We are thrilled to have you join us tonight for the NKY Business Council Celebration Dinner. This evening is more than just a celebration — it’s about the vibrant, resilient communities we are building together through collaboration, connection, and shared purpose.
Tonight, we not only recognize four outstanding businesses with the Business Achievement Awards, but we also look back at the progress we’ve made, and ahead to the exciting opportunities on the horizon.
Business Councils were created to foster collaboration, promote economic growth, and support local business development in the communities of Erlanger, Florence, Fort Thomas, and Newport. They are a daily reminder that our communities are stronger when we work together.
By creating new relationships and new synergies, Business Councils are also strengthening ties between the business community and our elected officials.
For the first time ever, our NKY Business Councils and our NKY Chamber of Commerce, co-hosted the Governor of Kentucky for a Government Forum. During a sold-out luncheon, Governor Beshear commented about the NKY Business Councils and praised the example of collaboration they represent. This is exactly what the Business Councils are all about — building relationships that make a lasting impact.
Your presence tonight reaffirms what we already know: Northern Kentucky is a region where businesses don’t just succeed – they thrive. That success is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a deep sense of community that brings us together.
Your support of the Business Councils underscores the importance of this initiative, and we look forward to expanding it to even more cities across Northern Kentucky in the future.
Thank you for being here tonight and for helping to make the Northern Kentucky metro region a truly great place to live, work, play, learn, and give back.
Brent Cooper
Cocktail Reception Welcome
NKY Chamber Remarks
Business Achievement Award Presentations
Newport Business Council Award Recipient: Executive Transportation
Florence Business Council Award Recipient: ISOCNET
Fort Thomas Business Council Award Recipient: Taste Cellar & Pantry
Erlanger Business Council Award Recipient: Baptist Life Communities
Mixed Greens Salad mixed greens, cranberry, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette on the side
Amish Chicken with herb butter sauce (gluten free)
Pork Tenderloin with apple butter (gluten free)
Glazed Carrots (gluten free)
Garlic-Parmesan Whipped Potatoes (gluten free)
Vegetarian Option Upon Request: Cauliflower Steak with Arugula and Chimichurri (gluten free)
Mini Desserts (gluten free option upon request)
Freshly brewed coffee and iced tea
FINALISTS
NEWPORT BUSINESS COUNCIL AWARD RECIPIENT
Executive Transportation services consist of Luxury Private Car and SUV, Airport Shuttle Service, Charter Bus, Van Service, Wheelchair Transportation, Group Logistic Coordination, Employee Shuttle and Weddings. Our reputation is our safety and reliability. We accomplished this reputation by providing safe, clean, new, and reliable vehicles, along with expertly trained drivers. All drivers must pass an extensive background check, criminal check, medical exam, drug test, and rigorous training and safety programs.
FLORENCE BUSINESS COUNCIL AWARD RECIPIENT
Founded in 1996, ISOCNET is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary as a pioneering internet provider that has grown into a trusted full-service Managed IT, cybersecurity, and digital solutions partner for businesses across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. From early dial-up days to today’s cloud, Microsoft 365, AI, and enterprise security solutions, ISOCNET has continuously adapted and innovated while maintaining an unwavering commitment to exceptional client service. Their 30-year journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and strong community roots.
FORT THOMAS BUSINESS COUNCIL AWARD RECIPIENT
Taste Cellar & Pantry brings an expanded selection of everything you need for your pantry, cellar, and table. Thoughtfully sourced wines, local artisan foods and everyday staples, curated with care for you and your family.
ERLANGER BUSINESS COUNCIL AWARD RECIPIENT
Baptist Life Communities (BLC) is the largest provider of housing, healthcare and a variety of beneficial services for the 55+ community in NKY. As a non-profit, faithbased organization, BLC is committed to providing solutions to the challenges seniors face. BLC’s goal is to enhance senior adult lifestyles with quality choices, provided by a dedicated and caring staff. Since 1952, BLC has been steadily changing and growing, and we continue on this journey today.
Tori Murden McClure is an explorer, author, and the former President of Spalding University from 2010 until 2024. During her career, she worked as a chaplain at a Boston hospital, as the director of a shelter for women, and as a policy assistant to the Mayor of Louisville. She was the first full-time employee of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. She is a former Board Chair of the National Outdoor Leadership School, and she is a former Vice Chair and Interim Chair of the NCAA Board of Governors – the top governing body in collegiate athletics.
Tori is perhaps best-known as the first woman and first American to row a boat solo across the Atlantic Ocean, having accomplished the feat in 1999 after 81 days at sea. A decade earlier, she was on the expedition on which the first women and first Americans skied overland to the geographic South Pole during a 50-day, 750-mile expedition.
Tori holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Louisville and a Master of Fine Arts in writing degree from Spalding. She is author of the memoir, A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean, which details her life and journey across the Atlantic. The book is the basis of a stage musical, Row, which made its world premiere at the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts in the summer of 2021.
Tori has been an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Wilderness EMT for almost twenty-five years. Currently, Tori teaches new Emergency Medical Technicians at a local firehouse, and she volunteers her time for causes she feels are important.
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Tori Murden McClure Explorer and Author
BUSINESS COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Mark Ramler
Newport Business Council Chair
Newport Business Council Steering Committee
Mark Ramler – Mansion Hill Properties
David Dalton - The Think Shop & Red Hot Promotions
Shane Gosney - The Prestant
Joe Klare - Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of NKY
Joyce McMullin - Southbank Partners, Inc.
Shaun Pan - Hampton Inn & Suites Newport
Gary Pecorello - Turfway Park Racing & Gaming
Mark Ramler - Jerry’s Jug House
Rachel Roberts - The Yoga Bar
Mike Smith - Headquarters Event Center
Stephanie Steffen - 927 Reserve
Aaron Sutherland - City of Newport
Liz Werrmann - Heritage Bank
John Willis - City of Newport
Wonda Winkler - Brighton Center, Inc.
Matt Shehadi
Florence Business Council Chair
Christine Smalley
Fort Thomas Business Council Chair
Florence Business Council Steering Committee
Matthew Shehadi - Turfway Park Racing & Gaming
Jeff Aylor - The Aylor Law Office, P.S.C.
Evan Cromer - 7 Hills Church
Justin Finke - City of Florence
Josh Hunt - City of Florence
Dr. Julie Metzger Aubuchon - Mayor, City of Florence
Clint Mollere - St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Devesh Patel - Athena Hospitality Group
David Wallace - Heritage Bank
Amanda Ward - Biggby Coffee - Florence
Fort Thomas Business Council Steering Committee
Christine Smalley - Fort Thomas Coffee
Chanda Calentine - City of Fort Thomas
Tracy Davis - State Farm - Tracy Davis
Brent Gillman - Highland Partners, LLC - Highland Plaza
Leticia Messmer - COMAL
Samantha Mosby - YMCA Of Greater Cincinnati
Nick Rolf - Gross Insurance Agency LLC
Derek Vater - Heartland Bank - A Division of German American Bank
Ryan Bihl
Erlanger Business Council Chair
Erlanger Business Council Steering Committee
Ryan Bihl - Heritage Bank
David Clegg - Allie’s Walkabout
Nick Eads - City of Erlanger
Lauryn Groce - City of Erlanger
Casey Kroger - Perfetti Van Melle USA
Lori Owen - Chamberlin Owen & Co., Inc.
Leisa Snyder - Atlas Air Worldwide
Karen Zengel - Society of St. Vincent de Paul - NKY
