Business Journal November/December 2015

Business Kentucky

Nov/Dec 2015 Volume 35 Number 2

Northern

Journal

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Business Toolkit Nonprofit Needs Community Leaders

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In this issue

AROUND THE CHAMBER

Business Journal November/December 2015

4 From the President, Trey Grayson

6

From the Chair, David Heidrich

7 FBI Brings Citizens Academy to Northern Kentucky

8

STEM Hosting Creates Excitement

9

Transforming Education in NKY

10

Northern Kentucky Business Toolkit

On the cover (and above): The Toyota team member is now

12 Finding Opportunities to Fit Your Corporate a retiree – Scott Monobe and his daughter, Anna. The year was 2012 and it was taken at Smale Park in Cincinnati. During this Civic Engagement Strategy 15 What Do Nonprofits Need?

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Why Volunteer? Because It’s Good for You

16 Engagement Through Services is a Win-Win Strategy 18 Civic Engagement Awards at Annual Dinner 2015 20

Emerging 30

23

Women’s Initiative Spotlight: Getting to Know Dr. Tasha Eurich

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Chamber Snapshots

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Member Milestones

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Upcoming Events

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Ribbon Cuttings

half day of service, organized by the Cincinnati Parks Districts, volunteers helped beautify green spaces in the downtown area.

The day of service is growing by leaps and bounds every year.

Corporations support the efforts to help keep the city beautiful and make a big impact by allowing members to spend part of their day volunteering.

Below: Toyota volunteers working on the Annual National Public Lands Day at Big Bone Lick State Park in Union, Ky.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Covington, KY ISSN (0274-757X)

Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc.,

CEO/Publisher Trey Grayson Creative Director/Editorial Director/Artistic Director Rena Gibeau rgibeau@nkychamber.com Director, Sponsor Investments Diana McGlade dmcglade@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.

Director, Member Investments Laura-Aurora (L-A) Stopa lastopa@nkychamber.com Chamber Communications Committee Rachel Folz, Emily Gresham-Wherle, Bill Powell, David Rhoad, Kelly Rose, Katie Scoville, Meredith Fossett, Shayna Crowley

November/December 2015

300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330, P.O. Box 17416, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017.

Phone: 859-578-8800. Website: www.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.

Subscribers: Please send address changes by e-mail to info@nkychamber.com. © 2015, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors. All rights reserved.

NKY Chamber Business Journal

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Photo courtesy of Lead Magazine/ Wes Battoclette, photographer

PERSPECTIVE

Let’s Get To Work Trey Grayson, President & CEO, NKY Chamber of Commerce

When I was growing up, I had two wonderful role models when it came to community engagement—my mom and dad.

Both served on the boards of numerous organizations and stressed the importance of involvement to my sister and me.

Dad emphasized the need to give back and how rewarding such activities could be. But he also noted that his volunteer work benefitted his banking career, because it helped to make Northern Kentucky a better place to live and work, which was good for the banking business.

Plus, he met a lot of future customers through his involvement!

In my professional life, I have certainly found all of this to be true, as I have helped countless groups in Kentucky, and even nationally, achieve their goals. And I must admit that many of the best supporters in my political career were people that I met through this community involvement!

Unlike my Dad, I have been able to turn this desire to serve into a career, including in my current capacity with the Chamber, where every day I wake up trying to figure out how to help strengthen our member businesses to improve the quality of life for all of Northern Kentucky. What a great job!

Mom focused more on the arts, knowing that engagement with the arts—music, dance, theater, museums and festivals —not only helped to make you a better person; the arts also helped create a more vibrant economy and community. Thanks to Mom’s example, I served on the boards of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and

now ArtsWave. We are so fortunate to live in a region with world-class arts community, giving us a competitive advantage in the quest for talent.

Now Nancy and I are trying to pass along the importance of community engagement to our daughters, and so far —knock on wood—they are keeping up the family tradition with their school and community involvement.

I mention all of this because this issue of the Business Journal focuses on civic engagement, with several pages highlighting the Northern Kentucky Education Council’s Business Engagement Toolkit. The Toolkit provides businesses with a menu of options to become involved with our local schools and students.

As our Chair, Dave Heidrich, writes in his column, this type of involvement is good for you, good for business and good for our home town. Dave also writes about how you can become engaged in the community by becoming more involved in the Chamber.

With a new governor, a state budget session, and a presidential race all taking place in 2016, now is a great time to get involved with the Chamber and Northern Kentucky. We’d love to have you on our team.

President, Government, Corporate and Foundation Engagement. In other words, he’s the “new Joe Wind”. (Ironically, the real Joe Wind previously held Adam’s position at the Chamber.)

We miss Adam, but are glad that we can continue working with him at NKU, where an internship with Joe during a legislative session sparked an interest in politics and public policy that continues today. Given NKU’s vital importance for our region, Adam’s new position is an important one, and I am confident that he will do a great job.

By the time you read this, Scott Sedmak will have joined the Chamber as Adam’s successor. Scott has worked in Frankfort in the Senate President’s office and worked for the past four years in corporate communications for Axcess Financial in Cincinnati across their twenty-nine state footprint. This year, he’s even serving his first term as a city council member in Highland Heights, KY. Scott is smart, a great communicator, and passionate about his native Northern Kentucky. During the search, I think most of the people he worked with in Frankfort reached out to endorse him, calling him a great team player. Please welcome Scott to the Chamber team when you see him!

Let’s get to work!

************** Speaking of team, you probably saw that the Chamber’s Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, Adam Caswell, joined NKU as their Assistant Vice

With a new governor, a state budget session, and a presidential race all taking place in 2016, now is a great time to get involved with the Chamber and Northern Kentucky.

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November/December 2015

Ultimate Workshop

LEGAL, Succession, and Estate Planning For Business Owners Presented By: SCORE, Rekindle & SBDC Kentucky

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

Wednesday, November 18, 2015, 8:00 am – 11:00 am Central Bank 7310 Turfway Road Florence, Kentucky 41042

Register at www.nkychamber.com/events

Benefits of Attending the Workshop: • Identify action steps for your business which become your 2016 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 all of your legal questions at the workshop. Forward your questions to Bill prior to the workshop!

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

8:00 am Session 1: Legal Issues • Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

• When should I call my attorney?

• How to use a LLC to get limited liability protection • Legal questions from attendees

9:00 am Session 2: Succession Planning • Avoiding the Common Mistakes Business Owners Face Upon: *Death, *Disability, *Retirement • Secrets For a Successful Business Succession Plan

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CHAIR COLUMN

Get Engaged David Heidrich, CEO, Zalla Companies; Chair, Northern Kentucky Chamber “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena...”

Theodore Roosevelt This quote hangs on the wall of my office. It was a gift from my father-in-law, Jerry Deters. It hung on his office at the Drawbridge Inn for probably 30 years. Jerry was infused with a spirit of civic engagement early on. His father, Bud Deters, was the Editor of the Kentucky Times Star, one of Northern Kentucky’s two daily newspapers until it ceased publication in 1958.

The issues of the day were regularly discussed at the Deters family dinner table. (Sometimes the newsmakers were even present, as Jerry liked to tell how Senator Estes Kefauver stayed with them while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for President in the early 1950s.)

Jerry continued the tradition of community involvement. He used the hospitality services of the Drawbridge to regularly host formal and informal conversations about community matters.

I am forever grateful for the education in local affairs received while working with him.

This issue of the Business Journal is dedicated to Civic Engagement. We are pleased to feature some of our community partners and the work they are doing on important fronts.

Community engagement is at the heart of the Chamber’s mission. We advocate for a supportive environment for business development and growth, as a catalyst to making Northern Kentucky an even better place to live, work and play.

Sometimes, getting involved in political or governmental affairs is daunting. The issues can be complicated. The positions hard to understand. The players, vocal and zealous. The conversations passionate. The debates too personal and contentious.

It is sometimes easy to simply dismiss the whole idea and leave it to others to worry about. Please don’t!

Our community, or any community, depends on the active and knowledgeable participation of its citizenry. While, by nature of our plenitude of government jurisdictions, we have plenty of elected officials, we have too few people involved in discussions about the issues of consequence. I challenge you to use your Chamber membership to advance your understanding and involvement in our local, state and national political processes.

The Chamber offers lots of opportunities to take the next step. Regardless of your party, your ideology, or knowledge of local politics or players, you are welcome to participate in these Chamber offerings.

Government Forums - On a monthly basis we feature an elected official, usually from Frankfort or Washington, to discuss current affairs in a lunch setting.

Eggs and Issues - Over breakfast and networking, you can learn more about local development, local community nonprofits, and political issues of the day.

Leadership Northern Kentucky - There is no better way to get a master level course in the business and issues of our community than this Chamber hallmark program.

Where We Stand - On December 10, 2015, the Chamber will host a reception to highlight some of the key positions we will work on in the 2016 General Assembly. Come and participate.

Northern Kentucky Day and Night in Frankfort - On February 3, 2016, come spend a day with Chamber lobbyists, staff and Board members as we promote our community and initiatives in the halls of the legislature during the session.

And watch for more.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged. Please consider making a commitment to attend one event per month where you learn and engage more with your community. It is good for you, it is good for your business and good for our home town.

Where We Stand 2016 Hear the Highlights of Key Positions for the 2016 General Assembly December 10, 2105 from 5 - 7 pm at The Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky 200 Home Road, Devou Park, Covington , KY 41011 Registration and details: http://bit.ly/WWS2016 6

Sponsored by

NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

FBI Brings Citizens Academy to Northern Kentucky Want to find out first hand how the FBI works? Hear how the Bureau tracks down spies and terrorists? Learn how to collect and preserve evidence? Put yourself in the shoes of a special agent making a split-second, lifeor-death decision?

Several years ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) created the Citizens Academy as part of a Community Outreach Program. This fall, they brought the Citizens Academy to Northern Kentucky.

Approximately 20 local business, civic, and religious community leaders were selected to attend the 2015 Citizen’s Academy Session, which was held weekly at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in September and October. Those who were selected to participate received a detailed orientation to the FBI, including

how investigations are initiated and conducted by the FBI. The curriculum included: • Practical problems involving evidence collection and preservation.

• FBI jurisdiction and congressional oversight.

• Structure and operation of FBI field offices and resident agencies.

• Fingerprint, forensic, technology, training, and other services • Policies and issues: ethics, discipline, communications, civil rights, and criminal trends.

• Firearms training.

The weekly sessions were conducted by special agents in charge of a field office, their senior managers, and senior agent experts.

Big idEas for a HEaltHY small BusiNEss Expect wellness options that meet your needs Humana gives you the flexibility and support to help you make the right choices, and to help your employees get on a healthier path. After all, keeping your employees healthy is the first step to keeping your company healthy.

Contact your agent or Chamber representative today to find out more!

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NKY Chamber Business Journal

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

STEM Hosting Creates Excitement Each summer, Impact NKY, a Foundation of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Girls Day Out to female students in grades 4-8 throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. STEM Girls Day Out is a FREE experiential learning opportunity designed to promote interest in STEM careers.

The half-day program allows for personal and in-depth career exploration, as students learn about STEM careers by touring and visiting a local company. As

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the region focuses on building a talent pipeline in manufacturing and other featured STEM industries, Girls Day Out is a way to provide a first-hand look at promising career paths.

Following her daughter’s participation in the program, a parent shared, “My daughter had a great time at the Girls Day Out. She learned a lot and her interest was piqued even more about jobs in this field.”

To learn more about STEM Day Out opportunities, contact Amanda Dixon at adixon@nkychamber.com

November/December 2015

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Transforming Education in NKY The Northern Kentucky Education Council is transforming education in our region through broader partnerships, bold goals, better data and bigger outcomes. The Council is the backbone education organization for the alignment of education initiatives in Northern Kentucky, and serves as the catalyst for collaboration, change and progress in Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton and Pendleton Counties.

The driving force of the Council is the work of its six action teams, which are aligned with established regional education goals. Through these action teams, the Council engages businesses, educa-

tors and community members to collectively develop and implement effective, innovative strategies that will ensure all youth are ready for college, career and life.

The Council has identified the following key priority goals for preparing students for the future: • Increase the number of students who are proficient in reading and math by the end of 3rd grade.

• Increase the number of children who are hopeful, engaged and thriving.

• Increase the number of youth who graduate from high school prepared for college.

Northern Kentucky’s future depends heavily on our ability to improve educational attainment and ensure that all youth are prepared for the future.

For more information on how you or your business can become involved with transforming education in Northern Kentucky, contact Nancy Grayson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at ngrayson@nkyec. org or (859) 282-9214.

“Involving business in the creation of talent development solutions is not only a win for our students, but a win for our entire region.” ‑Polly Lusk Page, Executive Director, Northern Kentucky Education Council

Making a Difference With One to One Coaching Peggy Casey of Rose Communications is making a difference in one young man’s life as a One to One Reading Coach. Casey is shown at left, reading with a first grade student at Ft. Wright Elementary.

How can you become a One to One Reading or Math Coach? Get started today by contacting Leslie Armstrong at larmstrong@nkyec.org.

Help YOUR local schools!

Want to learn how you or your business can help the local schools in your community? Participate in a Business Engagement School Tour! Observe firsthand how a local school is engaging businesses and community members in helping students achieve academic success. For more information on School Tours, please contact Nancy Grayson at ngrayson@nkyec.org.

November/December 2015

NKY Chamber Business Journal

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Northern Kentucky Busi The Northern Kentucky Education Council has developed a Business Engagement Toolkit to provide businesses with a menu of opportunities to engage with local schools and students to help our region’s young people reach their full potential. All education opportunities are tailored to match the capacity and desires of your business with the needs of a school. Not sure how to get started? The contacts below can help find the best fit for your business and employees.

Career Connections offers business a variety of opportunities to host students at your business or participate in programs that give students an opportunity to sample “what it’s like” to be in your profession or business. Business volunteers can support students with Internships/Co-ops, Career Planning, Job Shadowing, Mentoring, STEM-focused activities, Operation Preparation, and more.

Time Commitment: Single project or sustained involvement opportunities Financial Commitment: Optional and/or dependent upon project Business Contact: Amanda Dixon, NKY Chamber I adixon@nkychamber.com I 859.578.6396 School Contact: Nancy Grayson, NKYEC I ngrayson@nkyec.org I 859.282.9214 Work Ethic Diploma is a soft-skills workforce related development program in high schools aimed to help students understand and develop workplace competencies needed to succeed in any work setting. The program is conducted by the school’s staff to get students career ready. Businesses endorse the Work Ethic standards and/or can function as coaches/trainers and will be recognized for their commitment to emphasizing work ethic standards.

Time commitment: Single project or sustained involvement Financial commitment: Opportunity to support scholarships Business Contact: Amanda Dixon, NKY Chamber I adixon@nkychamber.com I 859.578.6396 School Contact: Nancy Grayson, NKYEC I ngrayson@nkyec.org I 859.282.9214 Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience while encouraging students to give back to their community. Students build character and become active participants as they work with others in their school and community to create service projects. Business does not need a project in mind.

Time commitment: Single project or sustained involvement opportunities Financial commitment: Optional and/or dependent upon project Contact: Mary Kay Connolly, Children Inc. | mconnolly@childreninc.org | 859.431.2075 x223 Junior Achievement is a grade-specific program which teaches life skills to students in a 6-week module. Employee is matched with a classroom of his/her choice and schedule.

Employee executes a program which has been developed by Junior Achievement (JA) for that grade level and focus area. Prior to starting, the employee will attend a one-hour JA training session to receive all needed materials.

Time commitment: One hour per week per employee (6 weeks total) Financial commitment: Not required Contact: Kym McGee, JA I k.mcgee@ja.org I 513.346.7100 x113

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November/December 2015

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

iness Engagement Toolkit One to One is a tutoring program where employees are paired to practice reading or math with an elementary child in the classroom for 35 minutes a week for the entire school year. Prior to starting, employee volunteers will attend a six-hour training session (evening training is available) and receive required materials.

Time commitment: 35 minutes per week (plus travel to school) per employee.

Financial commitment: Not required. Company can elect to subsidize cost of employee or community volunteers.

Contact: Leslie Armstrong, NKYEC | larmstrong@nkyec.org | 859.282.9214 Adopt a Class is a group mentoring experience, facilitating personal, sustained connections between members of the business and civic community and students in the preK8th grades. These interactions support the development of practical and social skills for the students.

Time commitment: 1 hour per month during the school year Financial commitment: Not required Contact: Sydney Prochazka | sydney.p@aacfoundation.com | 513.443.6524 NaviGo Scholars gives businesses a unique opportunity to hand pick students with the interests and skills needed to fill jobs within their company. Students get college and career coaching from a NaviGo Coach and Sponsor Career Coaches guide the students in their field of interest. Students in the NaviGo Scholars program have the benefit of meeting and learning from experts in their field.

Time commitment: Determined by sponsor Financial commitment: Prices vary depending on services selected Contact: Stephanie Layton | stephanie@navigoprep.com | 859.905.7830 Contact: Tim Hanner | tim@navigoprep.com | 859.802.1303 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League (FLL) introduces students to the excitement of science and technology through real-world team challenges. Students learn valuable life skills and discover career opportunities while learning they can make a positive contribution to society. Businesses can financially support teams, serve as team coaches or mentors.

Time Commitment: 2 hours per week for one semester for coaches Financial commitment: Not required. Company can elect to subsidize team(s).

Contact: Beth Koch, Regional FLL | elizabeth.koch@boone.kyschools.us The Governor’s Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (GCIPL) provides training opportunities for parents and other caring adults to equip them with the skills and knowledge to support and advocate for successful public schools. Businesses can sponsor these trainings for parents, schools teams, or employees; or they can provide in-kind meeting space or meals.

Time Commitment: Not necessary Financial Commitment: Optional and/or dependent on project Contact: Cindy Baumert |Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence | cbaumert@prichardcommittee.org | 859.233.9849 ext.

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For more information, contact Nancy Grayson: ngrayson@nkyec.org | 859.282.9214 November/December 2015

NKY Chamber Business Journal

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Finding Opportunities to Fit Your Corporate Civic Engagement Strategy

By Leshia Lyman, Senior Director, United Way of Cincinnati Corporate civic engagement can take on a variety of forms, and we love working with companies to help them discover which strategies are the best fit for their organization. Whether your employees have an hour a year, or an hour a week, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

Group volunteer projects are a great way to offer teambuilding, and even leadership opportunities to employees. These projects typically take place during business hours, but some companies opt to schedule night or weekend events so employees can invite family members to join in. Traditional group projects include serving a meal, landscaping, or cleaning. We’ve also seen some fun new types of ideas emerge like hosting theme parties, “makeover” challenges where groups compete to renovate spaces, and speed mentoring, which helps teens practice interview/networking skills in a supportive setting.

Leaving the office to complete a project can be a fun and impactful experience, but sometimes it makes more sense to host experiences at your office. While most of us are probably familiar with food, clothing and other item drives, there’s a fun 12

new spin on these called In-house projects.

Companies set up stations in a conference room or cafeteria, and employees can stop in for a few minutes up to a few hours to add a personal touch to different types of donated items. One of our favorites is literacy kits, which include a book, props and activities to make reading fun for both the child and parent. Volunteers can also create birthday bags, interview success kits, snack packs, personal care kits and study kits.

Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO) is another best practice and is now one of the items measured in Fortune’s 2015 list of the Best Companies to Work For, with 97 of 100 companies offer this perk. VPTO is not only a tangible way to show employees your commitment to the community, but also gives them an opportunity to support the causes they are passionate about.

Companies host volunteer fairs, create volunteer websites or post ideas to their intranet to help employees find ways to use their hours.

Another great way to allow staff to cultivate new skills and connections is to serve on a nonprofit board or committee.

Though these roles have typically been filled by executives in the past, we’ve seen NKYChamber.com

an increase in interest from nonprofits to have young professionals serve in these roles as well. United Way’s Board Orientation and Leadership Development program can help employees of all ages develop the skills necessary to serve in a volunteer leadership role, and match them to an appropriate opportunity.

Finally, one of the most powerful ways to engage employees is to offer ongoing group opportunities. We have seen some awesome examples of companies travelling together every week to tutor students at a nearby school or facilitate monthly educational activities for an entire classroom. Companies can also adopt one of our free tax preparation sites or set up their own internal site for customers or employees. Ongoing collaborative opportunities like these can really strengthen existing teams or facilitate new connections across your organization.

There are lots of great nonprofits to work with in Northern Kentucky. We would love for you to join us as we work to reach our goal of having 63,140 volunteer hours completed across our region this year. See next page for more ideas and contact information.

November/December 2015

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORPORATE TEAMS Experience first-hand the difference your corporate or community team can make through the gift of time and talent.

Check out the opportunities listed below or visit www.VolunteerUWGC.org to find more year-round projects for your group.

Work directly with members of the community Provide free tax preparation for individuals and families Read to, tutor or mentor elementary-high school students Be a buddy for a day for students and adults with physical and/or mental disabilities

Make our community brighter Landscape and spruce up playgrounds Paint and clean building interiors and exteriors Perform home maintenance for older adults and people with disabilities

Make a difference without leaving the office

Plan a custom project Maintaining an urban community garden Creating room make-overs Constructing a “green� playscape Plan a field day for a local youth club

Literacy kits to help children develop a love of reading Personal care packages for individuals and families living in shelters or transitional housing Healthy snack packs for children to take home

Company Come Together Day A unique opportunity for our corporate partners to gather a team of volunteers to come together with other corporate groups around the Greater Cincinnati region to create impact in our community.

READY TO PLAN YOUR PROJECT?

Learn how. Visit www.uwgc.org/volunteer for more information or e-mail laura.wellerding@uwgc.org November/December 2015

NKY Chamber Business Journal

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

What Do Nonprofits Need?

—It might not be what you think.

By Kelly Rose, NKY Chamber Communications Committee Non-profit agencies are in need of SOMETHING at any given moment and you, the community, can assist with the success of any non-profit. Some non-profits are subsidized through federal grants, but those grants typically do not cover the daily operations. They primarily fund the programs that are provided to the clientele. An arts non-profit, for example, may receive subsidies to run programs for inner-city youth art projects or after school programs, but that money does not necessarily go to the administrative assistant who fields the phone calls.

This is where you, the donor and the volunteer come into the picture...

The first step is to figure out your own passion. Maybe you went through the foster care system as a child and you would like to help other foster children, perhaps you worked in a soup kitchen in college and saw the impact that one meal could have on a homeless individual, whatever your passion (or passions) take the time to commit and get to know the agency or agencies of your choosing. Picking a nonprofit to work with in a lot of ways is a mutual selection; non-profits truly like to seek out continual donors and volunteers who they can come to count on. Forging relationships with the donors and volunteers is tantamount to building successful programs within the agency that make people want to stay and also make people want to be a part of the mission.

The second step is once you have chosen where to give you time, get to know the agency’s development team or volunteer coordinator. They may have opportunities that you never knew existed! You may think that if you donate your time you would be offered to do something very typical (but important) like organize a pantry or collect ticket stubs at an event, but if you possess certain talents you could be recruited to share those gifts with clients or staff.

Now that you are inspired to forge ahead with a partnership with a local nonprofit here are the primary ways to get involved. Every agency is different, but most follow these four simple models of giving.

This is the stuff! Many non-profits ask for donations that go directly to clients.

Whether it’s food for a pantry or diapers for a women’s crisis center, most organizations have specific needs. In-kind donations are great for large groups, companies, sports teams, and schools. However, don’t let the idea of collecting items in bulk deter you from going at it alone. Most agencies will provide support in helping you reach your collection goals. Donation drives are wonderful because you can do them on your own time and you can dedicate yourself to the project on your own terms. However, word to the wise, every agency has different needs, make sure you ask what those needs are. For example, you may want to do a canned food drive, but the agency might really be in need of household cleaning items. So stay flexible and have fun! Most volunteers who embark upon a in-kind donation they typically enjoy the process because the work they do is tangible.

1. Charitable Contributions

3. Volunteer Your Time

This is by far the easiest and most valuable way to give to a non-profit. Quite often agencies are faced with extremes November/December 2015

highs and lows when it comes to monetary giving. During the holidays there tends to be an influx of people who wish to give, however, during the summer months or in the long winter months, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a steady flow of donations. Most agencies will offer a way for you to give a nominal amount monthly. Even giving up two coffees a month that total around $10 and giving that to your favorite charitable organization makes a huge impact.

2. In-Kind Donations

Time—it’s something that all of us wish we had more of. But if you are one of the lucky few that has the ability to come to NKY Chamber Business Journal

a non-profit and use your skills and hands to assist where there is a need, then you are always more than welcome! Volunteers are the backbone of most agencies.

In a culture where resources and staff are limited, community members who can physically contribute are invaluable. The key to a great volunteer is to understand the need of the agency. Some agencies can accommodate large groups to assist while others are better suited for smaller groups or individuals. Non-profits with larger campuses typically can use groups to paint, perform general maintenance, or update playgrounds. Always feel free to share your special talents. If you excel at building a resume, offer those skills to work with clients one-on-one. Opportunities like this typically allow you to create your own schedule. If you have great customer service skill, you could be useful at the front desk or manning the telephones.

Always ask the volunteer coordinator and let them steer you to the need.

4. Donor/Volunteer There is also a hybrid way of becoming involved with a non-profit. All too often organizations find themselves in need of non-client based services or items that might not fit into their budget. For example, a non-profit might have an outdated website. If you work for a design firm, you could donate your time and resources to help build an updated and functional website to help bring the non-profit out of the dark ages. If you are a CPA, your skills could be used in a financial capacity by sitting on the board of directors or you could donate accounting services. All of these options involve your time and possibly your resources to help the organization.

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Why Volunteer?

Because It’s Good for You!

By Mendy Eubank, Community Liaison Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid In this day and age, most of us will admit that our lives have become stressful and busy. We have so much going on and there is constant stimulation from computers, phones and even screens in our cars to distract us while we drive. It’s so extreme that it is hard for most people to take a moment and relax. What’s worse is that all of this constant stress and pressure can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health. We have to wonder if there is a way to recharge, and do it in a way that not only helps us, but also helps others.

Volunteering can make a long lasting, positive effect on our spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. When you take the time to step back and give of yourself, by simply donating your time to help others, you are actually profiting in the long run. It’s been shown that there are lower mortality and depression rates among those that do something to help someone else without expecting payment in return. This can give you a boost in selfesteem with a sense of purpose and meaning.

Our communities benefit greatly from those who volunteer.

We build stronger foundations within our community, economically and personally, just by contributing time. Although we may be overwhelmed in our daily lives, we can each find the time to support a cause within our towns and make things happen. Just to see the joy on someone’s face after you have done something as simple as spending a Saturday afternoon helping them plant a garden or mowing their grass is better payment than anything monetary. Also, knowing that the time you are spending at local charities and companies could possibly help you live a longer and healthier life should be motivation enough.

Often you get more in return for your volunteer work than the time you invest. Helping within your community may encourage others to do the same, so find an effort that is important to you and help make a positive difference—not only in another person’s life or in a community, but also in your own life.

Engagement Through Service Is a Win-Win Strategy

By Carol Reubel, Vice President, HR Consulting Services, Employers Resource Association Your employee’s civic activities may not be something you often think about, and yet they could actually be good business for you. Many of the most important activities in our schools and communities couldn’t get done without volunteer support.

At the same time, more and more households have both adults working, making it difficult to volunteer. Recognizing the growing challenge, nonprofit groups truly cherish the help provided and the individuals and companies making it happen. Studies show that when people volunteer, they feel better about themselves. Further, a growing number of people, and especially Millennials, weigh a company’s charitable support in their decision about working for the company.

Perhaps it’s time to assess your charitable policies and practices compared to other area companies for opportunities to increase your competitiveness and bottom line. Members of Employers Resource Association’s Northern Kentucky HR roundtable recently talked about their company policies and practices: • Allow employees time off with and without pay to volunteer.

• Organize specific activities as team building exercises such as employees working together serving a meal or building a home.

• Provide needed cash through sponsorship of activities such as walks/runs.

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• Variations on this include matching employee donations or buying project materials.

ERA member companies also shared best practices to build employee engagement while pitching in. Suggestions included: • Get creative. Take volunteering a step further by making it a monthly activity. Employees can request something for their favorite charity and those requests go to a committee of peers that consider the requests and make recommendations.

• Consider making service a competition either at the individual level, or even between departments. Suggested contests included determining which group can get the most participants or raise the most money.

• Make it fun. Activities such as picking up trash on the highway aren’t fun but can be a lot more enjoyable if there is a competition for the most unique find, grossest item, etc.

Are you looking for a way to build community goodwill while getting your employees more engaged? Are you looking for that edge when competing for employees in this era of lower unemployment? A new look at encouraging civic activities may just be the way to “do good and do well” at the same time!

NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

Northern Kentucky Chamber Promotes Small Business Saturday November 28, 2015

Small Businesses —the Heartbeat of the Community They’re the corner stores that create jobs.

The hardware stores that help build our economy.

And the mom and pop shops whose very presence makes a neighborhood, your neighborhood.

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country.

Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

In 2015, Small Business Saturday is November 28th.

To find out which businesses are participating in Shop Small Saturday go to www.ShopSmallNow.com

859.578.8800 www.nkychamber.com Proud to be a supporter of small business November/December 2015

NKY Chamber Business Journal

17

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Civic Engagement Awards at Annual Dinner 2015

This award recognizes individuals who: have a life-long history of outstanding service to the NKY community; exhibit outstanding service to their profession or industry; exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity and family responsibility. This year’s recipient of the Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award, sponsored

by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, is Gary Beatrice.

A forty year resident of NKY, Gary received his higher education at Thomas More College and Chase Law School, practicing law for two years before beginning his career in the insurance industry. Gary is in his twenty-eighth year at Business Benefits which he owns with his siblings, Jim Beatrice and Geralyn Isler and his parents, George and Barbara Beatrice. Gary has

established a reputation as one of the region’s most respected health care advisors, serving as chair of the Greater Cincinnati Association of Health Underwriters and in advisory capacities for the region’s primary health insurance companies, Anthem, Humana, and United HealthCare.

An active member of the NKY Chamber since the late 1980s, his involvement in the Chamber has been quite diverse, and the committees that he has chaired include the Regional Youth Leadership program, the Business Advocacy Committee, Eggs ‘N Issues, Government Forums and the Total Resource Campaign, and he recently completed a six year term as the Chair of NKY’s Consensus Committee. In 2009-10 Gary chaired the Chamber Board of Directors.

Charlie Vance, a Chamber member and

volunteer who has been profoundly influenced by Beatrice says, “Gary is one of the most trustworthy, smart, honest, kind, reliable and hard-working men that I know.

I have had the great fortune of working alongside Gary. It is obvious to me that I will be more successful in business and life if I endeavor to approach work and relationships with the same congenial temperament and professionalism as he has demonstrated. Whenever working with Gary, I am carefully observant of his skillful demeanor. He has achieved an excellent reputation in our great community by conducting business with immense integrity, absolute honesty and an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism.

I hold him in the highest regard and am proud to call him a friend and colleague.”

Gary’s influence and involvement has been visible throughout NKY. He has served as a Director for many non-profit organizations throughout the region including the Behringer Crawford Museum, the Steinford Toy Foundation, Rosedale Manor, the HealthPoint Family Care Foundation, Tri-County Economic Development Corporation, and the NKU Health Innovation Center. Gary and his wife Margie (who are past joint recipients of the Chamber’s Walter L. Pieschel Award) live in Independence, and are proud parents of four children, Anthony, Jessica, Jacob and Nicholas.

The Devou Cup

created a charitable legacy in our region which endures and inspires. Theirs was a philanthropic union cemented by their love for this region and their belief that we all must to try to make a difference.

George was a world-renowned chemist with an interest in art and skill as an artist.

Ellen’s background was in Economics. Her career started at Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company; then at Fifth Third Bank as a Trust New Business Development Officer; then as a commercial and residential real estate agent.

Their passion for and commitment to the arts and sciences led them to be leaders and supporters of the University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, the Cincinnati Art Museum, Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Museum Center, Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, and Lloyd Library, among many

other organizations. The George and Ellen Rieveschl Endowed Scholarship and the Rieveschl Scientific Instrumentation Fund at NKU have helped students receive a state-of-the-art science education and unparalleled research opportunities in NKY. George started the UC Foundation and the McMicken Society at UC as a major fundraising vehicle for the university. They established a chair for innovative diabetes research at UC and invested in the College of Informatics at NKU. Their thought was that this College would be a game changer for our region. The impact of their philanthropy has touched countless lives on both sides of the Ohio River.

George and Ellen created a wonderful marriage and a successful partnership which contributed significantly to the quality of life in our region. George is survived

by Ellen, sons Jan and Gary, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Gary Beatrice and family

Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award

George and Ellen Rieveschl The Devou Cup, created by The Northern Kentucky Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), honors the generosity of individuals who make a profound difference in the quality of community life in Northern Kentucky, now and into the future. GCF presented the 2015 Devou Cup to Dr. George Rieveschl and his wife Ellen.

Dr. George Rieveschl and Ellen have 18

NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

The Walter L. Pieschel Award Dale Silver & Family

The Walter L. Pieschel Award, sponsored by Heritage Bank, is named in memory of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s first volunteer leader and recognizes an individual Chamber member who exemplifies outstanding service to the Chamber for the past 12 months.

This year’s recipient is Dale Silver.

Dale Silver is the Client Services Manager at C-Forward, Inc. Her love for meeting new people and solving client needs has led to a successful career in sales and management for over 25 years, with the unexpected benefit of having most clients become friends.

The Unity Award The Unity Award, sponsored by PNC Bank, is presented to an individual or individuals who have shown leadership in seeking regional solutions to Northern Kentucky’s challenges. This year’s recipient is myNKY, a plan driven

by Skyward.

The effort to create the myNKY strategic plan began with an in-depth public en-

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT In 1993, Dale became involved with the NKY Chamber, volunteering, and then chairing many programs, including Eggs ‘N Issues and the Golf Committee. The Leadership Northern Kentucky program changed her life in 1997, and became her passion. Dale says, “It’s not just a program, it’s an experience.” At the Parish Kitchen, which provides hot meals to guests, she was overwhelmed by seeing people who were homeless, and it impacted Dale so much, she has been coordinating schedules and preparing meals on the third Wednesday each month ever since. As Chair of the 25th & 30th anniversary parties for LNK, over $35,000 was raised for program support and scholarships.

Dale has served as Chair of the 2002 LNK Class and as President of the LNK Alumni Association. She served on the Chamber board for 12 years, and the Executive Committee for six years. In 2007, she assisted in forming the Chamber’s highly successful Women’s Initiative program,

currently serving as Chair while chairing the Product Development Committee.

Dale loves animals and is constantly rescuing dogs and cats, which fostered her involvement in Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, SPCA Fur Ball and Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry. She will become the next Rosie Reds President in 2016. Other volunteer work has included Board member of Covington Business Council, IHN, Hoxworth Blood Center, Steinford Toy Foundation, President/QueensPointe HOA, LNK Coordinator/World Choir Games and United Way campaigns. She has mentored several women over the past 20 years. She’s been honored to receive the Ruth A. Eger Leaders of Distinction award and Outstanding Women of NKY award.

She has a wonderful family of siblings, nieces and nephews and their 3rd generation of volunteers. MiniChip and Gracie let her live with them in a home she built in the Incline District to house her collection of Art Deco.

gagement process involving residents and businesses, as well as education, government, and civic leaders in order to develop a shared vision for our community and how it will evolve over the next five years.

During a six-month engagement campaign, over 15,000 ideas were generated from the community, which were condensed into a succinct, actionable vision and agenda for the community. A dedicated team of close to 30 professionals, representing a diverse constituent base, formed nine working groups who then engaged over 300 volunteers to craft the

vision and focus areas of the myNKY strategic plan.

The myNKY strategic plan highlights four equally important goals designed to work together for economic prosperity and civic progress – Jobs, Health, Vibrancy, and Education. Each goal is paired with specific strategies and measures for success. Skyward, the engineer and engine behind the myNKY plan, launched in June and is the organization charged with accelerating Northern Kentucky’s overall trajectory and ensuring the myNKY goals are met.

The ImageMaker Award The Northern Kentucky ImageMaker Award, sponsored by Central Bank, is presented to a Chamber member or company who has brought national or international attention to Northern Kentucky through their achievements. This year’s ImageMaker Award goes to the 2014-15 Thomas More College women’s basketball team.

TMC’s Saints found themselves in the national spotlight, winning the College’s first-ever team national title with the 2015 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship in Grand Rapids, MI. The Saints, the No. 1 team in the nation, beat previously unbeaten George Fox (Ore.) University, 83-63, for the championship.

November/December 2015

2014-15 Thomas More College Women’s Basketball Team The Saints were the only four-year college basketball team (men’s or women’s) to post an undefeated record (33-0) during the 2014-15 season, and led the nation in five statistical categories and ranked in the Top-10 in four other categories. At the season’s end, junior guard/forward Sydney Moss was named the National Player of the NKY Chamber Business Journal

Year for the second-straight season and Head Coach Jeff Hans was named the National Coach of the Year.

The impressive statistics and stories of the hard-working team members brought coverage from the New York Times, Washington Post, ESPN and countless other national media outlets.

19

BUSINESS

RECOGNIZING 2014 DESIGNEES: Emerging 30 is comprised of local

businesses making a significant economic impact on the community based on annual revenue growth. Winners receive public acknowledgement of their achievements and are encouraged to offer their guidance and advice to help other small businesses grow during special networking and training opportunities tailored specifically to Emerging 30 designees.

Want to build a dynamic service company? “Start with building relationships that will last a life time.” says Jeff Loy, commercial partner at Dynamic Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (DSCS). Then make sure you provide cost privileges to your clients that make their investment ROI in your services as high as possible. Todd Strotman, operations partner, believes the same.

The core of DSCS is a culture of transparency and commitment to excellence in performance; everyone knows what’s going on, and their bent on not letting anyone down; each other, clients, suppliers, community, or potential clients.

To achieve this, DSCS has built a team based on trust. Jeff says it is essential to find and hire absolutely the best, those who’ll expect to be rewarded along with the owners and who’ll invest of themselves to make that happen.

Jeff added, “Faith and business experience have helped overcome the obstacles that crop up. Networking and connecting to good people are right behind. Then we’ve made sure our company is committed to giving back a lot to the community we serve as well. Finally, we’ve made it a principle to manage risk effectively.”

For DSCS, achieving lowest back-office costs in the logistics business means eliminating the need to do work more than once and prevent being a hassle to your clients.

For DSCS, this translates to three specific deliverables, invoice accuracy, service that eliminates the need for claims, and ontime delivery according to promise.

Growth is planned within the desires of the partners and will include continuing to hire the right people. As an exclusive agent for Premier Expeditors, Inc., DSCS handles from 5 local pounds, to heavyload international shipping, and they arewaiting to talk to you about your needs.

Website:www.shippei.com Submitted by Larry Nitardy, ComAssist 20

As cloud and mobile computing becomes ubiquitous, four-time Emerging 30 winner Nexigen is ahead of the curve. “We started our company offering shared servers to small businesses, it’s not new to us,” explains CFO J.J. Schaffer who co-founded the company in 2003 with Jon Salisbury.

Nexigen, based in Newport, KY, primarily serves manufacturing, healthcare and financial services industries where customers count on it for strategy, implementation and support.

“Within 10 years, most everything will be in the cloud,” Schaffer predicts. The cloud brings an even greater need for enhanced security, increased compliance, and requires a different IT skillset. The Nexigen team has it.

Nexigen is one of few places in the region to have a secure forensics lab onsite.

It has certified Forensic Hacking investigators on its team and partners with the NKU Cyber Defense Team to test customer cyber security. Its expertise includes: Audits, PCI, Security, HIPAA, SEC compliance, testing for phishing scams and more.

“Our people drive our customer service and ultimately our success,” says Schaffer.

Nexigen demonstrates daily how it puts clients first. For example, an employee recently went out of his way to help a customer get her car started. With 37 employees, the firm believes that culture is its key differentiator, our team constantly solves complex customer problems. Both customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction are equally important to us. We keep our culture fun and flexible so that our people like to work here.”

Schaffer also explains that customer focus is why Nexigen remains vendor agnostic, “We offer best of breed solutions. Our customer is always the leader. This is just another example of how Nexigen propels its growth by remaining agile and flexible.

Website: www.nexigen.com

This Hawk flies in the face of the ordinary to produce soaring results. “Your data anywhere,” is how Co-Founder Matt Strippelhoff describes Red Hawk Technologies.

An innovative application development boutique based in Newport, KY, Red Hawk creates innovative web and mobile apps that construct new revenue streams for clients. “We liberate data from silos while creating applications to empower clients,” said Strippelhoff, whose company focuses on B2B, healthcare, tech companies and manufacturing. Both mid-sized and large enterprises realize improvements from both greater and simplified access to information.

Speed to market, enhanced productivity and increased revenue are the top three reasons why clients turn to Red Hawk.

“Imagine, if key data and sales information was centrally located and accessible from multiple channels and locations—what would that do for your business?” Strippelhoff explained. “We’re consultative.

We look for fresh ways to integrate data to improve efficiency.”

Red Hawk’s labs are where the magic happens. This innovative approach to business solutions begins as collaboration with clients and will have a stronger focus this fall.

Strippelhoff and Co-Founder Ron Dunlevy attribute strong discipline muscles to their success. Strippelhoff’s advice to other business owners: “As the business leader, take time create a roadmap and growth plan. Decide on the resources you need and how you will finance them.”

With the growth of big data and the Internet of things, this three-time Emerging 30 winner will continue to soar.

Website: www.redhawk-tech.com

Submitted by Pamela Gilchrist, Gilchrist Group | Strauss Troy

Submitted by Pamela Gilchrist, Gilchrist Group | Strauss Troy

NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

The NKY Chamber congratulates the 2015 Emerging 30 Designees for achieving tremendous business growth Alpha Omega Industries, LLC

Florence Antique Mall

Altus Wealth Management

Gartman Insurance

Bannockburn Global Forex, LLC

Global to Local Language Solutions LLC

Blair Technology Group

Greater Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Bluegrass Commercial Group LLC

Legion Logistics, LLC

Business Backer

LGI CFO

Cru Cutters, LLC

Mobility Solutions, LLC

Divisions Maintenance Group Dynamic Supply Chain Solutions LLC exclusive agent for PEI

Nexigen Communications LLC North Bend Equipment, LLC

Emerge Managed Solutions

Outer Image Outdoor Services

Erigo Employer Solutions

Plumb Tite, LLC

Expense Reduction Analysts

Prolocity Cloud Solutions

Family Allergy & Asthma

Perfectware Solutions

Federal Supply

RoundTower Technologies

First In Trailer Service, Inc.

Wieda’s Marine

A special thanks to our 2015 Emerging 30 sponsors Title Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Award Sponsor

2015 Emerging 30 Event Sponsor: VonLehman & Company November/December 2015

NKY Chamber Business Journal

21

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NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Getting to Know Dr. Tasha Eurich The 2016 Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast Speaker We’ve heard of Dr. Laura and Dr. Phil. Meet Dr. T. Dr. Tasha Eurich is a New York Times best-selling author and organizational psychologist to some of the world’s top CEOs and companies. She will provide the keynote address at the January 2016 Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast.

Are we guilty of “delusional leadership?”

Do we know the keys to happiness and productivity? Is it possible to be compassionate and drive performance? These are some of the many issues that Dr. Eurich frequently addresses with candor and humor. She recently talked with the Women’s Initiative about her career.

“Making Leaders Awesome.” is your tagline. What makes an awesome leader?

Awesome (or bankable) leaders are able to manage a tension that, for many people, feels impossible—they get results and create happy engaged teams. Think about the best boss you’ve ever had—she probably treated you with compassion and expected top performance; expected you to take responsibility for your work and helped you succeed; pushed you to improve and showed appreciation for all you did; created a productive work environment and helped you have fun.

You have been a direct report to CEOs. What do you see as the biggest traps top leaders fall into?

According to research from the Center for Creative Leadership, more than 50% of leaders are ineffective. In my work for the past 15 years as an organizational psychologist, I’ve seen two ways leaders go wrong. They’re either the “Cool Parent,” who focuses so much on being liked and making their team happy that mediocrity is their hallmark, or they’re the “Trail of Dead Bodies” leader, who drives results no matter what the cost. The good news is that 70% of leadership is learnable (and yes, that’s a real statistic, not one I made up!)--I’m excited to bring some of my tried and true tools to help your leaders do just that.

Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit?

I started my first business at age 10 with November/December 2015

Parties United where we planned and managed children’s birthday parties for parents who preferred to delegate these duties and relax instead! It was a goldmine, and my friends and I were able to finance a lot of time at the mall by removing this stress from our clients’ lives.

My life’s work is to help leaders succeed. This passion began in my childhood. Shortly after I was born, my mother wanted to return to her job teaching high school English. She was shocked to learn that every local childcare center had a two-year waiting list. So with equal parts frustration and entrepreneurial spirit, she started the first business in the country that trained and certified nannies to be placed in the homes of single parents and dual-paycheck couples.

My mom would often take me to the office with her, and I surprised her with my unbridled enthusiasm. I’d proudly sit in her office chair, follow her to meetings, and make her dozens of photocopies of my hand, which I was sure would facilitate the success of her business. Though I wasted more office supplies than any six year old should, I had already become a student of leadership. I watched my mom solve problems, coach employees, and communicate her vision. Even at a young age, what she had accomplished wasn’t lost on me. Not only was she supporting our family, she was supporting the families of the 25 people who worked for her.

Leadership, I decided, was totally awesome. Thus became my lifelong obsession, which eventually led me to seek my doctorate in organizational psychology. Over the last 15 years, I’ve studied and applied the scientific principles of human behavior to help leaders and companies succeed. At its most basic level, my work is about helping people learn the skills they need to be successful at work (or, as a cliNKY Chamber Business Journal

ent of mine recently quipped, “Leadership is my Everest, and you are my Sherpa”).

While you received a Ph.D. in industrialorganizational psychology, you did undergraduate work in theatre and psychology. How do theatre and psychology fit together in a career?

Amazingly well—though I wish I could say it was intentional, it was a happy accident. I spent my whole life acting (I was even in a few professional productions), but my junior year of college, I convinced myself that I had to choose one over the other, and psychology won. Little did I know that 15 years later, my acting training would help me so much in my work as a speaker! I recently gave a talk to the theater and psychology majors at my alma mater, Middlebury College, that I called “Two Roads Converged in a Yellow Wood” (a nod to local poet Robert Frost’s famous poem)—the main lesson I shared from this experience is that if you follow your passions, you’ll blaze the right trail, even if it’s a bit untraditional.

You have been interviewed by some of the top journalists in the nation. Who is your favorite and why?

Rob Reuteman interviewed me for a cover story in Entrepreneur Magazine a few years ago. His questions were so deep and penetrating and the piece he wrote was just superb. He’s the only journalist who’s convinced me to go on the record about a few high profile leaders—the results may surprise you: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231512 What holds women back from achieving all they can be?

I have a mentor who is a very famous author. One thing I’ve learned from him is that it’s okay for women to be wildly ambitious. Female leaders can often feel torn Continued on next page 23

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT Continued from previous page between wanting to succeed and conforming to the role that society expects of them. They feel pressure to be compliant rather than determined, unobtrusive rather than forthcoming, self-effacing rather than self-promoting. This is a balance that I, and I think many women, will always struggle with. But my mentor has taught me that to have a successful business and a successful brand, you have to put yourself out there—we have to make sure that we’re not being arrogant jerks, but we should also be totally unapologetic about it!

You are on a Top 100 Thought Leaders list with icons such as Stephen Covey.

He tells people to think about how they would like to be remembered and work towards that. How do you want to be remembered?

It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but I want my legacy to be what I’ve left behind in the people I’ve helped. I have seen so many incredible transformations in the work that I do—both with individual leaders, teams and companies who have turned around or reached new heights of prosperity and success. I want to continue that work and

impact as many people as I possibly can to be more powerful, confident and successful at work and in life.

Regarding books, what is your favorite business book and what are you reading right now?

My favorite business book of all time is Switch: How to Change When Change is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath who are not only brilliant authors, but fantastic people. Another classic is Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won’t Get You There—Marshall is one of my mentors has provided me with incredible support over the years. I just re-read Adam Grant’s Give and Take for the third time—his crisp and engaging writing is really outstanding and his message about generosity is on point. Finally, I just bought a copy of Scott Halford’s new book, Activate Your Brain on the neuroscience of leadership—it’s a very sexy topic and I can’t wait to dive in!

In closing, what is your advice to women who want to make their career awesome?

I recently read that 50 percent of people want to change careers—first, make sure that the path you’ve chosen is the right

one. And if you’re not where you want to be yet, you have to begin, even if you have no idea what you’re doing. About 6 years ago, I’d just started my own company and was at a networking event. The speaker asked us to tell the person next to us our biggest, boldest career goal. I turned to the person beside me, and before I knew what happened, I blurted out, “I want to write a New York Times best-selling leadership book.” I was as stunned as she was.

For me, that dream felt very far away. I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I know that if I just started, I might stumble my way into the right answer. And that’s exactly what happened. I think that women put pressure on ourselves to be totally ready or completely clear about our path.

But looking back at my own life—and I think many people would agree—most of my successes have been a result of trial and error, lots of hard work, and a deep determination. One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Goethe: “Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

Women’s Initiative Profiles are written

by Laura Kroeger, Past Chair of the Women’s Initiative and President of Communications Project Partners.

Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast Presented by

January 27, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 am Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, KY

Come meet Dr. Tasha Eurich in person!

Donations will be accepted at the event for “Raise the Floor” - Gateway Community & Technical College’s training for women in manufacturing 24

All are welcome to attend.

Cost: $50 chamber members; $75 future members Award sponsor: BB&T Speaker sponsor: Toyota Event sponsors: Cinti/NKY International Airport, Delta Airlines Attendee gift sponsors: Lexus RiverCenter, Jeff Wyler Florence Table sponsors: Brighton Center, Frost Brown Todd, Loftus Plastic Surgery, VonLehman Sponsorships still available.

Register at: http://bit.ly/WI-AB2016 NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

AROUND THE CHAMBER

Chamber Snapshots

Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2016 Retreat

UPSTART 2015

Regional Youth Leadership Class of 2016 Retreat

Eggs ‘N Issues State of NKY Business After Hours

November/December 2015

NKY Chamber Business Journal

25

MEMBER MILESTONES

Member Milestones Zalla Companies Hires Matt Olliges Zalla Companies has recently named Matt Olliges as Director of Projects. Olliges has an extensive background in construction and development. He most recently served as Project Manager with Towne Properties. Prior experience includes working in single-family residential construction for Drees Homes and Cutter Construction.

Olliges serves on the NKY Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and is in his fourth term serving on Bellevue City Council. He also serves on the board for the Bellevue/Dayton Fire Department and is involved with the Regional Youth Leadership program.

In his role as Director of Projects at Zalla, Olliges will manage new projects while also developing commercial and residential opportunities with a focus on the urban core.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Dave Heidrich and Zalla Companies,” said Olliges. “ I look forward to increasing Zalla’s footprint in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.”

Zalla Companies Celebrates 50th Anniversary Zalla Companies, a commercial real estate developer throughout Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Bill Zalla, a Boone County native, founded Zalla Construction back in 1965. For the past ten years Dave Heidrich has served as CEO of Zalla Companies. Heidrich’s primary focus since joining Zalla has been in commercial development of office, medical, and industrial facilities.

All of Zalla’s properties are owned and operated by Bill Zalla and Dave Heidrich.

Their philosophy and success is built on long-term relationships with their tenants and partners. The company found success in the medical field and developed seven different practice facilities in NKY for tenants such as St. Elizabeth Hospital, Christ Hospital and American Dental Partners.

One of Zalla’s most significant and current developments is the Chamber Of26

Promotions, Appointments, New Jobs & Awards:

Submit your Milestones by email to rgibeau@nkychamber.com. Posts are limited to about 250 characters. Photos should be 300 dpi and of good quality. Submissions may be edited.

fice Park in Ft. Mitchell; a ten-year project comprised of thirteen buildings and over 300,000 square feet. They recently completed a ten million dollar facility for Commonwealth Orthopaedics and St. Elizabeth Physicians on US 42 in Florence.

They are also currently developing a 60acre Grant County site on Barnes Road in Williamstown for highway, commercial, and retail space.

76% of the winners have more than 500 employees on the health plan.

HORAN’s wellness program was established seven years ago and the organization is proud of its tremendous success.

The company was recognized as a Cincinnati Healthiest Employer (2012, 2013 and 2014), a Dayton Healthiest Employer (2014, 2015) and a Healthy Ohio Healthy Worksite honoree (2014).

HORAN Named One of America’s Healthiest Workplace HORAN, a leading advisor in employee benefits and financial services, was named one of the 2015 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America. The award recognizes employers that demonstrate strategic thought leadership and help define the course of corporate wellness.

Healthiest Employers™, a leading researcher in corporate health, recognized HORAN as the 90th healthiest workplace in the country. HORAN was one of only eight companies with fewer than 100 employees on its health plan to be awarded.

“HORAN promotes workplace wellness to enhance the well-being of our employees and provide a model for our clients,” said Terry Horan, President and CEO of HORAN. “We believe that our employees are our company’s biggest asset. We also believe that healthy employees contribute to a productive and positive workplace environment for our clients. Because of these beliefs, our goal is to ensure that we are taking care of our employees and that they have the tools to take care of themselves.”

The top 35% of all employers who participated in their local Healthiest Employers wellness assessment were asked to complete a Healthiest 100 evaluation which primarily focused on wellness outcomes.

Healthiest Employers assessed more than 800 finalists on six wellness-related criteria: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming and interventions and reporting and analysis. The results produced the Healthiest 100 list.

More than one-third of the 2015 Healthiest 100 represent the Midwest region and

LGI CFO Grows Along with WomenOwned, Women-Run Businesses LGI CFO, the greater Cincinnati outsourced CFO company catering to small businesses and nonprofits, is going strong as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The company, led by founder and CEO Steve Lumley, has averaged revenue growth of 34.7 percent each year over the past three years and is actively looking to hire a sixth outsourced CFO. LGI CFO clients in light manufacturing, distribution, logistics, services and contracting have been steadily increasing. In fact, Lumley said he has seen a recent uptick in women-run and women-owned business clients.

“Another reason we are growing is that we are doing a great job for those who refer business to us,” said Lumley. “We’ve got experienced, talented CFOs working for us, so we have a lot of things working together.”

Lumley started his business in 1990, when he saw the need for companies that required a CFO skill set, but didn’t call for paying a full time CFO salary for that position. “I saw the opportunity for that position to be outsourced,” said Lumley. “Companies can save up to 60 to 80 percent of the cost of a full time CFO by outsourcing the position.”

Most companies generating $40 million and more annually probably have a strong controller or a CFO already, said Lumley.

But that leaves a lot of vibrant, smaller businesses as potential customers for companies like LGI. “Another way to look at it is, if you have an outsourced CFO and you are paying him or her about three-quarters of what

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November/December 2015

you would pay a full time CFO, then it’s probably time to think about bringing a CFO in house,” he said.

Lumley said that once a business begins to generate about $2 million in revenue per year, it should begin to investigate going beyond what a CPA or internal bookkeeper can do. “So far this year, my team of CFOs has seen steady growth in the local economy,” said Lumley. “The only mitigating factor is growth in overseas areas like China, Japan and Europe. It looks like our economy is going to expand; the only caution is the world economy.”

Fives Cincinnati Weier Appointed to Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board KY Governor Steve Beshear has appointed Bill Weier, Human Resources Director at Fives Cincinnati, to the newly reconstituted Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB). Weier is one of several new board members representing the state’s manufacturing sector, and he will serve a term that expires June 2018.

The KWIB’s overarching goal is “to build a workforce in Kentucky that companies cannot wait to hire,” according the Governor. The board is to develop recommendations for strategically aligning the state’s workforce, economic and educational systems, business and labor, and elected officials so that workers acquire the skills and credentials that businesses need to compete and create jobs in KY. Fives is a nationally recognized workforce-development leader that invests heavily in training for all levels of its staff, from trade-school apprentices to senior management. “Staff development is a social issue, an economic issue and a national security issue that we take seriously,” said Weier. “It is vital for companies like Fives, because it takes years to develop the skills and knowledge required to thrive in computer-driven manufacturing. We believe we know what it takes to succeed, and we are anxious to help guide KWIB to its goal.”

Fives starts employee development early by hosting high-school tech campers from area universities. “It’s important to influence career choices early,” said Kevin Lichtenberg, Fives VP & GM U.S. Operations. The company also participated in the recent White House Upskill Summit, a national initiative launched by President November/December 2015

MEMBER MILESTONES Obama. Fives is currently paying salary and tuition for 12 apprentices who work and attend Gateway Community and Technical College, and the company has invested more than $2 million in the nationally featured program since 2005.

Fives Investments in Manufacturing Science Yield Multiple Patents Fives Machining Systems, Inc. highlights the intellectual horsepower behind heavy manufacturing with 10 recent patents. The patents cover new production technologies and enhancements, quality improvement technologies, and component life enhancements. The developments are concentrated in the fields of metal cutting and composites processing.

Eight of the patents alone relate to composite part manufacturing, a technology where Fives holds a world leadership position, as demonstrated at the recent Paris Air Show. Patents related to metal cutting systems include two different vibration damping technologies for machine tool structures, as well as a vibration damper designed for rotary encoders.

“We are fortunate to be part of a global multi-disciplinary company like Fives that produces intellectual property in many different fields, and invests a large percent of annual sales in research,” said Dan Janka, Chief Executive Officer, Fives Machining Systems.

Paul C. Perrin Joins CT Consultants CT Consultants, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Paul Perrin, PE, SE, LEED AP Associate to its staff. Mr. Perrin joins CT Consultants as a Structural Engineer in the Cincinnati office. His responsibilities include project management, project development and technical support. In addition, he will assist clients with developing and managing projects to address a wide variety of infrastructure needs.

Paul has 20 years of experience as a structural engineer and project manager on a variety of municipal, military, and retail projects. His expertise includes design of buildings, tanks, and other structures, building renovations, seismic design, risk assessments, progressive collapse analysis, and blast design. Mr. Perrin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from VA Polytechnic Institute NKY Chamber Business Journal

& State University and a Master of Engineering degree in Structural Engineering from UC Berkeley.

Paul is a registered professional engineer in CA, KY, OH, SD, VA and WA. Additionally, he holds registration for structural engineering in CA, HI and WA. Gateway New Student Representative Felicia Wilson will serve as the student representative to the Gateway Community and Technical College Board of Directors for a one-year term.

Wilson lives in Bellevue and is pursuing an associate degree in pre-nursing. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and enjoys volunteering at the Dragonfly Foundation, an organization for children with cancer.

She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Northern Kentucky University.

Wilson was elected by her peers to represent the student voice on the Gateway Board of Directors.

NKU Employee Receives LULAC Award A NKU admissions coordinator has received a prestigious award for her work with Latino and other underrepresented students. Leyla Peña, who works at NKU as a Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment, was selected by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Cincinnati Council to receive the “Professional Excellence” Award at the LULAC Awards Gala in September at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

LULAC, the oldest civil rights Hispanic organization in the U.S., “recognizes and appreciates the significant contributions (Peña) has made to the Hispanic community.” The LULAC Cincinnati Awards Gala celebrates the positive impact of those who shape the diversity and race relations in the Cincinnati and NKY community. The organization will also award 23 LULAC scholarships to underserved and talented Hispanic students from the tri-state area.

Peña, a native of the Dominican Republic, has worked at NKU since 2011. At NKU she specializes in recruitment, and serves as an admissions counselor and coordinator for multicultural programs. She also helps organize Spanish Norse Days and an annual Latino College Fair, which introduces potential students to NKU. “I have the opportunity to really connect with Latino and other Hispanic students and serve as a facilitator so they can pursue a college education,” Peña said. “I help parents to see their children thrive in col27

MEMBER MILESTONES lege, and it is very rewarding.”

Leo Calderon, who has more than 29 years of experience at NKU and currently serves as the Director of Latino Programs and Services, has worked with Peña and multicultural recruitment over the last four years. “She has helped to create recruitment strategies for underrepresented populations,” Calderon said. “Working together we’ve been able to be very successful.”

Peña is honored to be recognized by LULAC. “We’re working at NKU to focus on our Latino students’ success,” Peña said.

“We want to continue to be the leading university in the region for Latino students.”

NKU names Hales CFO Michael Hales has joined NKU as Chief Financial Officer. Hales will provide leadership, management, and policy advice on all strategic and tactical matters pertaining to the fiscal operations and financial management of the University. He will also lead NKU’s transition to an incentivebased budget model.

“Mike is a strong collaborator, communicator, change manager, and financial leader who will play a critical role in helping align the resources and strategic assets of the University with our mission and goals,” NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns said.

Hales has more than 25 years’ financial experience at the Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps Co. His most recent role was Vice President for Finance, Newspapers Division. He is a certified public accountant and a graduate of NKU, where he received an accounting degree in 1987.

“I am happy to join the university from which I graduated 28 years ago and help contribute to its success,” Hales said. “Being part of a university with such a worthwhile mission of providing student-centered education makes this a dream job for me.”

NKU honored with Role Models Award NKU has been honored with a national award for its commitment to diversity.

Minority Access, a national nonprofit committed to increasing diversity, decreasing disparities, and reducing incidences of environmental injustices, honored the school by naming it a recipient of the Role Models Award, calling NKU “an institution committed to diversity for 2015.”

“NKU is proud to be recognized for our 28

commitment to diversity and inclusive xcellence,” said NKU President Geoffrey Mearns. “We are working to build and preserve a community where all students, faculty, and staff experience a safe and inclusive campus environment. This award acknowledges that we are making progress toward that goal.”

The Minority Access mission is to assist colleges and universities, the Federal overnment, and agencies of other governments and corporations of all kinds in implementing programs and providing services to recruit, enhance and retain underserved and underrepresented populations. Minority Access has received national acclaim for its successful track record in advancing educational, research and employment opportunities through the National Role Models Project, National Role Models Conference, student internship programs, college readiness and access programs, and other enriching programs.

UpTech Announces Its Fourth Class UpTech, Cincinnati’s informatics accelerator, today announced that nine startups will be a part of its fourth class. The six-month program begins in September.

Each team will receive free office space in Covington, a team of business support partners, mentors, and community partners including local corporations and universities. The nine UpTech IV companies were selected from a pool of companies from all across the United States as well as from Chile, Thailand, Spain and Italy. UpTech’s newest portfolio companies include the following: Bevy: Bevy allows businesses a scalable way to identify, contact and hire key influencers who enhance the equity of their brands.

Blinkit: Blinkit is a B2B community that match-makes designers, vendors and buyers.

Capsule: Capsule uses augmented reality to answer the age old questions, “What happened here?” by enabling people to record their story about the world around them and share its location for others to uncover.

Fanvester: Fanvester is an online platform designed to allow people to crowdfund live music entertainment.

Gamejoule: Gamejoule is all about bringing back game night. The ‘Netflix for board games’ brings back the fun by getting families and friends together through NKYChamber.com

a monthly subscription service.

Hive: Hive gives all artists—big or small—a chance to get noticed, to make a difference, and to make a living doing what they love. Hive is a photo and video sharing platform that rewards posting awesome content.

KiwiLive: KiwiLive is a mobile website that provides easy, real-time interaction between presenters and their audience members. The product offers audience polling, instant file exchange, audience commenting and even follow-up action plans.

Lifecycle: Lifecycle is a customer communication platform that helps web and mobile apps acquire, convert and retain their first million users by sending better outbound messages.

Stockpilz: Stockpilz changes the purchase process for commodity industries by creating an easy to use marketplace for buyers and sellers of excess commodities.

Upon graduation members of UpTech IV will continue to receive support through a partnership with the Kentucky Innovation Network.

National Band & Tag Named a Perfect 10 Certified Culture National Band & Tag Co. of Newport, Ky., has been named a “Perfect 10 Certified Culture” for its positive corporate culture. National Band & Tag also joins an elite group of only three percent of all family businesses that survive to a fifth generation, said Perfect 10 Corporate Culture President Lynne Ruhl.

“We value our employees as part of the family and we listen to them and care about what they think,” said Faye Haas Wendel, National Band & Tag president and a fourth-generation family member. “We give them the right tools to do their jobs.”

The company manufactures identification solutions for various industries including poultry, cattle, lab animal research, dog and cat rabies vaccinations, wildlife conservation, and industrial applications and was named 2009 winner of the TriState Family Business of the Decade by the Goering Center for Family Business.

“The only way to establish a trust-filled culture is to be intentional in developing the culture you want. National Band and November/December 2015

Tag has done an excellent job of listening to and effectively communicating with employees,” said Ruhl.

Bebe Kinnett, Local Business Women, Named International Award Winner Bebe Kinnett, an Author, Public Speaker and Owner of Absolute Web Designs has been named the 2015 International Femtor Award recipient in the Business Match Maker of the Year category. Bebe’s nomination was selected from numerous applicants across the world. The award recognizes one unique woman who has consistently gone out of her way to help other businesses succeed.

This prestigious international honor is awarded to women who have proven themselves to be an exemplary role models in the world of business. Kinnett said, ““This award encourages entrepreneurs to network and assist other businesses to be successful. It is truly an honor to be acknowledged by an International organization.”

Adam V. Metzler, M.D. Now Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers is pleased to announce that Sports Medicine, Knee, and Shoulder specialist, Adam V. Metzler, M.D., has been certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Board Certification is, according to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

November/December 2015

MEMBER MILESTONES (ABOS), “the gold standard for medical specialization in the US.” The ABOS goes on to say that “a Board certified physician has met certain standards and passed tests that are developed to assure the public that he or she has been adequately trained in a given specialty.”

Dr. Adam V. Metzler received his M.D. from the UC College of Medicine where he received the Robert E. Ott Award as Valedictorian of his class.

Dr. Metzler subsequently completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at UC where he earned the Peter J. Stern, M.D. Chief Resident Leadership Award, the Chief Resident of the Year Peer Award and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Chief Resident of the Year. Dr. Metzler completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship and was Team Physician for the UK. Since completing his Fellowship, Dr. Metzler is continuing his support of local athletes by serving as the Team Physician for Holy Cross HS and for St. Henry HS. Dr. Metzler’s areas of interest include; anterior cruciate and complex knee ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair, cartilage restoration surgery, pa-

NKY Chamber Business Journal

tella-femoral instability, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability, total knee replacement, and fracture care.

Woolpert Projects in NC and IN The University of North Carolina Charlotte has contracted with Woolpert to renovate the five campus buildings that make up the school’s Academic Complex.

The $14.5 million budgeted for construction will provide for upgrades to the facilities’ mechanical, electrical and plumbing, and the installation of a fire protection system. In addition to accessibility upgrades, the project will provide new interior finishes and exterior windows, and will address minor building settlement.

Woolpert is an architecture, engineering and geospatial firm focusing on higher education projects. With offices in the Carolinas and throughout the US, the Dayton, OH-based company has ongoing university projects with the University of North Carolina Charlotte, The Citadel, Miami University, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia Southern University, Norfolk State University and Tuskegee University, among others.

Poag Shopping Centers has contracted with Woolpert to provide design and engineering services for the $11.1 million

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MEMBER MILESTONES redevelopment of its 600,000-squarefoot retail center in Plainfield, Ind. “Our participation in the project started in planning, landscape and civil engineering, partnering with Poag as a coordination consultant,” Program Director James Goggan said. “Our services expanded into architecture as the owners’ needs evolved. Woolpert is fortunate in that our firm has the means and expertise to take a project from civil engineering to architecture to structural engineering to landscaping, and continue on through opening and asset management.”

NKU opens Schneider Observatory A new facility at Northern Kentucky University will bring students and the community closer to the stars than ever before. The Julie and David Schneider Observatory will provide a research laboratory for NKU students and faculty as well as for community members. “We are grateful for the Schneider Observatory, which will provide our faculty and students with improved research opportunities and allow us to grow outreach to our community partners,” said Dr. Katherine Frank, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Located on the roof of Founders Hall, the tallest academic building on NKU’s Highland Heights campus, the 1,000 square-foot observatory features a retractable roof and eight permanent telescopes. The rooftop is an ideal location for observing celestial bodies due to both the height of the five-story building and NKU’s location atop a hill. The observatory is located approximately 921 feet above sea level.

The observatory is made possible by a gift from Julie and David Schneider, NKU alumni and supporters.

Southern Air Inc. Extends Lease Worldwide Air Logistics Group and its parent company, Southern Air Holdings, Inc., today announced they have extended the lease for their headquarters in NKY at Turfway Ridge Office Park.

Worldwide offers diversified ACMI and CMI air cargo service offerings through its separate air carrier operating companies.

Southern Air is a critical and growing provider of airlift services for DHL Express and other customers, offering safe, fuelefficient, domestic and intercontinental ACMI/CMI services on routes around the world with its fleet of Boeing 777 and 737 freighters. Southern Air currently em-

ploys approximately 400 in Kentucky and its other global locations.

The Turfway Road location houses headquarters for Worldwide and Southern Air Inc. Florida West International Airways Inc. remains based in Miami, Florida.

“With its excellent workforce, quality of life, and exceptional business climate, the Commonwealth has been a terrific partner for us since we relocated to Kentucky two years ago,” said Dan McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide. “Our renewed commitment to the Northern Kentucky area will allow us to further build upon on our strong partnership with the community and continue to support DHL Express at its main U.S. hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.”

“Ever since Southern Air made the decision in 2013 to relocate to Kentucky, we have worked with the company as a strategic partner to ensure its success,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “The impact Worldwide and Southern Air have in concert with DHL’s presence is immense and continues to have a beneficial ripple effect on our economy. We are fortunate to be blessed with an ideal location for logistics, but this lease extension also serves as a powerful testament to Kentucky’s workforce, quality of life and business climate.”

Plante Moran Announces the Election of Three New Partners Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, has announced three new partners in its Cincinnati office.

Andy Covode, CPA, is based in the firm’s Cincinnati office. He joined Plante Moran in 2000. Covode is a leader in the firm’s Food and Beverage and Manufacturing and Distribution industry groups. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree from UC. James Minutolo, JD, is based in the firm’s Cincinnati office.

He joined Plante Moran in 2002. Minutolo is a member of Plante Moran’s National Tax Office. He assists businesses and business owners with structuring and implementing sophisticated tax strategies. Minutolo holds a bachelor’s

degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from Vanderbilt Law School.

Jonathan Winterkorn, CPA, is based in the firm’s Cincinnati office. He joined Plante Moran in 2006.

Winterkorn is a leader in the firm’s national Tax Solutions Group.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University.

Hemmer to Build Expansion for GotPrint Paul Hemmer Company (Hemmer) is poised to begin a 32,000 sq. ft. expansion for GotPrint’s Northern Kentucky facility at the Riverview Business Park, 2000 Arbor Tech Drive, Hebron, Ky. The expansion represents a $6 million investment

by GotPrint to grow the capacity of its Northern Kentucky manufacturing/printing operation. Construction will begin in September and is scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

“We went with Hemmer for numerous reasons,” said Mike Foley, general manager of the Hebron operation, who has spent three decades in the printing business. “We looked at the types of companies in the region, and we narrowed our choices down to the Aces in the deck.

We looked at their proposals, the pricing, their history in the business. We thought Hemmer gave us the best buy for our buck with its pricing, its history in the market, its good feedback and its turn-around time. I thought Hemmer hit a home run with all of those. Hemmer was definitely pretty aggressive on their pricing.”

Paul Hemmer Jr., CEO, and Hemmer Vice Presidents Jack Levermann and Mike Hemmer are leading the project.

Hemmer to build 898,560 sq. ft. Facility at CVG Airport Site Developers of a 52-acre site adjacent to CVG have chosen Paul Hemmer Company (Hemmer) to build an 898,560-squarefoot facility there. The development is a joint-venture of Dermody Properties and Hillwood Investment Properties.Dermody Properties and Hillwood leased the land site at 1600 Donaldson Rd. in Erlanger, Ky., from CVG earlier this year. The facility, initiated as a speculative development, is now being developed for Wayfair Inc. To build the expansive structure, Hemmer will put more than 20 acres under one roof. The facility, known as LogistiCenterSM at 275, will be the largest single development, by square footage, in the

history of Dermody Properties. It is the company’s third development in the Kentucky market, and the second built by Hemmer, which constructed Dermody Properties’ LogistiCenter Louisville in 2014. Construction is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2016.

Paul Hemmer Jr., CEO of Paul Hemmer Company, is project manager; Ron Heck, Hemmer Construction Manager, is superintendent. John Curtin, Hemmer Senior Vice President, is relationship manager; Vice President Mike Hemmer managed pre-construction and estimating. Jake Williams of ATA Beilharz Architects designed the facility.

Hemmer Helps Grace Fellowship Church Grace Fellowship Church celebrated its first worship services in Ft. Thomas on September 13, thanks to a 4,400 s.f. building renovation completed by Paul Hemmer Company.

The project has included renovation of three existing suites in the Ft. Thomas Plaza at 90 Alexandria Pike to include classrooms, meeting areas, and office space. Hemmer has a strong working relationship with Grace Fellowship; the company has previously constructed a 12,000 s.f. second-story tenant finish build-out for the church, and has completed several projects on their main campus on Gunpowder Road in Florence, notably a 7,700 s.f. remodel last summer.

MEMBER MILESTONES The new space includes updated and attractive finishes that meet the needs of the church. And, Hemmer was able to complete the project according to Grace Fellowship’s tight timeline—beginning with demolition in July and completing the finishing touches in early September.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare, NKU Announce $8M Investment Northern Kentucky University has received an $8 million gift from St. Elizabeth Healthcare to support its new Health Innovation Center, NKU resident Geoffrey S. Mearns and St. Elizabeth Healthcare CEO Garren Colvin announced.

“This generous investment will benefit our students, faculty, and the community for years to come,” Mearns said. “Today we celebrate our partnership with St. Elizabeth Healthcare and this new step we take together to lead with excellence and leave a lasting impact upon healthcare in our region, the Commonwealth, and the nation.”

The $8 million investment directly supports the design and construction of simulation facilities, including a two-story comprehensive virtual care environment that will provide students with an active learning experience and training across the continuum of care. This simulation area will be named the St. Elizabeth

Healthcare Simulation Center.

“The ongoing education and training for our staff and clinicians is of utmost importance to us,” Colvin said. “From our partnership with the Mayo Clinic to this investment in the Health Innovation Center at NKU, we are dedicated to providing best-in-class healthcare to our region. I believe this Center will be a model to be emulated across the country.”

The high-tech simulation center will include simulation space, clinical skills suites, nursing skills suites, imaging suites, and classroom and collaborative spaces. It will also provide cutting-edge simulation equipment to help students learn real-world skills in a safe environment. The center will be outfitted with video recording capabilities to aid in the learning experience.

The gift is the first to the Health Innovation Center and the second-largest gift in NKU’s 48-year history. The Health Innoation Center is funded by a $97 million allocation from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The project will include construction of a new facility and the renovation of Founders Hall, the second-oldest academic building at NKU. The Health Innovation Center will offer a new, cross-functional educational experience where students and faculty from various colleges and disciplines will address

Like you, we care about the health and well-being of your employees and the communities where they live.

Join us in inspiring people to live healthier, happier lives.

You’ll see a healthier bottom line for your business, too.

GCHJFTHEN 0915 November/December 2015

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MEMBER MILESTONES population health management issues and seek new solutions to the health and wellness challenges we face today. A committee of business and healthcare leaders from across the region has been contributing to the plans for the Center since 2014.

Thomas More College Brings in Record Full-Time Enrollment Bucking both national and statewide trends, Thomas More College is pleased to announce record full-time enrollment for the Fall 2015 semester. TMC also brought in the second-largest freshmen class in college history and set a record for students living on-campus.

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports a 1.9% decrease in postsecondary enrollment from 2014 to 2015. Likewise, numbers just released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities show first-time freshmen commitments are down, on average, 2.91% while transfer student commitments are down, on average, 10.24% from year to year. But the story on Thomas More College’s campus is a far different one. TMC’s first-time freshmen commitments are up 5.82% over last year. Transfer student commitments are up 18.87% at TMC in 2015 versus 2014.

Joint Replacement Surgeon Joins Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers Knee and Hip specialist, Jonathon M. Spanyer, M.D., has joined Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers. Dr. Spanyer specializes in Knee and Hip Joint Replacement and Reconstruction.

A native of Cincinnati, Dr. Spanyer attended Lakota West High School and the University of Cincinnati where he earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering. He went on to receive his M.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louisville. Dr. Spanyer chose to sub-specialize with a Fellowship in Adult Reconstruction for Knee and Hip Replacement at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard University Medical School in Boston, MA, prior to returning to the Tri-State area to practice.

While training at MGH/Harvard Medi32

cal School, Dr. Spanyer focused special attention on surgical techniques for Rapid Recovery after total joint replacement, perfecting techniques to allow his patients a more predictable and earlier return to home and activities of daily living after joint replacement. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work in the field of Orthopaedics, and has received multiple research grants and published and presented dozens of research studies both nationally and internationally during his career. Dr. Spanyer has participated in several medical mission trips to underserved areas of Honduras, Ecuador, and Haiti.

Gilman Partners names Simmons VP Gilman Partners, is pleased to announce the hiring of Elizabeth “Lee” Simmons as Vice President of the firm.

Lee’s primary responsibilities include serving, expanding and diversifying Gilman Partners’ client base.

“We are very pleased to welcome Lee to Gilman Partners,” said Tom Gilman, Managing Partner and CEO. With over 25 years of experience as a successful business leader and philanthropic executive, Lee brings a unique and integrated perspective to the Gilman Partners executive team that will assist us in expanding our client outreach in the healthcare and notfor-profits sectors.”

Prior to joining the Gilman Partners’ Team, Lee served as VP Philanthropy, and President of the Museums Foundation at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal for more than eight years. Her noteworthy career includes a 19 year tenure with Lee Hecht Harrison, a global provider of leadership development and talent management solutions where she served as Senior VP/Regional Sales Director.

Her commitment to the community is evident by the numerous non-profit boards she has served on, including the Cincinnati Ballet, Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Board of Overseers, Junior League, and International Association of Career Management Professionals. Other leadership roles include the Cincinnatus Association and the steering committee for Leadership Cincinnati.

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Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts with a dual major in History and English from the University of Mississippi, and a Masters of Education in Counseling from Xavier University.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks NKU Among Top Schools in America Northern Kentucky University is among the top higher education institutions in America, according to new rankings by U.S. News & WorldReport.

NKU is ranked 80th among regional universities in the South, and ranked 38th among public schools in the South.

The university also made the list of Best Colleges for Veterans and the list of Best Undergraduate Business Programs.

“These rankings reinforce that something special is happening at NKU,” said NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “They are also a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, who put student success at the center of all that they do.”

U.S. News & World Report uses 16 indicators of academic excellence to formulate its rankings. They include academic reputation, student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, graduation rates and financial resources. NKU graduated the largest class in its 48-year history in May, conferring degrees upon more than 1,780 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students. This fall, NKU welcomed the most academicallyqualified incoming class in school history, with a median ACT score of 24.

Newport on the Levee Secures Prestigious Office Tenant Newport on the Levee (NOTL) announced that the David J. Joseph Company (DJJ) will be joining the property’s “Creative Class Office Suites” in January 2016. DJJ, a world leader in metal brokerage and transportation services, will be occupying 11,512 sq. ft. on the Mezzanine Level of the main Gallery Building and will employ approximately 40-50 people.

The securing of DJJ is just another aspect of the transformation that the Levee has seen over the past year. In November 2014, NOTL broke ground on the $80M mixed-use development, Aqua on the Levee, which includes 850 additional parking spaces, 239 apartments, 8,000 sq. ft. of street-level retail, and the first Aloft hotel in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. The first phase of Aqua on the Levee is set to open in spring 2016.

November/December 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 11/4 Advanced Smart Owners Series: How to Use Metrics to Manage and Grow your Business 11/4 Employer Solutions Series: NKY Chamber Hosts OSHA 10-HR Certification Training 11/5 Women’s Initiative ACHIEVE Luncheon 11/5 LNK Alumni Happy Hour 11/6 Chance to Meet: Duke Energy and The Salyers Group 11/10 2016 Regional Economic Outlook 11/10 Advanced Smart Owners Series: Managing Finance & Accounting for the Small Business Owner 11/11 Employer Solutions: HR Webinar - Who Is an Independent Contractor and What If We Get It Wrong?

11/13 Your Chamber is a Goldmine 11/16 Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour at The Chart House 11/17 Social Media by the Book 11/18 Advanced Smart Owners Series: Legal Aspects, Succession Planning and Estate Planning for Business Owners

DECEMBER 12/1 Getting the Most from Your Chamber Membership 12/9 Employer Solutions: HR Webinar - Complying with the ADA

4th Annual NKY Wellness Challenge 8-week Wellness Challenge will run from January 18, 2016 thru March 11, 2016 Check it out! It’s a fun opportunity for employers to build teamwork within their organizations, & compete for a good cause – healthy lifestyles! Score points when you: Track physical activity Increase consumption of water, fruits & veggies Earn points for flu shots, health screenings, tobacco free, and more…

Bonus points for participation in community wellness opportunities What are you waiting for? Register today! http://bit.ly/NKY-WC2016 Champion Sponsor

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Media Sponsor

12/15 Eggs ‘N Issues: Common Core

JANUARY 1/12 Eggs ‘N Issues 1/14 Employers Solutions Series: Talent & HR 1/18 2016 NKY Wellness Challenge 1/27 Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast For details and registration visit: www.nkychamber.com/events November/December 2015

The NKY Wellness Challenge is a community-wide initiative that encourages healthy worksites and celebrates progress made by company-based teams from across NKY and Greater Cincinnati.

The fee for NKY Chamber member company teams to participate is $75 per team. Chamber member teams that register by November 15, 2015 will receive a discounted early-bird registration fee of $50. *Registration fee for nonmember company teams is $125/team and will be open on November 15th.

NKY Chamber Business Journal

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

River City News 621 Madison Avenue Covington, KY Chamber Ambassadors-Kevin Richardson and Barney Creevy, Covington Mayor Sherry Carran, Mainstrasse Businessman Charles Killian, Chamber President Trey Grayson, associate editor Bryan Burke, President & Publisher Michael Monks, Covington businessman Richard Hunt, Associate Editor Chuck Beatty, and Republic Bank’s Tom Tilmes.

Welcome & Congratulations

Stock Yards Bank & Trust 2635 Alexandria Pike Highland Heights, KY L-R Dave Pierce, Joe Shuff, Brian Finley, Stephen Brown, Ashley Boone, Dan Bachman, Jaclyn Wright-Morgan, Erin Arnold, Shellie Muck, Patrick Gamble, Thad Bloch, and Chris Kirksey

The Christ Hospital Wellness Room Fort Mitchell City Building 2355 Dixie Highway Fort Mitchell, KY Left to Right: Sharmili Reddy (city administrator), Lamarr Burton (Public Works), Mayor Jude Hehman, Officer Shane Best (behind the Mayor), Fire Chief Jim Hils, Vic DiPilla, Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for The Christ Hospital

Convergys 1101 Pacific Avenue Erlanger, KY

Go Beyond Medicine 747 Buttermilk Pike Crescent Springs, KY (859) 586-0111 Left to Right: Annette Oldiges with L&N Credit Union, Daniel Johnson, Dr. Mike Grogan, Lesley, Jamie, Kristi Grogan, Jessica, and Sharon and Barney Frank, Ambassador

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 Ruth Eger at 859-578-6395 to schedule your FREE ribbon cutting today!

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From Convergys: Sherry Foote-HR Business Partner; Joe Westendorf-Site Leader ; Debra Arthur -Talent Acquisition Manager; also, Trey Grayson, NKY Chamber, Tyson Betts, Mayor of Erlanger; Kevin Donnelly, NKY Tri-ED They were joined by Ambassadors: Michelle James and Kim Bradley – and our sponsor, Ellen Barnett & Laquinta Strickland of L&N Credit Union

Fort Mitchell City Building 2355 Dixie Highway Fort Mitchell, KY Mayor Jude Hehman invited all current and former Mayors and City Council Members to join in the Ribbon Cutting.

They were joined by Ambassadors: Jeff Loy, Dan Hammonds, Karralee List – and our sponsor, Ellen Barnett of L&N Credit Union

Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored By

NKYChamber.com

November/December 2015

LIGHTING THE WAY. MAKING A LASTING IMPACT. At NKU, our students come to learn, and they learn to lead. We’re proud of our students and the lasting impact they make on our campus, the community, and around the world.

For example, through the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project, hundreds of organizations have been supported through direct funding and service learning. Our students partner with non-profits and support community initiatives through small grants. Total giving by the Mayerson Student Philanthropy program will soon exceed $1 million. civicengagement.nku.edu