaders: NKY Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brent Cooper, Tri-ED president Lee Crume, Saying “Hope without a plan is just a dream,” Kirkpatrick Visit Cincy (Cincinnati CVB) president and CEO Julie Calvert as looks forward to a day when banner events are happening on well as meetNKY board chair Josh Quinn. Alongside Kirkpatrick, both sides of the Ohio River again. That’s why she calls the each detailed the reasons they believe the Cincy Region is present a “true planning moment” with her organization and so progressing because of partnerships and developments helping many others working to resolve infrastructure, transportation, to bolster the region’s workforce and the attractions that appeal and workforce issues; attract new business and of course, plenty to both business and leisure travelers. of tourist-friendly events.

A close look at the numbers detailed in the report, however, Kirkpatrick says the Cincy Region will also have to deal explains Kirkpatrick’s sentiments that while last year was good, with “micro threats” such as concerns over gas prices and the future has the potential to – and needs to be – better. the potential long-term effects of the conflict in Ukraine. She Kirkpatrick says whereas 2019 saw hotels at 73% occupancy, is hopeful both of which won’t evolve into what she considers 2021 saw them only at 64.5%. In addition, the loss of business “macro-oppositions” to the region’s growth and tourism, an travel at CVG Airport and the cancellation of several concerts example of that being the pandemic. (including the now-rescheduled Garth Brooks and Cincinnati Noting she is “above all, a naturally optimistic person,” Music Festival) hurt tourism – and the economic impact it brings – Kirkpatrick is convinced “the best days for Northern Kentucky with 90% of those events’ attendees coming from out of town. are not even here yet.”

“The biggest lesson learned is to have strong alliances, whether that's the strong alliances we've built with our Cincinnati partners, the even stronger alliances we've built with POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT our state partners or locally – they all help lift the load together,” The 1.3 million visitors that came to experience attractions says Kirkpatrick. “I'm really looking forward to getting there as like the Ark Encounter, Creation Museum, Newport Aquarium and a key partner and really giving this region its due. It’s been kind BB Riverboats in 2021, however, are among the reasons she is of a hidden gem for a while (and) we're being a little bit louder hopeful the region is now trending upward. The aforementioned about it, which is great. I am super optimistic about our future Garth Brooks concert and Cincinnati Music Festival, both and this tourism industry (now more) than I've ever been.” NKY rescheduled for this year, are also tentpole tourist events, as is

PICTURED: Julie Kirkpatrick applauds the meetNKY team, shown on-screen at this year's annual meeting, held at The Pavilion at Ovation.

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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Southern Hospitality

Northern Kentucky hotels look to rebound, expand following the pandemic

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC MAKES the prospect of traveling, especially following local, state and/or federal mandates warning millions not to, potentially hazardous to the health of yourself and others around you?

According to Justin Ham, general manager of Hotel Covington, exactly what you would expect.

“The pandemic really hit us hard, just like every other business. In both Northern Kentucky and across the country, especially with the hotel industry, there was a huge hit in occupancy – occupancy matters … If we don't have heads in beds, it's very hard to start or keep the business going,” says Ham. “One of the biggest things that happened is that we closed the hotel, which was a very scary time. Being in the industry for almost 18 years, I've never had to put chains on a door before.”

Brian Fry, President of Commonwealth Hotels’ five hotels throughout the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region, also knows the pain of the past two years.

“Let's start with the fact that 2020 was the worst year in the history of the hotel industry, and 2021 was the second-worst year in the hotel industry. So, we had a dip, no question,” Fry says.

“When the initial pandemic hit, everybody froze. We had to decide ‘Are we going to reopen hotels, are we going to close hotels?’

Very tough decisions had to be made in those early weeks.”

Those tough decisions, however, are now not only giving way to increasing individual and group hotel bookings but also to expansion plans to guarantee visitors can enjoy plenty of southern hospitality as only the Northern Kentucky Metro can deliver.

ROAD TO RECOVERY According to STR, the benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights firm that tracks the global hospitality industry, hotel performance across the U.S. has shown improved comparisons against 2019 through mid-March. That’s welcome news to people like Ham and Fry considering their 2022-23 plans.

Fry says the past two years saw Commonwealth Hotels’ local holdings, which include the Covington Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn in Florence, rely on pandemic response business for their survival. Without it, the 56% decline in revenue and 86% fall in profit Commonwealth experienced between Feb. 2020– Feb. 2021 could have put the 274 people employed between the company’s five area hotels and two restaurants in a precarious situation.

Now, as opposed to National Guard troops, first responders and other medical professionals occupying rooms, Fry says they are seeing an uptick in “bleisure travelers” – or those who mix family time with business trips, albeit not quite at the pre-pandemic level of business. That helps explain Commonwealth rebound over the same period between 2021 and 2022 with annual revenue reaching 85% and profit at 74% of 2020’s numbers.

“Cautiously optimistic” that business travel will pick up soon, Fry says there are several factors that can accelerate the recovery of the local hospitality industry – people feeling safe outside their homes taking top priority.

“The fact that we have vaccines, we have a slackening in the virus load and we're not seeing the hospitalizations that we have seen to the same level (as before). CDC guidelines are starting to be reduced – all of that is encouraging,” Fry says. “Number two, the increase in air travel capability is going to be good for us.

As mask mandates have gone away, that sends a signal that it's safer to travel.”

Ham credits PPP forgiveness loans and steady takeout orders from Coppin’s restaurant at Hotel Covington among the reasons they were able to avoid layoffs. He also agrees with Fry. “We have seen tourism, especially our leisure travelers, coming back over the last six months … That's just not for us, it's for the (entire) market. This plan for North by Hotel Covington has been in the works for a couple years now and that demand has always been built in for us,” he says. “People are still catching up on getting married. Occupancy is trending in the positive direction; that's a very good sign for us and the industry in Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati.

Taking care of their employees, however, is key to ensuring guests will continue to enjoy an excellent level of service throughout the local industry.

“Some of our biggest challenges revolve around staffing … To provide great service, we’ve got to have great people, but a lot of people in our industry are changing careers,” Ham says. “All of us as GMs and hoteliers just hope that we have great people in the service industry that are willing to stay and find value and passion in that.”

Fry – whose Commonwealth Hotels were named as a “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for 2022 – says making sure employees don’t feel forgotten is key to retaining them.

“These hotel workers, the people that came in every day when there was uncertainty, when there was fear around the pandemic, came in to serve the guests,” he says. “These are real heroes, and these people are so special, brave and selfless about the way that they approach their jobs and they did them under just incredibly difficult circumstances. I cannot speak highly enough for the hotels here in Northern Kentucky.”

MAXIMIZING OCCUPANCY Also adding to Northern Kentucky’s hotel scene will be the new venue being built at 614 Madison Avenue, North by Hotel Covington. Set to be connected to its namesake via a walking bridge, Ham says the project intends to deliver everything guests love about Hotel Covington itself, which came in at no. 13 in TripAdvisor’s 2021 Traveler’s Choice Award rankings.

PICTURED: The view from inside one of the rooms in Hotel Covington TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

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In addition to preserving the building’s historical elements and converting the building’s former pool space into a 500-person ballroom, North By Hotel Covington will feature approximately 53 luxury suites.

“We envision a very communal space,” says Ham. “We want people to come and enjoy, grab coffee in the morning, then utilize our space to do some work, mimicking what we're doing in Hotel Covington.”

While Ham is looking forward to Hotel Covington’s expansion with its North project, Fry is excited about Commonwealth’s latest project: The opening of a Homewood Suites in Newport that will be part of the ongoing Ovation project by Corporex.

“It’s a huge project. You're talking about something that's really going to change the skyline on the Kentucky side of the river as it will be very, very special, modern and high-end with beautiful architecture,” says Fry. “The PromoWest at Ovation music venue is bringing world-class entertainment to the region. You don't have to go across the bridge to hear great bands and national touring acts, they're on our side of the river, which is wonderful … We're very proud to be a part of it.”

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TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

With both projects scheduled to open within the next year, Ham and Fry are hopeful the entirety of the hospitality industry will rebound soon. While seeing people again enjoying the arts and dining at restaurants are good signs, Ham says delivering “a great tailored experience” will always be important for hotels to keep up occupancy rates.

If they continue to find great people, Fry believes hotels throughout Northern Kentucky will accomplish that goal.

“Careers that people have within the hospitality business are incredible. It's one of the few careers where you don't require a tremendous amount of specialized education to get in the game; you just need people with a great work ethic, a big smile on their face and a spirit to serve,” he says. “Every person I know in a senior management position in the hospitality industry, they all started out as a desk clerk, the housekeeping department, making beds or doing laundry … I am so optimistic about the future in the days ahead, so proud to be a living in Northern Kentucky and be part of this community because it's a very special place.” NKY

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Uniquely NKY Highlighting five attractions that make the Northern Kentucky Metro terrific for visitors

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

BOURBON, HORSERACING AND BASKETBALL – IF YOU WERE TO ASK, Family Feud-style, what the top attractions in Kentucky are, these would likely be the top three responses you’d hear. While the Commonwealth’s spirits, thoroughbreds and hoops legacies are well-known, there are plenty of other attractions that bring scores of visitors annually – some of which can’t be found anywhere other than Northern Kentucky.

Check out these five attractions and activities that are uniquely Northern Kentucky: ARK ENCOUNTER 1 Ark Encounter Drive Williamstown, KY 41097 (859) 727-2222 arkencounter.com

What makes it so unique?

It’s almost easier to describe what isn’t unique about the Ark Encounter. After all, the ship is the largest timber-frame structure in the world – and at 510 feet in length and standing over 50 feet tall, one wonders how could it not be?

Opened in 2016 as a companion attraction to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, the Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark built to the dimensions described in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Accompanying the three-deck, seven-story structure are exhibits rooted in Biblical teachings, a zoo featuring animals from around the world and 22 different “Screaming Eagle” zip lines.

Answers in Genesis (AiG), the organization behind the Ark Encounter continues to build upon the attraction. Recently added were a virtual reality ride, additional live programming and an Italian-made carousel themed with animals associated with the Ark. In August, the facility will host “40 Days and 40 Nights of Gospel Music at the Ark,” the world’s largest Christian music festival with more than 150 artists.

Future plans call for a Walled City, a Tower of Babel structure and first-century Middle Eastern village and a walk-through aviary among others. It should be no wonder then why Ken Ham, the founder and CEO, says over a million guests visited the Ark Encounter in 2021 despite the pandemic.

In Their Words Ham, who expects more visitors in 2022, says the welcoming nature of the Northern Kentucky Metro makes it the perfect place for those seeking family-friendly attractions to visit.

“The region is known as a very welcoming place, with much to offer beyond our internationally famous attractions. The fact that about 200 million Americans and Canadians are within a one-day driving distance is a huge geographical advantage,” says Ham. “For our 1,000 full-time staff and hundreds of seasonal workers, we have been able to recruit them from around the country as we share with prospective employees that this is a wonderful, relatively inexpensive place to live, with lots of amenities.“

BB RIVERBOATS 101 Riverboat Row Newport, KY (800) 261-8586 bbriverboats.com

What makes it so unique?

The Ohio River … It’s an iconic facet of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky landscape and a major thoroughfare that has brought scores to the region for centuries.

For all those who wish to experience it in all its splendor, BB Riverboats is more than happy to oblige, as it has for 40-plus years.

Named after the two people crucial to its founding – Ben Bernstein and former Delta Queen Steamboat Company President Betty Blake – BB offers a variety of cruises and events that showcase the Ohio River valley to passengers and guests.

This includes sightseeing cruises, special engagements like the USS Nightmare and dinner cruises on either its 1,000-passenger flagship, the Belle of Cincinnati, or its 500-passenger companion, the River Queen. Prefer to stay on the shore? BB’s state-ofthe-art event center, River’s Edge, hosts a series of rotating events and private affairs.

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In their words: BB Chief Financial Officer Ben Bernstein – the grandson of the company’s co-namesake and occasional boat captain – says “every minute” of a trip offers a chance to admire a different aspect of the Ohio River. “You get to feel the romance of the water for yourself,” he says. “There's just something different about being on the water.”

Since the company is “in the business of fun,” Bernstein says BB does its best to provide yet another unique means by which to enjoy the NKY Metro.

“It’s something we’ve always focused on and, 43 years later, I think we've done a pretty good job. We've lasted this long so we must be doing something right,” he says. “We just had our national association, the Passenger Vessel Association, conference in town … So many people came up to us and were just blown away by how much Cincinnati has changed and how wonderful of an area it is to come to visit. Stakeholders in the tourism industry should be standing on a mountaintop and screaming as loud as they can to try to show just how great our area is.”

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

THE BARk PARK & PATIO 7544 Burlington Pike Florence, KY 41042 barkparkpatio.com

What makes it so unique?

Everyone knows all dogs go to heaven … But given its unique combination of 20 beer taps and open green space, the BARk Park and Patio might just be a beer/dog lover’s heaven on earth and it’s right here in Florence.

The BARk Park & Patio features a taproom with self-serve beer and wine taps where you can open a tab at the front desk and pour your own drinks. (Staff monitor to make sure no one is overserved, however.) Dogs are allowed inside the taproom and subsequent patio area, provided they are leashed and their owners have uploaded their vaccination records to The BARk’s web site prior to entry. (Owners must also sign a one-time liability waiver that staff will keep on file.)

Outside, however, is where dogs can run free and enjoy approximately 62,000-square-feet of fenced-in space. Owners must purchase a membership for their dog, which are available in daily, monthly and annual increments. Throw in a rotation of food trucks offering a delicious variety of eats and you’ve got all the makings of a doggone good time.

In their words: BARk Park and Patio owner Lee Cahill was working a 9-to-5 job at a financial firm but never forgot the advice his late father Dan gave him: “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” Based on the sheer number of dog lovers with whom he’s already spoken, Cahill – the owner of a German Shorthaired Pointer named Banjo – is optimistic his father’s words will ring true.

“The outpouring of support from the community has been amazing. The dog community is such a tight-knit and close community … It's not the craft beer enthusiasts that are going to keep us successful – it's the dog lovers out there,” Cahill says. “Even those people who don't have dogs have commented that they love to watch other people's dogs play. I really, genuinely believe because of that, we're going to see a lot of success in the area.”

FLORENCE Y’ALLS 7950 Freedom Way Florence, KY 41042 (859) 594-4487 florenceyalls.com

What makes it so unique?

Baseball is known as America’s national pastime and the Greater Cincinnati region has the distinction of being home to the world’s oldest professional team with the Cincinnati Reds.

So, what, then, makes the Florence Y’alls, members of the independent Frontier League that have called Northern Kentucky home for nearly 20 years, a unique entity?

Plenty – and if you haven’t had the experience yet for yourself, attend a game and you’ll quickly discover why.

The Y’alls may be a minor league team (and unaffiliated with Major League Baseball), but they are all about delivering fans major fun. In addition to offering competitive baseball like their major league counterparts across the river, the Y’alls games are full of all the kitschy fun associated with the minor league experience: Low-priced concessions, plenty of family-friendly amusements in the kids’ zone, and a more intimate setting.

Looking for another unique aspect to the Y’alls experience? Look no further than Thomas More Stadium itself, where the Thomas More Saints will play their home games beginning in 2023. This is just the latest Y’alls commitment to amateur sports in the community, joining its Lil Y’allers league for 3–8-year-olds and Rustbuster league designed to help teams ages 9-11 prepare for spring/summer competitive seasons.

PAGE 22

In their words: Florence Y’alls President and Managing Partner David DelBello knows the Cincinnati region will always be Reds country first. But with its intimate setting, affordable pricing, entertainment, commitment to the community and, of course, young athletes living out their dreams of playing professional baseball, DelBello is confident there’s something for everyone at a Y’alls game.

“We are all about entertainment, not only on the baseball field but also in the stands and on the concourse … You'll see a lot of things going on in our ballpark (as) many come to the ballpark to meet the neighbors at the game, hang out with friends – talking and socializing while the kids are playing all over the ballpark,” says DelBello. “We also have) our kids’ zone and a three-story tall slide that looks like a water tower. You’re not going to get the big corporate (experience) you feel when you go to a major league ballpark; you're coming to us for the intimacy, entertainment, the enjoyment of the night and to watch some good baseball.”

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

KENTUCKY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 540 Linden Ave. (Administrative Offices)* Newport, KY 41071 (859) 431-6216 *Performs throughout NKY Metro kyso.org

What makes it so unique?

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has a simple mission: Make classical music “attractive, accessible and affordable” to people in the surrounding region. Fast-forward 30 years since its inauspicious 1992 beginnings when a pet food mailing list was used to send its first brochure and one would be hard-pressed to say they aren’t achieving their goals and then some.

Look at the rosters of many U.S. orchestras and you will find members who were once performers with the KSO. Why? KSO Music and Executive Director J.R. Cassidy says there is a musician factory across the river at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music (CCM) … And the KSO offers an opportunity for professional musicians to hone their craft while playing a repertoire they wouldn’t perform with more traditional orchestras. KSO concerts not only feature the classics, but also everything from silent films and dancers to rock groups, jazz, poetry readings, operas, comics, aerobics classes, circuses, 5k runs and even Civil War battle re-enactments.

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

Cassidy says that’s all by design as the pride in the community and the talent in the region continue to fuel the organization to this day. Fortitude and faith, along with the KSO’s signature creativity and gracious community assistance with finding unconventional performance venues enabled the organization to continue to perform through the pandemic, even traveling as far north as Middletown, Ohio. Finishing up its 30th season this May with a “Return to Studio 54,” the KSO has a full slate of free, family-friendly shows scheduled through the summer to entertain and inspire all who enjoy its brand of culture and entertainment.

In their words: Cassidy says the KSO’s unique mix of fine art and entertainment has created a brand identity he hopes will inspire audiences for another 30 years and beyond.

“We weren’t interested in simply being "CSO-light”. Our unique thematic programming is what truly differentiates our orchestra. The pride that residents have in Northern Kentucky, and their respective cities, is the overarching factor that makes both the region and the KSO special,” says Cassidy. “If you would have told me in 1992 that I'd be here 30 years later, I would’ve thought you were crazy, (but) this community’s incredible interest and support and the amazing regional talent are obviously what kept me here.” NKY

PAGE 23

Raising the Stakes Turfway Park seeks a return to glory, future success with renovated facility, Newport gaming

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

It is known as the “sport of kings.”

It has served as inspiration for scores of television shows, documentaries and award-nominated films.

It is as synonymous with Kentucky as bourbon and bluegrass.

“It” is horseracing … And following the completion of a $145 million renovation that is currently underway, Turfway Park has plans to return the sport – and itself as a tourist destination – to prominence once again.

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Building Upon Tradition

Kentucky has a rich history of horse racing; even Governor Andy Beshear called the Commonwealth the “undisputed horse capital of the world.” Northern Kentucky’s horseracing heritage runs as deep as any part of the Commonwealth, a prime factor in Churchill Downs Incorporated’s (CDI) investment in Turfway Park, which it bought in October 2019.

Renovations to Turfway Park began at the end of the 2019-20 season with the demolition of the existing grandstand and the installation of a new, top-rated $5.6 million Tapeta synthetic track.

The completed project will feature up to 850 Historical Racing Machines (HRMs), a simulcast wagering area with VIP amenities and a 20,000-square-foot event center and banquet room.

In addition to the new attractions (which include several food and beverage venues and live entertainment), the new Turfway Park facility will have an additional economic impact in the form of 400 full- and part-time positions. This is in addition to the approximately 800 people that will be employed during its construction.

“The new facility is going to be a tremendous asset to the community. Not only will we have a robust gaming operation there, but our horse racing has been in the area in one shape or form or another since 1883 (and) it’s been tremendous,” says Turfway Park General Manager Chip Bach, discussing both Northern Kentucky’s horseracing history and potential impact of the renovated facility.

“We're going to continue to expand upon our ability to provide top-level entertainment to this area and satisfy the people that are here with more entertainment options, but hopefully help draw more people into the area.”

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Fortifying Facilities

Turfway Park’s re-opening – currently scheduled for September – will follow the opening of Newport Racing and Gaming, the $38.4 million facility that opened in 2020. Located in the Newport Shopping Center just off I-471, the 47,000-squarefoot facility features 500 HRMs, a bar and grille and what arguably may be its most important component: A pari-mutuel wagering area simulcast area where guests could watch and wager on horse racing following Turfway Park’s closure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being closed to the public, Turfway Park has continued running live races with the Newport facility broadcasting events on which fans can follow and place bets.

Newport Racing and Gaming expanded in November 2021, adding 14,000-square-feet of interior space and a separate, enclosed and climate-controlled smoking/gaming area, new bar and stage for live entertainment. Bach says the Newport facility, which employs around 100 team members, was always intended to complement Turfway Park and has been “well received by the local community, and it’s growing day by day.”

“To build on the iconic standing and heritage of Turfway Park, we are all excited about our expansion into a premier gaming destination too,” says Michael Taylor, who was named President of both Turfway Park and Newport Racing and Gaming facility this March. “Adding the excitement and energy of a casino gaming floor is a natural evolution and we look forward to delivering the very best guest experience throughout our expanded offering. There will also be many synergies created across our two properties that are just 20 minutes apart. From a team perspective, we’ll have employees that will be able to work across both locations, and from a player loyalty standpoint, guests’ cards will work at either location, allowing them to collect rewards at both,” says Taylor.

"It’s an absolute privilege to lead the Turfway Park and Newport properties with such a talented team of passionate, creative and dedicated professionals. We all feel a tremendous sense of pride in the way we enrich and contribute to the entertainment options of our community and look forward to welcoming you soon.” _ Michael Taylor, President, Turfway Park & Newport Racing and Gaming

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

Staying on Track

As president, Taylor is responsible for leading “the successful overall direction, administration and coordination of all activities” at both facilities. Bach, who also serves as Newport’s general manager, will be instrumental in helping Taylor achieve those goals, which is why they are excited about the future of both facilities given the enhancements.

While fans won’t be able to access in-person racing locally until Turfway Park’s reopening, April’s Jeff Ruby Stakes – which featured a $600,000 purse to the winner – served as a 120-point qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby.

Bach says the new Tapeta track will allow for more races of that caliber, including the Latonia Derby.

“The Latonia Derby used to be the biggest race in the world; it was bigger than the Kentucky Derby at one time,” says Bach. “Now that Churchill Downs owns us, they have invested a lot of money to bring that race back to try to get it to its original luster.”

Gary Pecorello, the Director of Marketing for both Turfway Park and Newport, says doing so will have more benefits for the Northern Kentucky community as well. A percent of the gaming revenue from Newport’s 2020 grand opening benefitted the Brighton Center, an event followed by canned food and toy drives in November and December, respectively.

“I would imagine that when we open Turfway Park that partnership will only continue to grow,” Pecorello says.

Horseracing’s well-documented multi-billion-dollar economic impact notwithstanding, Pecorello, Bach and Taylor are all in agreement that the Turfway/Newport facility combo will be a boon to the local economy and regional tourism. In addition to technology that will enhance its status among horseracing enthusiasts and bettors, the trio is equally excited about the upgrades to both facilities’ physical space to lure weddings, parties, group outings and more. In doing so, they hope to make the facilities viable options for tourists, business travelers and large groups.

Taylor says looking at the potential of how both properties can fit into making the NKY Metro a destination point, however, makes their success less of a gamble and more of a great bet.

“With CVG Airport right in our backyard, we look forward to welcoming trade shows, weddings and VIP events against the scenic backdrop of Turfway Park and its live racing. I can't think of any other entertainment venue that can match this type of excitement and we're very excited to make it available to the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area,” Taylor says. “It’s an absolute privilege to lead the Turfway Park and Newport properties with such a talented team of passionate, creative and dedicated professionals.

We all feel a tremendous sense of pride in the way we enrich and contribute to the entertainment options of our community and look forward to welcoming you soon.” NKY

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Ultimate Workshop

TAX, Succession, and Estate Planning mistakes made by Business Owners and how to avoid them Presented By: NKY Chamber of Commerce

William E. Hesch, Esq., CPA, PFS • Amy E. Pennekamp, Esq.

Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, 8:00 am – 11:30 am Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017

Register at www.nkychamber.com/events Members: $30, Non Members: $45

Benefits of Attending the Workshop:

• Identify action steps for your business which become your 2022 road map for success!

• Protect the value of your business and its long-term success.

• Avoid major business problems that would arise if you died or became disabled.

• Get answers to your CPA and legal questions. Forward your questions to Bill prior to the workshop!

• All attendees receive a one-hour complimentary follow-up consultation with Bill.

9:15 am • Session 2: Top 10 Succession Planning Mistakes

8:00 am • Session 1: Top 10 Tax Planning Mistakes • Choice of Entity-Sole Proprietor, S or C Corporation • Maximize retirement plan deductions • Maximize your tax deductions • Avoid IRS audit problems

• How to Plan for: *Death, *Disability, *Retirement • Secrets For a Successful Business Succession Plan • Planning for disability of owner

10:30 am • Session 3: Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes • How to use a Trust and buy-sell agreement in estate plan • How to protect family and value of business if owner dies or becomes disabled

William E.Hesch Law Firm, LLC

Personalized • Experienced • Service-oriented After you meet with your attorney, CPA and Financial Planner, contact Bill on his cell phone at (513) 509-7829 to get a second opinion and see what he can do for you.

3047 Madison Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati, OH 45209 | 513-731-6601 | www.heschlaw.com This is an advertisement | Legal work may be performed by others within the firm.

Air Travel Returning at CVG, Future Looks Bright

By Mindy Kershner, CVG

WE’VE ALL TRIED TO LOOK INTO OUR CRYSTAL BALL THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC to predict when things might return to ‘normal.’ The travel industry was hit overnight, severely depressing tourism. At the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), our passenger traffic was reduced by 95% in March 2020, and by year’s end, we only saw 40% of the 9.1 million travelers we served in 2019. In 2021, we served 70% of those volumes, and we expect to serve 80% by the end of 2022. Prior to the pandemic, we were breaking records, serving the most local travelers ever.

Travel industry experts have predicted 2024 as the year of full recovery, taking into consideration international and business travel and how those behaviors have shifted. More international service is returning to CVG this year as well as resumed domestic service that had previously been suspended. In 2021, the airport welcomed two new air carriers, Alaska Airlines and Sun Country Airlines, which was a bright spot for our community. We continue to work with carriers to add and/or expand service as demand returns. We were thrilled when 17 additional flights were added to Los Angeles earlier this year to support the Cincinnati Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl. You can see all nonstop flights at CVGairport.com/nonstopdestinations.

As we welcome back more travelers, we take our role as the first and last impression of the Cincy region seriously. We work hard so that travelers have a safe and seamless experience every time. We strive to also provide a memorable, positive experience by consistently improving our accessibility, parking, and concessions offerings as well as surprising and delighting travelers.

Visitors to our airport will notice how clean it is. Our dedicated staff is armed with industryleading technologies like TaskWatch, a Samsung watch that transforms data into actionable and measurable tasks. The development and use of innovative technology such as this has earned us a ranking among the top 5 Cleanest Airports in North America in 2021 by Skytrax.

We’re also proud to provide a sense of place throughout our facilities for passengers to feel welcomed home or welcomed to our region. We’re doing this by incorporating regional branding elements into our facilities and showcasing community assets such as our unique culinary scene, startup/entrepreneur community and lively arts. Strong partnerships, on-site activations and new and upgraded service offerings help bring to life the vibrancy of our region.

Beyond flight and passenger activity, hundreds of acres of land have been developed for air cargo and logistics, positively benefitting our local community even more through job creation.

Cargo growth has helped keep the airport running throughout the pandemic and has gained international attention as CVG is the only airport in North America with two air cargo hubs.

CVG’s economic impact is $6.8 billion, based on 2018 data. All this work translates to continued economic growth for Northern Kentucky through operations activity, construction spending, and visitor impacts.

While we can’t predict the future, we can plan, pivot, and adjust to a new normal. At CVG, we are thrilled to be welcoming travelers back for a safe, reliable, and positive experience. We look forward to seeing you soon. NKY

PICTURED: (1) Exterior terminal shot; (2) Entrance at CVG; (3) Passengers walking through the third floor terminal; (4) Gate shot; (5) The 75th anniversary timeline in the terminal. All photos by Steve Ziegelmeyer.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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Q&A

with the

Board of Advisors & Board of Directors

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NKY CHAMBER MEMBER RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS?

BRU BURGER BAR

Brian Monahan Vice President of Sales and Business Development Prestige AV & Creative Services

THE METROPOLITAN CLUB

Paco Tello VP, North American Operations Perfetti van Melle

BRU BURGER BAR

Caroline Weltzer CFO Viox & Viox

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GRANDVIEW TAVERN

AMERASIA KUNGFOOD

David Delbello

Erin Rolfes

President & CEO Florence Y'alls Baseball Club

BLINKER'S TAVERN

Head of Kroger Technology & Digital Communications Perfetti van Melle

WASHINGTON SQUARE CAFE

Paula Harper

Chris Chapman

Manager of Partnership Development University of Cincinnati

ORIENTAL WOK

VP of Finance Krauss Maffei Corporation

HOFBRAUHAUS

Paul Meier Mayor City of Crestview Hills TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

Mark Looy CCO Answers in Genesis PAGE 31

The Science of Talent Development

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By Tara Johnson-Noem, The Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GROW NKY

A RECENT TOWN HALL SPONSORED BY GROW NKY shared newly available data that creates new ways to think about our region’s long-term strategies for workforce development. On April 19, GROW NKY partners Navigo and NKCES joined with leaders from local school districts, employers Duke Energy and St. Elizabeth, Tri-ED and Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (NKWIB) to share aggregate data from YouScience assessments of more than 10,000 high school students. The data show the aptitudes and interests of young adults about to enter our workforce in a few short years, demonstrated both their strengths as well as opportunities to build upon GROW NKY’s education and business alignment through programs that encourage work-based learning and exposure to a variety of career fields.

The study was made possible by the generous support of: OneNKY, Truist, INTERAlliance, Duke Energy, The Health Collaborative, Supply Chain OKI, Greater Cincinnati STEM/ Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP).

YouScience 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 school, work, and daily lives.

Regional insights include: •

•

•

GROW NKY partners Navigo, a division of Learning Grove, and the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (NKCES) have been supporting NKY school districts in implementation of YouScience as an assessment. Some districts use similar alternatives which also help students better understand their aptitudes and connect with career pathways. Chad Molley, Superintendent of Erlanger/Elsmere Schools and Chair of GROW NKY’s Pillar 2 explained, “Having regional data through the YouScience platform will pay off as students are equipped to understand the areas in which they are most likely to succeed and as a region we better understand the skills of our upcoming workforce. This is a great way for education and business to share information and identify opportunities for collaboration.”

Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt, Vice President for Community Relations and Economic Development at Duke Energy OH & KY, explained Duke Energy’s support for GROW NKY initiatives such as YouScience, “Understanding where our region stands on the skills that will be needed for the jobs of the future is essential to maintain a competitive advantage over other domestic or international regions. This data, used in concert with Northern Kentucky Tri-ED’s recent target industry analysis which Duke Energy also funded, can guide sector and skills-based strategies for students of all ages.”

As workforce development remains a top priority in our region, GROW NKY serves as the hub: leveraging relationships and resources to respond with both immediate and systemic solutions as a holistic response to NKY’s talent development and attraction needs. Any employer seeking assistance with workforce needs can contact the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (NKWIB), the backbone entity for the GROW NKY collaborative for resources from intensive workforce meetings with partner agencies (SWAT meetings), access to training funds and/ or connections to local high school and post-secondary institutions. NKY

More than half of the students who took the YouScience assessment across gender and ethnicities show an aptitude for a career in the healthcare industry, but only 36% of male students showed an interest in that career field.

Four times more female students have aptitudes for computer and mathematical careers than currently have an interest in those fields.

A strong proportion of local students have both interest and aptitudes in science-driven career fields.

Identifying the “exposure gap” allows GROW NKY partners to target solutions that help students become transition-ready for whatever path they choose to take post-graduation and supports our employer community to retain and recruit this young talent.

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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AROUND THE CHAMBER EGGS 'N ISSUES - BOURBON BUSINESS | RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER

EMPLOYER BEST PRACTICES SYMPOSIUM | KENTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ERLANGER

INTENTIONALLY BUILDING DIVERSE CONNECTIONS | HILTON CINCINNATI AIRPORT, FLORENCE

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

S

IA

OTER MED O C

cel e b r a t i n g 1 0 y e a r s 2012-2022

We’d love to tell your story. (859) 414-6882

Celebrating 10 years of telling client stories and driving results

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AROUND THE CHAMBER WOMEN'S INITIATIVE CONNECT HOUR | D1 TRAINING, HEBRON

REGIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION | KENTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ERLANGER

NKYP LUNCHTIME LEADER CHAT WITH BRADY JOLLY JOLLY ENTERPRISES, WILDER

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EGGS 'N ISSUES - NKY TRI-ED | RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Thanks to our customers and dedicated employees for making Forcht Bank the #1 ranked bank in Kentucky by Forbes Magazine.

Commercial Lending | Lines of Credit | Cash Management Kyle Newman Commercial Banking Officer

Neal White Commercial Banking Officer

forchtbank.com | Member FDIC

AROUND THE CHAMBER

NKYP COFFEE & CONVERSATION | VILLA MOCHA, VILLA HILLS NKYP COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION | SMOKE JUSTIS, COVINGTON

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

COMMUNITY AWARD | LISA MESMARAIS

LNK DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS | LAURA MENGE & MARK GUILFOYLE

NKYP COFFEE & CONVERSATION | VILLA MOCHA, VILLA HILLS NKYP COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION | SMOKE JUSTIS, COVINGTON BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | DEAD LOW BREWING, CINCINNATI

MEMBER

DBL LAW

MILESTONES

SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! All NKY Chamber members are invited to share announcements & personal achievements in the Milestones column.

DBL Law is pleased to announce attorneys Aaron Caskey and Colleen Fausz have been named partners.

“We are proud to announce Aaron Caskey and Colleen Fausz as DBL Law’s newest partners. They have provided outstanding legal work and the highest level of professionalism throughout their careers and reflect DBL Law’s deep commitment to those we serve through their hard work and dedication. We look forward to their continued success,” said Bob Hoffer, managing partner.

Aaron Caskey practices in the firm’s Commercial Banking, Real Estate, and Corporate Law groups. He joined DBL Law in May 2013 as a Summer Associate and is based in DBL Law’s Covington, KY office.

Aaron earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2014, graduating summa cum laude. Upon graduation, Aaron was elected Order of the Coif and served as Senior Staff Editor of the Kentucky Law Journal.

Aaron earned a B.A. degree in History and Political Science from Northern Kentucky University, graduating magna cum laude. He was a member of NKU’s Honors Program and received the H. Lew Wallace Outstanding Student in History Award. While attending NKU, Aaron completed an internship in the Capitol Operations Department of the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Colleen Fausz practices in DBL Law’s Business and Transactional, Estate Planning and Probate, and Banking and Commercial groups. She assists trusts, estates, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with tax compliance and tax and estate planning. Colleen represents businesses in acquisitions and divestitures, as well as consulting on a variety of business and employment tax issues.

A lawyer and Certified Public Accountant, Colleen transitioned within DBL Law from her previous position as the firm’s Controller, where she was responsible for managing all financial and operational aspects of the firm and associated staff. She is based in the firm’s Covington, KY office.

Colleen earned a J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law, graduating magna cum laude. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accountancy from Thomas More University, graduating summa cum laude.

Send Milestones to bgastright@nkychamber.com

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BARTLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

CORPOREX

HOLLY HILL CHILD AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS

Bartlett Wealth Management (Bartlett), a Midwest wealth management firm with offices in Cincinnati and Chicago, is pleased to announce that Justin Ellis, CFA has recently joined the Cincinnati office as a wealth advisor.

“At Bartlett, we seek out advisors who share our firm’s passion for exceptional client service. Justin’s experience combined with his dedication to ensuring his clients receive the best guidance possible, make him a wonderful addition to the Bartlett team,” said Jim Hagerty, CFA, Bartlett CEO. “The entire team is excited to welcome him to the growing Bartlett family.”

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Ellis joins Bartlett with nine years of portfolio management experience. Most recently, he worked in Portfolio Management at Fifth Third, where he managed client relationships and constructed and monitored investment portfolios, among other duties. He held multiple positions during his time within the company’s finance division, which included serving as the portfolio manager team lead.

“I genuinely believe that recognizing the small wins are just as important as the big ones,” Ellis said. “Joining Bartlett gives me the opportunity to focus on my clients, their unique needs and aspirations, and to serve as a holistic financial resource – a combination that makes me excited for this new role and next chapter.”

Corporex, a privately held investment firm located in Covington, Ky. focused on investing in real estate, hospitality, sports and fitness, and capital markets, announced the hire of Suzanne Deatherage as the organization’s new marketing director.

In the newly created position within the company, Deatherage will oversee the day-to-day management of Corporex and its related organizations’ strategic marketing and communications.

These organizations include all commercial and residential real estate developments, such as the multi-million-dollar Ovation mixed-use development in Newport, Ky., Five Seasons Family Sports Club and Commonwealth Hotels.

“I’m eager to join the Corporex team during a time of such strong growth and new opportunities,” said Deatherage of her new role. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to continue to help tell the organization’s success story, and drive growth and revenue through a strategic marketing and communications approach.”

Deatherage has more than 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing and events management. Before starting her new role at Corporex, Deatherage served as Sr. Manager, Marketing Communications at the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, starting in 2018. She received her bachelors of science

Holly Hill Child and Family Solutions – a non-profit organization that has provided child-focused programs and services in Northern Kentucky for more than 137 years – has hired James Sherry as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Sherry comes to Holly Hill after serving as Chief Executive Officer of New York Families for Autistic Children, Inc. in New York. He has nearly two decades of experience with non-profit human services leadership, including managing large, multi-site healthcare organizations.

“James is the right leader to take Holly Hill into the next phase of our corporate journey,” said M. Erin Wilkins, Chair of the Holly Hill Board of Directors. “He is a tested leader possessing business acumen and broad experience in the competitive environment in which social services now operate. I believe he is committed to the Holly Hill mission and we are excited to have him join our team.”

The social services sector is undergoing a period of rapid evolution due not only to the global pandemic but also complex changes in the needs of clients and the funding formulas of its partners. In seeking its new leader, Holly Hill deployed a comprehensive and rigorous search for a candidate with both experience in the field and, critically, a proven track record of transformational leadership. They found the ideal person in James Sherry.

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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MEMBER MILESTONES GETTING TO KNOW THE NEW FACES AT THE NKY CHAMBER

This Easter found Kyle Frizzell trying to keep a major secret: The announcement of the impending birth of his first child. “My first is due Sept. 7 … A boy is coming,” said an excited Frizzell.

Given he’s the new Events Specialist for the NKY Chamber, managing big announcements and events is something Kyle has quite a bit of experience with.

“Over the course of my career, I have held the titles of Event Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Site Supervisor, Management District Lead, Recreation Specialist, Food Truck Program Manager, Community Outreach Partner and now Events Specialist!” said Frizzell. “I am happy to have this new opportunity with the Chamber and I truly think my mother (taken by cancer) would be ecstatic with the start of my new journey. I feel right at home here and am looking forward to working with our members and fostering relationships within the NKY region.”

Frizzell will get plenty of opportunities to forge new relationships in his role as Events Specialist. He’ll provide support for the planning and execution of a wide variety of Chamber events in addition to serving as a liaison across programs and departments. The role is a perfect fit for Frizzell, who launched his career in event management at the member-based nonprofit Downtown Lexington Partnership.

Read more at NKYChamber.com/Kyle.

Holly Nibert is looking forward to summer, not only because she loves to swim, but because she also plans on getting her scuba certification. Having joined the NKY Chamber as its new Women’s Initiative Program and Event Assistant, she’s diving headfirst into making the NKY Metro a great place to live, work and play.

“Learning about my community,” – that’s what Nibert, a Burlington resident, says she is most excited about and looking forward to as a member of the NKY Chamber team. It’s probably a good thing, then, that she cites having a passion for events and being involved in the NKY Metro as two things that matter to her.

Nibert’s previous experience illustrates that passion as her resume includes events positions at a local catering company and the Newport Aquarium.

Both experiences have no doubt helped prepare her for the NKY Chamber role where she will provide daily administrative support for Women’s Initiative programs, including assisting with committees, communications, record-keeping, event planning and execution.

Through her new role, Nibert seeks opportunities to share with others why she believes Northern Kentucky is such a wonderful place.

Read more at NKYChamber.com/Holly.

They say you can never go home again but Nancy Spivey would beg to differ – because now that she’s returned to the NKY Chamber, she’s feeling right at home working once again on the region’s talent attraction and retention efforts.

A familiar face to the NKY Chamber, Spivey served as its Executive Director of IMPACT NKY from 2000 to 2014. That position found her overseeing workforce, leadership and education efforts, no doubt helping her lead the creation and execution of programs and services that support employers’ needs. One aspect of Nancy’s new role will find her working with 70+ key regional partners to achieve the goals and outcomes of GROW NKY (Growing Regional Outcomes through Workforce).

Now that she’s back, she looks forward to tackling the role, and the region’s workforce challenges, head-on.

“I spent 14 years in the workforce space during my time at the Chamber.

It was a true passion of mine and is the reason why so many people in our region know me and the work that I was blessed to be involved with then,” she says. “We are fortunate to have community leaders who work collaboratively and without self-interest or promotion. We are a prosperous community with a variety of good jobs and fantastic education, health and social service resources (and) our landscape is a great mix of everything – urban, rural, new and old.”

Read more at NKYChamber.com/Nancy.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

RIBBON CUTTINGS Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:

EMERGENCY SHELTER OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY 436 W. 13th Street | Covington, KY 41011 | 859-291-4555 | emergencyshelternky.org PICTURED: David Drees, Drees Company; Brent Degenhardt, City Wide Facility Solutions; Wes Botto; Dave Osterday; Kim M. Webb, Executive Director, Emergency Shelter; Rita Jones; Steve Doan; Tina LeGris; Emily Toebbe, Emergency Shelter Board of Directors President

OVATION EXPERIENCE CENTER 101 W. 4th Street | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-292-5500 | ovationontheriver.com PICTURED: Manny Hernandez, First Financial Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Corey Walkup, WesBanco – Ribbon Cutting Sponsor; Scott Stewart, Dwyer Insurance-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Eric Buck, Corporex-Senior Development Associate, Corporex Companies; Heather M. Harris, Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Corporex Companies; Tom Banta, Corporex Companies; Mark Bischoff, Director of Design, Corporex Development & Construction Management; Steve Tracy, @WorkPersonnel-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Jane Young, RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates-NKY Chamber Ambassador

REAL ESTATE & ENERGY PARTNERS 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 336 | Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 | 859-801-8859 | reae.co PICTURED: Marnie Holliday; Ken Holliday, Real Estate & Energy Partners; Chad Dickerson, Real Estate & Energy Partners; Lexi Dickerson; Amie Stevie, Real Estate & Energy Partners; Brett Stevie; Monica Niehaus, Melink Solar; Reid LeMasters, Real Estate & Energy Partners

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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RIBBON CUTTINGS WELCOME HOUSE OF NKY: FAMILY PROMISE SHELTER 336 W. 9th Street | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-431-8717 | welcomehouseky.org PICTURED: Corey Walkup, WesBanco – Ribbon Cutting Sponsor; Mayor Joe Meyer, City of Covington; Steve Pendery; Judge Executive, Campbell County; Amanda Couch, Welcome House; Elizabeth LaPash, Welcome House; Danielle Amrine, Welcome House; Shari Hays, Welcome House; Julie Schatz, Welcome House; Jenna Gurren, Welcome House; Ann Richards, Welcome House; Katie Ockerman, Mutual of Omaha Advisors-NKY Chamber Ambassador

PETPEOPLE 2790 Town Center Blvd | Crestview Hills, KY 41017 | 859-815-8045 | petpeople.com PICTURED: Arlene Lubbers, City of Crestview Hills; Mayor Paul Meier, City of Crestview Hills; Breanna Smotherman, PetPeople; Payton McCabe, PetPeople; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber; Dave Jansing, City of Ft. Mitchell Fire Department

MOBILITY PLUS 8437 US Highway 42 | Florence, KY 41042 | 859-918-1006 | mobilityplus.com/florenceky PICTURED: Manny Hernandez, First Financial Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Michelle Lorms, BeLocal-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Mike Miller, Mobility Plus; Billie Miller, Mobility Plus; Jane Young, RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates-NKY Chamber Ambassador

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BEACON ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE 775 Alexandria Pike | Ft. Thomas, KY 41075 | 859-578-6390 | beaconortho.com PICTURED: Manny Hernandez, First National Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Mori Fails, Life Learning Center; Laurie Wolsing, Life Learning Center; Commissioner Washington, City of Covington; Jacqueline Henley,, Life Learning Center; Brad Adams, Life Learning Center; Catrena Bowman-Thomas, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission; Alecia Webb-Edgington, Life Learning Center; Laurie Hoppenjans, Life Learning Center; Denise Govan, Life Learning Center; Tami Wilson, NKY Chamber; Robert Venable, Life Learning Center; Jane Young, RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates, Inc.-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Charley Wayman, Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky-NKY Chamber Ambassador

Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:

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.

LET US HELP YOU PROMOTE!

Call Lynn Abeln at (859) 578-6390 to schedule your FREE ribbon cutting today!

TOURISM | VOLUME 41 NUMBER 5

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EVENT CALENDAR MAY 5/10 5/11 5/11 5/12 5/12 5/17 5/19 5/23 5/25

Eggs 'N Issues: The Future of Horse Racing | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30 – 9:00 AM HR 100: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | TBD | 8:00 – 9:30 AM NKYP Meet & Greet Lunch | Skyline Chili, Ft. Wright | Noon – 1:00 PM NKYP Coffee & Conversation | Biggby Coffee, Ft. Mitchell | 8:00 – 9:00 AM Business After Hours | Bru Burger Bar, Ft. Mitchell | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Outstanding Women of NKY | St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Business After Hours | TBD | 4:30-6:30 PM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM NKYP Meet & Greet for Happy Hour | Braxton Brewing Co. Taproom, Covington | 5:00 – 6:00 PM

JUNE 6/1 6/2 6/7 6/8 6/9 6/10 6/14 6/22 6/27 6/29

Getting the Most from Your Chamber Membership | NKY Chamber, Ft. Mitchell | 9:00 – 10:00 AM NKY United | TBD Women’s Initiative Professional Series | Kenton County Library, Erlanger Branch | 8:30 – 10:00 AM NKYP Meet & Greet for Lunch | Skyline Chili, Ft. Wright | Noon – 1:00 PM NKYP Cocktails & Conversation | TBD | 4:30 – 6:00 PM DEI: IDEA Summit | St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center Eggs ‘N Issues: Infrastructure Investments | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30 – 9:00 AM NKYP Meet & Greet for Happy Hour | Braxton Brewing Co. Taproom, Covington | 5:00 – 6:00 PM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM NKYP Lunchtime Leader Chat: Lee Crume | VonLehman, Ft. Wright | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

JULY 7/12 7/13 7/13 7/14 7/20 7/21 7/25 7/27

Eggs ‘N Issues: Cincinnati Bengals | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30 – 9:00 AM HR 100: Mental Wellness | TBD | 8:00 – 9:30 AM NKYP Meet & Greet for Lunch | Skyline Chili, Ft. Wright | Noon – 1:00 PM NKYP Coffee & Conversation | TBD | 8:00 – 9:00 AM NKYP Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLA) | Newport Aquarium | 5:30 – 7:30 PM Business After Hours & Bourbon Barrel Unveiling | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | TBD | 4:30 – 6:30 PM NKYP Meet & Greet for Happy Hour | Braxton Brewing Co. Taproom, Covington | 5:00 – 6:00 PM

REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS

Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by:

Periodicals Postage Paid USPS-548630 at Covington, KY.

CEO/Publisher Brent Cooper | bcooper@nkychamber.com

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 P.O. Box 17416 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 859-578-8800 NKYChamber.com

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.

Marketing & Communications Shannan Boyer | shannan@scootermediaco.com

The Business Journal is a benefit of membership and included in membership fees. Annual subscription rate for nonmembers is $30.

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Subscribers: Please send address changes by e-mail to info@nkychamber.com. © 2022, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors.

All rights reserved.

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 Staff Writer Tabari McCoy | tabari@scootermediaco.com

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