NKY Business Journal September/October 2019

BUSINESS JOURNAL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

THE LEADERSHIP SHOWCASE DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & REGIONAL LEADERSHIP 8 PUT DOWN THE REMOTE 20 DAN IN REAL LIFE 26

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THE LEADERSHIP EDITION SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

PICTURED: Jeremy Schrand and Kathrine Nero, hosts of the NKY Spotlight podcast, interview former NKY Chamber President Steve Stevens (2006-2014).

CONTENTS 4 Outgoing Chair's Letter

28 RYL Class of 2020

6 Incoming Chair's Letter

29 25 Years of Future Leaders

8 Diversity, Inclusion & Regional Leadership

30 LNK Class of 2020

12 New Leaders in Economic Development Take the Helm 14 Ladies Who Lead

ON THE COVER: Congratulations to the 2019 Ruth A. Eger Leaders of Distinction: (L to R) Jude Hehman – CEO – Furlong Building, Mayor – City of Fort Mitchell (Leadership NKY Class of 2013); Karen Cheser – Superintendent – Fort Thomas Independent Schools (Leadership NKY Class of 2012); Dr. Raymond Hebert – Professor – Thomas More University (Leadership NKY Class of 1995); Dave Schroeder – Executive Director – Kenton County Public Library (Leadership NKY Class of 2008)

18 Acsend: Discover Your Next Level 20 Put Down the Remote 22 Benefits of Board Membership 24 2019-2020 Board of Directors 26 Dan in Real Life

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

31 Making Meaningful Connections 32 Yes, Virginia, There is Nicotine in the Vapor 36 2019 NGLA Winners 38 Around the Chamber Photos 46 Ribbon Cuttings 49 Member Milestones 50 Events Calendar

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OUTGOING CHAIR’S LETTER

JIM PARSONS

Outgoing Chair, NKY Chamber Partner, Keating Muething & Klekamp PPL

— We pride ourselves in being a “member led” Chamber. We are able to do great things only because our members are committed to the Region, the NKY Chamber and to our mission.

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WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN Overall, we did what we do for Northern Kentucky! It seems best, and what we have been doing like each week new projects were for the past fifty years – leading, announced, ground was broken connecting and advocating on behalf or a ribbon was cut.. The past of our members and for the overall year we witnessed such things as betterment of our region. continued good news at CVG, the The staff at the NKY Chamber, led groundbreaking for the Amazon by our outstanding President, Brent Prime Hub, expansion at NKU with Cooper, hit on all cylinders. Brent has its partnership with St. Elizabeth developed a very effective team with Healthcare, the acquisition of the know-how and energy to deliver Newport on the Levee by North results - and boy did they ever deliver.

American Properties, the rebirth of If you see Brent or any members of the Levee and the start of the Ovation the Chamber staff take time to thank project and its new music venue. them for their outstanding service – Activities at the NKY Chamber they deserve it! mirrored the positive news across While the NKY Chamber staff our region. This year’s 50th does great things, they only Anniversary Annual Dinner was when complement the outstanding service we celebrated our region’s success, provided by our member volunteers. celebrated the NKY Chamber’s We pride ourselves in being a record year, recognized award “member led” Chamber. We are able winners and passed the torch to new to do great things only because leadership. Thank you for joining in our members are committed to the our celebration and for what you do Region, the NKY Chamber and to our to make Northern Kentucky a great mission. Give yourself a big thank you place to work and call home. for all you have done the past year to During the past year the NKY make NKY great!

Chamber continued its emphasis Thank you for the opportunity to on GROW NKY (Growing Regional serve as Chair. I never saw my duties Outcomes through Workforce) to as work, but only an honor and the meet our workforce needs. We also chance to give back to Northern completed the merger of Legacy to Kentucky a little of what it has given create a new group under the NKY me. NK Y Chamber – the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP). The Women’s Initiative continued to thrive with its existing and expanded programs, and we had continued success with our advocacy efforts.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

40% 40% NKY Chamber is partnering with Humana to help businesses with one of their largest expenses: health insurance. NKY Chamber HealthSolutions is a new health insurance association exclusively for NKY Chamber members with 2+ employees

8 employees, 19 covered members

With HealthSolutions, many NKY Chamber members will see savings between 5-40% on health insurance premiums .*

Contact your NKY Chamber Broker to start 8saving employees, 19 covered members

NKY Chamber is partnering with Humana to help businesses with one of their largest expenses: health insurance. NKY Chamber HealthSolutions is a new health insurance association exclusively for NKY Chamber members with 2+ employees

The savings with the new Humana health insurance plan are monumental for us. With We cut our total health insurance costs more than half! Yes, that’s right.

HealthSolutions, many NKY Chamber Thismembers is also because the prior company increased 2019 rates by 20%. If you will see savings between 5-40% take the increase into account (where we would be without Humana), then total on health insurance premiums .* savings are more than half. The savings will allow us to get a greater return on investment to help us further the vision of the church and reach more people!

Evan Cromer sd

Health Contact your Solutions NKY Chamber Broker to start saving

Pastor – Business & Operations 7 Hills Church

Health Solutions

INCOMING CHAIR’S LETTER

DAN CAHILL

Dan Cahill Chair, NKY Chamber President and CEO, President & CEO, HSD Metrics HSD Metrics

— As leaders, let’s recommit to our vision to make this a worldclass region. In order to realize that vision, let’s continually remind ourselves that successful leadership and advocacy are rooted in a common voice and coordinated action.

JOHN KOTTER, THE NOTABLE Harvard academic who has written many seminal works on leadership, reminds us that if we can’t describe our vision to someone in five minutes and get their interest, more work needs to be done in the transformation process. His remarks remind us that central to the leadership concept is the inextricable link between the leader and the vision.

As part of my doctoral work, I spent several years studying and testing this theory and found it to be absolutely true. Leaders don’t have to be charismatic. They don’t have to recite brilliant, well-rehearsed speeches.

Many successful leaders quietly go about their work in the trenches. The one quality they all have in common is the ability to develop and articulate the right vision.

Recall that a vision statement is an organization’s road map, often referred to as its North Star. The vision is typically aspirational, outlining what the organization wants to become someday. Relatedly, the mission statement supports the vision by defining the organization’s purpose. It is often the “why” to the “what.” With that in mind, it is important to re-visit the NKY Chamber’s vision and mission. Worth noting is that members will hear these repeatedly as Brent Cooper reminds us of our purpose at the beginning of each meeting:

The vision of the NKY Chamber is to be the premier membership organization driving Northern Kentucky’s pursuit to be a world-class region in which to start, develop and grow thriving businesses.

Our Mission is to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy in the Northern Kentucky region, through leadership and advocacy, resulting in a better quality of life for all.

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Simply put, the role of leadership within the NKY Chamber from Board to staff to membership is to make Northern Kentucky a world-class region. For the past few years, we have been building the foundation by making the Chamber a growing, thriving organization that can create a world-class region. We are there. Thanks to Chamber staff, we are well positioned to support the vision. Now, it is time for us to be more aspirational, building on the core principles of lead, connect and advocate.

Our region is unique because of the many wonderful communities we support. I often tell colleagues we have New York City capability wrapped in a Mayberry culture. While this model has its charm, it also has its challenges. In order for us to be a world-class region, it is imperative that we collaborate in ways that we have not tried before. For many, this will feel like rehashing old ground or taking on an impossible challenge. But good leaders recognize that if we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always gotten.

Our region is on a good growth trajectory thanks to the contributions of a myriad of outstanding community assets. It is my hope that in the coming years, we seize on those assets and begin to collaborate within our community in ways we have not tried before. One voice from our region will inevitably be more powerful than multiple voices with disparate messages as we support healthy growth economically, politically and socially.

As leaders, let’s re-commit to our vision to make this a world-class region. In order to realize that vision, let’s continually remind ourselves that successful leadership and advocacy are rooted in a common voice and coordinated action. NK Y

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Annual Dinner Presented by

C ONGRATUL ATIONS TO OUR CHAMPIONS OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY Dan Tobergte, recipient of the Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III Northern Kentucky Economic Development Award and Joan and the late Bill Robinson, recipients of the Devou Cup.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners Thank you for your passion, energy and commitment to advancing the economy and enhancing the communities of Northern Kentucky!

WALTER R. DUNLEVY/FRONTIERSMAN AWARD

WM. T. (BILL) ROBINSON III NKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD

WALTER L. PIESCHEL AWARD

Congratulatory_TobergteRobinson_5.5x4.25_v2 18_380 18_380.indd 1

Bob Heil

8/31/18 9:20 AM

Cassie J. Forrester

Jeanne Schroer IMAGEMAKER AWARD

UNITY AWARD

Host Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors:

Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann

Judge/Executive Gary Moore

Judge/Executive Steve Pendery

New Riff Distilling Parking Sponsor:

THE DEVOU CUP

NORTHERN KENTUCKY FUND of the

HORIZON AWARD

G R E ATE R C I N C I N N AT I F D N .

Entertainment Sponsor:

Audio/Visual Provided By:

After Party Sponsor:

Jeanne-Marie and Dick Tapke

#LeadConnectAdvocate

Kristi P. Nelson

Wine Sponsors: BB&T DHL Express Stock Yards Bank & Trust Taft Stettinius & Hollister Media Partner: Cincinnati Business Courier

Diversity, Inclusion & Regional Leadership

By Casey WIlliams Spotted Yeti Media

PICTURED: Davis Robinson (second from left) at his Leadership NKY Class of 2019 graduation at New Riff Distilling with program Vice Chair Laura Menge to his right. Also pictured is classmate Aaron Davis with his wife Abigail and classmate Trey Bramble with his wife Mikhaila.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR DIVERSITY in the workplace is overwhelming. When people of different ethnicities, belief systems, and experiences work together, innovation tends to follow. Problems get solved in ways where more perspectives are represented in the solution, and employees tend to be more engaged. So yes, diversity is good for business.

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"Organizations should define what diversity means to them, work for inclusion, and then tell that story to market the region.

Intentionality is important. We shouldn’t apologize for wanting to recruit a diverse workforce to the region.”

— Dr. Davis Robinson, St. Elizabeth Heathcare

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Inclusion is often used in the same breath as diversity, as if they’re the same thing. Diversity without inclusion doesn’t mean much for an organization or a region as a whole. Especially in leadership positions. When we can define and work toward diversity goals as well as be intentional about inclusion, there is a great story to tell about a region that is welcoming and committed to sustainable workforce development.

In order to work toward diversity goals in leadership, “we need to define diversity, achieve diversity, and then work on inclusion,” says Dr. Davis Robinson, Director of The Leadership Academy at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “Diversity and inclusion should not just be looked at because they’re good for business. It’s important because it’s the right thing to do. You should look at the impact to individuals first and make sure you’re modeling the environment.”

When asked who could really make an impact on the emergence of a more diverse group of leaders in our region, after a thoughtful pause Dr. Robinson’s answer was Northern Kentucky University.

“They play a big part in the young people we attract and retain in Northern Kentucky.”

“Diversity and inclusion matter to NKU because the success of higher education, the economic and social mobility of the region, and the strength of our democracy depend upon universities like NKU to consciously and intentionally provide equitable access and build diverse and inclusive learning environments that ensure diverse students attain completion and career success, and contribute to their communities,” says Dr. Kathleen Roberts, Senior Advisor to the President for Inclusive Excellence at NKU. This is an exciting time for NKU. With the appointment of Dr. Ashish Vaidya, the university’s first minority president, NKU has developed an ambitious new

three-year strategic plan that attempts to be very intentional about grooming and retaining a diverse group of graduates who will hold our region’s leadership positions in the future. Diversity and inclusion are central to the three student success pillars of the plan: access, completion, and career and community engagement. NKU’s strategic plan, “Success by Design” is publicly available on their website, nku.edu.

“Diversity and inclusion are important among our region’s leaders because demographics are changing, workforces are becoming more diverse, and markets are expanding,” says Dr. Roberts. “As a result, diversity and inclusion are enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness. Being aware of and adapting to differences in cultures plays a critical role in all aspects of business, from attracting customers to hiring and retaining quality employees. Leaders and all members of the workforce must develop the capacity to shift cultural perspective and adapt behavior and communication. Organizations that don't recognize these differences exist, or are unwilling to adjust their messages and practices to account for the differences, will not remain competitive.”

Dr. Davis Robinson warns, though, that diversity is not the end game. “You can have a diverse organization and still treat people poorly. If you hire a diverse population and don’t promote them, don’t include them, over-work them…if you go in with the wrong intent, they will still be forgotten.”

Although ethnic diversity in Northern Kentucky is lower than the national average, Dr. Robinson, who moved his family here from Louisville, still believes that we are a welcoming community, and that a diverse workforce also refers to fair representation based on gender, age, sexual orientation, belief system, and a whole host of characteristics

that contribute to the makeup of our workforce. “Organizations should define what diversity means to them, work for inclusion, and then tell that story to market the region. Intentionality is important. We shouldn’t apologize for wanting to recruit a diverse workforce to the region.”

Recently, NKU was awarded a grant to develop strategies that ensure Northern Kentucky is a welcoming and inclusive community and to strengthen workforce development. “This is an important step,” says Dr. Roberts. “Critical to creating a sense of belonging, it requires strengthening the cultural competence of the region. Simply calling to the business world to expand their consciousness around a different kind of impact could make a significant difference in the advancement of economic and social mobility in the region.”

In addition to the work being done

by NKU, St. Elizabeth, and others to ensure a diverse and inclusive regional business environment, we cannot ignore the need to market Northern Kentucky as a region that is open to all demographics.

The population of Northern Kentucky, as with the rest of the country, is only becoming more diverse. We depend on intentional efforts to grow the diversity of our workforce, the inclusion of diverse populations among regional leaders, and then telling that story in order to recruit diverse populations to live and work in Norther Kentucky.

These efforts and others by Northern Kentucky’s businesses, universities, and other organizations combine for a compelling story of a region that is open, welcoming, and committed to the development of a diverse workforce. The future workforce of our region depends on these continued efforts and the inclusion of leaders that are representative of our changing population. NK Y

“The success of higher education, the economic and social mobility of the region, and the strength of our democracy depend upon universities like NKU to consciously and intentionally provide equitable access and build diverse and inclusive learning environments that ensure diverse students attain completion and career success, and contribute to their communities.”

— Dr. Kathleen Roberts, NKU

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

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Make a commitment to get more involved in your community this year.

Register to volunteer with PWC and learn how giving just a few hours of your time can help change the life of a neighbor in need.

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Valerie Sullivan Fuchs, Floating City, 2018. 4 minute video loop. Courtesy of the artist

FotoFocus Regional Juried Exhibition September 14–November 16, 2019 Reception: October 4, 5–8pm

#FotoFocus #FFsymposium

FotoFocus presents AutoUpdate, a regional juried exhibition and day-long symposium, AutoUpdate: Photography in the Electronic Age, in partnership with The Carnegie, Covington, KY. AutoUpdate will feature over 40 artists from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana who work at the intersection of photography and new media, exploring how digital technologies affect our understanding of photography and video as an artistic medium in the current age of “post-truth” and artificial intelligence.

The symposium will be held Saturday, October 5 at The Carnegie.

Free and Open to the Public For complete details, visit FotoFocus.org

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The NKY Chamber of Commerce staff congratulates Program Director, Regional Youth Leadership

Ann Marie Whelan

Ryan Eten

on being Selected as a member of Leadership Nor thern Kentucky

Marketing Director

LNK 2020

Class of 2020

Congratulations!

Christina Schreiner Spille Pharmacy Director

on being selected as a member of the Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2020.

Class of 2020

New Leaders in Economic Development Take the Helm Lee Crume is the newly appointed President and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, and Kimm Lauterbach is nearing the end of her first year as the President and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. The two share a rich history as champions of economic development in the region, and they are committed to growing both sides of the river, together.

By Karen Cornelissen KC Writing & Editing Solutions LEE CRUME DID NOT PLAN TO BECOME A LEADER IN economic development. He says he's always been a privatesector professional. He worked at UPS, and then he did work in finance and accounting. It wasn’t until six years ago when he got a call from a recruiter that he set his sights on economic development. JobsOhio had an opportunity. The recruiter was looking for someone to build a business-development model from the private-sector perspective, which — given Lee’s background — was intriguing.

In making the jump, Lee discovered that “economic development is really about helping your community and helping the people you know.” He explains that success in economic development is measured by jobs, which are transformative and can change someone's life. The feeling he gets from supporting his community and helping others is “beyond the best part of the job.”

Only a few months ago, Lee took the helm of Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (NKY Tri-ED). He says that the organization is reimagining itself for a new generation, and he is excited to be the person who implements that change. During our interview, he reviewed the progress Tri-ED has made in the first 100 days of his leadership, and he outlined where things are headed in Tri-ED’s transformation. Lee stresses that the group’s goal, or course, is to be “operational before aspirational” so that Tri-ED can deliver real results to the community. As 2020 nears, a strategy phase will kick in.

“Economic development is really about helping your community and helping the people you know.”

— Lee Crume, NKY Tri-ED

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

LEADERSHIP

Unlike Lee, Kimm Lauterbach got an introduction to economic development in graduate school. She saw it as an opportunity to do mission-based work from a business angle, which appealed to her. Before coming on board as Vice President of Business Development and Project Management at REDI Cincinnati (Regional Economic Development Initiative) in 2014, she worked for the Cities of Mason and Fairfield and then took on a role with Warren County. Eventually, she got into consulting, which is the same type of economic development work but on the other side of the table.

Kimm has occupied the CEO seat at REDI for nearly a year, and she has made regionalism a top priority in her early tenure.

She explains that this region has a 16-county and three-state economy, and it very much needs to act that way to reach its full potential. The recent pitch to Amazon through the HQ2 proposal is an excellent example of what happens when the distinct groups within the area unite. Governors from Ohio and Kentucky came together and submitted one proposal to Amazon and successfully persuaded the conglomerate to setup a key location here.

Lee and Kimm have known one another for several years.

They met when Lee was new at JobsOhio, and Kimm was new at REDI. They learned together, created new things together, and traveled together. They visited places like Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and international spots like Paris to pitch the Tri-State as the perfect place to relocate or build a business, and they did this through big shows like the Paris Air Show and BIO International. Kimm was one of the professionals on the search committee to appoint the next leader of Tri-ED. She knew Lee was the perfect candidate for the job.

— The more that everyone works together through organizations like SOURCE Cincinnati, the more publicity the entire region will receive as a great place to work and live.

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

IN TALENT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, IT’S ALL HANDS ON DECK Lee says that the key to a strong recruitment and retention campaign is bringing good jobs to the region, which will attract a strong workforce. He says that the region needs to be the type of place where everyone wants to live and work, and he intends for Tri-ED to be a visible, vocal leader on that front.

Questions about talent recruitment and retention turn Kimm’s thoughts toward logistics. She says that in addition to finding the right people, the region must focus on finding the sites. The region’s lack of “shovel-ready sites,” or spots that are ready for the construction of new office spaces, prevents new companies — with jobs to fill — from moving in.

Of course, both leaders acknowledge that the burden to attract and retain talent does not fall on any single entity’s shoulders.

REDI and Tri-ED are in robust collaboration with local universities and university presidents to send talented graduates into the local workforce. Bringing in the most qualified workers is everyone's goal.

In short, it’s an all-hands-on-deck mission that requires effort from everyone in the community. The more that everyone works together through organizations like SOURCE Cincinnati (a group that formed to tell the story of Cincinnati to the national media), the more publicity the entire region will receive as a great place to work and live.

A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS These days, there are ample opportunities for these two leaders and their organizations to help one another in areas like talent recruitment and retention and beyond. Kimm is on Tri-ED’s board, and Lee is on the steering committee for REDI’s five-year strategic plan, which will be beneficial for Tri-ED, as Tri-ED will be able to leverage relevant information from that plan to use for Northern Kentucky.

Lee and Kimm agree that their history as colleagues and friends will make it easier for them to work together now. They both recognize how fortunate it is that there is a solid ecosystem in place between the two groups and the surrounding startup community, business community, and local institutions of higher education to foster region-wide growth. Perhaps they won’t reinvent the wheel in economic development, but Lee and Kimm are confident that they can go about things cohesively and efficiently.

Their respective roles show them the importance of what’s happening on the other side of the river. What each side can add to the economy benefits the entire region. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats. NK Y

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Ladies Who Lead There is a new generation of female leaders emerging in our Northern Kentucky non-profit sector.

We asked four fresh new faces how they feel about their path to leadership, women in leadership roles and what advice they could give anyone who strives to make a difference in the world.

By Kelly Rose Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc.

Christy Burch Executive Director, Women’s Crisis Center

Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE NON-PROFIT ARENA? WHAT DID YOUR JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE? A: Twenty-three years ago, my first job was as a court advocate for Sanctuary in Western Kentucky. I still remember the first person I worked with and I still see her face to this day. For me, it was the most compelling thing to watch this woman face the person who had hurt her, it really sent a powerful message to me and I was immediately humbled to be able to stand with her and lessen her pain and help her find resources. I just knew I was supposed to do this for the rest of my life. I rose in the ranks at Sanctuary and I began to work in a lot of different roles with women and domestic violence, each of these pieces helped me to get where I am, it just propelled me to serve more. Over time people invested in me and saw something in me, these amazing leaders took a moment to recognize me and help me with build certain skillsets. If folks who have experienced trauma can be resilient then so can I— being a leader is humbling, I don’t take that lightly.

Q: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IT TAKES TO BE A LEADER? ANYTHING SPECIFIC FOR A FEMALE? A: I think an effective leader inspires and works to further the vision and mission of the agency. As a leader of a non-profit, I need for people to struggle and succeed together and to be connected to why we do this is the most important part of working for a non-profit. A great leader needs to be a unifier that can build trust, connection, and empathy for their staff and the community. When I think female leadership, I think it’s trusting your own gut and approach things in your own unique way.

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO ANY FEMALE WHO STRIVES TO HAVE A LEADERSHIP/EXECUTIVE ROLE IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? A: I would identify leaders I admire and ask them their story. Constantly learning and curiosity is very important. If you do supervise a team, get input from that team, solicit information and real feedback.

Surround yourself with really smart people who hold you accountable and who can share their wisdom.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE NON-PROFIT ARENA? WHAT DID YOUR JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE? A: I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the arts. In college, I switched majors and schools - after re-evaluating my goals - and got a degree in arts administration, which I felt played more to my strengths.

That being said, it was never in my head to be an executive director. I thought I would go into development and never really considered having a larger role beyond that. It wasn’t until I left The Carnegie and later returned that I thought I could do this. This was a big role and honestly, I was apprehensive to take on a leadership role at the largest arts organization in the community. But two things drew me in: the mission and the potential results of the sweat equity being invested in this amazing organization. I also had a mentor I could confide in who gave me the confidence to jump in feet first.

Kim Best Executive Director, The Carnegie

Q: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IT TAKES TO BE A LEADER? ANYTHING SPECIFIC FOR A FEMALE? A: All good leaders, regardless of gender, listen. They listen to their staff, donors, and audience. Listening allows leaders to gather information and make strategic decisions that guide the overall direction of an organization.

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO ANY FEMALE WHO STRIVES TO HAVE A LEADERSHIP/EXECUTIVE ROLE IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? A: First, I would say to seize any opportunities outside of your job responsibilities—help with an audit, get your hands dirty, be a jack of all trades. Second, surround yourself with people who have expertise in areas you feel you are lacking. In both scenarios, you will gain confidence, expand your expertise, and open yourself up to new opportunities.

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

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NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP

Danielle Amrine CEO, Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE NON-PROFIT ARENA? WHAT DID YOUR JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE? A: I have been pretty independent my whole life I am an only child I have always managed to rely on myself and trust my gut instincts and go with it. So my first non-profit job I started as a part-time secretary for the American Red Cross, I also worked part-time at the YWCA House of Peace, which is a domestic violence shelter in Clermont County. That was my first experience and I really liked working for an organization that took care of people, I can’t work making widgets or something like that it has to have meaning, I think I was born to make a difference, even when I was little it just matched my personality. As I was getting older, I found that I was able to be compassionate but also really successful. I was and I still am never afraid to say I will go or I will try it first. I have always stood up and taken the lead and that is what fostered that path to leadership.

Q: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IT TAKES TO BE A LEADER? ANYTHING SPECIFIC FOR A FEMALE? A: For me it was learning the difference between being a manager and being a leader because they are very different. People should follow you because they want to, not because they have to. It’s never been about power or a positioning, it’s about getting stuff done. I have always been a working manager, supervisor, CEO. One of my top strengths is being a futuristic, and I like inspiring a shared vision, I think that’s good leadership, not management. Management is telling people what to do, but leadership is having people follow you and be inspired by you.

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO ANY FEMALE WHO STRIVES TO HAVE A LEADERSHIP/EXECUTIVE ROLE IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? A: This is a little hard for me, because I think it’s really an individual journey, not everyone’s is the same. I would say just don’t lost touch with the direct service, care about your staff and what they are working on and what they are doing. We have all been on the receiving end of a policy or procedure that didn’t make sense because people were sitting in a room by themselves making unilateral decisions without thinking who is working on the front lines. I always want the perspective and the voices of the people doing the work. My philosophy for leadership is that the staff is the number one priority and if I take care of them, they will take care of the client. Also, learn as much about leadership as you can, class, books, experience the gamut of leadership philosophies are right for you and then follow it.

Q: What three qualities do you think a good leader possesses?

A: Christy Burch

• Unifier • Service leader • Motivator

Danielle Amrine • Adaptive • Improvise • Overcome

Kim Best • Listening and understanding • Good communication • Transparency to staff, patrons, donors

Catrena Bowman-Thomas • The ability to inspire others • Understanding Emotional Intelligence • The ability to laugh at yourself

For the full Ladies Who Lead interviews, please visit nkychamber.com/news/online-publications

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE NON-PROFIT ARENA? A: In college I knew I wanted to help people, I connected with an advisor that told me about the field of family studies. I started my course work in that field, and I completed a practicum at the Hope Center for Men. It was an eye-opening experience! I helped find homes for homeless men, it was the most rewarding experience to see their faces when they received the key to their new home. I knew this wasn’t just a job, but this is my passion, to help people succeed.

Catrena Bowman-Thomas Executive Director, The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission

Q: WHAT DID YOUR JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE? A: I was a family development specialist working with women on Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) to help them gain meaningful employment. We (the staff) were ranked based upon how many women we helped find employment, I consistently had the highest numbers and was told by my manager, I had the highest employment numbers ever and he wanted me to train the other staff on the tactics I used with the families. I really enjoyed sharing my vision with the staff and training them to develop strategies to work with families. This really stirred the desire to have a larger impact on families and communities. A management position came available in the same department, I applied, and the rest is history.

Q: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IT TAKES TO BE A LEADER? A: Tenacity and vision. Anyone can have a vision, but it takes tenacity to see the vision come to fruition.

Anything specific for a female leader? Be bold and authentically you. We bring a certain finesse to the C-Suite and we should be unapologetic about that. Understand your value and worth and never let anyone undermine that. Just because someone else doesn’t acknowledge your value doesn’t make you any less valuable.

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO ANY FEMALE WHO STRIVES TO HAVE A LEADERSHIP/EXECUTIVE ROLE IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? A: Take chances. When I look back at what I consider to be the highlights of my career, it is when I risked the most that I was most successful. Step out of your comfort zone and try something you’ve never seen done before to get results you’ve always imagined. There’s greatness within you, let it out! NK Y

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

PAGE 17

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE REGIONAL SUMMIT

Ascend: Discover Your Next Level ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, the Northern Kentucky Chamber Women’s Initiative will once again welcome hundreds of professional women from the region for its Annual Regional Summit, sponsored by PNC. Women from all stages of the workforce, including young professionals, mid-career, and senior-level professionals, entrepreneurs, and those with encore careers, will gather at the Cintas Center on Xavier University’s campus to hear a variety of speakers present on topics on the theme of Ascend: Discover Your Next Level, to help women advance in their careers.

The morning will begin with “Be the CEO of YOU: Creating an International Life and Legacy,” a morning general session from Colene Elridge of Be More Consulting. Elridge will encourage attendees to be the CEO in their lives instead of an employee. After the general session, attendees will break off into smaller groups for morning breakout sessions before gathering for a lunchtime leadership panel. The day concludes with afternoon breakout sessions and a wrap-up reception.

Attendees will have their choice of sessions throughout the morning and afternoon. Each session will be presented two times during the day.

MORNING GENERAL SESSION Be the CEO of YOU: Creating an Intentional Life and Legacy When it comes to your life, are you the CEO or just an employee? So many of us live our lives as a supporting role instead of the lead. This presentation will give you the chance to step into the CEO role of your life.

Explore your vision, check in on your departments, and identify your board of directors. You will tie core values with personal accountability to build momentum and achieve your life goals. You will leave with more clarity and passion to be the CEO of YOU.

Colene Elridge Be More Consulting

LUNCH GENERAL SESSION

Sylvia Buxton

Christi H. Cornette

Karen Forgus

President & CEO Perfetti van Melle USA

Chief Culture Officer Cincinnati Bell

Senior VP Business Operations Cincinnati Reds

Reaching Your Next Level: Insights from Women in Leadership Hear the stories of local female business leaders followed by an audience Q & A session.

PAGE 18

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS Unlock Your Financial Power

Self-Awareness: How Leaders Move from Assessment to Action

Professional women earn less than their male counterparts and typically have lower levels of financial literacy. In this presentation, you will discover the 6 keys to mastering your money from overcoming your thoughts about money to achieving a positive relationship with your money. By unlocking your financial power, you will increase your earning potential, money confidence, and financial mastery.

Self-awareness is an understanding of one’s strengths, weaknesses, feelings, thoughts, and values — as well as how they affect other people. In fact, self-awareness has been termed the meta-skill of the 21st century. But that’s only half of the story. Self-awareness is useless without an equally important skill: self-management. Assessment must move into action for leaders to be effective.

Christine Luken

J. Gregory Gillum

Financial Lifeguard

humanfusion

10 Rules of Communication That Will Make You a More Effective Leader

Angel Beets

No matter what profession you’re in, strong interpersonal communication skills are critical to helping you communicate your message, earn the trust of others, and get ahead. This session will share 10 rules of interpersonal communication and offer examples of how to incorporate each of them into your professional and personal relationships. Even senior leaders will benefit from the tips and examples in this presentation.

Gilman Partners

From Overwhelmed to OverJOYed: How to Have a Career and Life You Love

Kristen Zavo Job Joy

Inclusive Leadership and the Power of Equity

Maximizing Your Brain Strength

Patricia Faust

Our brain has finally taken front and center stage in our lives. Everything starts and stops with our brain. This presentation will enlighten everyone on how our brain ages and affects the way it functions. Because the workplace is a novel and complex environment you will learn how, through the magic of neuroplasticity, you can maximize your brain strength. As a bonus, you will learn how women and men’s brains differ and how you can capitalize on those differences.

pcf consulting

Women have the pressure of having a successful career, running a household, taking care of our kids and parents, and trying to find time for ourselves. That often results in feeling burnt out, uninspired and stuck in survival mode without an end in sight. You will take away the 3 ways you can take control, be happier now, and design your career and life in order to feel more happy, fulfilled and passionate again!

Industry 4.0 is impacting how people work and interact at every level and the need to bring equity and empowerment to the workplace is immense. But first, leadership standards must change. This interactive session provides a deep understanding of the new model of Inclusive Leadership and why it is so crucial for leaders at every level to adopt.

Maureen Donnellan MPI Consulting

The Power of Resiliency

Board Service: How to Get Involved and be an Effective Board Member

Fear of failure or rejection, lack of resiliency, and lower levels of confidence hold women back from becoming our best selves. Yet these are all learned skills. This interactive session will give you the tools needed to increase your resiliency, overcome your fear of failure and rejection, and have the confidence needed to move forward with your goals in confidence.

Whether you are new to community board service or a seasoned board member, there are important considerations regarding where to allocate your time and how to be an effective board member. The presentation is appropriate for both the newcomer looking to get involved and also seasoned pros looking to enhance their experience.

Jane Sojka

Kathy Selker

University of Cincinnati

Northlich LLC

2019 Women's Initiative Regional Summit sponsored by PNC Ascend: Discover Your Next Level Tuesday, October 22 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Cintas Center, Xavier University Register at NKYChamber.com/WISummit19

$159 for NKY Chamber Members $179 for future NKY Chamber Members A group discount of $10 per registration is available for companies registering five or more women.

Put Down the Remote Resources for Self-Directed Continuous Education

By Charley Wayman Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky

Working professionals who self-direct their learning can be an incredible asset for any employer. Think how valuable you can become in the workforce if you develop skills and knowledge that improve your understanding of your chosen career. Think how gaining a greater understanding of the world around you can have a positive effect on how people perceive you. You would improve your proficiency in your current position, better prepare yourself for a chance at a promotion, and have a positive effect on your personal life by reducing workrelated stress. All it takes is getting started.

So, later this week when you pick up the remote to start binging that new show on Netflix, consider spending that time investing in yourself with one of these resources instead.

TRY SOME LIGHT READING.

READING NOT YOUR THING? LISTEN INSTEAD.

Check one of these books out at your local library or purchase online (as an e-book or printed copy) and sharpen your skill set.

Seem daunting? Pour a cup of coffee or your favorite tea, pick a comfortable spot at home and read for just 30 minutes a day.

Before you know it, you’ve gained a new skill set and have made the next step to advance your career.

Not all of us can sit still and read for 30 minutes a day, but almost all of us have a commute to work. You can listen free to these podcasts through their websites, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. No commute? Try listening as you clean the house or prepare dinner.

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

By Gary Keller and Jay Papasan We want it all. But we also want less.

Learn how to acquire a one-track mind by focusing on productivity, priority, and purpose. Good for: Time Management

Northern Kentucky Spotlight with the NKY Chamber Each episode focuses on interesting stories and news about businesses in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. Good for: Local News

Falling Forward with Sarah Brown

How to Win Friends & Influence People

By Dale Carnegie Make people like you while gaining confidence, developing valuable social skills, learning self-control, forgiveness, and self-expression. Good for: Building Relationships

The Compound Effect

By Darren Hardy Reap huge rewards from small actions.

Learn to measure results and take responsibility. Good for: Setting and Achieving Goals

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

By Stephen R. Covey Identify the habits you need to adopt that will create a path to the success that you desire. Good for: Problem Solving

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

By Mark Manson Understand your limitations and learn how to accept them. Focus on what really matters and confront painful truths to find the courage and forgiveness needed to pursue happiness. Good for: Achieving Happiness

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

Interviews with local business owners to discuss how failure can be an opportunity.

Good for: Dealing with failure

Worklife with Adam Grant See inside the minds of unusual professionals and discover the keys to improving your work life. Good for: Balance

TED Talks Daily Fascinating ideas shared in a short format on a plethora of subjects to boost your knowledge and inspire creativity.

Good for: Ideas

The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk Learn from leaders who continue to make themselves better. Experience a series of conversations with thoughtful leaders ranging from entrepreneurs, coaches, athletes, CEO’s and more.

Good for: Leadership Not sure where to start? Pick what interests you. Are you into sports? Try The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk and try Episode 244: Bill Curry – The 6 Characteristics Of A Champion. Are you struggling to stay organized? Try The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results. Whatever your interest or focus, the most important thing to do is GET STARTED! NK Y PAGE 21

Benefits of Board Membership

By Katie Louis Scooter Media

AS PROFESSIONALS RISE UP the ranks, their experience becomes invaluable not only to the company they work for, but also to external organizations. While it’s important to gain on-the-job experience, finding outside avenues for growth is essential as well, which is why many professionals seek roles on non-profit boards. Joining a board is a great way to give back to the community, develop leadership skills, and connect with others who have similar interests and passions.

“I’ve learned most of what I know about running and leading a business because of my board work. The board environment exposes you to conversations and experiences that you don’t get in a traditional workplace,” said Doug Bolton, President & CEO of Cincinnati Cares and a member of the Dan Beard Council, the Economics Center, the Urban Land Institute, Boards and the Centennial Society of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

“It’s our basic responsibility as a human to love and care for our neighbors,” Bolton encourages. “But beyond this, there’s science that tells us that volunteering is good for the soul.

Volunteers are healthier, more optimistic, live longer, are able to combat depression, and are among the most generous people in the world.”

PAGE 22

Jamie Ritter, Director of Marketing at Johnson Investment Counsel, serves as a member of The Carnegie’s Board of Directors as well as the SPCA Cincinnati Board of Trustees. She believes that, outside of working for Johnson Investment Counsel, getting involved in the NKY/Greater Cincinnati community was one of the best choices she ever made. “I am a transplant, and when I first moved to Northern Kentucky it didn’t feel like home. It wasn’t until I worked for Johnson and started managing our sponsorship budget that I fell in love with the region. Facilitating this afforded me the opportunity to learn about many organizations and how much this city loves its nonprofits.”

Charlie Vance, CEO of Erigo Employer Solutions is an active board member for several organizations including Covington Partners, the City of Covington, the Brighton Center, the Horizon Community Accelerator, and the HealthPoint Foundation. He even founded his own nonprofit organization, Kindness Lens, with his wife. He says that he volunteers because he wants to feel like he’s doing what he can for people in need.

“There is real poverty in our community, and we can do something to affect it. To do that, you have to get out of your chair and go into the community.

Interact with people who need assistance.

If you want to see your community improve, then it is up to you to take action,” said Vance.

While joining a board is a way to make a tangible difference in the community, it is also a big commitment. “As a board member, you are a brick in the foundation of that organization, and the people who work there need to know that their foundation is solid and that the members of their board are engaged,” said Ritter.

“Being on a board is a commitment to that organization to do some heavy lifting when work is needed. It is great to be involved in the community both personally and professionally, but if someone serves on a board to pad their resume, this is a disservice to themselves and especially the organization.”

Vance echoes Ritter’s words. When asked what those new to board work should expect, he says, “Show up to the meetings. Pay attention. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Engage with the mission and push the organization forward. Bring your talent and skills to the table. Be prepared to take the lead on the issues that directly touch on your unique skillset.”

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP

When it comes to getting involved, there are several paths forward.

“Go volunteer for an organization you seem to be aligned with, and if the experience is positive, take the next step of inquiring about a deeper volunteer relationship,” said Bolton.

Cincinnati Cares is one way to find an organization you’re passionate about. Bolton explains that it is the only 100% volunteer focused nonprofit in the region. The site is the region’s most comprehensive guide of organizations that engage volunteers, and has become a resource for those interested in volunteer work to find a compatible organization.

For leaders, Cincinnati Cares operates a Board Bank that uses technology to match volunteers with opportunities.

“My biggest piece of advice is to start volunteering for an organization that you have passion for, and prove yourself through sweat equity first,” said Ritter. “If you apply to serve on a board and don’t make it on, don’t get discouraged. Maybe you need to nourish those relationships more, or maybe they weren’t looking for someone with your skills at the time. The best way to get involved is to start getting connected to the organization, and learn more about what they do.”

Vance’s advice on getting started?

“Figure out what you care about first.

There is likely an organization in Northern Kentucky addressing that cause. If not, start one.” NK Y

GET CONNECTED cincinnaticares.org johnsoninv.com kindnesslens.com nkychamber.com/nonprofits

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

“I’ve learned most of what I know about running and leading a business because of my board work. The board environment exposes you to conversations and experiences that you don’t get in a traditional workplace.”

— Doug Bolton

“As a board member, you are a brick in the foundation of that organization, and the people who work there need to know that their foundation is solid and that the members of their board are engaged.”

— Jamie Ritter

“Show up...Pay attention. Ask questions if you don’t understand.

Engage with the mission and push the organization forward...

Be prepared to take the lead on the issues that directly touch on your unique skillset.”

— Charlie Vance

PAGE 23

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2019-2020 NKY Chamber Board Chairs

DAN CAHILL Chair of Board HSD Metrics

GARREN COLVIN Chair- Elect St. Elizabeth Healthcare

JIM PARSONS Past Chair of Board Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

JASON PAYNE Treasurer Republic Bank

GERALYN ISLER Secretary Business Benefits Insurance Solutions

2019-2020 Executive Committee Members

SHELLEY FUNKE-FROMMEYER Vice Chair, Membership FFR Wealth

KAREN CHESSER Vice Chair, Leadership Advisory Council Fort Thomas Schools

RYAN HEITKAMP Vice Chair, Business Growth & International Trade ARMOR USA

DAVID SPAULDING Vice Chair, Public Affairs Turner Construction Company

RHONDA WHITAKER Vice Chair, Workforce Duke Energy

PATRICK HUGHES DBL Law

BRADY JOLLY Jolly Enterprises

RAY TAKIGIKU Bexion

CATHY WADDELL Nucor Steel Gallatin

JAY WUEST PNC Bank

PAGE 24

WONDA WINKLER Vice Chair, Women’s Initiative Brighton Center Inc.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

LEE CRUME Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

GABY BATSHOUN Global Business Solutions

MATT BOWEN Fidelity Investments

CARRI CHANDLER St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood

DR. JOESPH CHILLO Thomas More University

DR. FERNANDO FIGUEROA Gateway Community & Technical College

KAREN FINAN Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance

MICHAEL HALL Citi

CHUCK HEILMAN J.A.C.C.

PAUL HEMMER Paul Hemmer Company

JOHN HENGELBROK Baker Stamping

DAVID KAY PNC Bank

JUDGE/EXECUTIVE KRIS KNOCHELMANN Kenton County Fiscal Court

KEN LEWIS New Riff Distilling

JIM LOKESAK Skyline Chili

MELISSA LUTZ Champlin Architecture

LAURA LYONS ATech Automotive Tech

ALAN MAJCHRZAK DHL

CANDACE MCGRAW Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport

PAUL MEIER City of Crestview Hills

JUDGE/EXECUTIVE GARY MOORE Boone County Fiscal Court

JUDGE/EXECUTIVE STEVE PENDERY Campbell County Fiscal Court

TOM PREWITT Graydon

DANIEL RAJAIAH Indian American Chamber of Commerce

DAVID RUST Campbell County Schools

BILLY SANTOS BB&T

ERIC SUMME meetNKY, Northern Kentucky CVB

PAM THOMPSON Mariner Wealth Advisors

RICH TIBERI Fifth Third Bank

BRIAN TODD Clark Shaefer Hackett

DR. ASHISH VAIDYA Northern Kentucky University

WARREN WALKER Duke Energy

KATRINA WARD Huntington Bank

CAROLINE WELTZER Viox & Viox

ANNA WOLF TiER1 Performance Solutions

AMY WRIGHT ReSettled Life

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

THOMAS DEERE Corporex

DUSTIN DICHIARA Chick-fil-A

RICHARD FIELD Post Glover

PRIYA KLOCEK Consultant on the Go

PAGE 25

Dan in Real Life

CAHILL

By Bill Powell

PAGE 26

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

William "Bill" Powell (American Author) FranNet, MidAmerica

Dan in Real Life, 2019 Ink on paper, 577 words Gift from Bill for NKY Chamber members conveying incoming NKY Chamber Board Chair Dan Cahill's vision for 2020 as the 'Year of Collaboration.'

DAN CAHILL, INCOMING CHAIR OF THE NORTHERN Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said three prime areas of focus have emerged from the recent board retreat, as well as from his experience over the past year of being chair-elect.

INCREASING MARKET SHARE “Of course, we always want to grow membership,” Cahill said. “But this year we’ll be focusing on the many integrated ways we reach out through programs, advocacy, benefits, networking and the other benefits we provide. We’re looking to be much more systematic and comprehensive in how we serve both members, future members and the area.”

LEVERAGING PROGRAMS & EVENTS “Our programming is already intense; I don’t think we’ve ever done more programming in our history,” he said. “We’re looking at where we’re already making a significant impact, and then planning to double down there. We’re asking how we can we deliver more high-impact programs such as the Women’s Initiative, which is on fire. We want to better align our resources so we can have an even larger community impact.”

MAKING THE YEAR OF COLLABORATION A REALITY “Collaboration is our board’s overall theme this year,” Cahill explained. “Northern Kentucky has New York City capability combined with Mayberry charm; we have a lot to offer. We’re asking how we can, in a meaningful and systematic way, speak as one voice in this region. This could be in program collaboration, advocacy in Frankfort or helping to accelerate the building of new infrastructure. We’re asking: ‘Who else needs to be at the table with us to accomplish the best results for Northern Kentucky and our region?’ We can honor our past and our culture, while thinking much bigger about ways we can improve our community.

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

“The NKY Chamber is vitally important to the overall community and to the marketing of our area,” he continued.

“It’s a central, organizing force for many current initiatives, and we have the opportunity to do much more. When we keep our focus right and our business fundamentals sound, we can drive our messages as a single voice to area businesses, as well as on the national stage. We have a strong chamber that’s interested in collaborating with all community assets. As chair-elect, I’ve had the opportunity to see just how really special Northern Kentucky is.

“Now, as a new business owner and CEO of HSD Metrics, a Covington-based firm that provides survey platforms for HR, I have a much deeper understanding of how important a strong vibrant business community is,” Cahill said. “With 28 employees, I see even more clearly that how the NKY Chamber helps its members be the best possible leaders, find the right talent and improve in so many other ways, really matters.”

In 1999, PricewaterhouseCoopers, his employer at the time, relocated him to Cincinnati and encouraged him to get involved in the community. “So I joined the Chamber,” he said, “and Roger Griggs immediately got me involved in Advocacy, which meant many trips to Frankfort. My involvement kept growing because I liked seeing how the Chamber made a difference. Over the past six years, I’ve held several Chamber leadership roles.”

Born on Cincinnati’s west side, Cahill spent several summers as a teen working at his grandfather’s lumber yard in Northern Kentucky. He moved from the area for career advancement after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, where he later earned a PhD. He is a 19-year resident of Crescent Springs, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. NK Y

PAGE 27

LEADERSHIP

Announcing the Class of 2020

BRIANNA AGUILAR Newport High School

BREA BAUER Mount Notre Dame High School

QUENTIN BERGMAN Holy Cross High School

NATHAN BORN Madeira High School

NOLAN BROOKS Dayton High School

JAMES CARROLL St. Henry District High School

MICK CLINES Bishop Brossart High School

ALAINA DELSIGNORE Sycamore High School

BROOKE EARLY Scott High School

KAI ELLISON Scott High School

ELLE FARIS Lloyd Memorial High School

JACK FLAHERTY Beechwood High School

WILL FORD Indian Hill High School

ELI FOX Covington Latin School

KATIE GARTNER Boone County High School

AVERY GILBERT Calvary Christian School

ABBY GOOD Taylor High School

KATE GRAYSON Ryle High School

TREY GRONOTTE Covington Catholic High School

HALENA HANDEL Handel Academy

AMY HENDRIX Dixie Heights High School/IGNITE

KATIE HOLLAND St. Henry District High School

SOPHIE HOLTZMAN Villa Madonna Academy

LEAH HOSEUS Union Pointe Academy

HAYDEN KREMER Covington Catholic High School

TORI KREMER Ryle High School

JOSIE LAWRIE Notre Dame Academy

AADITI LELE Sycamore High School

IONA MASON Summit Country Day

JACK MCMILLEN Ludlow High School

VINNY MIGLIO Newport Central Catholic

GRACE POLAND Randall K. Cooper High School

NAOMI PURDIE Summit Country Day

ELLIE RICE Walton-Verona High School

DOMINIC RULLI Randall K. Cooper High School

JULIANNA RUSS Highlands High School

KEVIN SANDERS Conner High School

OLIVIA SIMPSON Mariemont High School

JESSI SPRADLIN Campbell County High School

KALI STOCK Ursuline Academy

THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!

SHELBY TURNEY Notre Dame Academy

PAGE 28

ELLIE VAUGHN Simon Kenton High School

AMITESH VERMA Indian Hill High School

KATIE WHALEY Wyoming High School

CHANTE ZEEVAART Beechwood High School

The Carnegie Chick-fil-A Newport Pavilion Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Delta Airlines Executive Transportation Leadership Northern Kentucky Alumni Northern Kentucky University

Mazak Qdoba, Florence Regal Beloit St. Elizabeth Healthcare Taft Law Center Viox & Viox

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

25 Years of Future Leaders

By Amanda Hopper, MLS Director, Stormcells, Inc. IN 1994, A GROUP OF AREA BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS introduced a new initiative known as the Northern Kentucky Youth Leadership Program. The project was modeled after the adult version, Leadership Northern Kentucky, but was created for high school juniors.

Session topics included local government, law, and economic development.

Currently, the program has expanded to include days devoted to arts and culture, health, and diversity.

During its inaugural year, 18 students from 11 Kentucky schools graduated from the program. Today, 25 years later, we welcome the current class of Regional Youth Leadership, a group of 45 students from 35 schools across Northern Kentucky and Ohio. The schools range from public, private, urban, suburban, rural, and home schools. The students are chosen based on the leadership skills they demonstrate in school and the community.

The mission of RYL is to identify and prepare our community’s most important resource—our future leaders. The goal is to serve the future workforce of our region, through an experiential program, that uses the community as a classroom. Local professionals and businesses donate their time and talents to provide real-life experience to the students. By identifying and preparing these students, we hope to increase the pool of future leaders and inspire them to make a positive difference in our community.

On behalf of the RYL Steering Committee, we are so excited to welcome the RYL class of 2020 to 25 years of exploration, innovation, and achievement in the art of leadership development. We can’t wait to see what is in store for this newest group of leaders. NK Y

RYL FAQs What is RYL? An experiential, eight-month program, that gives high school juniors in our region the opportunity to connect with local leaders, increase their community IQ, and discover career pathways that will help them to make a difference in their community.

Leadership NKY’s Distinguished Alumni Members Thank you to Leadership NKY’s Distinguished Alumni Members for their willingness to invest in the future of both Leadership Northern Kentucky and Regional Youth Leadership.

Because of their lifetime membership, we can sustain and grow valued programs and provide scholarship funding to participants.

By becoming Distinguished Alumni Members, you give the gift of life long leadership and the promise of strengthening the next generation of leaders in our region.

Stephanie Allgeyer Molly Berrens Shannan Boyer Nanette Brames Gary Bricking Mary Lynn Brunemann Patricia Burgess Dianna Caldwell Craig Carlson Helen Carroll Carri Chandler Karen Cheser Corey Clark Damien Cook Brent Cooper Elizabeth Corbett Robert Coughlin Brent Degenhardt Dustin DiChiara John Domaschko Jeff Eger Ruth Eger Greta Elenbaas Katie Enzweiler Troy Fedders Mickey Fritz Shelley Funke Frommeyer Mike Grout Kimberly Halbauer Merle Heckman David Heidrich Simon Heidrich William Hesch Keith Jones Watson Jones

Sally Carla Jana Anthony Gus Laura Leisa Matt Pat Kathy Bob Jason Ryan Thomas Allison Kurt Kerri Jody Jeff Linda Philip Sherri Britton Joni Pamela Terra Tammy Larry Caroline Donna Kevin Kara Jim Bret

Jordan Landon Martin Kemp McCormack McKinley Menge Mulcahy Olliges O'Reagan Papp Parsons Payne Piper Prewitt Rapp Reiber Richardson Robinson Rosenstiel Schilling Schworer Slavey Smith Soale Thompson Thompson Trimble Warkoczeski Weltzer Wesseler Whelan Williams Willman Witte

Who is eligible to apply?

Current sophomores in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky When are applications available for the next course?

December 1, 2019 How does my child apply? regionalyouthleadership.weebly.com How do I donate my time or resources?

Contact Ann Marie Whelan, amwhelan@nkychamber.com or 859.578.6398.

With a single dues payment of $500, Distinguished Alumni memberships are permanently renewed each year. If you are interested in becoming a Distinguished Alumni Member, please contact Dawn Denham at 859-578-6388 or ddenham@nkychamber.com.

LEADERSHIP

Announcing the Class of 2020

EMMA ADKISSON PCA Architecture

RYAN ALLEN Love Must Win, Inc.

JOEL APPLEBERRY Strategic Healthcare Services, LLC

JAMES BEATRICE Business Benefits Insurance Solutions

MICHAEL BLOEMER Covington Fire Department

CHRISTY BURCH Women's Crisis Center

EMILY CAHILL St. Elizabeth Healthcare Foundation

KEITH CARLSON VonLehman & Co.

AARON CASKEY Dressman Benzinger LaVelle PSC

GREGORY CECIL Duke Energy

MARK COLLIER Living Media

KEN DURBIN The At Home Chef, LLC

JOHN ENZWEILER First Financial Bank

RYAN ETEN Jolly Enterprises

MICHAEL FAY Commonwealth Hotels

JESSICA FETTE City of Erlanger

JAMEE FLAHERTY Fort Thomas Independent Schools

JOE FLEISSNER Fifth Third Bank

DARREN FORD Graydon & Ritchey LLP

SARAH GRAY US Bank

PATRICK HAGGERTY Baker & Hostetler LLP

NICK HOYNG Danis Construction

WILL JOHNSON Messer Construction Co.

RYAN KENNEDY North American Properties

ADRIJANA KOWATSCH Gateway Community and Technical College

PAUL KREMER U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

BRITTANY LAWRENCE Clark Schaefer Hackett

ASHLEY MCCLURE Covington Partners

MARCELLA MCNAY Campbell County 9-1-1 Center

JUNE MILLER Brighton Center, Inc.

CYNTHIA MINTER Campbell County Fiscal Court

KYLE NEWMAN Forcht Bank

JENNIFER PANEPINTO Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

NICHOLAS PIECZONKA Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

AMY PRATHER Republic Bank

LADONNA PURCELL CVG

BRANDON QUILLEN Newport on the Levee

MATT RITZMANN Heritage Bank

BRANDON ROELL St. Elizabeth Physicians

JULIE ROTTMAN Zalla Companies

BILLY SANTOS BB&T

ANN SCHOENENBERGER Kenton County Public Library

CHRISTINA SPILLE Faith Community Pharmacy

HOLLY SMITH Cove Federal Credit Union

KARRALEA STICKROD-LIST The Decor Group of NKY, Inc.

Leadership NKY is powered by:

JACK VONHANDORF Notre Dame Academy

NICHOLAS WADE Renaissance Covington

ANNA MARIE WHELAN NKY Chamber

JOSHUA WIFFLER Kroger

CHRISTINA WILLIS Citibank

KAREN ZENGEL Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of NKY

LEADERSHIP

Making Meaningful Connections LNK Chair Outlines the Year Ahead

LAURA S. MENGE Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Greater Cincinnati Foundation Chair, LNK Class of 2020

— The Greater Cincinnati Foundation will give the class $25,000 to award to Northern Kentucky nonprofit(s) of their choice by the end of their program year.

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

HOW FANTASTIC TO ENTER THE FOURTH DECADE OF Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK) and to welcome the Class of 2020. I am honored and elated to chair the Steering Committee and class this year.

The LNK2020 class represents an accomplished group of regional leaders from a diversity of backgrounds and businesses.

They join a program celebrating 40 years in our community, as well as 1,300 alumni who are now at the helm of our companies, governments, and organizations. For these alumni, LNK was a foundational experience, and we are ready to create this experience again by building on so many past successes and trying some new approaches. The dedicated alumni on the Steering Committee are already hard at work designing monthly sessions – focused on everything from Education to Economic Development to Human Services – that will provoke thoughts and conversations and inspire engagement. It’s a privilege to work alongside them.

Exploration and exposure are the hallmarks of LNK, and across this year the class will gain inside looks and personal introductions to the people, projects, and initiatives that are driving our region forward. Leadership Development is another key goal and outcome of the program, so we’ll focus on their strengths and provide the tools and contacts to help build them even further.

But the chief, ongoing theme of LNK is "Making Meaningful Connections," and this year we’re taking that to a new level. The connections they make with each other and with the community are going to result in a special investment.

As announced to the class at their orientation in early August – and at the LNK Alumni Celebration Luncheon that followed that day – the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) will give the Class of 2020 $25,000 to award to Northern Kentucky nonprofit(s) of their choice by the end of their program year. With these grant dollars, the class members will have the opportunity to demonstrate their community learning, collaboration, and decision-making through a meaningful charitable gift. GCF works to connect people with purpose and to inspire generosity toward a more vibrant, thriving region – and this partnership with LNK2020 aligns well with that mission and with GCF’s belief in being generous together. As Class Chair, I am excited to bring together two organizations that I deeply believe in and that share the common goal of building ties for a better community.

We look forward to seeing how these 51 leaders will leverage and invest the dollars in Northern Kentucky – and more importantly, how they will learn about, appreciate, advocate for, and then continue to support the organizations doing important work here every day. In a joint approach toward that goal, LNK is also partnering with Cincinnati Cares to match class members and alumni with meaningful volunteer opportunities and board positions with local nonprofits. If LNK is all about making meaningful connections, we’re just throwing in a bit of glue. NK Y

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Yes, Virginia, There is Nicotine in the Vapor.

Vaping, JUULing, E-Cigarettes Regardless of the Name, They Pose a Danger to our Youth.

By Robert Prichard, MD President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Elizabeth Physicians

E-CIGARETTES HAVE BECOME MORE popular over the past decade, and by that name most people assume there is nicotine in the product. They are also easy to spot when people use them—they look like a fake cigarette or pipe and produce a noticeable cloud of vapor, which is why the term “vaping” is used to describe them.

JUULing is a newer form of e-Cigarettes that entered the market in 2017.

APPEAL OF FLAVOR

HIDDEN DANGERS OF VAPING

HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND

JUUL is popular among middle and high school students because of its small size and flavors such as mango and crème brulee — which appeals to a younger audience. The device is also very small and looks like a USB device. The JUUL even recharges in a computer USB slot, so parents may not even know it’s a JUUL device their kids are using. In 2018, JUUL accounted for about 40% of the e-cigarette market, grossing $150 million in retail sales the last quarter alone.

The most disturbing part of these products is that kids (or adults) don’t know or understand that these products contain nicotine and other varieties of harmful products – it isn’t just water and flavoring like most kids believe. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that although there has been a decline in cigarette use, vaping has increased. Even more troubling, it’s the youth of America who are using these specific products. E-cigarette use has increased from 11.7% to 20.8% among high school students and from 3.3% to 4.9% among middle school students from 2017 to 2018.

The liquid used in vaping contains nicotine. One of the issues is that the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these products; therefore, the amount of nicotine is not even known. Some products contain the same or even more than the amount found in actual cigarettes. The FDA has such concerns with these products that in late July, it released new anti-vaping commercials warning of the dangers of vaping.

Vaping doesn’t involve burning, instead it turns a liquid into an aerosol before it’s inhaled. However, the aerosol is not just harmless water vapor, rather it contains particles of nicotine, toxic chemicals to help the body ingest the nicotine and sometimes even heavy metals. Many of the products in vaping liquid have been linked to cancer, as well as respiratory and heart diseases. Longterm studies on the effect of vaping have not taken place because the product has not been on the market long enough and is not FDA approved. Experts believe the addiction to vaping may also be harder to kick than cigarette use. In addition, most of the pharmaceuticals used to help adults quit smoking are not approved for people under the age of 18.

Nicotine is especially harmful to developing brains as the human brain continues to develop until the age of 26. Nicotine can halt that growth in the prefrontal cortex, which controls attention and focus, learning, mood, and impulse control.

Education is critical. Many young people don’t understand the facts about vaping. A recent study showed 60% of teens who vape don’t know vaping liquid contains nicotine. Parents need to be aware of vaping and JUULs. JUULS are small and can be mistaken for a USB drive.

Teens are able to use it discreetly in the open because they have learned how to hide it – it’s extremely easy for kids to hide it in their wrist with a hairband, or they have learned how to hold it in their hand undetected.

In July, a federal court decided that

by May 2020, e-Cigarette manufacturers will need to apply to the FDA for a public health review of their products. The lawsuit that brought this issue to court was filed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Maryland chapter, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Truth Initiative and five individual pediatricians.

No one knows enough about how harmful these new dangers can be and what the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers will be on people who vape – especially among our youth.

The popularity of these new e-cigarette’s will continue to threaten the health our Northern Kentucky region and Commonwealth, so educating yourself and establishing evidence-based approaches to decrease tobacco use in youth should serve as a template for regulation. Failure to act now could have devastating long-term consequences to our future generations and region. NK Y

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

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2019 NGLAs

TESS BROWN COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & SALES

The Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs) salute and applaud young professionals under the age of 40 for significant professional accomplishments, demonstrated leadership and community impact.

Thank you to our sponsors!

The NKYP Title Sponsor is Duke Energy and the NKYP Presenting Sponsor is MCM CPAs & Advisors. Sponsors of the 2019 NGLAs included Presenting Sponsor: St. Elizabeth Healthcare; Gold Sponsor: Pure Romance; Silver Sponsors: CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky, Newport on the Levee, Turner Construction and VonLehman; Supporting Sponsor: First Financial Bank; Venue Sponsor: Newport Aquarium.

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Tess Brown, Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Ryan Campbell, Cincinnati Bell & Suzanne Murray, Pure Romance.

JACOB BROOKS

KRISTEN SMITHERMAN-VOLTAIRE

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & SOCIAL SERVICES

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Jacob Brooks, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Kirby Neumann, Cincinnati Museum Center & Justin Otto, Newport on the Levee.

PICTURED: Kristen Smitherman-Voltaire, Turner Construction, with her husband, Emilio and their daughters, Arya & Gianna. Other finalists in this category included Danielle Amrine, Welcome House & Kim Harp, REDI.

DAVID KAY

TOM HAGGARD

BUSINESS, FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; David Kay, PNC Bank; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Keith Carlson, VonLehman & Garry Horton, Gilman Partners.

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Tom Haggard, Brighton Center; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Bill Bradford, Fort Thomas Independent Schools & Amanda Klare, Beechwood Independent Schools.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MAVIS LINNEMANN-CLARK

MURPHY STEPHENS

ENTREPRENEURIAL

MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE SERVICES

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Mavis Linnemann-Clark, The Delish Dish and Made

by Mavis; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Peeyush Shrivastava, Genetesis & Stephen Williams, Bouquet Restaurant.

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Murphy Stephens, St. Elizabeth Healthcare; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Emma Schmidt, Emma Schmidt & Associates & Brittany Sorrell, St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

LAURA BRINSON

MIKE GROUT

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TECHNOLOGY, MANUFACTURING & DESIGN

9 PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Laura Brinson, Northern Kentucky Health Department; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Kristin Baldwin, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce & Kevin Donnelly, REDI.

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Mike Grout, C-Forward; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc. Other finalists in this category included Miranda Sheeks, CTI & Chad Summe, Quotient Technology.

JAMIE RITTER

CARRI CHANDLER

2019 EMERGING PHILANTHROPIST AWARD

2019 NKYP LEGEND AWARD

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Jamie Ritter, Director of Marketing at Johnson Investment Counsel; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc.

PICTURED: Ross Emerson, VonLehman; Brent Cooper, President of the NKY Chamber; Carri Chandler, Vice President of the St. Elizabeth Foundation; Elizabeth Fricke, Children, Inc.

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

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AROUND THE CHAMBER WOMEN'S INITIATIVE CONNECTING SHORE TO SHORE | ALOFT NEWPORT

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NKY UNITED | HOFBRÄUHAUS

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

AROUND THE CHAMBER NKYP'S NEXT GENERATION LEADER AWARDS | NEWPORT AQUARIUM

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PICTURED: 1. Amber Badgett & Lauren Goderwise 2. Jocelyn Summers, Megan Bedinghaus & Lisa Dyson (+Dale Silver) 3. Carol Hemmer, Hailey Hemmer & Natalie Ruppert 4. Jenny Sand & Michelle Jennings 5. Mikayla Willams, Lauren Vogel, Jamie Glavic & Shannan Boyer 6. Alison Sheshall & Jessica Hundley 7. Lytle & William Thomas 8. Eric Summe, Ron Lovan & Pat Frew 9. Marci & Senator Wil Schroder 10. NKY Chamber Intern Alvin Paul Chaney 11. Andrew Jones, Nancy Grayson 12. Brittany & Tyler Sorrell 13. Emily Cahill Lusk, Keith Carlson & Kurt Moeller 14. Elizabeth Rogers & Kevin Donnelly 15. Bill Bradford & Kristal Swim 16. Seth Cutter, Liz Corbett & Joe Klare 17. Suzanne Murray & Patty Brisben 18. Barbara Moran-Johnson & Yulia Johanningmeier 19. Amber & Garry Horton 20. Manuel & Emma Schmidt 21. Marcha Linnemann, Doug Clark, Mavis LinnemannClark & Carlin Stamm 22. Jeff Jehn, Vicki Jehn & Kim Harp

All photos by Ben Gastright, except Bourbon & Boards by Jeremy Schrand

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

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AROUND THE CHAMBER

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ANNUAL GOLF OUTING | SUMMIT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

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PICTURED (pages 40-42): 1. Jordan Huizenga, Neil White, Kyle Newman & Chip Regenbosen 2. Peter Weickgenannt, Joe Mayer, Mark Flohn & Greg Berling 3. JP Okuda, Brian Kessler, Ben Douglass & Greg Tufts 4. Gary Jolly, Brady Jolly, Mike Kessling & Clay Mefford 5. Jerry Jehn, Jeff Jehn, Matt Jehn & Brian Durrett 6. Jason Bradshaw, Joe Clark, Ernie Estrada & Brandon Vornauf 7. Tony Escamilla, Jon Hickman, Bob Hicks & Bob Munninghoff 8. Brian Breitenstein, Jay Shelton, Mark Tranbarger & David Delbello

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Larry Nitardy, Jane Young, Jeff Loy & Chad Bilz Rep. Adam Koenig, Peter Winkler, John Gesenhues & Adam Caswell Roger Babik, Don Niehaus, Joe Parker & Scott Parker Jimmie Berger, John Phillippo, Hans Phillippo & Mike King Don Gorbandt, Kurt Moeller, Cary Graham & Matt Gorbandt Mike Munafo, Jamie Smith & Patrick Dye Tony Bonomini, Jim Willman, Jim Lokesak & Denny Laake Jack Givens, Mackenzie Laumann, Jeff Baldwin & Tom McGill

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AROUND THE CHAMBER DON’T MISS OUT! NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Leadership Northern Kentucky

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Congratulations!

Christina Willis Sr. Vice President, Citi

Congratulations Aaron Caskey on your selection as a member of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class 2020!

From Your DBL Law Colleagues & Friends

Selected as a member of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2020

Going above and beyond.

Real progress starts with people who are inspired to make a difference.

At Duke Energy, inspiration is our fuel. It’s what drives us to generate the power of innovation.

Here’s to those who look at things differently. Those who set the example.

Those who inspire and serve others.

And with that, Duke Energy congratulates Gregory Cecil!

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Kyle Newman Banking Officer

Member FDIC | forchtbank.com

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 Leadership

Notre Dame acaDemy Educating Women to Make a Difference

NORTHERN KENTUCKY CLASS We’re proud to count our own Matt Ritzmann, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, among your ranks.

We Have Our Roots Where Others Have Their Branches

to Nick Pieczonka, selected as a member of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2020. www.taftlaw.com

Congratulations!

Julie Rottman, CPA Chief Financial Officer

Selected as a member of the Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2020.

Congratulations

Jack VonHandorf Principal, Notre Dame Academy Making a difference as a member of Leadership NKY Class of 2020!

RIBBON CUTTINGS EAGLE FINANCIAL SERVICES 7908 Connector Drive | Florence, KY 41017 | (859) 525-9725 | www.eagle.com/locations/eagle-florence PICTURED: Jon Engelhard, Huntington Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Mark Smith, Eagle Financial; Kait Pratt, Eagle Financial; Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber President; Soledad Volk, Eagle Financial; Jessica Hayes, Eagle Financial; Cindie Blank, Eagle Financial; Shelly & Paul Henry; Karsyn Pratt; Debby Shipp, NKY Chamber

HUDSON EYE CENTER 27 N. Main Street | Walton, KY 41094 | (859) 485-3937 | www.hudsoneyecenter.com PICTURED: Barbara Farrow, Walton City Council, Gabe Brown, City of Walton, Mayor; Lincoln Hudson; Brynn Hudson; Tyler Hudson, Hudson Eye Center; Kim Hudson; Hudson Eye Center; Savannah Maddox, Kentucky State Representative; Joe Durrett, First Financial Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador

PANERA BREAD 9085 US 42 | Union, KY 41091 | (859) 384-0812 | www.locations.panerabread.com/ky.html PICTURED: Sam Hubbard, Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber; Joe Schlimm, Heritage Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Andrea Sidener, Panera General Manager; Ryan Wendel, Panera Regional Director of Operations; Randi Dunigan, Panera General Manager; Charlie Cecil, Panera Director of Operations; Luanne Weismiller, Panera; Melanie Murray, Panera Marketing; Katey Childers, Panera Marketing; Cindy Cason, State Farm; Michael Cason, State Farm; Florence Freedom

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

RIBBON CUTTINGS UBREAKIFIX 52 Carothers Road | Newport, KY 41071 | (859) 261-1726 | www.ubreakifix.com/locations/newport PICTURED: Jon Englehard, Huntington Bank-NKY Chamber; Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber President; Jerry Peluso, City of Newport, Mayor; Ken Rechtin, City of Newport, Commissioner; Chris Conlin, UBREAKIFIX, Owner; Victoria Conlin, UBREAKIFIX, Owner; Thomas Foltz, UBREAKIFIX; Austin Purcell UBREAKIFIX; Jenny Kinne; Frank Peluso, Sr., City of Newport, Commissioner; Jamie Dickey, ITA Audio Visual Solutions-NKY Chamber Ambassador

WORK ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN 20 E. 5th Street | Covington, KY 41015 | (859) 632-3232 | www.wrkarc.com PICTURED: Sara Kahmann, Welcome House-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Anthony Graham; Melissa Baird; Tyler Watkins, Work Architecture; Mitchell Kersting, Work Architecture; Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber President; Christine Collins; Brenda Deck; Judy Pogue, Comey & Shepard Realtors-NKY Chamber Ambassador

YOUR CBD STORE 2526 Hazelwood Street | Crescent Springs, KY 41017 | (859) 331-0444 | www.cbdrx4u.com PICTURED: Joe Durrett, First Financial Bank-NKY Chamber Ambassador; Janice Shives, Your CBD Store; Jeff Kirby, Your CBD Store; Elizabeth Kirby, Your CBD Store; Ella Kirby, Your CBD Store; David Arend; Lou Hartfiel, Crescent Springs Mayor; Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber President; Prescott Osterbrock, Waddell & Reed-NKY Chamber Ambassador

LET US HELP YOU PROMOTE!

We want to help you promote and celebrate your ribbon cutting ceremony for your new facility, expansion, anniversary celebration or open house! We’ll bring our trademark giant blue scissors, a group of Chamber ambassadors, and a camera to capture the excitement of your special day. Call Lynn Abeln at (859) 578-6390 to schedule your FREE ribbon cutting today!

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:

PAGE 47

MEMBER NEWS

Ultimate Workshop

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

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

Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 8:00 am – 11:30 am Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017

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

Benefits of Attending the Workshop: • Identify action steps for your business which become your 2020 road map for success!

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

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

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

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

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

9:15 am • Session 2: Top 10 Succession Planning Mistakes • How to Plan for: *Death, *Disability, *Retirement • Secrets For a Successful Business Succession Plan • Planning for disability of owner

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

William E.Hesch Law Firm, LLC

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

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

Member Milestones HERITAGE BANK

METROPOLITAN CLUB

SPOTTED YETI

Heritage Bank has named Allison Dubbs as their new Senior Vice President & Marketing Director.

Ms. Dubbs brings to the bank over twenty years of marketing and communications strategy and leadership experience from around the Greater Cincinnati area. She has worked extensively within industries as diverse as financial services, healthcare, technology, e-commerce, retail sales, and government.

Prior to joining the bank, she built and led a high-performance, awardwinning team focused on consumer marketing, professional optometry marketing, corporate communications, internal communications and public affairs for EyeMed/Luxottica. For The Dental Care Plus Group, she helped build both a program and a team that aligned with the company’s expansion aspirations and was responsible for B2B and B2C marketing, corporate communications, and shareholder communications. Her most recent position was as Founder & Principal of ADventures Consulting, LLC, an integrated marketing and communications consulting firm.

A graduate of Otterbein University in Westerville, OH where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Communications and Music Performance (Vocal), she also holds an MBA from Xavier University, and is currently pursuing a Certification in Digital Media & Marketing from Duke University.

The Metropolitan Club is pleased to announce Delores Hargrove-Young as the recipient of the 2019 Metropolitan Award.

The Metropolitan Award is presented annually to a citizen in Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky who has exhibited exponential effort toward improving the lives of our citizens, and who has made significant contributions toward the unification of our community.

These efforts take place within both the business and social worlds and are indicative of the devotion that the recipient holds towards others.

Delores currently serves as Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the d.e. Foxx group of companies, which is comprised of XLC Services, Versatex, and FX Facility Group (Foxx Construction and Xerve). She has served as Board Chair and on boards of an impressive and extensive list of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky organizations, including American Red Cross, ArtsWave, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio and YWCA of Greater Cincinnati. Delores has also served on the Go Metro Task Force, and co-chaired the World Choir Games’ Community Organizing Committee. An active member of LINKS, she has been recognized for her accomplishments by Go Red for Women, Diversity Circle of Excellence and is a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement.

Spotted Yeti Media is pleased to promote Casey Williams to Vice President. Casey has been serving as the organization’s Senior Producer for the past three years, working closely with clients to develop effective video content that engages audiences and meets objectives. His portfolio includes: Xavier University, CTI, Tri-ED, Messer Construction, The Port, UpTech, Beech Acres Parenting Center, and many more.

As Vice President, Casey will continue his role as Video Producer as well as further our business development efforts with a focus on combining storytelling with strategy.

Before joining the Spotted Yeti crew, Casey spent a decade working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center where his key role was creating video and interactive content for employee education. He also co-founded an education technology startup that graduated from the tech accelerator, UpTech. Casey studied Electronic Media at the University of Cincinnati and holds a marketing-focused MBA from Xavier University.

LEADERSHIP 2019 | VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6

— SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS!

All NKY Chamber members are invited to share announcements & personal achievements in the Milestones column.

Send Milestones to bgastright@nkychamber.com PAGE 49

EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9/5 9/14 9/17 9/17 9/18 9/18 9/19 9/26 9/30

NKY Chamber Annual Dinner | NKY Convention Center | 5:00 – 8:30 PM Small Business SATURDAY: Smart Owner Series “Money and Credit Score” | NKY Chamber | 8:30–11:30 AM International: Trademark Basics - What Your Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later | NKY Chamber | 8:30 – 10:30 AM Eggs ‘N Issues: State of Northern Kentucky | Receptions | 7:30-9:15 AM Sales Essentials: Tools for Becoming a Better Communicator | NKY Chamber | 9:30 – 10:30 AM Workforce: Webinar Series by Frost, Brown, Todd – “Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity as Protected Status” Workforce: Employer Legal Roundtable: Hiring Foreign Workers | NKY Chamber | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM HR 100: Legal Update | MAZAK | 7:30 – 9:30 AM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | White House Event Center - Edgewood | 4:30-6:30 PM

10/10 10/15 10/15 10/16 10/22 10/22 10/24 10/28 10/29

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 P.O. Box 17416 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 859-578-8800 NKYChamber.com The Business Journal is a benefit of membership and included in membership fees. Annual subscription rate for nonmembers is $24.

Periodicals Postage Paid USPS-548630 at Covington, KY. 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.

OCTOBER 10/4-5 10/8

Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by:

Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival | Northern Kentucky Workforce: Employer Webinar Series: Taking Employee Engagement to the Next Level | Inclusive Leadership | 12:00 – 1:30 PM Getting the Most from Your Chamber Membership | NKY Chamber | 10:00 – 11:00 AM Eggs ‘N Issues : Bourbon Business in NKY | Receptions | 7:30 – 9:00 AM Workforce: Workplace Safety & Wellness Conference | SETEC | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Business After Hours | Verona Vineyards | 4:30 – 6:00 PM Business Essentials: Responding to Online Reviews | NKY Chamber | 10:00 – 11:00 AM Women’s Initiative Regional Summit | Cintas Center | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM International: Foreign Trade Zones | NKY Chamber | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | Zoe Grace Salon | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Gubernatorial Debate: Bevin and Beshear | NKU Student Union Ballroom | 7:00 – 8:00 PM

© 2019, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors. All rights reserved.

CEO/Publisher Brent Cooper | bcooper@nkychamber.com Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications Kristin Baldwin | kbaldwin@nkychamber.com Marketing / Communications Director Jeremy Schrand | jschrand@nkychamber.com Design & Photography Ben Gastright | bgastright@nkychamber.com Vice President Membership – Sponsorship Sales Lynn Abeln | labeln@nkychamber.com Director, Sponsor Investments Diana McGlade | dmcglade@nkychamber.com Chamber Communications Committee Kit Andrews, Karen Cornellisen, Mindy Kershner, Katie Scoville Louis, William Powell, Kelly Rose, Charley Wayman & Casey Williams

NOVEMBER 11/9-17 NKY Chamber Trip to Greece 11/13 Workforce: Webinar Series Presented by Frost Brown Todd | TBD 11/13 Business Growth: William E. Hesch presents “Top 10 Mistakes Business Owners Make in Tax, Succession & Estate Planning” 11/18 Women’s Initiative CONNECT Hour | Soul Unique Consignment | 4:30-6:30 PM 11/19 Eggs ‘N Issues: Regional Economic Outlook | Receptions | 7:30 – 9:15 AM 11/19 Workforce: Employer Legal Roundtable w/Beth Silvers | NKY Chamber | 11:30–1:00 PM 11/20 Women’s Initiative Fall Professional Series | 7 Hills Church | 7:30-9:00 AM 11/21 HR 100: Creative Employee Branding | Hilton (Airport) | 7:30 – 9:30 AM 11/21 International: Virtual Staffing around the Globe | NKY Chamber | 11:30 AM – 1 PM 11/26 Business Essentials: 5 Steps to Boost Sales w/Social Media | NKY Chamber | 10:00–11:00 AM

Save the Date

Save the Date

Leadercast 2020 Thursday, May 7, 2020 Mark your calendars for a full day of leadership development, featuring world renownd speakers.

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Annual Breakfast

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS? NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS

January 14, 2020 NKY Convention Center 7:00 - 9:30 AM

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL