NKY Chamber Business Journal | Jan/Feb 2026

WE BUILD SOMETHING BETTER

At Central Bank, we live, work and play in the same communities you do. You’re our neighbor, friend, business partner down the street. We know and understand you because we build relationships with you – every day. That helps us serve you better, and that’s what makes “highly personal banking” more effective banking. We start with you.

JASON PAYNE Chair, NKY Chamber President/CEO/Chairman, First National Bank of Williamson

We want to add value to our members and listen

Listening to you, our members, is a priority. If there’s a topic or suggestion you’d like us to explore, or simply a question, please contact Lynn Abeln, Vice President of Membership, at (859) 578-6390 or Labeln@nkychamber.com.

MADE IN NKY

AS THE START OF A NEW YEAR, JANUARY IS OFTEN viewed as a time for fresh beginnings. This can come in the form of resolutions made regarding personal or professional improvements, building upon the past year’s success, or simply taking up new hobbies to occupy one’s time. No matter what one chooses, the sense of accomplishment that follows achieving a goal can be reinvigorating, innovative and inspiring. In short, the new year affords us all an opportunity to be proud of the progress we’ve made and challenge ourselves to see what we can achieve in the future.

As this edition of the NKY Business Journal illustrates, what we are making in Northern Kentucky is something special.

Our cover story on the NKY Chamber’s new Guided Growth 401(k) offering is an informative read with insight into how benefits can help local employers with talent attraction and retention as well as reducing several of the challenges associated with offering such programs. I strongly encourage all our members to consider how this might positively impact their bottom line and reach out to us at the NKY Chamber to explore if it may be right for their business.

In a more traditional sense, our features on Archer & Co. Roasters and Dixie Chili highlight how goods and services continue to be a strong element of our economy, providing both necessities and community gathering spots as unique as the region itself. Additionally, our article on Clos Contracting, LLC, highlights how important it is to still make things by hand and the sense of pride that comes with being able to do it in Northern Kentucky.

That point is further driven home by our focus on manufacturing with R.A Jones & Co. and Atkins & Pearce being among the international companies that have found prosperity in Northern Kentucky. Lastly, a story about the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades showcases the importance of providing the next generation of our workforce exposure to the opportunities that exist here. In doing so, not only will we ensure we have the people needed to keep making products in our region, but to do it well, providing jobs and amenities attractive to families that will keep us on par with, if not surpassing, our competitors.

It may feel repetitive to see how often we tout our region’s greatness, but we cannot expect anyone to see our excellence if we do not celebrate it ourselves. In championing the things made in Northern Kentucky, we are celebrating the local makers, innovators and businesspeople that make this region a great place to live, work, play, learn and give back. NKY

Building An Entrepreneurial Dream

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

WHICH IS THE BIGGER CHALLENGE: BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR

or being a father? For Kyle Clos, owner of the residential construction and renovation company that bears his name, the answer isn’t even close.

“Nothing prepares you to be a father, but everything can prepare you to be a business owner,” says Clos, owner of Clos Contracting, LLC the Fort Mitchell-based company he founded in July 2024. “As a business owner, you have to handle delays, situations with products, with installs, with inspections, but being a father is uncharted territory. Being a father is building the plane as you're flying it, and I love it, because it's a new challenge every day, it's figuring out something every single day.”

Now, the married father of two seeks to make 2026 a year of continued growth, prosperity and figuring out how to make Clos Contracting the first choice for homeowners.

A SOLID FOUNDATION

“I've always had a passion to take ideas and then turn them into something real, whether that’s a finished home, a new product or even just smoother processes,” says Clos. “Over 10+ years, I've worked across product development and project management operations which has given me kind of a unique mix of creative and technical experience. I grew up learning all the different trades from my father, learning how to do rough drywall, electric, plumbing, getting the basic concept of it, and then refined it in recent years.”

Specializing in kitchen, bathroom and basement renovation, Clos works to help people transform living spaces into their forever homes. To understand how far Clos has come, however, requires exploring his journey long before he ever decided to pick up a hammer professionally.

His interest in construction and design first sparked during childhood, helping his father at the company he owned, Gateway Conveyor and Design Incorporated of Erlanger. Says Clos, “Growing up, I would hold the flashlight as he worked, as every father and son does – that just sparked my interest.”

Clos would later join his father at the company, working as a purchasing agent and draftsman from 2011 to 2014. Striking out on his own, he worked as a product manager at Signature Hardware in Erlanger and project manager for InnoMark Communications in Fairfield, Ohio, gaining experience with designing fixtures and leading retail projects for global brands. He would then take a job at LPK, a renowned creative consultancy firm, in downtown Cincinnati, in 2022.

“It was neat to be able to see and touch projects from every aspect, being behind the scenes with the scheduling, different asset allocations, helping put people's passions with the right project,” Clos recalls. “I was helping people embrace their passions and their creativity and then put that into the work. That way, the client's happy, the employee is happy, and obviously the company's happy, because we're putting out great product.”

But when LPK began a transition period in 2024, Clos was faced with a choice: Go look for a new career opportunity or take his severance package and invest in himself, utilizing lessons like

the one above to launch his business.

Now, as the leader of his own entrepreneurial endeavors, Clos is applying the same mentality he used to lead coworkers in his past jobs to now enjoy his new career.

“I manage everything from design, concept estimating, scheduling, client communications – I pretty much do the whole process from the ground-up to ensure everything is done right, on time, and within budget,” he says. “I take a lot of pride in creating spaces that are not only looking great and functioning well for people who live in them, but also something that appeals to me ... It's gotta be accurate, it's gotta fit the home, it's gotta fit the space, and that's where my design background comes in.”

THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB

Noting that he loves tinkering and inherited an engineer’s mindset from watching his father, Clos says it’s “awesome to be able to put a hammer to a nail and see something come out of nothing.” While uncertain if a brick-and-mortar retail office lies in his future, he says he would eventually like to have a shop of some sort as his business expands through continued word-of-mouth and social media exposure. He hopes to be able to hire some people under his company banner, noting “I'd like to eventually be the reason that they put food on the table and diapers on their baby, providing a living for someone.”

Providing for others is important to Clos, which is why he values his family and community so much. Celebrating his 12th wedding anniversary with his wife Annie this past Halloween, the father of two girls calls “raising kids the most humbling and fun experience I could have ever asked for.” He also seeks to keep Fort Mitchell beautiful, which is why he offers a 5% discount on his labor to anyone in the city as well as to educators, first responders, nurses and any Beechwood High School staffer. Says Clos, “I want a long, happy life in Fort Mitchell.”

What’s the key to making that dream a reality? Being the man for the job whenever a client comes calling.

“I want to be the person that people call because they want it done their way, and they want it done the right way,” he says. “Nobody wants to live through construction and demolition, but I try to make it as easy as possible. I'm a hugger, so I'm always hugging my clients, and just let them know that I'm here for them, and we're going to get through it together, and they're going to have a great final product.” NKY

BUILDLING NORTHERN KENTUCKY’S TRADES

Enzweiler Building Institute looks to graduate region’s next trade experts through programs, Covington Academy of Heritage Trades

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

If you are among those looking for a home in Northern Kentucky, you are keenly aware of the challenges of finding one. Brian Miller understands the challenge, and what it will take to address it for the betterment of the region going forward.

“It's a general consensus in economic development nationwide that the areas of the country that figure out how to make homes more affordable for the workforce are going to be the economic winners in the coming decades,” says Miller, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky and President of the Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI). “There are major supply issues with housing - existing housing, quality historic homes and new construction - but one of the things that a lot of communities don’t focus on, especially since the Great Recession, is the lack of builders. We don't mean builders like your name brand builder; we mean people who build things. We're talking subcontractors, suppliers, folks who work with their hands.”

That, he says, is why places like the EBI and the program it operates like the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades exist.

“The wages for skilled tradespeople have been screaming off the charts because of supply and demand issues,” he says. “It's our effort through the Institute to get a handle on that. We’ve planted a flag in both the new build and historic areas to help provide an adequate supply of workers in Greater Cincinnati, and specifically in Northern Kentucky, in hopes that we can support the overall effort to make Northern Kentucky an economically viable place. That's how the trades fit in, that's how construction professionals fit in, and that's why we do what we do. We’re changing lives and producing outcomes for the community and people individually.”

CLASS IS IN SESSION

Established in 1967 and now one of the National Association of Home Builders' longestrunning and largest trade schools in the country, the EBI’s mission is to provide well-trained workers for the local construction industry. This is achieved through classes in fields such as carpentry, diesel mechanics for construction, electrical, facilities maintenance and remodeling, masonry and more as well as historic restoration and preservation through the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades in partnership with the City of Covington.

Covington Academy of Heritage Trades serves as the EBI’s historic renovation course, bringing students to the academy’s homebase in their new training facility Covington’s Latonia neighborhood and at 1515 Madsion Avenue where they work in the program’s “living lab.” Known as the Colonial Inn, the building was originally built in the 1880s as a single-family home before falling into disrepair. The facility reflects Covington’s housing stock: nearly 50% of which were built prior to 1940; with nearly 70% being 50 or more years old. The city worked with EBI to spur the development of the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades to address the preservation and restoration of its aging and essential housing stock.

Covington Academy of Heritage Trades offers $400 introductory classes in building systems, masonry, window, and door restoration in historic structures and more. Beginning this past September, EBI also began offering Covington Academy of Heritage Trades classes as a two-year program, meeting twice weekly at night from September to April at a cost of $4,575 per year. The tuition includes consumable materials, textbooks, a PPE kit, OSHA-10 certification, CPR and an administration fee.

Miller says now is a prime time to work in building, renovation, restoration and/or preservation trades. Licensed tradespeople, he notes can earn more than many college graduates. Additionally, he says trades are advantageous as the EBI’s apprenticeship-

based model helps students secure job opportunities while avoiding the debt associated with traditional post-secondary degrees.

“There's a lot of in-demand trades out there, but there's none like the construction industry in terms of low overhead,” says Miller. “You can't reasonably get into healthcare and say, ‘I'm going to be the CEO.’ There aren’t many openings for that position. But there are a lot of open seats for company owners and managers in the construction industry. Your ability to succeed is based entirely on your willingness to work for it. Your drive, your passion, your ability to go and make it happen is the only thing holding you back.”

REBUILDING INTEREST IN THE TRADES

Diane McConnell, Director of Workforce Development of the Building Industry Association and overseer of the EBI, says they are seeing an influx of people in their late 20s and early 30s, retired military in particular, signing up for trades courses. She and Miller both agree that the key to addressing the trade worker shortage lies in attracting younger students, starting in elementary school.

“One of the biggest challenges that we face is older generations saying to children, ‘You're going to college,'” Miller says. “Unless they come from a family of trades workers, they do not understand the real value of the trades, but they sure want their furnaces fixed – people never made the connection between the two. That is starting to slowly change.”

Miller warns not addressing today’s trade worker shortage could have dire consequences.

“We would all like for our kids and grandkids to live here. But if we don't figure out housing affordability, that's probably not going to happen,” he says. “We need to have enough tradespeople not just for new construction, but for existing and the historic homes because housing is something that everybody should enjoy. To make it healthy and vibrant for us as a community, all levels of housing should be available.”

A SOLID FOUNDATION

Now servicing approximately 450 students through EBI’s campuses in Erlanger and Latonia, EBI looks to make more gains thanks in part to recently passed legislation allowing for high school students to participate in dual credit programs. Miller says EBI has also had great support via endowments for its programs but warns that “if we do our jobs correctly with all the fundraising we do, there's still going to be about a $1 million or $2 million shortfall in the next decade.”

Despite that challenge, City of Covington Historic Preservation Officer Kaitlin Bryan says the return on investment is invaluable.

“Even if it's just a few homeowners coming in, we're still spreading information,” she says. “A lot of these specialty trades are kind of dying out, with a lot of these specialty topics that can only be taught by someone who's been doing it for 40 years. We want to make sure knowledge is passed on to the next generation, and that we preserve our neighborhoods, the places that people already live, while increasing the workforce.”

Miller, who says the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region is going to need 65,000+ people entering the trades in the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agrees.

“The Northern Kentucky business community has something very special that most communities across the country do not have,” he says. “Nationwide, this institute is the leader within the National Association of Home Builders in the workforce development space –there's no question about it. Over the next decade, it's going to take dollars, effort and a lot of people supporting the Institute, to train the 30% of trade workers we need in the market. That will position Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati to be an economic beacon in the nation. NKY

TRADING POSTS

The Enzweiler Building Institute and Covington Academy of Heritage Trades AT A GLANCE

Enzweiler Building Institute – Boone Campus 2751 Circleport Dr. Erlanger, KY 41018 (859) 640-4294 www.buildinginstitute.com

Enzweiler Building Institute - Covington Location

Home to the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades 3923 Winston Ave. Covington, KY 41015 (859) 640-4294 www.heritagetradesacademy.com

Brick by Brick: The Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI) was founded via a federal grant obtained through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) that began a carpenter training program in 1967. An intensive six-week program at the time of its launch, it was the first such program of its type in the United States. The initial effort in 1967 was duplicated several times, eventually giving way to the establishment of a four-year program in carpentry. A four-year program in electricity would be added in 1978 with a three-year program in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) to follow in 1984. Facilities Maintenance was added in 2009 with Plumbing, Masonry and Welding following in 2012. Diesel Mechanics for construction would be added in 2025.

IN THE HEART OF DIXIE

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

Dixie Chili continues nearly century old tradition of making Cincinnati-style chili, memories throughout Northern Kentucky

Stepping inside 733 Monmouth Street, in the heart of downtown Newport, the features are as distinct as they are striking. There’s the large, white counter where orders are placed, decorated in part with an assortment of the day’s desserts and cans of the signature chili. If you’re not sure what to order before indulging a sweet tooth, don’t worry – the three panel menu board to the counter’s immediate right details every available item in colorful, yet simple detail in a manner more common in the 1950s than 2026. (Don’t mind the QR code; that modern touch is simply a matter of necessity than fashion.)

Scanning the rest of the space, the nostalgia continues, it is present at every turn. The checkerboard floor design of the aforementioned lunch counter area highlighted by pops of red is balanced by the simple gray hue of the carpeted main dining area where green flora breathe oxygen into the atmosphere. The walls are adorned with a mix of vintage signage, a unique piece of art or two and a museum-like display of photos showcasing the history of the family behind the food. Then you spot what, décor-wise, may be its piéce de résistance: A fully operational jukebox next to a cardboard cutout of two smiling 1950s-era waitresses ready to serve you.

Welcome to Dixie Chili, Northern Kentucky’s first chili parlor which has served as a tasty time capsule for thousands of guests

THAT’S GOOD EATIN’

Officially opening in 1929 and now existing alongside its sister locations in Covington and Erlanger, Dixie Chili is the legacy of Nicholas D. Sarakatsannis, a Greek immigrant who came to America in search of safer shores and vast opportunity. Today, Dixie Chili is owned by Mark P.D. Sarakatsannis. Mark is the youngest grandchild of the founder, Nick, and his wife Melanthia; he is also the nephew of recently retired owner Spiros Sarakatsannis. Dixie Chili has been a labor of love for Spiros which led to a diligent, rewarding, and amazing 53 years of service.

Dixie Chili’s menu contains the staples one familiar with Cincinnati-style chili would come to expect. There are coneys, chili cheese sandwiches and simple wiener on bun combinations as well as Dixie Chili’s own “alligator,” a hot dog, mustard and cheese complete with mayonnaise and a dill pickle spear, chili being optional. Chili is available in a variety of manners, including a 6-way – “for the true connoisseur” – topped with beans, onions, cheese and fresh chopped garlic.

In addition to its chili dishes, the restaurant offers waffle fries several ways, chicken breast tenders and other options for kids along with deli sandwiches, soups, vegetable and meat salads, fruit plate and gyros ... All in addition to a selection of desserts including cakes, cheesecakes, pies, cookies and scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Asked why people continue to enjoy the restaurant voted by readers of The Cincinnati Enquirer as 2025’s best mom-and-pop chili parlor in the region, Spiros Sarakatsannis says the answer is simple: “I have a very good product.”

“It’s something I’m very proud of,” he says in response to why Dixie Chili is so ingrained in the community and means so much to so many. “It’s a good product. It tastes good, it’s quick and people love it from when they were babies. I interviewed one girl, and I said, ‘How long have you been eating Dixie Chili’ and she said, ‘Since I could chew.’”

AN EXTENDED FAMILY AFFAIR

A native of Fort Thomas, Spiros attended college at the University of Kentucky where he earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology before earning a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. He would then set sail on a new journey, enlisting in the United States Navy where he would eventually work as a chief psychologist in the brig, a.k.a. jail.

Realizing that line of work was too sedentary for someone used to “always working with my hands and moving,” Spiros ended his enlistment in 1968, returning home at the urging of one of his brothers. Once his father decided to leave the business, Spiros says stock in Dixie Chili was equally divided among them, he and brothers George, Chris, and Panny eventually running the show.

The Sarakatsannis family strives to treat their employees like extended family, a fact reflective in the benefits afforded to them. In addition to dental and life insurance, Dixie Chili also offers employees paid vacation time, two annual bonuses, employee benefit banking and a simple IRA investment program.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Knowing many of their customers by name, Spiros and Mark can often be found eating the iconic dishes of Dixie Chili – a plate of chili spaghetti, with fresh onions and aged mild cheddar cheese paired with a salad or homemade soup just like Melanthia would make for the family at dinner time. Spiros is now enjoying retirement with the restaurant operating under Mark’s guidance.

Mark, who has proudly worked for nearly 30 years in the family business, now looks to continue his family’s legacy for

generations to come. Alongside his wife, Stephanie, he is a proud parent of two children, Xarek and Analei now pursuing college degrees. Whereas Xarek plays college basketball like his grandfather, Panny N. Sarakatsannis, Analei is following her great uncle Spiros’ lead as a psychology major while also competing in track and field.

In much the same way family is important to the Sarakatsannis’ legacy, Mark says so is continuing to deliver the same quality of service with a smile that has come to define Dixie Chili.

“We are excited to continue the family legacy to 100 years and beyond by remembering the sacrifices of Papa Nick in the early days to honor the Sarakatsannis legacy,” says Mark. “We will remember and carry forward our family roots and core values. Our vision is to continue the proud traditions of the Dixie Chili culture which include great food, strong family connections, and a deep-rooted faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our entire family is filled with hearts of gratitude to the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati community for the patronage of Papa Nick's legacy for nearly 100 Years.” NKY

COMFORT FOOD Dixie Chili AT A GLANCE

LOCATIONS: NEWPORT

733 Monmouth Street | Newport, KY 41071 (859) 291-5337

ERLANGER

3716 Dixie Highway | Erlanger, KY 41018 (859) 727-2828

COVINGTON

2421 Madison Ave | Covington, KY 41014 (859) 431-7444

ONLINE: www.dixiechili.com

The Great Escape – The Founding of Dixie Chili

Dixie Chili was founded in 1929 by Nicholas Sarakatsannis, who grew up in an area of Greece under Turkish occupation. When his mother tried to send him to a nearby village to keep him safe, rising floodwaters forced him and his brother to turn back. That twist of fate would ultimately spare their lives, as tragedy soon struck the village they never reached. Sarakatsannis would later travel to America at age 15 without knowing how to speak English. He arrived in New Hampshire and found work making $1 daily working in a shoe factory. In 1917, he came to Cincinnati looking for work, eventually landing a job at a candy store in Portsmouth, Ohio. After moving around and gaining restaurant experience, he returned to Greece in 1925, eventually meeting the woman that would become his wife, Melanthia. The couple had six children: Jim, Leonidas, George, Chris, Panny and Dixie Chili’s recently retired owner, Spiros.

Upon returning to the United States in the late 1920s, Nicholas Sarakatsannis took up work at Empress Chili in Cincinnati. From there, he would get the idea to open his own chili parlor in an 8-by-30-foot room on Eighth Street in Newport.

Presented by:

Manufacturing CEOs share passion for industry with deep roots in Northern Kentucky

By Sydney Murray, BE NKY Growth Partnership

WITH MORE THAN 50,000 PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN advanced manufacturing in Northern Kentucky, the industry is a major contributor to the region’s economy. From 2022 to 2024, advanced manufacturing led BE NKY Growth Partnership’s project wins, contributing roughly 1,710 jobs, $503 million in capital investment, and 31 project wins across the Northern Kentucky region.

Those who work in the manufacturing world, from floor workers all the way up to CEOs, have pursued many different paths in their career journeys.

MAZAK PRESIDENT FOUND PASSION FOR MANUFACTURING AT YOUNG AGE

Dan Janka is president of Mazak Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of productivityimproving machine tool solutions. He grew up in North Central Illinois where his father worked in the cutting tool industry. The family’s basement housed several machines that could turn and mill metal, and Janka’s father taught him these skills.

“My dad was a big influence on me. He exposed me to manufacturing at a young age and I never swayed,” said Janka. “I could weld when I was 16 years old and I always reflect on my own experience and wish others could have the same opportunity. I give my dad a lot of credit for opening the door.”

These experiences led Janka to attend a vocational school that supported woodworking, welding and machining. He enrolled during his freshman year, and by the time he graduated high school, he was working as a machine operator.

Out of high school, he enrolled at Illinois Valley Community College, and he worked at a machine shop to help pay for school. After two years, he earned his associate’s degree through the school’s mechanical technology program then spent two years at Southern Illinois University, where he earned his industrial engineering degree.

“Four-year universities are great, but they are not for everyone,” said Janka. “When I look back to the path I took, I had a lot of options, and I hate to see young people saddled with debt after four years of college and then struggle to find a job.”

At graduation, he had five job offers and ultimately decided to move to Cincinnati to work for Milacron. There, Janka began in software and controls industry and development, was promoted into proposal engineering management and, at just 31 years old, became general manager of the aerospace and special machine division.

He later became president of Cincinnati Machine, which was eventually acquired by MAG Industrial Automation Systems, a leadership position that enabled him to spend 10 years developing markets in Asia and Europe. Nine years ago, he accepted the opportunity to lead Mazak, which is today one of the top machine tool companies in the world.

Mazak works closely with schools such as the University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University, but Janka also serves as a major advocate for the trades and alternatives to higher education, with an emphasis on reaching kids as young as middle school.

“We need to learn the needs of the manufacturing community and communicate those needs, exposing young people to great careers in this industry,” said Janka. “Enrollment is up in trade schools and community colleges, and our business is benefitting from unprecedented investment in manufacturing.”

SWECO PRESIDENT EXPOSED TO ENGINEERING THROUGH TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

When he was in high school, SWECO President Brian Carr’s teachers nominated him to participate in an "Engineer for a Day” program, giving him the opportunity to visit engineering-related companies throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

“It just connected with me,” said Carr. “At that point, I knew I wanted to be an engineer. I wanted to get a job with an engineering company before going to college to get a head start and to gain first-hand experience.”

Through a temp agency, he accepted a job at SWECO calculating the mass of steel required to manufacture parts. He interned at SWECO three times, performing product development work and testing, while attending the University of Louisville for a degree in mechanical engineering.

After college, Carr returned to SWECO and has worked within its family of companies ever since.

He started full-time as a manufacturing and quality engineer, moved into product development and then into the parent company’s energy equipment and services division. Here, he worked in a variety of roles for about 15 years, but primarily in engineering.

“I had great managers early in my career and I attribute much of my success to their management styles and what I learned from them,” said Carr. “One taught me the technical fundamentals of how SWECO equipment works. The other taught me to work with all individuals across the organization, to make fact-based decisions, and the importance of operating with integrity.”

When Carr started at SWECO, they were owned by Emerson Electric. SWECO was acquired by M-I SWACO, an energy services company (now owned by SLB). Carr moved into the parent company’s engineering team and led the engineering of various types of equipment used on drilling rigs, eventually becoming the director of engineering.

After this, Carr was asked to take the role of vice president of manufacturing for the parent company, and in 2016, he began leading the SWECO business.

“The decision to remain at SWECO and its parent company long term was easy because of the people and the culture,” said

Carr. “SWECO serves hundreds of industries and thousands of customers. Each customer’s application is unique, so you learn something new every day. Providing customized products and solutions is challenging, but our highly skilled and knowledgeable employees work as a team to deliver. This has enabled SWECO to steadily grow and maintain global market leadership. I am fortunate to work for a company that internally develops its people and provides many opportunities across the organization.”

SCIENCE DEGREE AND CAREER IN FOOTWEAR LEADS TO MANUFACTURING ROLE FOR USPCC PRESIDENT

The United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) and its flagship brand, Bicycle®, have been a source of fun and connection for millions of families and friends across the world since 1867.

USPCC President Craig Townsend is determined to continue growing card play worldwide, and in 2024, the company produced over 100 million decks of playing cards.

Townsend’s path to leadership wasn’t linear. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, and attended university for environmental science and biology. In the 1990s, Townsend found there weren’t a lot of employment opportunities in that field, so he joined Woolworth Corporation’s Management Training Program.

He worked as a buyer of footwear at Foot Locker Canada and The Hudson’s Bay Company. After being recruited by Nike Canada, he learned the wholesale side of the business which led to his global career at Elan Polo International, living and working in three countries.

“My long, winding journey included more than 40 trips to China, a deep dive into product development, and a lifelong fascination with how things are made,” Townsend explained. “It also gave me a global perspective.”

Since joining Cartamundi, the global parent company of USPCC, Townsend has embraced the company’s consumers, understanding their behaviors, and how brands can deliver meaningful, high-quality experiences.

“We’re proud to continue manufacturing the world’s best playing cards right here in Northern Kentucky,” said Townsend. “As part of a global company, we bring world-class capabilities while staying deeply connected to our local community. Our approach ensures we deliver for consumers with both quality and care.”

Townsend is implementing programs at USPCC to help employees find the career that suits them best and allows them to showcase their innate skills and abilities. He sees the future of USPCC as deeply rooted in community, craftsmanship, and connection.

“Our mission is to ensure that we never let the world forget the joys that playing cards can bring to families and friends, something that has been sustained for a thousand years,” said Townsend. “We are the original form of entertainment and play. Before movies and video games, playing cards were, and will be, a meaningful form of entertainment.”

There is no one path that leads to a career or leadership position in manufacturing. Local opportunities include programs at four-year colleges, work experience through the Northern Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at Gateway Community & Technical College, and even on-the-job training available at major manufacturers, giving young Northern Kentuckians many options to get their foot in the door of the manufacturing world. NKY

2025 Women's Initiative Regional Summit

Powered by

Taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, area businesswomen of all ages and careers gathered for the 2025 Women’s Initiative Regional Summit, powered by PNC. The event took place at Northern Kentucky University’s Student Union.

This year, attendees heard from a morning and an afternoon keynote speaker. They also had their choice of attending a couple multiple breakout sessions and wrapped up the day with a panel discussion. The event created a space for women across the Tri-State to share and discuss their career goals and leave with tools and resources to better enable them to connect, grow, and achieve in their professional and personal lives

THIS YEAR’S REGIONAL SUMMIT SPEAKERS WERE:

• Morning Keynote Speech: Candace McGraw, former CVG Airport CEO

• Afternoon Keynote Speech: Patrice Borders, AmplifyEI Founder and CEO.

• Breakout Sessions:

• Reclaim your Time: Simple Ways to Use AI at Work and at Home presented by Rachel Jones, Commercial Insurance Advisor at Newman & Tucker Insurance.

• The 5% Rule of Being presented by Tarita Preston, Founder of Tarita Preston Coaching.

• From Snooze to Spark: A Guide to Meetings that Matter presented by Catherine Salzman, Director at Heartwood Strategies.

• Build your Brand: 5 Steps to Create a Personal Brand and Share it with the World presented by Anna Wright, VP of Marketing and Communications at Prysmian.

• Closing Panel Session: Your Path. Your Power. Your Possibility.

• Moderator Katie Elbisser, Executive Director at Karen Wellington Foundation

• Karen Bosse, Principal at Bosse Consulting, LLC

• Jacque Saltsman, Founder and CEO at Wildly Rising

• Shelley Volpenhein, Director of Sales and Assistant Teaching Professor at Haile College of Business, Northern Kentucky University

Cost-Saving Benefits for NKY Chamber Members

Save money by gaining access to valuable resources that will help your business operate more efficiently, while improving your bottom line. The NKY Chamber’s cost-savings partnerships can help you reduce everyday expenses, streamline operations, and keep your business growing.

Take a closer look at the many benefits available to NKY Chamber members, and see how these plans can make a meaningful difference for your business. Learn more at NKYChamber.com/Savings.

Health & Wellness

ChamberAdvantage – Provides small businesses with an easier, more affordable way to offer employee health benefits. Through the NKY Chamber’s partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem), ChamberAdvantage offers a self-funded option for groups with 2 to 50 employees, saving members an average of 20%–25% on monthly medical costs.

Delta Dental - Offers comprehensive, affordable dental benefit plans through a partnership with Delta Dental of Kentucky and OneAmerica Financial. These plans enhance employee well-being while ensuring cost-effective coverage for your business.

Business Services

Guided Growth, powered by T. Rowe Price – Provides business owners and employees with access to trusted financial guidance and retirement planning tools. This partnership helps members strengthen long-term financial wellness with expert support from T. Rowe Price.

Payroll Partners – Offers reliable payroll and HR management solutions that streamline operations, ensure compliance, and save valuable time. NKY Chamber members receive preferred pricing and personalized service to make managing payroll effortless.

Office Supplies

ODP (Office Depot) Business Solutions - Save 10%–55% off your most frequently purchased office products, both in-store and online. With no contract required, it’s an easy way to save money and streamline your company’s supply purchasing.

VIE Ability – Stock up on high-quality office supplies while creating meaningful employment for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Launched by the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, VIE Ability offers more than 40,000 products with a mission-driven approach that supports inclusion and community impact.

PNC Merchant Services - Provides NKY Chamber members with competitive pricing, personalized service, and high-quality payment solutions. This partnership helps members gain access to trusted financial tools that support growth and streamline operations.

Banking

Discounted Memberships HR Services

Partner Chamber Memberships - Members of select regional chambers can enjoy discounted membership rates with the NKY Chamber, expanding their network and access to regional resources.

Professional Development

ClearPath Mutual - Grants NKY Chamber members exclusive premium reductions on workers’ compensation policies, helping lower costs while maintaining strong employee protection.

Marketing & Communications

Talent Magnet Institute - Members receive a 10% discount on TMI’s digital leadership development platform. The platform provides engaging content, collaboration forums, and coaching designed to help professionals grow as effective leaders.

AdSposure - Get discounted transit advertising packages with the official transit advertising partner of TANK. Transit advertising delivers high-visibility marketing that drives awareness while giving back — AdSposure donates one ad or ad credit to the NKY Chamber for every package purchased.

Everything Cincy - Serves as a one-stop platform to promote your business, share deals, and reach new customers across the Greater Cincinnati area. NKY Chamber members receive discounted advertising packages designed to increase visibility and connect directly with consumers.

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ARCHER & CO. ROASTERS

Family of female entrepreneurs brings specialty coffee and community to Hebron

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

FOR SOME PEOPLE, COFFEE IS SIMPLY WHAT GETS THEM going in the morning. For others, it’s an incentive to attend a meeting, be it a casual gathering among friends or a visit with a fellow professional to discuss business. Then there are the coffee aficionados, eager to sample every new blend they come across, savoring every sip and relishing the flavor of each unique bean.

In the case of Archer & Co. Roasters, the Hebron-based coffee business sisters Wendy Tobergte and Mary Beimesch own alongside Beimesch’s daughter, Liz Elleman, it’s a family affair and a way to serve the community they love.

Now, the trio is hopeful more people will discover their brand and the ways they seek to create community through coffee.

FRESHLY ROASTED

Oct. 9, 2024. That was the official date that Archer & Co. Roasters, named for Beimesch’s grandson (Archer) and Tobergte’s nine grandchildren (the “and company”) opened its doors to offer specialized coffee and tea products to the public. Available in singleserve portions as well as bags ranging from four ounces to five pounds, Archer & Co. offers flavors sourced from various parts of Africa, Central America and South America, many of which are named after the owners’ children and grandchildren. Seasonal offerings include fall-inspired blends such as pumpkin spice among others.

Growing up as one of 12 children working alongside Beimesch at their father’s pharmacy, Tobergte says her family knew “how to be hospitable and create community with coffee,” but had no actual industry experience. To learn, they spent time at Mill City Roasters in Minneapolis, participating in a workshop, learning all things coffee and manufacturing. They would later be introduced to Café Imports, also in Minneapolis, their wholesale supplier, both companies being ”virtual partners in our success,” according to Beimesch.

That education is also why Archer & Co. uses Arabica beans, grown at a higher elevation than the Robusta variety they say are featured in many mainstream commercial and commodity cafés. “Freshly roasted specialty beans make an incredibly delicious cup of coffee,” says Beimesch.

Armed with “the knowledge, as well as the confidence” to roast, Tobergte says she has the process down to a literal science.

“Basically, what you're doing is having the beans go through three main steps,” Tobergte explains, noting how beans begin their life as a green fruit from a coffee tree. “You’re looking for a visual change from green to yellow with a Maillard reaction, which is when the sugars start forming – then the roasting process begins. When they get hot, you’ll hear what’s called ‘first crack;’ there’s an audible noise like popcorn (popping). That’s your signal to alter the path again and roast each bean type to a specific temperature.”

FAITH, FAMILY AND FUN

How did the trio get interested in bringing specialty coffee to Hebron? The answer, like many things in the owners’ lives, is rooted in family.

With Beimesch – “a serial entrepreneur” according to her sister – having retired from her pharmacy career, she says she was “looking for something to fill my time.” An educator by trade, Tobergte sought a new path that allowed more time to care for her disabled daughter. With Elleman being a young mother herself, spending time together as business partners just made sense.

The family originally explored taking over an established Lexington coffee business. When that didn’t pan out, they found a spot in their hometown of Hebron where they have settled into their respective roles. Beimesch handles finance and marketing, Elleman serves as creative director, coming up with the company’s signature logo and more – and Tobergte oversees business development and roasting.

Women of faith, Archer & Co.’s owners look forward to more people discovering their business, not just for financial gain, but spiritual and communal connection as well. Their location near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport has brought visitors from as far as Scotland, and Beimesch and Tobergte say getting to meet and spend time with customers has been a “very enjoyable” part of their business.

Community is important to Archer & Co., a fact reflected in past and current fundraising campaigns supporting the University of Cincinnati’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and Conner High Schools’ Future Business Leaders of America programs. Their community outreach isn’t limited to fundraising efforts, though.

Sometimes, it can be as simple as lending a friendly ear to someone who needs one.

“We firmly believe that a lot of people just want to be listened to,” says Beimesch, echoing Tobergte’s belief they want to be important to somebody. “We get a lot of people that stop in and share their lives; we've met some interesting people ... The world's a lot smaller these days, so it's kind of neat to hear a little bit about their story, share ours, and make those connections because you never know where they're going to go and how a smile or a friendly word is going to make somebody's day.”

CUP RUNNETH OVER

Despite their family’s long history of entrepreneurship in the area, Beimesch and Tobergte are not concerned if the children that inspired their business’ name decide not to take over Archer & Co. one day. “It has to be their dream and where God's will leads them. We don’t want to be any of those parents who say, ‘This is who you have to be,’” says Tobergte.

For now, Beimesch, Tobergte and Elleman seek to establish their family’s legacy by welcoming more customers and fostering community for as long as they can.

“We saw how hard our parents worked, and that’s what drives us because it's important to us, even at this stage, to make our parents proud,” Beimesch says. “There are just those tight knit roots that run deep here. The people that are moving in – because Northern Kentucky has exploded in the last 20 years – appreciate what they're moving into. We want to be good examples of what we're supposed to be to each other.”

Tobergte agrees.

“I believe Northern Kentucky is probably the best place in the world. I really do,” Tobergte says. “As native Northern Kentuckians, we’ve always been proud of being from here; it's a beautiful state. People are down to earth, wonderful, kind, friendly and we have such a heritage of resources. It’s a little bit of a thrill to say, ‘Wow, we started this business.’ We're local, we're here, we're Kentucky proud, and we love you.” NKY

SOMETHING’S BREWING Archer & Co. Roasters AT A GLANCE

Archer & Co. Roasters

1720 Petersburg Road, Suite 2

Hebron, KY 41048 (859) 534-5041 www.archerroasters.com

HOURS:

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; by appointment on Tuesdays

TODAY’S

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS,

REGARDLESS of their industry, want many of the same things sought by their larger counterparts. Chief among them are top tier talent and the time required to handle the daily demands of business leadership. These are things Patrick Roberson knows well.

A veteran of the financial services industry who has held advisory positions at Merrill Lynch and UBS, Roberson now serves as the vice president of Cinergy Wealth Life and Legacy of Raymond James. His work focuses on providing customized strategies designed to help clients achieve financial security and use benefits plans as strategic tools to attract and retain talent.

In his experience, Roberson has found one thing to be true: “There’s a lot that goes into making a business successful and valuable, and much of that has nothing to do with your goods and services.”

“I can't think of an issue that any size business in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky talks about as much as talent attraction and retention,” says Roberson. “They just can’t get the bodies, or the skilled labor, which is a big part of growing their business. When you look at benefits plans, it's no longer a question of whether you have a 401(k) or not, it's, ‘Tell me how good it is.’”

Now, as one of the leading advisors offering the NKY Chamber’s new Guided Growth 401(k) benefits package, Roberson is ready to help small business owners see why membership has its privileges.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

Launched by the NKY Chamber late in 2025, the NKY Chamber Guided Growth 401(k) is a retirement plan solution designed to help small business owners address two common challenges: Administrative oversight and the costs and liability factors associated with benefits plans.

Powered by global investment management firm T. Rowe Price, the Guided Growth 401(k) is a Multiple Employer Aggregation Program (MEAP) that looks to simplify administration by six strategic methods and benefits:

1. Reducing administrative burden: Participating businesses face reduced administrative responsibilities by having key administrative tasks centralized, reducing internal workload and hours spent to maintain benefits programs.

2. *Fiduciary protection: Fiduciary duties are transferred to a third-party expert to help minimize legal and compliance risks.

3. Flexibility and customization: Employers retain control over matching and eligibility options and can select their preferred financial broker, such as Cinergy Wealth.

4. Lower costs: MEAP plans allow NKY Chamber member businesses to pool resources to reduce fees, lowering expenses and avoiding costly group audits.

5. Scalability: The plan allows small- to mid-sized businesses to offer competitive retirement

`

guided GROWTH

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

benefits without being responsible for managing a plan on their own.

6. Employee appeal: Leveraging T. Rowe Price’s track record and recognizability, the plan offers a branded solution complete with high quality investment options and retirement planning resources.

*As set forth in, and subject to, applicable agreements.

The NKY Chamber’s MEAP offering is a retirement plan where employers join under a single sponsoring organization to offer a 401(k) plan. This allows smaller businesses to gain access to the cost and administrative advantages often associated with the plans offered by larger employers, all while reducing their own individual financial and recordkeeping responsibilities.

Roberson’s firm worked closely with the NKY Chamber to identify a solution that would help the Chamber’s members. That would lead to the creation of the Guided Growth 401(k). While there is a fee associated with signing up and working with a financial broker, Roberson says Guided Growth’s cost structure is consistently lower than what a business would pay on its own.

Asked why participating in the plan should be a “top priority” for qualifying businesses, Roberson says the answer lies in the aforementioned top priority for employers nationwide: attracting and retaining talent.

“We've had a tight labor market since 2014 or 2015,” Roberson says. “For whatever reason, a large segment of those 18 to 64 aren't interested in entering the workforce or they've found a gig job to sustain them. As baby boomers retire, 11,000 people a day are turning 65. That's 11,000 people a day leaving the workforce and entering the distribution phase of life, where they're receiving government benefits. We barely have that many people turning 18, so we're not replacing our workforce.

We’ve also had a cultural shift. The time away during COVID led many people to re-evaluate what was important to them. Now, we have a smaller group of people that we're all fighting to attract to our businesses.”

A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

How can a benefits package help a business with talent attraction and retention? According to Roberson, it helps create a strong leadership team. Doing so eliminates the problem of a business becoming devalued once the current owner sells or retires.

For business owners thinking about succession, benefits aren’t just perks, they’re a strategic tool for building leadership stability. Roberson says that creating a strong internal team is essential to preserving the company’s worth when it’s time to sell or retire. A thoughtful benefits package can help secure the next generation of leadership, and, by extension, the future value of the business.

“In my work in private client services, the thing we kept finding was that the business owners we worked with for 30, 35, 40 years, when it came time to sell, investment banks kept telling them they were either too ownership dependent or dependent on one customer

or product,” he says. “If when you leave the business, all the relationships are gone, all the knowledge is gone, all the standard operating procedures were in your head, the business is almost worthless – why would anybody want to buy that? The key becomes your vital employees. You need to build out your C-suite and you're not going to build out your C-suite without a great benefits package.”

Roberson says that longer retirement periods and inadequate preparation make plans like the NKY Chamber’s Guided Growth 401(k) essential for the future.

“When I was younger and looking at the retiring generation, retirement was a few years of respite in between working and death. Now, it's 25 or 30 years – almost a third of your adult life,” he says. “You’re going to need a lot of resources if you're not going to work during those years.”

Through the Guided Growth plan, employers can customize benefits to help achieve their goals. This includes decisions such as whether to offer a Roth 401(k), allow in-service withdrawals, provide profit sharing or a cash balance plan and more. Roberson says Cinergy helps identify where a business owner’s wealth gap exists and where investments can help close it.

He adds that the same logic applies to succession planning, especially since many owners overvalue their businesses.

“We partner with third parties that provide informal valuations for business owners and show them areas of opportunity to increase their value quickly,” he says. “From there, we help them determine what they want their legacy to be. Most business owners are not worried about whether they can retire, but they should ask themselves who they want their money to allow them to be later in life. If you're not looking to go through succession over the next five years, we and our third-party partners can help you figure out how to only do the parts of the business that you love.”

Many business owners, Roberson adds, exit their businesses involuntarily and unexpectedly because of what he calls “the four Ds” – divorce, death, disagreement or disability. That reality makes succession planning and programs like the one offered by the NKY Chamber even more critical.

“Even if you don't think you're ready for exit planning, it needs to be in place because you never know,” he says. “If you've got a strong written succession plan and team in place, everybody will be exponentially better off.”

A REGION OF RESOURCES

Roberson points to recent legislation building upon the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 – a federal law designed to strengthen Americans’ retirement security by expanding access to retirement savings plans, increasing contribution limits, and encouraging long-term savings through new tax incentives – as another reason employers should re-examine their benefits offerings. He applauds the NKY Chamber for its ongoing efforts on behalf of local businesses, for the two-plus years it spent to develop the Guided Growth 401(k) solution.

NKY Chamber Senior Vice President and COO Gene Kirchner says the Guided Growth 401(k) plan provides members “with a crucial tool to secure their employees’ financial futures.”

“In today's competitive landscape, offering a robust benefits package is not just an advantage; it is essential for attracting and retaining world-class talent, which is a key strategic imperative for our region's growth,” says Kirchner. “We are confident that this new solution will empower businesses of all sizes to be employers of choice, ensuring Northern Kentucky continues to be a great place to live, work, play, learn, and give back.”

Roberson agrees.

“By working with the Northern Kentucky Chamber, you're going to attract people to Northern Kentucky,” Roberson says. “People will say, ‘They've got a better benefits package than I can get elsewhere. I want to work for that firm versus the firm that doesn't have a 401(k) or doesn’t have as good a plan.’ NKY

Cinergy Wealth Life and Legacy of Raymond James AT A GLANCE

201 E. Fifth St., Suite 2500 Cincinnati, OH 45202-4707

(513) 287-6777

www.raymondjames.com/cinergywealth

NOTEWORTHY:

Cinergy Wealth Life and Legacy of Raymond James Vice President, Investments Patrick Roberson holds both Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor® designations. He is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in labor and industrial relations. Roberson is also the chair of Prevention First, where he leads community-wide efforts to protect youth from the influence of drugs and other behavioral health risk factors. He has worked with the American Youth Foundation, the Kentucky Scholars Program, the Northern Kentucky Baseball League and Champions for a Drug-Free Northern Kentucky.

NKYP Next Generation Leader Awards

Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP) recently celebrated the young professionals making a positive impact in the workplace and in the community at the Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs) at The Carnegie.

The NGLAs recognize and honor young professionals 40 years old and younger for significant professional accomplishments within their chosen professional field and their commitment and contributions to the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati region. Additionally, the awards recognize the continued impact that former NGLA finalists and award recipients make daily.

Congratulations to this year’s finalists and winners for all they do to make our region a great place to live, work, play, learn and give back. NKY

Congratulations to the 2025 NGLA Winners

2026 Kentucky General Assembly BUSINESS ADVOCACY LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW

NKY Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Priorities

Investing in Kentucky’s Workforce, Economy and Infrastructure

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen business and grow a vibrant regional economy — because when business thrives, our communities do, too. The 2026 Legislative Agenda reflects that commitment, focusing on workforce growth, tax modernization, infrastructure investment, education, and health — key drivers of Kentucky’s competitiveness and quality of life.

DRIVE WORKFORCE GROWTH

Northern Kentucky’s economy remains strong, but workforce shortages and skills gaps threaten to slow growth. Labor projections from NKU show minimal gains through 2050 — insufficient to meet employer demand. Flat population growth, retirements, and limited migration leave few untapped workers, while barriers such as childcare costs, transportation, housing and recovery needs keep others out of the labor force. To stay competitive, the region must retain more of the 160,000 college students within 50 miles, connect high school students to local high-demand careers, attract professionals from outside the area, integrate legal immigrants already here, and expand pathways for adults re-entering work. The NKY Chamber encourages policies that increase funding for adult education and ESL programs, raise CCAP eligibility, advance Benefit Cliff reforms, sustain dual-credit and all-day kindergarten, and strengthen statewide talent attraction and retention efforts and recovery-to-work initiatives.

ADVANCE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

A growing economy demands modern infrastructure — from roads, broadband, and income-aligned housing to energy and water systems. The NKY Chamber supports full funding for KY 536 and other key projects and applauds the investment in the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor of Commerce. Kentucky must also embrace innovation in electric vehicle infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging energy sources and to prepare for future needs.

STRENGTHEN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE

A dependable childcare system supports families and fuels economic growth. Kentucky should continue investing in early childhood education to expand access, improve affordability, and support workforce participation — helping parents work and children thrive.

MAINTAIN A COMPETITIVE TAX CLIMATE

Continue modernizing Kentucky’s tax code by shifting from income-based to consumption-based taxes while avoiding new taxes on business -to-business services. Streamlined, and simplified pro-growth tax policies will help Kentucky companies compete and attract new investment.

PROMOTE BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES

Kentucky’s workforce health drives productivity and competitiveness. Policies that reduce smoking rates, expand mental health care, training, and address provider shortages will lower healthcare costs and strengthen the state’s labor force.

Join an NKY Chamber Business Advocacy Committee. Each year, the NKY Chamber identifies the issues that matter most to our members, and our policy development committees dig in to analyze, evaluate, and guide practical positions that support a strong business climate. Committee members gain meaningful opportunities to connect with legislators and key government officials, build relationships, and stay informed on issues affecting their industry. Choose the committee that fits your expertise: Business Technology Council; Healthcare Advocacy; Energy, Environment & Infrastructure; Employer Legal Strategies; or Business Competitiveness

Contact Tami Wilson, VP of Government Relations and Business Advocacy, at 859-380-6007 or twilson@nkychamber.com to learn

Manufacturing Regional Pride

Discover how two of Northern Kentucky’s top manufacturers fuel the region’s workforce and

By Tabari McCoy, Scooter Media

economy

Manufacturing has long played an important part in Northern Kentucky’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and powering industries from consumer goods to advanced engineering. While the sector often operates behind the scenes, its influence is felt across nearly every part of the region’s economic landscape, from logistics and innovation to workforce development.

Today, companies such as Atkins & Pearce and R.A Jones continue to expand Northern Kentucky’s role in global supply chains. Their investments, expertise and commitment to the region help fuel a thriving economy while shaping the future of modern manufacturing.

See how some of the industry’s leaders are helping the region thrive with this look at two of Northern Kentucky’s top manufacturers.

WHEN YOUR COMPANY PREDATES THE CIVIL WAR, IT GOES without saying that it’s been doing something unique and doing it well. In the case of Atkins & Pearce, both statements are true, which is why the company continues to call the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky region home to this day.

Founded in 1817, Atkins & Pearce specializes in a skill more commonly associated with hairdressers than manufacturing: braiding. While a cosmetologist might focus on coiffures, Atkins & Pearce specializes in a much different type of product: technical textiles, fire resistant, moisture-wicking materials designed for performance-based applications across industries including automotive, aerospace and construction. This is in addition to acrylic and silicone sleeves that go into motors ranging from blenders to transformers. With approximately 230 employees and 13,000 braiding machines, Atkins & Pearce makes products such as candle wicks, fishing line and more.

“Atkins & Pearce is in a lot of things people use every day, but we're a part you don't think about,” says President Dustin Sinclair. “When you think about a candle, you think about how it looks and the scent. You don't think about the wick that makes it work.

Oftentimes, manufacturing can get overlooked, but we're at the core of what makes a lot of things possible.”

POWERING WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Now in its seventh generation of family ownership, Sinclair says the company’s success can be attributed to continual innovation, long-term planning and the ability to adapt to the times. Like many manufacturers, he notes that the biggest challenge facing the company today is attracting and retaining skilled talent.

“What we see is that demand is outpacing our ability to supply, so right now, our future is bright,” says Sinclair. “We want to continue to attract new talent, train them on our unique specialization, and continue to contribute to the local economy here.”

Given the importance and impact of his industry, Sinclair believes working in manufacturing is “one of the most patriotic things you can do outside of joining the military.”

“Jobs in manufacturing offer stability, and our commitment to our people is a big reason they come and stay here,” Sinclair says. “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of economic success, and

we’re focused not only on delivering quality products, but on investing in our people and making the community a better place for everybody.”

Sinclair, a Hebron native who rose from machine operator to president, says Kentucky’s culture of specialization mirrors the company’s own identity.

“We're specialists who provide products the world relies on, even if people don't think about it every day,” he says. “I've had the opportunity to grow and develop throughout the company, and that is a sign of two things: 1) there are real growth opportunities in manufacturing, and 2) people can help you to grow and you can be a part of a community that really cares for one another. There are a lot of positives that come from that.”

That, Sinclair says, is why his company is so invested in Northern Kentucky.

“Atkins & Pearce has been very committed that manufacturing is really a cornerstone to economic success, and we really care about the community, so we're not looking to leave,” he says. “We're happy to be a part of this community and we believe that the jobs that we offer strengthen that community and make it a better place to be for everybody.”

Since its founding in 1905, R.A Jones has excelled at creating innovative packaging machinery, offering solutions in cartoning, aerosol, chub, multipacking, pouching and more. As part of Coesia Group, R.A Jones has engineered and built more than 9,000 machines for manufacturers across the world in industries such as food, beverage, consumer goods, home care, pharmaceutical products, and more.

And all of that is driven from the company’s Northern Kentucky home.

“R.A Jones has proudly called Northern Kentucky home for more than 100 years, and that decision is rooted in more than tradition: it’s rooted in strategic advantage,” says company CEO Jonathan Titterton. “This region offers a unique combination of skilled talent, strong infrastructure, and proximity to major transportation hubs, making it ideal for advanced manufacturing. Northern Kentucky’s business-friendly environment and collaborative community also foster innovation and growth, which are essential for a company like ours that is anchored on high-performance solutions and operational excellence.”

OPERATIONAL EXPERTISE

Founded by dentist Ruel Anderson Jones, who first introduced his patented novelty “Advertising Soap” soon before advancing towards the company’s first mechanical cartoner, R.A Jones moved to its current Covington location in 1966. The company would be acquired by global industrial and packaging solutions leader Coesia in 2012. Now celebrating over 120 years in business, the company holds more than 200 patents worldwide and employs 500 employees across three locations around the globe: Covington, Kentucky; Davenport; Iowa; and Heckmondwike, England.

The payoff? Annual revenues of approximately $200 million. Simply put, if there’s a package that contains one of your favorite products, there’s a chance R.A Jones made the machine that made that package.

While their machinery may be “behind the scenes of products used in everyday life,” Titterton says there’s no denying the impact of R.A Jones’ work.

“Our machines package some of the world’s most recognized brands found on store shelves across the U.S. and abroad; everything from snacks and cereals, tissues and paper towels, to razor blades and cooking oil sprays,” he says. “While most consumers never see our machines, they interact with their results every day. For our customers and their businesses, our cartoning, pouching, multipacking, aerosol filling equipment and integrated line solutions package products safely, efficiently, and sustainably to ensure the highest quality.”

A company that values customer collaboration, R.A Jones strives to adapt proven technologies to create new solutions, by dedicating 5% of its sales annually into research and development. Knowing that the company’s innovations are reliant on having the talent necessary to create and execute it, the company is exploring new ways to reduce skills gaps as long time employees retire while examining the ways to reduce uncertainty regarding manufacturing costs, supply chain issues and related consumer stability issues.

PROGRESSING FORWARD

Titterton says the Northern Kentucky team has helped the company lead its industry in several areas. This includes advancements in high-speed cartoning systems, reducing material

waste and integrating robotic technologies to optimize labor, safety and ergonomics for increased productivity and efficiency. This is in addition to expanding its workforce by creating new roles in engineering and more to ensure the company stays ahead in packaging automation and smart technologies. Titterton says R.A Jones is committed to its Covington facility’s future, noting that the company “will continue to invest in renewable energy” while “strengthening our customer experience through enhanced service and support programs.”

That commitment, he says, will also pay dividends for the entire Northern Kentucky region.

“Manufacturing remains a backbone of economic growth,” he says. “It delivers dependable, high-quality jobs and drives innovation across countless industries. Here in Northern Kentucky, it fuels a diverse supply chain and creates opportunities for skilled professionals. It’s about more than producing goods; it’s about investing in our workforce and building resilience, driving progress, and keeping our region competitive on a global stage.”NKY

2071 Crescent Springs Pike Covington, KY 41017 (888) 341-0400

www.rajones.com

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

NKY Chamber membership benefits that can help you achieve your business goals

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

SAVINGS THAT ADD UP – From health insurance to marketing and more, the NKY Chamber connects members to cost-savings partnerships that lower everyday expenses and provide resources to help your business operate more efficiently, so you can protect your bottom line and keep growing. (Learn More: Page 18)

MEMBER DIRECTORY – Leverage the Chamber’s online Member Directory to connect with fellow NKY Chamber members, build valuable business relationships, and keep your dollars within the community.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With 130+ events annually, there are numerous opportunities to expand your network and build connections.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR – Promote your events to NKY Chamber audiences at no cost. NKY Chamber members can submit and post their own events to expand reach and boost attendance.

LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Members can become involved in several ways - from participating on a committee, engaging in leadership development programs, to serving as ambassadors

BUSINESS TOOLS & TALENT

RESOURCES

BUSINESS & TALENT RESOURCES HUB - A one-stop hub for Northern Kentucky’s business and talent development needs. Whether you're launching a startup, growing a small business, or focused on attracting and retaining top talent, the NKY Chamber’s Business and Talent Resources Hub offers curated links to essential tools, programs, and best practices to help.

BUSINESS REFERRAL NETWORKS – The NKY Chamber’s Business Referral Networks (BRN) can connect you to teams of 15 to 30 people to help you learn how other members can help you grow your business.

THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN NKY – The NKY Chamber advocates on members’ behalf on key legislative and regulatory issues in Northern Kentucky, Frankfort and Washington, D.C.

HR 100 – HR professionals and small business owners can utilize timely programs centered on talent recruitment and retention issues while also often earning SHRM-credits in the process.

HR TRIFECTA – Hosted in partnership with NKY SHRM, HR Trifecta brings HR leaders together to discuss three unique aspects of the workforce pertinent to industry professionals.

WORKFORCE BEST PRACTICES SYMPOSIUM – Brings regional experts together for discussions and breakout sessions highlighting strategies employers can use to attract/ retain talent and promote workforce development.

TALENT STRATEGIES SPOTLIGHT – This regular feature of the NKY Chamber Spotlight podcast features employers and workforce practitioners discussing tactics, resources and more centered on talent attraction, retention and inclusive business strategies.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE REGIONAL SUMMIT – Powered by PNC, this daylong learning event for women of all career stages features speakers who present inspirational content for professional women.

LEADERSHIP NORTHERN KENTUCKY – Powered by Citi, this popular program uses the community as a classroom to develop leaders that will serve the region.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (NKYP) Presented by meetNKY, NKYP creates opportunities for young professionals in the region to connect with peers, enhance their professional development and impact the community.

NKYP EVENT PASS – Provides YP employees admission to nearly every event hosted by the NKY Chamber and helps them engage with the community, network with others, and take advantage of professional development opportunities.

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE MENTOR/MENTEE PROGRAM –Designed to help female leaders in your organization, this program pairs like-minded individuals for a one-on-one growth period over one years’ time.

DISRUPT HR NKY – A lively, fast-paced event where 14 featured speakers wow us with lightning-fast inspiring messages.

These are just some of the resources and benefits that come with being an NKY Chamber member. To learn more, contact Lynn Abeln, Vice President of Membership, at labeln@nkychamber.com or call (859) 578-6390. You can also find information on all the programs and benefits included in this article at www.NKYChamber.com. NKY

AROUND THE CHAMBER

NEWPORT BUSINESS COUNCIL: NETWORKING SOCIAL BOURBON HOUSE PIZZA, NEWPORT

BOD/BOA LUNCHEON | RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER

ERLANGER BUSINESS COUNCIL: YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER

NKYP COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS HIGHNOTE ROOFTOP BAR, NEWPORT

AROUND THE CHAMBER

HR TRIFECTA STRATEGIC LEADERS CONFERENCE

KENTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ERLANGER

EGGS ‘N ISSUES: REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER

MILESTONES

Hub+Weber Architects, PLC (H+W), an architecture, design, and master planning firm headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, announced Michael Wolff has assumed ownership of the firm effective Jan. 1, 2026, following the retirement of longtime owner Jim Guthrie.

A Northern Kentucky native, Wolff joined H+W in 2020 and brings a mix of creative design sensibility and leadership to the role. He has led several of the firm’s most community-focused projects and will continue to carry forward the firm’s legacy of thoughtful, people-centered design with a dash of humor and humanity definitive of the firm. Under Wolff’s leadership, H+W will continue to expand its presence throughout the Greater Cincinnati region, reinforcing its commitment to designing spaces that strengthen communities and celebrate local character.

“I’m excited and honored to continue what Jim, Gene, and Bill started,” says Wolff. “Our work has always been about community, creativity, and collaboration – and that’s not changing anytime soon. Same Hub+Weber energy, just with a new signature at the bottom of the emails.”

Hub+Weber has been serving clients in the Covington and Greater Cincinnati area for more than 50 years with a portfolio spanning civic, commercial, and residential projects of all shapes and sizes – but the heart of their work has always been community.

NORTHKEY COMMUNITY CARE

NorthKey Community Care, a leader in providing mental health services in Northern Kentucky, has welcomed Brian Van Arsdale to the organization as Chief of Financial Management.

“Brian is a strategic thinker that knows how to align financial management with growth,” said NorthKey President and CEO Danielle Amrine. “He will strengthen NorthKey’s ability to use financial data to inform programs, resource allocation and long-term planning.”

Prior to joining NorthKey, Van Arsdale managed the financial strategy at Welcome House as the organization nearly tripled its operating budget, successfully applied for $37 million in New Markets and Low-Income Tax Credits and expanded its service to 40 counties across Kentucky. His hiring is part of NorthKey’s continued focus on deploying a data-driven, evidenced-based approach to providing mental health services in Northern Kentucky.

“I’m excited to be a part of the NorthKey team and contribute to our organization’s critical mission,” said Van Arsdale. “I am blessed to have this opportunity to use my skills and experience to help people in our communities.”

The nonprofit health provider and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic serves thousands of Northern Kentuckians each year. As the statedesignated Community Mental Health Center for the eight-county Northern Kentucky region, NorthKey offers integrated, whole-person care including mental health services, substance use treatment, primary care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities regardless of their ability to pay.

GBS, formerly known as Global Business Solutions, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the launch of a refreshed identity representative of its three decades of innovation and growth.

The Newport-based company’s new brand highlights the company’s position as the region’s only fully integrated technology provider, combining strategic consulting, system design and managed services. In addition, the updated website (www. gbs-inc.com) showcases its comprehensive capabilities and bold approach to helping organizations bring all systems into sync across IT, AV, Security and more.

“This milestone is more than a look back, it’s a launch forward,” said GBS Director of Strategy Kevin Brummer in a release announcing the rebrand. “Our new brand reflects how far we’ve come and where we’re headed: continuing to innovate, integrate, and make technology approachable for every client we serve.”

GBS President and Founder Gaby Batshoun agrees.

“The last 30 years have been defined by change in technology,” added Batshoun. “But one thing has stayed constant, our belief that great outcomes start with great relationships. That’s what this celebration was all about.”

Founded in 1995, GBS has grown from a regional IT services company into a full-service technology integrator serving clients across multiple industries. Its longevity is rooted in strong partnerships, with clients, vendors, and the Greater Cincinnati com-munity, as well as in a culture that emphasizes curiosity, expertise and trust.

Helping people do business with the people they know...

It’s what we do.

As you think about your 2026 marketing strategies, consider advertising in the NKY Business Journal. For more information, contact Diana McGlade at dmcglade@nkychamber.com or 859-578-6381.

EVENT CALENDAR

JANUARY

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

1/7 HR 100: Winning Talent in 2026 - Pay, Benefits, and Purpose Webinar | 9:00-10:00 AM

1/8 Business After Hours | Market Bar Ovation, Newport | 4:30-6:30 PM

1/8 LNK Engaged Citizenship Session | TBD | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Class Only)

1/13 Erlanger Business Council: AI Principles for Business | DAV, Erlanger | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

1/15 Florence Business Council: Exploring Aviation: CVG Update | Turfway Park, Florence | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

1/15 NKYP Brews and Basketball | Truist Arena, Highland Heights | 6:00-9:00 PM

1/20 Eggs ‘N Issues: State of NKY | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30-9:15 AM

1/22 Fort Thomas Business Council: Setting Sustainable Business Goals | Mess Hall | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

1/27 Women’s Initiative Coffee Connect | Turfway Park, Florence | 8:00-10:00 AM

1/27 Newport Business Council: State of the County | The Prestant, Newport | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

FEBRUARY

2/3 Day in Frankfort | Kentucky State Capitol, Frankfort | 7:30 AM-5:30 PM (subject to change)

2/4 Getting the Most of Your Chamber Membership | NKY Chamber, Ft. Mitchell | 9:00-10:00 AM

2/10 Eggs ‘N Issues: State of Healthcare in NKY | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30-9:00 AM

2/10 Erlanger Business Council Social | Silverlake the Family Place | 4:30-6:30 PM

2/12 LNK Day in Frankfort Session | 6:30 AM-7:00 PM (Class Only)

2/12 NKYP Lunchtime Leader Chat | OneNKY Center, Covington | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

2/19 Florence Business Council: State of the County | Florence Baptist | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

2/23 Women’s Initiative Connect Hour | Easterseals Redwood, Walnut Hills | 4:00-6:00 PM

2/24 Newport Business Council Social | TBD | 4:30-6:30 PM

2/26 Fort Thomas Business Council Social | TBD | 4:30-6:30 PM

2/27 Government Forum | TBD | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

MARCH

3/3 Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast | Turfway Park, Florence | 7:30-10:00 AM

3/6 LNK Talent Pipeline Half-Day Session | TBD | 12:00-5:00 PM (Class Only)

3/10 Erlanger Business Council: Resource Roundtables | Receptions, Erlanger | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

3/11 8th Annual Workforce Best Practices Symposium | Kenton Co. Public Library, Erlanger | 8:00 AM-1:00 PM

3/12 LNK Talent Pipeline Half-Day Session | TBD | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Class Only)

3/12 NKYP Coffee and Conversations | Unataza Coffee, Dayton | 8:00-9:30 AM

3/12 Business After Hours | TBD | 4:30-6:30 PM

3/17 Eggs ‘N Issues | TBD | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30-9:00 AM

3/19 Florence Business Council: State of the City | 7 Hills Church, Florence | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

3/24 Newport Business Council Luncheon | BB Riverboats River's Edge Center, Newport | 11:15 AM-1:00 PM

3/26 Fort Thomas Business Council: Resource Roundtables | TBD | 8:15-9:30 AM

3/30 Women’s Initiative Connect Hour | TBD | 4:00-6:00 PM

Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by:

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

859-578-8800 NKYChamber.com

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

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.

© 2025, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors. All rights reserved.

CEO/Publisher

Brent Cooper | bcooper@nkychamber.com

Marketing & Communications

Shannan Boyer | shannan@scootermediaco.com

Amber Potter | amber@scootermediaco.com

Design

Lindsey Vanderkolk | lindsey@scootermediaco.com

Vice President, Membership–Sponsorship Sales

Lynn Abeln | labeln@nkychamber.com

Director, Sponsorship Investments Strategist

Diana McGlade | dmcglade@nkychamber.com

Staff Writer

Tabari McCoy | tabari@scootermediaco.com Printing