NKY Business Journal September/October 2018 by Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS JOURNAL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF NKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SEPTEMBER 2018

GROWING LEADERSHIP IN OUR REGION HOPEBOX DERBY P. 14 UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL P. 18 FOCUSING ON ENGAGEMENT P. 26

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2018 VOLUME 37, NUMBER 5 4 Chair’s Letter 6 President’s Letter 8 RYL Class of 2019 9 Developing Future Leaders 10 NKYP: Continuing the Legacy 12 LNK Class of 2019 13 Making Meaningful Connections Dave Spaulding tests his trust of KY Representative Adam Koenig at the NKY Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing, while Marc Wilson and Adam Caswell brace for impact. Golf Outing photos by Ben Gastright.

14 Hopebox Derby 16 LiNK: Building the Best Program Ever 18 Unlock Your Potential 22 So, What Do They Want? 2018-2019

24 NKY Chamber Board

26 Focusing on Engagement 36 Around the Chamber Photos 41 Ribbon Cuttings 44 Member Milestones 46 Events

Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz goofs around with the Jolly Enterprises team at the NKY Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing at Summit Hills Country Club.

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

COVER PHOTO: The GROW NKY Steering Committee gather in their new board room. Photo by Ben Gastright.

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CHAIR’S LETTER

— Leadership is, of course, a key ingredient in our efforts to Lead, Connect and Advocate our way to an improved economy and better quality of life for all in our region.

By Rhonda Whitaker Vice President of Community Relations, Duke Energy Chair, NKY Chamber of Commerce

AS I REACH THE END OF MY TENURE as Board Chair, I am reflecting on what an amazing year it’s been for our NKY Chamber, and the entire region. Our advocacy efforts have helped improve our economy, as evidenced by the fact that we now have one of the lowest unemployment rates in decades (3.2% for Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties). Our workforce efforts have been full steam ahead in launching the new Growing Regional Outcomes through Workforce initiative (GROW NKY). GROW NKY is going to be a game changer as we bring partners throughout the region together to improve workforce outcomes.

— Watching so many come together for the benefit of our region is truly rewarding.

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And we were finally successful this year in getting rid of the reformulated gas requirement (RFG) which will save our region over $40 million dollars over the next year alone. A big thanks to long-time Chamber volunteers Phil Schworer (Board Treasurer) and former Board Chair Steve Harper in keeping their foot on the gas, so to speak! Our RFG repeal efforts would not have been successful without the ongoing support of Rep. Diane St. Onge and the entire NKY Legislative Caucus. These are just a few of this year’s accomplishments. And the tie with all of these results, is great leadership all the way around. The NKY Chamber staff, board, sponsors and many volunteers should be commended for the great collaboration that has made this a successful year. We also introduced new programming this year, such as our Pints & Perspectives events and recognized great things happening in the region with our new NKY Community Award (sponsored by meetNKY). We also rebranded Legacy into Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP), and had one of the best years ever for the Women’s Initiative (sponsored by PNC Bank). Along the way, our NKY Chamber grew its membership and reviews are off the charts good. I couldn’t be prouder. Watching so many come together for the benefit of our region is truly rewarding. Again, none of this would have been possible without our amazing NKY Chamber staff, Board of Directors and volunteers. I hope you will join me at our

upcoming Annual Dinner (sponsored by Fifth Third Bank) on September 20th in thanking our team for their leadership and dedication. I hope you will also congratulate our incoming Board Chair, Jim Parsons of KMK Law, on the year yet to come. I have no doubt that Jim’s leadership will continue to propel our NKY Chamber, and our region, on a positive path. As I end my time as your Chair, I would like to thank my colleagues at Duke Energy for being so supportive of our NKY Chamber, our community, and me personally. I couldn’t have served this year without that support, and this has been a year I’ll never forget. I’d also like to congratulate the newest Leadership Northern Kentucky and Regional Youth Leadership classes, the newest members of the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals group, and the incoming NKY Chamber Board of Directors. Their passion and dedication to our organization is very much appreciated. This Business Journal highlights all of the various leadership groups within the NKY Chamber organization, and they are each critical to our long-term success. Leadership is, of course, a key ingredient in our efforts to Lead, Connect and Advocate our way to an improved economy and better quality of life for all in our region. Thank you for allowing me to serve in a leadership role and enabling me to be a part of making our region the best place in the country to live, work, play and raise a family. It’s truly been an honor. NK Y

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Annual Dinner Presented by Connecting the Pieces Thursday, September 20 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM Northern Kentucky Convention Center Join us for the biggest and best networking event of the year! The NKY Chamber Annual Dinner will celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and the business community in making our region a great place to live and work. Congratulations to the 2018 Award Winners! sponsored by

Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award Jim Willman, Ashley Quarters Hotel Walter L. Pieschel (MVP) Award Jeff Loy, Dynamic Supply Chain Solutions, LLC agent for Premier Expediters Inc.

sponsored by

presented by

Devou Cup Joan and Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III

Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III Northern Kentucky Economic Development Award sponsored by Daniel E. Tobergte The Horizon Award presented by Mike Sipple, Jr., Centennial & Talent Magnet Institute Host Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Parking Sponsor Wine Sponsors: BB&T DHL Express Stock Yards Bank & Trust Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Community Partner: Cincinnati Business Courier

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

— We cannot get the long-term workforce and future leaders we want, without a commitment to education in the earliest years.

By Brent Cooper President and CEO, NKY Chamber of Commerce

THIS MAY BE MY FAVORITE Business Journal of the year, because it highlights one of the areas the NKY Chamber really does well: leadership development. When you look at all our leadership programs, from high school all the way through adult executive levels, it is an impressive continuum. This year we strengthened our leadership development track, by rebranding Legacy as the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP) group and bringing it fully into the NKY Chamber fold. NKYP is now completely integrated and permeates the entire organization. We are creating programming specific to young professionals, recognizing NKYPs at events, and creating development transition points so ‘up and coming’ leaders can see a path toward long term community leadership. The pipeline includes the Regional Youth Leadership Program (RYL) in high school, NKYP after entering the workforce, our longstanding Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK) program, Vistage executive roundtables, and new ties to community boards, including perhaps our NKY Chamber Board of Directors.

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With our new Growing Regional Outcomes through Workforce (GROW NKY) effort, we are also recognizing that long term development begins even earlier with early childhood programs, including quality childcare, pre-school and kindergarten. We cannot get the long-term workforce and future leaders we want, without a commitment to education in the earliest years. The GROW NKY effort is also working on developing new experiential learning programs for all students across our region. As I mentioned in our last Business Journal, ask yourself, “What would our region look like if all businesses had at least one intern or apprentice?” The NKY Chamber, in partnership with workforce partners throughout the region, will be helping to answer that question. And as we work to develop new talent, bring folks back into the workforce, and create a community of new leaders, we will be doing it in a fun way. That’s right, we’ll be bringing even more fun things to the NKY Chamber this year! Whether we are celebrating the new B-Line, recognizing successes with the NKY Community Award, promoting businesses with our NKY Spotlights, providing leadership development programming through our Women’s Initiative, or bringing international businesses together (NKITA), we will be doing things in a fun and entertaining way. The ‘fun’ fits with our mission, which is to promote business growth and create a vibrant economy. Our talent attraction and retention efforts demand we include the “FUN!”

You never know what our committee chairs and staff will come up with, but you’ll want to be a part of it! Remember, even if you can’t make an event, all your employees and/or co-workers are also members, and they are also invited. As you can see in this Business Journal, both leadership development and “fun” are part of our overall strategy to help make our region the best place in the country to live, work, play and raise a family. I hope you like my favorite Journal of the year, and I thank you for being a part of our NKY Chamber of Commerce.

— Remember, even if you can’t make an event, all your employees and/or co-workers are also members, and they are also invited. I’d also like to note how grateful I am to this year’s Board Chair, Rhonda Whitaker (Duke Energy) for her dedication and support this year. We’ve accomplished a lot and should celebrate. But we’re not resting. The planning for next year has already begun. With Jim Parson’s from KMK taking the helm, our NKY Chamber is in good hands. NK Y

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LEADERSHIP

Announcing the Class of 2019

YAMAAN AHMAD Villa Madonna Academy

MARIA BAGRIY Sycamore High School

SYDNEY BERGER Beechwood High School

GRANT BREIT Madeira High School

PAIGHTON BROOKS Campbell County High School

LUCIA COMBS Highlands High School

LOGHAN CURRIN Simon Kenton High School

NOOR DAHLEH Boone County High School

GRACE DESSERICH Wyoming High School

NAOMI DIAS Covington Latin School

OLIVIA DOLL Mount Notre Dame High School

COLIN FEITL Conner High School

EVA FISCHER Madeira High School

ANNA FREIHOFER St. Henry District High School

JACOB FRISK Newport Central Catholic High School

CHRIS GE Indian Hill High School

NICK GETTELFINGER Covington Catholic High School

SOPHIA GHAZALA Notre Dame Academy

MALLORY GRAY Randall K. Cooper High School

JESSIE HEADLEY The Summit Country Day School

MADALYN ISBELL Anderson High School

ABBIE KAPCAR Mariemont High School

ERIN KELLY Mariemont High School

RILEY KEY Lloyd Memorial High School

ELSA KHAN The Summit Country Day School

ABBY KNIGHT Ryle High School

JONAH KREBS Newport Central Catholic High School

SOPHIA LAUDENSLAYER St. Henry District High School

JOHN LAWRIE Covington Catholic High School

EMMA LEHMKUHL Holy Cross High School

ABBY MAHAN Ludlow High School

BEKAH MASIH Dixie Heights High School

SEAN MCINTOSH Holy Cross High School

CHRISTIAN NERZ Calvary Christian School

JULIA RICE Walton-Verona High School

JADYN RIGGS Anderson High School

FAITH RONNEBAUM Bellevue High School

TAYA SANDERS Dixie Heights High School

ZANE SCHNEIDER Boone County High School

ADDY WERLING Mount Notre Dame High School

THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!

BEN WESSEL Taylor High School

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FAITH WHEELER Indian Hill High School

JACOB WOLFE Bishop Brossart High School

LYDIA WORKMAN Dayton High School

CHASE YOUNG The Seven Hills School

Chick-fil-A Newport Pavilion Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Delta Airlines Executive Transportation Northern Kentucky University

Madonna Manor Mazak Regal Beloit Sam’s Club St. Elizabeth Healthcare Towne Properties

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

LEADERSHIP

Developing Future Leaders By E. Chase Dressman Attorney, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP Chair, RYL 2019

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE NKY Chamber has orchestrated a regional leadership program over the past 24 years? And that this leadership program brings together a diverse group of people to teach them about important community issues like diversity, local government, economic development, law, and arts and culture? Did you know that the leadership program I am referring to is an excellent extracurricular activity for college applications? The program that I am talking about is Regional Youth Leadership (RYL). If it sounds similar to Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK), that’s because it is. Modeled after LNK, Regional Youth Leadership provides an eight-month leadership course for local high school juniors consisting of monthly meetings focused on important regional issues. During the course of the program, students are challenged by dozens of volunteers and local leaders to confront (and help to solve) complex issues facing our region. Ultimately, our goal is for the students to better understand themselves, their fellow citizens, and to learn how to identify and develop their own leadership skills and style.

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

We welcomed our newest class of 45 students to RYL in August. These students come from 33 different local high schools in Kentucky and Ohio. They bring their own unique life experiences and perspective to the program, and they add to the collective experiences of the nearly 950 local high school students who have participated in Regional Youth Leadership since 1994. If RYL sounds like a program that someone you know would be interested in, please check out our website at regionalyouthleadership.weebly.com, where you can learn more about the program (and yes, donate to the cause). Applications are accepted between December 1 and March 1 from current high school sophomores for admission to the following school year’s program, and can be obtained on the RYL website or from your school’s guidance counselor. On behalf of myself and the other members of the RYL Steering Committee, I am pleased to welcome our newest group of students to the RYL program. I sincerely hope that they will fully embrace this unique opportunity to develop new friendships, learn more about their community, and to grow as 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. Who is eligible? Current sophomores in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky When are applications available for the next course? December 1, 2018 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.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

NKYP: Continuing the Legacy By Kelly Rose Welcome House of Northern Kentucky

DAVID KAY Chair, NKYP

"This group wants to do more than just work in an office; they want to create a movement and make Northern Kentucky the best place to live, work, and play.” — David Kay Vice President Commercial Banking, PNC

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HAPPY HOURS, FUN PROFESSIONAL events, tours of exciting businesses around town—these are just a few of the many initiatives that the new Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP) group will embark upon in its charter year of working under the NKY Chamber umbrella. Formerly, Legacy, the NKYP group has now become part of the leadership extension of the many programs at the NKY Chamber. David Kay, the incoming chair of NKYP, explains that he has always viewed Legacy and now the new NKYP as an extension of Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK). “LNK is a great nine-month program that teaches us about leadership, advocacy, and networking, so it makes sense that once someone finishes that program, they join NKYP to continue the work that was started at LNK,” explains Kay, Vice President of Commercial Banking at PNC Bank. Launched at the Next Generation Leadership Awards program in July, NKYP encourages young leaders who embrace the principles of meaningful participation, effective citizenship and extraordinary imagination to enhance the quality of life and economic wellbeing in the Northern Kentucky Region. It is the premier organization for young professionals to grow through diverse opportunities for networking, professional development and community involvement. With any new transition Kay reinforces that nothing has really changed with the well-established YP group, if anything the re-branding and the support from the NKY Chamber will only enhance the group when it comes to networking, events, and reach within the community.

“Other than the re-branding not much has changed, the basic principles are still there, we don’t want to erase those benefits,” says Kay. “We have more access to the network through the NKY Chamber.” Kay continues to explain that in the immediate future, NKYP is going to do a mentoring program through Women’s Connect which is through the NKY Chamber’s Women’s Initiative program, keep the happy hours, and continue the tours of local businesses. NKYP will also play an important role at NKY Chamber events by allowing members certain benefits for attending long-standing programs like Eggs 'N Issues, Business After Hours, and the Annual Dinner. “I always felt like if we went to Eggs, Pints, or another NKY Chamber event that a lot of people already had their own niche group, but when you belong to LNK, or now, NKYP that pool of people has shrunk, making some of these larger events seem more accessible to attendees,” explains Kay. Kay, along with the existing NKYP members, are excited for the future of the group. “This group has been around since the 90s and we have had some really influential community members who have been part of this young professionals group,” says Kay. “We want everyone to feel part of something great. When you're working every day, nine to five, you want to do more and be involved with your community. That’s where our pulse is as NKYP. I definitely think that this group wants to do more than just work in an office; they want to create a movement and make Northern Kentucky the best place to live, work, and play.” NK Y

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Business Essentials Academy How to Thrive & Survive in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketplace Tuesday, October 9 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM Kenton County Public Library 401 Kenton Lands Road Erlanger, KY 41018 Business owners and C-Suite Executives need resources to help them make well-informed, strategic decisions. The NKY Chamber has gathered experts from a wide range of industries to offer insights. Attendees will have their pick of breakout sessions in addition to two keynote sessions. Breakfast and Lunch will be included. Topics will include: -Ready for a Public Relations Disaster? -Does your brand need a refresh? -Protect your investment & decrease risk with General Liability Insurance -Do you need an inhouse attorney or outsource your legal work? -Protecting your most valuable resource with Workers Comp Insurance -Should you purchase company cars or lease a fleet? -Should you hire an IT professional or outsource it? -How you can improve the safety of your employees & customers -How to boost sales using social media -Should you hire a HR professional or outsource HR functions? -Do you need to know more about mergers and acquisitions?

LEADERSHIP

Announcing the Class of 2019

JILL BAILEY City of Fort Wright

SHELLIE BAKER Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission

GINA BATH NKY Chamber of Commerce

TREY BRAMBLE Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky

CARA BROOKS Duke Energy

ASHLEY CLOS The Christ Hospital Health Network

EMILY COCHRAN Graydon, Head & Ritchey, LLP

AARON DAVIS Kenton County Airport Board

KATHY ELDER Catholic Health Initiatives

CONNIE FLYNN Erigo Employer Solutions

CHRIS FRANCIS YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

ELIZABETH FRICKE Children, Inc.

PATRICK GERAK St. Elizabeth Healthcare

CHRISTI GODMAN Gateway Community and Technical College

CHRIS GUIDUGLI Rudler, PSC

KIMBERLY HARP REDI Cincinnati

TOM HORNSBY Citi

CHAD HUDEPOHL Valley Interior Systems

ANDREW KEARNS Hummel Hatfield Agency Inc

JANE KLEIER Notre Dame Academy

CHRIS LINCK BKD, LLP

MICHELE LORMS N2 Publishingy

MELISSA LOYD Mental Health America/NKY Agency for Substance Abuse Policy

CASEY MALEY PNC Equipment Finance

HOLLY MAZZOCCA Bartlett Wealth Management

BROOKE MEGENHARDT Toyota Boshoku America

JOHNA MERCER Citi

KURT MOELLER St. Elizabeth Foundation

FAITH MULBERRY Kenton County Public Library

SHANNA NOVOSEL Biggby Coffee

SEAN Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LEARY Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky

DAVE OSTERDAY Furlong Building

JUSTIN OTTO Newport on the Levee

MICHAEL RAIDT Logan Lavelle Hunt

ALEX RECHTIN Roeding Insurance Group

STEPHEN REECE KLH Engineers, PSC

BRETT RENZENBRINK Buechner Haffer Meyers Koenig LPA

BRETT RIGGINS Duke Energy

DAVIS ROBINSON St. Elizabeth Healthcare

CAREY SANDERS Fifth Third Bank

MARIE SCHENKEL Campbell County Fiscal Court

SHANNON SCHUMACHER HORAN

SCOTT SHARROCK Huntington Bank

JOHN SIMKONIS Huntington Bank

ARTIE SPAW KZF Design

Leadership NKY is powered by:

KEVIN STIVERSON C-Forward

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JAKE TOEBBEN Toebben Construction

JENNIFER VORIES Keller Williams

KENNETH WEBB Republic Bank

VINCENT WILIAMS Orchestrate Technologies

CASEY WILLIAMS Spotted Yeti Media

LAURIE WOLSING Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

LEADERSHIP

Making Meaningful Connections LNK Chair Outlines the Year Ahead By John Domaschko Senior Counsel, Great American Insurance Group Chair, LNK Class of 2019

IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO SERVE AS THE STEERING Committee Chair for Leadership Northern Kentucky’s (LNK) Class of 2019. This year we celebrate a significant milestone: the 40th “Best Class Ever!” For the past 40 years, Leadership NKY has used our community as a classroom to sharpen the leadership skills of our region’s top emerging and existing leaders. The nine-month program assists a diverse group of community leaders by strengthening their understanding of our region’s challenges and advantages, and enhancing their skills necessar y to motivate and engage our neighbors in collaborative effor ts to position our region for fur ther success. Leadership NKY aims to inform and empower each class, and to connect them to each other and to our community. Through monthly sessions, par ticipants in the program deeply explore impor tant topics such as economic development, human ser vices, community vibrancy, and more. In addition to monthly sessions, each class is challenged to put their leadership skills into action with a class project. For example, the Class of 2008 created and continues to host the Hopebox Derby, which has raised over $500,000 for HealthPoint Family Care. The Class of 2015 par tnered with Boone County Schools to create the NKY Makerspace, a regional program focused on science, technology, engineering, the ar ts and math (STEAM), ser ving K-12 students through field trips, workshops and internships. These are two examples of the many class projects that have made a positive impact on our region.

This year, the program will be organized around the theme of “Making Meaningful Connections.” This theme will emphasize the interaction between the topics covered by the program’s curriculum, as well as the lasting business and personal relationships the class will build with each other and our region. Leadership NKY is the NKY Chamber’s flagship leadership development program. It suppor ts our region’s effor ts to attract and retain talent. With over 1, 300 alumni, Leadership NKY is Leading and Connecting our region’s best and brightest! NK Y

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

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Leadership in Action: Hopebox Derby By David Schroeder Executive Director, Kenton County Library LNK Class of 2008

LEADERSHIP WHEN THE LEADERSHIP CLASS of 2008 entered HealthPoint’s Pike Street Clinic for the homeless in Covington, they knew something unique was happening. Here they met Benedictine Sister Ann John Kotch. Sister talked to the class about HealthPoint’s work in the community and introduced them to several of the clinic’s patients. Class members were impressed with the work that was being done. Coming into contact with the homeless and learning about the challenges they faced on a daily basis made an impact. Some members of the class left stunned, others saddened, most finished the day with a desire to do something to help. When it came time for the class to select a capstone project, they quickly came to consensus that they wanted to do something for the homeless. Following much discussion, they decided on an adult soapbox derby race with the proceeds going to HealthPoint’s Pike Street Clinic. Affectionately called the Hopebox Derby, this successful event is still going strong after eleven years. The 2018 Derby will be held on September 8 at Wright’s Summit in Ft. Wright with races beginning at 11:00 a.m. The family friendly event includes races, kids’ games and activities, food and drinks and a classic car show.

The initial class goal was to plan an event and turn it over to HealthPoint to perpetuate and maintain. In reality, many of the original 2008 leadership class members remain involved in the event each year. They work closely with a number of HealthPoint staff and more than 100 volunteers. The project has become a part of the class legacy. The Hopebox Derby leadership is proud to announce that they will be reaching a milestone this year. After eleven years, net income donated to HealthPoint programs for the homeless will reach a grand total of more than a $500,000! The funds raised have allowed services to the homeless to grow. A few years ago, this growth led to the clinic’s services to be moved from Pike Street to HealthPoint’s three Northern Kentucky locations in Covington, Florence and Bellevue. Here traditional medical

services have been enhanced with dental, behavioral health and OB/GYN services. The 2008 leadership class has also benefitted greatly from the derby. Class members learned much about team work, their responsibility to the greater community and the importance of compassion and empathy. One of the most challenging components of the Hopebox Derby is encouraging businesses and individuals to sponsor cars and to support the cause with donations. The class is always looking for more to join them in their work. The group has been very fortunate to identify these partners, many of whom have been with the race from the beginning. It has also provided the Hopebox Derby team with an opportunity to educate the community about the homeless in the region and the need to provide them with quality medical care. The Hopebox Derby has been a true bonding experience for the class of 2008. Lasting friendships have been formed, and most importantly, the members have learned that service is an important part of leadership. Please join them and help with the cause on September 8. NK Y

11th ANNUAL HOPEBOX DERBY Wright's Summit in Fort Wright Saturday, September 8 11:00 AM

David Schroeder at the starting gate of the Hopebox Derby. Photo provided.

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

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LEADERSHIP

LiNK: Building the Best Program Ever By Katie Louis Account Manager, Scooter Media

“BEST CLASS EVER.” THAT’S WHAT every Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK) Class says once they’ve graduated from the program. Each class has immense pride in their group and their project, but after graduation the monthly connection to class and program declines. When deciding on a project, the class of 2018 decided to tackle the connection problem and create a way to bring together alumni of the “Best Program Ever” for continued professional development, volunteering and social events. Through this decision LiNK, the Leadership NKY Alumni Association, was ideated. “When discussing potential projects, we asked ourselves what happens next? When there was no ‘next,’ we began the work to create LiNK to allow individuals who are interested in the opportunity to stay connected with their class and also facilitate networking opportunities with other classes,” said Larisa Sims, Assistant City Manager of the City of Newport, and LNK 2018 Project Steering Committee Member. LiNK is an ongoing way for alumni to become connected with each other and stay engaged with alumni after graduation. Alumni from all classes will be invited to networking and volunteer opportunities offered throughout the year. The intent is to provide a pathway for community engagement and extend the LNK experience beyond the class year. According to Sims and Tommy Grace, Vice President at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, another member of the 2018 Project Steering Committee, PAGE 16

LiNK is still in the developmental stages. There are several projects that will be undertaken over the next three years, including the Annual Weekend of Giving Program, Leadership Training, LNK Refreshers, and Alumni Recognition. Alumni will have the opportunity to participate in large or small ways and keep connected to the program. The first project will be the inaugural Weekend of Giving Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21. LiNK will support several nonprofits in Northern Kentucky through projects like painting, manual labor, organizing, and more. “The idea is to help organizations across Northern Kentucky that support our community and were either part of the program or NKY Chamber members,” explained Grace. “We’ve heard from previous classes how difficult it is to sustain their class project after a couple of years. Rather than creating something that may go away, we started from the premise that our ‘project’ would be something to bring together all of the program’s alumni for a greater impact on our region.” In addition to fostering connections to LNK alumni, LiNK wants to create a connection with employers as “Corporate Champions.” There are a number of organizations that have multiple LNK alumni and regularly nominate candidates for the program. Through LiNK, the class of 2018 plans to help alumni within a company connect with one other and build on current relationships between corporate entities and LNK. NK Y

WEEKEND OF GIVING Friday, October 19 Sunday, October, 21 Follow the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on social media for the latest information about LiNK and the Weekend of Giving. @nkychamberofcommerce @nkychamber @nkychamber

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Leadership NKY’s Distinguished Alumni Members

Stephanie Allgeyer Molly Berrens Shannan Boyer Nanette Brames Gary Bricking Mary Lynn Brunemann Patricia Burgess Dianna Caldwell Craig Carlson Helen Carroll

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.

Carri Chandler Karen Cheser

Jason Payne Ryan Piper Thomas Prewitt Allison Rapp Kurt Reiber Kerri Richardson Jody Robinson Jeff Rosenstiel Pamela Schmitt Philip Schworer Sherri Slavey

Corey Clark

Britton Smith

Damien Cook

Joni Soale

Brent Cooper Elizabeth Corbett Robert Coughlin Brent Degenhardt Dustin DiChiara John Domaschko

Terra Thompson Tammy Trimble Larry Warkoczeski Caroline Weltzer Donna Wesseler Kevin Whelan

Jeff Eger

Kara Williams

Ruth Eger

Jim Willman

Greta Elenbaas Katie Enzweiler Mickey Fritz Shelley Funke Frommeyer

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.

Bob Parsons

Mike Grout Kimberly Halbauer Merle Heckman David Heidrich Simon Heidrich William Hesch Keith Jones Watson Jones Carla Landon Jana Martin Kemp Anthony McCormack Gus McKinley Laura Menge Leisa Mulcahy Matt Olliges Pat O’Reagan Kathy Papp

Bret Witte

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE

Unlock Your Potential By Charley Wayman Director of Sales & Marketing Building Industry Association of NKY

“Don’t allow [your career] to be defined by inertia. Make choices that work for you, and when they no longer work, make a change.” — Beth Silvers

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

DO YOU WONDER WHAT THE RIGHT career path is for you? Are you missing the tools you need to start your journey and become the successful woman you know you can be? The Women’s Initiative program at the NKY Chamber has been helping women connect, grow, and achieve success in the workplace and in life over the past decade. They have become the region’s leading organization for women of any career stage who understand the importance of building their own personal success. Through their networking, volunteering, and

educational programs, Women’s Initiative provides individuals, business owners, and employees with personal development opportunities so that women can answer those questions and learn how best to determine and achieve what they see as success in their careers. At the 2018 Women’s Initiative Regional Summit, sponsored by PNC, happening October 17th at the Cintas Center at Xavier University, you will learn how to unlock your potential, using many techniques and strategies which will help you create your very own career roadmap. You will identify what you desire most in your career, focus on the creation of new skills while learning how best to fine tune those you already possess, and determine the appropriate next steps to achieve the goals that you will set for yourself during the Summit. Headlining the Summit are local speakers Priya Klocek, president of Consultant On The Go LLC, a consulting firm specializing in human resources,

change management and global diversity consultancy, and Beth Silvers, co-host of Pantsuit Politics and The Nuanced Life, and owner of Checking In with Beth Silvers, a life and business coaching practice. Klocek will lead the morning keynote session to discuss mindset, embracing your authenticity, and discovering how to adapt in the workplace while staying authentic. Silvers will introduce the idea that time and attention are your most precious resources and will provide you with pragmatic tips for knowing, owning, demonstrating, and increasing your value to put into practice right away that will help you more effectively contribute to your organization and advocate for yourself and others. In addition to the headliners, nine breakout sessions provide the opportunity for you to create a custom program so that you walk away from the Summit with a career plan designed specifically for you. Discussions and techniques will provide you with the tools needed to combat the challenges most women experience in regards to diversity, power and gender, stress, and leadership. The 2018 Women’s Initiative Regional Summit is a great way your company can invest in your development. You will have the opportunity to interact with leaders from our region, learn from each other’s challenges and successes, and create new business contacts to grow your network. You can share the information with your officemates following the Summit, encouraging discussion and learning within you organization, helping to renew motivation and confidence. NK Y Turn the page for the full list of breakout session presenters and topics

Pictured Keynote speakers Beth Silvers and Priya Klocek on the riverfront. Photo by Ben Gastright.

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

PAGE 19

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE Pour Into Others: The Mentor/Mentee Relationship

Jamie Holtzapfel Principal Consultant, Core Consulting Group Debunk five common mentoring myths, learn strategies for successful mentoring relationships and leave inspired to pour into others.

The Benefits of Intentional Inclusion and Diversity in Running Your Workforce

Marilyn Baker, Owner, Yankee Doodle Deli Judi Gerding, President & Founder, The Point/Arc of Northern Kentucky & Greater Cincinnati Denise Govan, Managing Director, Life Learning Center Cheryl Martinez,Employer Relations Specialist, Ky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Oh BEHAVE! Power and Gender in the Workplace

Discover the benefits of hiring a diverse workforce from Second Chance workers to those with cognitive and physical disabilities. You will learn how to address barriers for your business and for the “would be” employees.

You will learn to navigate work situations between men and women that has been brought to the surface by the #MeToo movement. You will take away navigational tools for every level of the workplace from employee to employer.

Assessing Your Next Career Adventure

Samantha Rittgers, Esq. – Attorney, Graydon Julie Pugh, Esq., SHRM-CP, PHR – Attorney, Graydon

Mindfulness Tools for 21st Century Professional Women

Claire E. Parsons Member, Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing, PLLC You will walk through common scenarios professional women face in the workplace and learn how to utilize a mindfulness practice to address the issue. You will take away techniques to help you “focus on you” to help you be a mindful professional woman.

Effective Leadership: Discover Your Style

J.C. Baker Founder and CEO, J.C. Baker & Associates

Every leader has a unique style. You will discover your own personal leadership style by learning about the different ways leaders are effective across organizations and debunking myths about what it takes to be a great leader.

The Art of Networking

Laura Cook Kroeger President, Communications Project Partners

This session is for women at all professional levels who may be contemplating a career shift, either within their current organization or externally. You will take away an easy-to-use tool kit to determine your readiness for a successful next career adventure.

It’s All About Me: Developing Your Personal Strategic Plan

Dr. Vicki Berling Director, Sullivan University Center for Learning - NKY

Discover a process to develop your personal strategic plan and learn how your goals can help you paint a picture of what successful life looks like for you.

Your Beautiful Mind: The Power of Game Theory in Negotiation Andrea Costa Laden, Esq. Attorney, Frost Brown Todd LLC

Take a fresh look at your next negotiation by learning the basic tenets of Game Theory as highlighted in the movie “A Beautiful Mind.” See how you can apply Game Theory to unlock your negotiating powers.

Emerald Sparks Chief Financial Strategist, Author, and Speaker, Emerald Sparks LTD

Take your networking to the next level by learning how to get over yourself, uncloud your head of preconceived judgements, and conquer your fears to have purposeful engagements and build truly meaningful relationships.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Initiative Regional Summit Sponsored By:

Unlock Your Potential Wednesday, October 17, 2018 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Cintas Center, Xavier University 1624 Herald Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45207 REGISTRATION INFORMATION The fee to attend is $159 NKY Chamber member $179 future member. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, two featured speakers and four different breakout sessions. Companies registering five or more women receive a discount. To register online visit: NKYChamber.com/WISummit18

Title Sponsor:

Attendee Gift Sponsor:

Community Partner:

Social Media Sponsor:

Speaker Sponsor:

Closing Session Sponsor:

Breakout Session Sponsor:

Thomas More College

Breakfast & Coffee Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsor:

Horizon Community Funds of NKY

WORKFORCE

So, What Do They Want? Attracting the Best Employees Means Changing the Perks By Gary Mitchell Owner, Divisions Maintenance Group

OUR COMPANY GREW LAST YEAR. A lot. Divisions Maintenance Group, a facilities maintenance provider for companies across the nation, nearly doubled the staff in 2017. Most new employees work in our Newport offices, so an expansion was needed into space at Newport on the Levee. Another expansion there is already underway as we plan to add another 100 people this year. We’ve learned a lot in the last 19 years. Strike that – I’ve learned a lot; about what makes for an attractive work environment. I’ve made mistakes, I’m still learning. I’m not alone. A recent survey shows a big disconnect between what company owners think their employees want, and what workers actually value. Mindflash, an online training provider, asked company owners and employees to list workplace benefits in order of importance. The lists could not have been more different. Owners see it this way: 1. Good wages 2. Job security 3. Promotion/growth opportunities 4. Good working conditions 5. Interesting work Employees have different priorities: 1. Full appreciation for work done 2. Feeling “in” on things 3. Sympathetic help on personal problems 4. Job security 5. Good wages

PAGE 22

Our own employee surveys confirm this ranking. It’s tough to ignore; I’m now convinced satisfaction at work is critical to personal contentment, work/life balance, and general health and wellbeing. I’ve had to ask myself and others in Divisions leadership how we can better show gratitude, be inclusive, and listen, really listen to the people who are helping Divisions grow. Our mission states that our services provide “uninterrupted peace of mind” for our customers; how can we give that to our staff? These suggestions sound simple, but when asked, they are among the perks our employees say they appreciate the most: There IS such a thing as a free lunch. (Held once a week in the lunchroom, we always include a healthy option and staff members take turns picking.) Free fitness center Weekly fitness classes (Pilates, Zumba, Hip-Hop, it varies) Quarterly themes with contests and valuable prizes (trip for two, Apple Watch, jet ski, etc.) Company picnic that includes the family Labor Day Fireworks party Free, professional family photos Paid time off to volunteer for a charity Standing desks

Do these fully address every employee desire? No, but it’s a start. We’re hoping our new Facebook Workplace page will help employees feel more informed and connected with what’s going on in our company. It’s free, you can try it too. The perks you offer must consider the average age of your workforce. Millennials are more entrepreneurial and don’t want to be micro-managed. They expect a social, friendly work environment. Gen Xers, we’ve found, want their careers to leave room for their families’ many needs. For owners trying to do more with less, teamwork is essential. ASK your employees for honest feedback. Caring about the answers and acting on them will show genuine respect, improve corporate morale and your bottom line, with less turnover and a more dedicated team. That’s the key word: team. I’m learning the days of one person/one project management are over. Individuals work better when they can excel in their roles in collaboration with others who do the same; feeding off each other’s positive energy.

So, what do they want? A spot on the team, a coach who listens and leads, and one who rewards not just their results, but their effort. NK Y

Quarterly feedback process Gary Mitchell is founder and owner of Divisions Maintenance Group, a five-time winner of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Top Workplaces Award. Gary is also a past winner of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

We'd congratulate you a million times, but that would be a really long ad. Congratulations to John Simkonis for being accepted in the 2018/2019 Leadership Northern Kentucky class.

Member FDIC. ¥® and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington.® Welcome.TM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2018 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

Congratulations! Johna Mercer Sr. Vice President, Citi Chris Guidugli Leadership NKY Class of 2018 - 19

Congratulations, Chris,

Selected as a member of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2019

from all of us at Rudler!

The Class of 2019 (Literally and figuratively)

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Kathy Elder, for your commitment to Leadership Northern Kentucky.

Steve Reece Principal | Director of Commercial Studio KLH Engineers

Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2019 klhengrs.com

Congratulations,

Christi Godman

CONGRATULATES

Associate Vice President, Workforce Solutions

EMILY COCHRAN

Selected as a Member of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2019!

AND THE 2018-19 LEADERSHIP NORTHERN KENTUCKY CLASS

FT. MITCHELL, KENTUCKY GRAYDON.LAW THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

2018-2019 NKY Chamber Board Chairs

JIM PARSONS Chair of Board Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

DAN CAHILL Chair- Elect HORAN

RHONDA WHITAKER Past Chair of Board Duke Energy

JASON PAYNE Treasurer Republic Bank

GERALYN ISLER Secretary Business Benefits Insurance Solutions

2018-2019 Executive Committee Members

JOHN NIENABER Vice Chair, Public Affairs Heritage Bank

SHELLEY FUNKE-FROMMEYER Vice Chair, Membership Waddell & Reed

WONDA WINKLER Vice Chair, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Initiative Brighton Center Inc.

DUSTIN DICHIARA Vice Chair, Workforce Chick-fil-A

JEFF ROSENSTIEL Vice Chair, Leadership Advisory Council Graydon Head

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

Chair-appointed Executive Committee Members

JOHN HAWKINS Pathfinder/MPI Consulting

PAGE 24

PATRICK HUGHES DBL Law

GARREN COLVIN St. Elizabeth Healthcare

JAY WUEST PNC Bank

MARK EXTERKAMP BB&T

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

Elected Members

MICHAEL HALL Citi

MATT BOWEN Fidelity Investments

CARRI CHANDLER St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood

RICHARD FIELD Post Glover

ALAN MAJCHRZAK DHL

TOM PREWITT Graydon Head

PAUL RITTER CTI

PHILIP SCHWORER Frost Brown Todd

KATHLEEN JAGGER Thomas More College

DAVID KAY PNC Bank

PAUL HEMMER Paul Hemmer Company

JOHN HENGELBROK Baker Stamping

JIM LOKESAK Skyline Chili

TIMOTHY SLAUGHTER Castellini Group

DAVID SPAULDING Turner Construction Company

RICH TIBERI Fifth-Third Bank

MELISSA LUTZ Champlin Architecture

CAROLINE WELTZER Viox & Viox

Standing Members

JAY BREWER Superintendent Dayton City Schools, NKCES

DR. FERNANDO FIGUEROA Gateway Community and Technical College

CANDACE MCGRAW Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

PAUL MEIER City of Crestview Hills

DR. ASHISH VAIDYA Northern Kentucky University

One Year Appointments

GABY BATSHOUN Global Business Solutions

THOMAS DEERE Corporex

CHUCK HEILMAN J.A.C.C.

BRADY JOLLY Jolly Enterprises

LAURA LYONS ATech Automotive Tech

PAM SCHMITT RiverPoint Capital

RAY TAKIGIKU Bexion

BRIAN TODD Clark Shaefer Hackett

KATRINA WARD Huntington Bank

Ex-Officio Members

JUDGE EXECUTIVE GARY MOORE Boone County Fiscal Court

JUDGE EXECUTIVE KRIS KNOCHELMANN Kenton County Fiscal Court

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

JUDGE EXECUTIVE STEVE PENDERY Campbell County Fiscal Court

ERIC SUMME meetNKY, Northern Kentucky CVB

KAREN FINAN Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance

PAGE 25

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

Focusing On Engagement Incoming NKY Chamber Board Preview By Bill Powell FranNet MidAmerica

The incoming Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are preparing to continue and accelerate the trajectory of growth and service enhancement that previous boards have set. They will begin their new roles September 1 when the new fiscal year began. The Business Journal sought their input regarding how they see their role’s focus and how that will contribute to both the NKY Chamber and the community, and why they’ve chosen to be involved in leadership on an ongoing basis.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

JIM PARSONS Chair

As the Chair of the Board, Parsons said he wants to retain the organization’s “Lead, Connect, Advocate” theme for the upcoming year because it’s important to maintain consistency of theme and priorities. “I see this as a year of encouraging staff and members to be involved more deeply so we can increase our relevancy and improve the NKY Chamber’s offerings and impact,” he explained. “Besides having a strong focus on advocacy at the state and national level on issues that affect the business climate in the state and nation, the NKY Chamber contributes to this area’s businesses by offering consistently strong programming and member benefits. Older programs like Eggs ‘N Issues and Government Forum, and new programs such as Pints & Perspectives, educate our membership, provide opportunities for social interaction and connect people. “The NKY Chamber is a really unique organization that has a broad impact on much more than just direct business issues,” he continued. “We connect the region and businesses across the area. We lead in a number of ways by also encouraging strong educational systems, community organizations and other quality of life issues that businesses need and expect in order to grow and prosper. All of these factors are critical to our region’s success.” Parsons, a Partner with Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL, was born in Cincinnati and raised in the Big Bone Rabbit Hash area of Boone County. He and his wife live in Florence and have two daughters.

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

DAN CAHILL Chair-Elect

“My focus this year will be on continuous improvement,” Cahill said. “The NKY Chamber has great momentum around membership, programs and special events. As our initiatives continue to expand, the work for leadership also continues to grow. This year, I’m a utility player. I’ll be supporting Jim Parsons as he assumes his role as Chair and Ryan Heitkamp as he succeeds me as Business Growth & Trade Vice Chair, as well as all other Board members. For the next 12 months, I’ll be listening, learning and seeking to add value wherever I can." Cahill has been involved with the NKY Chamber since 1999 when his former employer relocated him here. He grew up on Cincinnati’s west side and spent summers in Northern Kentucky working at his grandfather’s business. He said settling in Northern Kentucky to raise his family was “a natural fit.” “My employer encouraged us to get involved in the community, so when I came back my first call was to the NKY Chamber,” he explained. “Roger Griggs quickly got me involved in advocacy efforts that encouraged public internet and invited me to Frankfort. I was astounded at how quickly the NKY Chamber engaged resources and created movement. Because of work-related travel, I couldn’t participate as I would’ve liked. When I joined HORAN, I was thrilled to re-engage. During the past 4-5 years, I’ve been involved in membership drives and special events, and then was invited to join the executive team as Chair, Business Growth and International Trade. I’ve experienced the passion of our community leadership firsthand. We fight way above our weight class in business growth, health innovation and advocacy. “ Cahill is Vice President, Market Leader with HORAN. Born in Cincinnati, he has lived in Crescent Springs for 19 years. He and his wife have two daughters.

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Board Chairs & Vice Chairs photos by Ben Gastright.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GERALYN ISLER Secretary

Besides serving as Board Secretary, Isler chairs the Women’s Initiative Regional Summit and is an active member of Business Advocacy Council. “The Women’s Initiative is a great way for women to build a strong network, find opportunities for professional development and gain mentor relationships,” she said. “The Regional Summit, which will be at the Cintas Center on October 17, is a day-long event devoted to professional development and networking. Business Advocacy helps our region prosper by advocating for improvements to our business climate and workforce; it’s a vital benefit to our members and allows them to stay focused on growing their businesses. “During two decades of active NKY Chamber membership, I’ve witnessed - and have been a part of - impressive strides the community has made,” she continued. “Our company has grown and advanced alongside the NKY Chamber and many other engaged businesses; together, we’ve learned from each other and share a common goal and love of our community.” Isler is President/Benefit Advisor for Business Benefits in Ft Mitchell. Born in New Jersey, she’s lived in Northern Kentucky most of her life. She and husband Bob have been married for almost 30 years and have two children.

JASON PAYNE Treasurer

“Our focus is to continue to keep finances in good health, so we’re set up optimally for future operations and investments,” said Payne. “I’ll be working closely with the NKY Chamber’s controller to monitor KPIs such as membership growth, balance sheet growth and program viability. It’s vital that the organization has a healthy budget and financial strategic plan so we can serve the members and reach our goals related to economic development and advocacy.” Payne, an Owensboro native, said he joined the NKY Chamber right away in 2005 when he moved here from Louisville. “I got into the Leadership NKY program in 2011 and then went on to chair the group,” the Union resident said. “After that, I chaired the Leadership Advisory Group. I’ve always seen real value in being involved with the NKY Chamber.” Payne, Managing Director of the NKY Market SVP, Republic Bank, is married and has two children.

DUSTIN DICHIARA Vice Chair, Workforce

“The purpose of the Workforce team is to promote growth and leverage all partners (e.g., the NKY Chamber, Tri-ED, and NKY Workforce Investment Board) to attract and retain employees in our region,” said DiChiara. “We’ll be focusing on the Growing Regional Outcomes through Workforce (GROW) program that seeks to align the education pipeline with real employment opportunities; it’s talent management for the region,” he explained. “Our other main priority is leveraging the NKY Chamber’s advocacy role by promoting legislation that encourages employment and productivity. “Our team’s efforts are important to members and the larger business community,” he continued, “because to attract and retain employers, we need a workforce that fits employers’ requirements. Companies are more likely to locate and expand here if the workforce piece is in place. “I got involved with the NKY Chamber in 2009 through the Leadership NKY program, and then went on to chair it,” he said. “As a business owner, my time is limited, so I wanted to do things that are important for my business and the community." An Alabama native, DiChiara began his career with Chickfil-A in his home state. The company gave him the opportunity to manage a restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. After meeting that challenge, he was offered his own restaurant in Florence. He’s an Operator for Chick-fil-A and resides in Union, where he moved his wife and four children in 2013.

RYAN HEITKAMP

Vice Chair, Business Growth & International Trade “I oversee operations for ARMOR, a French-owned company whose North and South American headquarters are in Northern Kentucky,” said Heitkamp. “There are more than 450 foreign-owned firms in the region, so our team’s goal is to educate NKY Chamber members and the community about why international trade is important for the region. “We want to help members grow and prosper, whether it’s a small dog care busines or a large manufacturer,” he explained. “We already offer a full set programming through our various community partnerships, including Spanish for business, exporting classes and using social media in sales strategy. We don’t have to be the experts in everything, but we do need to know how to connect people to the experts.” Heitkamp has been a NKY Chamber member for eight years, and involved in leadership since 2015. “I joined the Northern Kentucky International Trade Association (NKITA) in 2015 and have been the chair for two years,” he said. “In 2016, I joined the Chamber Board of Directors, and most recently was asked to join the Executive Board to support Business Growth & International Trade.” Heitkamp, Vice President of Operations with ARMOR, lives in Anderson Township with Emily, his wife of 15 years, and their two boys. Born in Coldwater, Ohio, he formerly worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton.

JOHN NIENABER Vice Chair, Public Affairs

“My focus is to represent the views of our business community in Frankfort and Washington, D.C.,” said Nienaber. “Specific areas include continued tax and pension reforms, as well as improving our transportation system. The advocacy program is important because taxes and regulations impact all businesses! Our team and volunteers advocate for fair, simple and reasonable solutions. “The NKY Chamber is the one organization in Northern Kentucky that promotes businesses of all sizes,” he continued. “It’s a great way to meet people and help grow our economy.” Nienaber, Senior Vice President in Commercial Lending for Heritage Bank, was born in Covington and raised in Erlanger. The Lakeside Park resident and his wife of 40 years have two sons and seven grandchildren.

JEFF ROSENSTIEL

Vice Chair, Leadership Advisory Council “The NKY Chamber offers a continuum of leadership development programs that are important to area businesses, and our focus this year is on alumni engagement,” Rosenstiel said. “For example, the Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK) program, which recently selected its 40th class, has graduates who’ve permeated all levels of leadership throughout our community. They volunteer on nonprofit boards, raise money for worthy causes and mentor the next generation. Next, our Regional Young Leadership (RYL) program promotes leadership skills for regional high school students, resulting in retention of talent for our business community,” he continued. “Finally, the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP) links these two groups as the premier organization for young professionals, providing opportunities to foster professional and personal development for building our region’s next generation of leaders. “As a direct beneficiary of the NKY Chamber’s leadership development (LNK Class of 2008), I want to pay it forward,” Rosenstiel added. “Every successful business has strong leaders, so please consider LNK, RYL and NKYP to help develop the next generation of leaders for your business.” Rosenstiel, an attorney with Graydon, is a lifelong Northern Kentuckian. Raised in Florence, he “met a girl from Edgewood” and they settled in Fort Thomas in 1991; they have two adult sons and a teenage daughter. He serves as vice president for The Carnegie in Covington and previously served as president for the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra.

SHELLEY FUNKEFROMMEYER

Vice Chair, Membership “Membership, Sponsorship and Events will be focused as the year of engagement,” said Funke-Frommeyer. “Current NKY Chamber members will be advised and inspired on how to fully engage. My desire is for our members to more deeply involve their employee teams in the many great events and programs the NKY Chamber offers. Board of Advisor members are also receiving fantastic and unique opportunities to dig in deeper with the C-Suite of the NKY Chamber Board of Directors and other Board of Advisor members. Lead, Connect, Advocate!" Shelley is the sixth of 12 children raised in the Licking River valley of southern Kenton County. She said she and husband Rich are “loving their abundant life with their six kids and one grandchild, and that her 16 years of involvement with the Chamber has been a hub of much of her business and family fun.”

WONDA WINKLER

Vice Chair, Women’s Initiative “The Initiative began in 2008 and has experienced 10 years of progressively greater success. To provide opportunities for women to connect, grow and achieve in business has been our mission. We’re about helping women at all career levels be more strategic and achieve success. "We provide monthly and special events. For example, our Connect events include monthly CONNECT Hours, as well as our annual Shore to Shore event, Annual Breakfast (2nd largest NKY Chamber event) and Golf Outing. Grow events include a mentoring program, a Professional Series and our Regional Summit. We offer Achieve events such as Peer to Peer Roundtables, the Outstanding Women of NKY Luncheon and our Spirit of Achievement Award. “My almost 25-year involvement with the Chamber includes serving on various committees, including the Board since 2009,” she said. “I’m fortunate to work for Brighton Center, an organization that values community leadership. Our mission and vision align with the Chamber’s, because we help families become selfsufficient and improve their quality of life; workforce development is a priority for both." An Erlanger native, Winkler is Executive Vice President at Brighton Center, Inc. She and husband John married in 1995, live on the Cincinnati’s west side and have a 16-year-old daughter. NK Y

Great achievements deserve respect. Great ideas come not just from great thinkers, but from everyday people who are inspired to make a difference. At Duke Energy, inspired thinking is our fuel. It’s what drives us to generate the power of innovation. Congratulations to Cara Brooks and the entire LNK 2019 Class! Thank you for making a difference in our communities!

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Chris Linck | clinck@bkd.com | bkd.com

Congratulations Elizabeth on being selected for this year’s Leadership Northern Kentucky Class!

www.childreninc.org | 859-431-2075

Congratulations! Tom Hornsby Congratulations

Sr. Vice President, Citi

Chad Hudepohl Director of Corporate Administration

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME Leadership 37 NUMBER 5 Northern

Kentucky Class | 2019

Selected as a member of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2019 PAGE 1

Fill your supply closet for less The NKY Chamber offers four different programs to help chamber members save money on office supplies.

NKYChamber.com/MemberDiscounts

The NKY Chamber of Commerce staff congratulates V i c e P r e s i d e n t , W o m e n â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s I n i t i a t i v e

Gina Bath

on being Selected as a member of

Leadership Nor thern Kentucky

LNK 2019

Class of 2019

FURLONG BUILDING

Great achievements deserve respect. Great ideas come not just from great thinkers, but from everyday people who are inspired to make a difference. At Duke Energy, inspired thinking is our fuel. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what drives us to generate the power of innovation. Congratulations to Brett Riggins and the entire LNK 2019 Class! Thank you for making a difference in our communities!

Congratulations!

Dave Osterday

duke-energy.com

Leadership NKY Class of 2019

Congratulations Shannon Schumacher Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2019 CONGRATS, CASEY WILLIAMS! LEADERSHIP NORTHERN KENTUCKY, CLASS OF 2019

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Congratulations Aaron Davis

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130 W. 6th Street Covington, KY 41011

www.spottedyeti.com info@spottedyeti.com

Congratulations, Trey Bramble!

Notre Dame acaDemy Educating Women to Make a Difference

Congratulations

Jane Kleier Notre Dame Academy Class of 1983 Director of Marketing & Communications

A woman making a difference as a member of Leadership NKY Class of 2019!

LNK Class of 2019

AROUND THE CHAMBER ANNUAL GOLF OUTING - SUMMIT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

PAGE 36

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

AROUND THE CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - HOFBRAUHAUS BIERGARTEN

PINTS & PERSPECTIVES - BRAXTON BREWING COMPANY

MEET NKU PRESIDENT ASHISH VAIDYA - FIDELITY INVESTMENTS

EGGS 'N ISSUES - RECEPTIONS ERLANGER

WOMEN'S INITIATIVE CONNECT HOUR SPONSORED BY PNC - MELLOW MUSHROOM

PAGE 38

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

NORTHERN KENTUCKY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS' (NKYP) NEXT GENERATION LEADER AWARDS - THE MADISON EVENT CENTER

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS OUT! NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

PAGE 39

AROUND THE CHAMBER STEM DAY OUT - CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S

STEM DAY OUT - NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

STEM DAY OUT - DUKE ENVISION CENTER

PAGE 40

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

RIBBON CUTTINGS GROW NKY 300 Buttermilk Pike | Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 | (859) 578-8800 | nkychamber.com/GROW

INVESTORS PICTURED: Tom Reusch, Kerry Nissan/NKY Chamber Ambassador; Tom Prewitt, Graydon; Laura Menge, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber; Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber President; Rhonda Whitaker, Duke Energy/NKY Chamber Board Chair; Leisa Mulcahy, NKY Chamber; Mike Hall, Citi; Karen Finan, Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance; Andrew Hawking, BB&T; Don Roberts, APG Office Furnishings; Prescott Osterbrock, Waddell & Reed/NKY Chamber Ambassador

STEERING COMMITTEE PICTURED: Tom Reusch, Kerry Nissan/NKY Chamber Ambassador; Kim Moser, Kentucky State Representative; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber; Polly Page, Northern Kentucky Education Council; Wade Williams, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED; Leisa Mulcahy, NKY Chamber; Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber President; Rhonda Whitaker, Duke Energy/NKY Chamber Board Chair; Mardia Shands, Partners for Competitive Workforce; Amy Razor, NKY Cooperative for Educational Services; Barb Stewart, Workforce Investment Board; Andy Aiello, TANK; Adam Koenig, Kentucky State Representative; Dave Fleischer, Ignite Institute; Wonda Winkler, Brighton Center; Tim Hanner, NaviGo College and Career Prep Services; Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann; Prescott Osterbrock, Waddell & Reed/NKY Chamber Ambassador

DEDICATION & HONORARY RENAMING OF A SECTION OF DONALDSON HIGHWAY TO THE H. GORDON MARTIN MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

PICTURED: Doug Martin (Gordon Martin’s son); Andy Kelley, Receptions Banquet and Conference Center/NKY Chamber Ambassador; Sara Kahmann, Welcome House/NKY Chamber Ambassador; State Representative Diane St. Onge; State Senator John Schickel; Judge Executive Gary Moore; and John Martin (Gordon Martin’s son)

LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

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RIBBON CUTTINGS THE BLUEGRASS MARKET 5819 Idlewild Road | Burlington, KY 41005 | (513) 331-9545 | thebluegrassmarket.com

PICTURED: Ellen Barnett, L&N Federal Credit Union, Sponsor; Connie Flynn, Erigo/NKY Chamber Ambassador; Greg Villaroel, The Bluegrass Market; Luke Koszycki, The Bluegrass Market; Jean Koszycki, The Bluegrass Market; Janet Koszycki, The Bluegrass Market Owner; Craig Koszyck, The Bluegrass Market; Joni Huffmyer, NKY Chamber; Dan Hammons, Shared Wellness/NKY Chamber Ambassador.

BURGER KING 220 Mary Grubbs Highway | Walton, KY 41094 | (859) 485-0213

PICTURED: Lance Angle, ATech Training/NKY Chamber Ambassador; Mike Miller, Burger King Store Manager; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber; John Helinski, Burger King; Burger King staff members; Ashlee Kennedy, State Farm Insurance/NKY Chamber Ambassador; Ellen Barnett, L&N Federal Credit Union/Sponsor

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

RIBBON CUTTINGS FIVE LABS 4123 Olympic Blvd | Erlanger, KY 41018 | www.fivelabs.org

PICTURED: Rebecca Bollens, FIVE Labs; Joe Leonard, FIVE Labs; Derek Pupello, FIVE Labs; Gary Moore, Judge Executive Boone County; Dr. Michael Greiwe, OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; JoAnn Reis, OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; Garren Colvin, St. Elizabeth Healthcare; Gary Blank, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Tyson Hermes, Mayor City of Erlanger; Gene Kirchner, NKY Chamber

SOLE BY STYLE 617 Madison Avenue | Covington, KY 41011 | (513) 666-8363 | solebystyle.com

PICTURED: Ryan Strittholt, 777 Computers/ NKY Chamber Ambassador; Griffin Witzel, Sole By Style; Gina Bath, NKY Chamber; Mitchell Wolfe, Sole by Style Owner; Jacob Cain, Sole by Style Owner; Emma Powell, Sole by Style; Bill Wells, City of Covington; Ellen Barnett, L&N Federal Credit Union, Sponsor.

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! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:

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MEMBER NEWS

Member Milestones

Business Benefits, Inc. has named Geralyn Isler president of the agency effective July 1, 2018. Geralyn accepts the leadership reins from her brother and business partner, Jim Beatrice, who successfully served as president for the preceding five years. With this appointment, Geralyn becomes the first female to serve the agency as president. Jim now turns his focus to client service excellence, stewarding valued clients through their challenges and opportunities. Business development and community outreach are also under Jim’s guidance going forward. Additionally, he joins their father, George Beatrice, as past president, serving in leadership and advisory capacities to Geralyn. Geralyn’s commitment to innovative employee benefit solutions, customer service and community mindedness are evidence that her new role as president ensures Business Benefits’ 34-year legacy of excellence and dedication to the employer community continues. In addition to her new duties, Geralyn continues her work with employers to develop customized and sustainable employee benefit packages as she has during her two decades with the agency. In anticipation of her new role Geralyn stated, “I’m honored and thrilled to lead an amazing team of professionals in one of the few remaining family benefit agencies in the area. Business Benefits’ reputation as one of the area’s most highly respected employee benefits agencies is a legacy I plan to continue as we navigate through ever-changing industry challenges and exciting opportunities.” Previously, Geralyn demonstrated leadership expertise by overseeing the compliance efforts of Business Benefits as they disseminated legislation and industry changes and developed strategies for clients to mitigate risk. She was an early proponent of wellness programs and was one of the first advocates to bring attention to the region’s heroin crisis. Geralyn is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the NKY Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she’s a 2007 graduate of the NKY Chamber of Commerce’s Top-Tier Leadership program and has served Chamber members in a variety of capacities, including Business Advocacy, Employer Solutions and Women’s Initiatives.

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Cove Federal Credit Union announced Dave Guethlein, Assistant Director, Safety & Security of St. Elizabeth Healthcare, has been re-elected as the Chairperson for the non-profit’s Board of Directors. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have Dave continue for another year as the Board Chair,” said Tom Burns, CEO of Cove Federal Credit Union. “Dave has been a trusted partner and advisor of Cove for many years, and he is the perfect fit to lead our Board of Directors.” In addition to Guethlein’s re-election as Chairperson, Dominic Favia and John Angus, both of St. Elizabeth Healthcare, were sworn in as Directors. The board also elected Sandy Delaney, retired from St. Elizabeth Healthcare, as Vice-Chairperson, and Brian Drees of St. Elizabeth Healthcare as Secretary. Cove Federal Credit Union is a member-based, not-for-profit credit union located in Edgewood, Ky, offering a variety of products and services ranging from mortgages and auto loans to checking, savings, and retirement accounts. For more information, visit www.covefcu.org.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Emily Kowalchik recently joined Intrinzic as an associate account director. She will use her skills and experience helping develop and lead branding development and marketing plans for Intrinzic’s clients. Emily has solved a variety of marketing challenges throughout her career, with experience on both agency and in-house marketing teams. She earned a B.S. in applied economics and management from Cornell University. When not at work, Emily is an avid equestrian, successfully competing in several regional and national events.

Matt Boylson recently joined Intrinzic as a graphic designer. He will use his skills and experience to collaborate with clients to tell their stories visually across multiple channels. A recent graduate of UC’s DAAP program, Boylson brings co-op experience from LPK, Hasbro and Great American Insurance Company. He has built an extensive portfolio of digital, packaging and branding design work from his collegiate years, and will expand on that experience here. When not at work, Matt enjoys working on and riding his motorcycle and partaking of Cincinnati’s craft beer offerings.

Alexander D. Weidner, CPA, CFE, has been named president at Rudler, PSC. Weidner is focused on strengthening Rudler’s unique culture and evolving the firm to provide more value to clients. He started as an intern in 2007 and worked his way up to Shareholder. He played an integral role in developing Rudler’s Client Advisory Services department, which aims to create more value-added services for clients. Weidner likes to focus on non-profits, closely held businesses, and high-networth individuals and leverages his Certified Fraud Examiner designation to assist clients with fraud investigations and designing controls to reduce the risk of fraud.

— 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 LEADERSHIP 2018 | VOLUME 37 NUMBER 5

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EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9/5 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/24 9/25 9/25

OCTOBER 10/1 10/2 10/9 10/10 10/16 10/16 10/17 10/19 10/22 10/25 10/30

The Business Journal is a benefit of membership and included in membership fees. Annual subscription rate for nonmembers is $24.

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. © 2018, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors. All rights reserved. CEO/Publisher Brent Cooper Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications Kristin Baldwin Marketing / Communications Director Jeremy Schrand | jschrand@nkychamber.com Design & NKY Chamber Event Photography Ben Gastright | bgastright@nkychamber.com

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS?

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

Periodicals Postage Paid USPS-548630 at Covington, KY.

NOVEMBER 11/6 11/6 11/7 11/13 11/16 11/24 11/27

Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by:

Vice President Membership – Sponsorship Sales Lynn Abeln | labeln@nkychamber.com Director, Sponsor Investments Diana McGlade | dmcglade@nkychamber.com Chamber Communications Committee Kit Andrews, Jamie Holtzapfel, Mindy Kershner, William Powell, Kelly Rose, Katie Scoville Louis, Charley Wayman

NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS

NKY Chamber's own Christie Rogers won the NKYP Next Generation Leader Award in the Arts/Entertainment/Recreation category. Photo by Ben Gastright.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

Health Solutions

8 employees, 19 covered members

Contact your NKY Chamber Broker to start saving