SEPT/OCT 2026
BUSINESS JOURNAL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF NKY CHAMBER
COVER STORY P. 24
A Legacy of Leadership P. 14 Small Business Spotlight: EQ Lead P. 22 Meet the New Board Chair P. 30
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INNOVATION SEPT/OCT 2026 VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1 ON THE COVER: Geralyn Isler, Paul Brophy, and Jim Beatrice, with Business Benefits and Houchens Insurance Group, partner to expand services for clients navigating the complex world of employee benefits and group insurance. Photo Credit: Emory Davis
INVESTORS' CIRCLE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Chair’s Letter
4
Future-Proofing Leadership
6
Announcing the RYL Class of 2027
8
Announcing the LNK Class of 2027
10
Business Councils
12
A Legacy of Leadership
14
2026-2027 Executive Committee Members
18
A Q&A with the Board
20
Small Business Spotlight: EQ Lead
22
Cover Story: Partners in Leadership
24
Annual Golf Outing
28
Meet the New Chair
30
Tools of the Trade
35
Around the Chamber
36
Ribbon Cuttings
40
Member Milestones
44
Events
47
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CHAIR'S LETTER IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT TWO YEARS HAVE ALREADY PASSED, BUT THIS MARKS MY FINAL LETTER TO you as Chair of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Serving in this role has been an incredible privilege and a deeply rewarding experience. While my term is coming to a close, my commitment to this organization is not. I look forward to continuing to support the NKY Chamber as a dedicated member and advocate. Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last two years. Our move to the OneNKY Center was far more than a change of address. It was an expansion and the establishment of our new headquarters. By bringing Northern Kentucky’s growth organizations together under one roof, we have amplified our long-standing spirit of collaboration and created a true “one stop shop” that significantly increases our visibility and efficiency in supporting and promoting the region. Parallel to this growth, the expansion of our Business Councils, which now include Erlanger, Florence, Fort Thomas and Newport, has been vital. Established to help foster collaboration and economic growth, these councils provide a powerful platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and localized advocacy - helping business owners address their unique needs while cultivating a collaborative business ecosystem across our cities. Of course, these physical expansions are only part of the story. Driving daily value for our members remains at the heart of everything we do. This is where the vision of our Board and the expert execution of the NKY Chamber staff truly shine. Over the last two years, we have continued to listen and innovate, offering impactful programming through NKYP, the Women’s Initiative, and Leadership that consistently centers on helping our members support their employees and grow their businesses. Simultaneously, our team has remained focused on the talent attraction and retention space to support our region’s employers and their workforce. Combined with our tireless business advocacy work at the local, state, and federal levels, and impactful networking events like Business After Hours, Connect Hours, our annual leadership trips and Fusion - our multicultural exchange - the NKY Chamber remains fiercely committed to supporting our members and pushing our region forward. This issue of the NKY Business Journal is our annual Leadership issue, headlined by our cover story on Business Benefits, a Houchens Insurance Group Company, led by my successor as NKY Chamber Chair, Geralyn Isler. As the first insurance agency to specialize in employee benefits in Northern Kentucky, they continue to be an industry leader, helping many of our region’s businesses with critical workforce needs. Additionally, you will learn about the great work being done by this month’s Small Business Spotlight, EQ Lead, and how leadership programs like Leadership NKY do so much more than develop skills – they build lasting connections and impact participants for a lifetime. I encourage you to dive into these features, as each one reveals different aspects of what leadership is truly about. Serving as your NKY Chamber Chair has taught me so much about leadership, but more importantly, it has shown me the incredible heart of our region. I am proud to have worked alongside such a strong staff, an insightful board and engaging business community, all of which are why Northern Kentucky truly is a great place to live, work, play, learn and give back. As I pass the baton to Geralyn, I do so knowing our momentum is stronger than ever, and I look forward to watching this community continue to thrive. NKY JASON PAYNE
Chair, NKY Chamber President/CEO/Chairman, First National Bank of Williamson
We want to add value for our members and listen to your thoughts… LET’S CONNECT! 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.
LEADERSHIP PAGE 4
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Future-Proofing Leadership Bright Arrow Executive Talent & Advisory shares strategies to help leaders build stronger talent pipelines and promote with confidence By Tabari McCoy
WHILE IDENTIFYING AN ORGANIZATION'S NEXT EXECUTIVE
is undoubtedly a high-stakes challenge, Tegan Trovato, CEO of Bright Arrow Executive Talent & Advisory, believes the real test of leadership development lies deeper. True organizational resilience requires moving away from reactive hiring and toward building a robust, continuous talent development process — one that ensures organizations are actively cultivating future leaders. "From VPs to the C-suite, our clients report how incredibly busy they are. It's difficult to simply keep their scheduled one-on-one meetings or have time to think strategically," says Trovato. When that's true, how can an organization develop next-in-line leaders if they don't have the time to think about them? Yet treating talent development as a negotiable luxury rather than a strategic imperative is a risk that organizations can no longer afford. Building long-term resilience requires shifting this responsibility from a "nice-to-do" task to a non-negotiable priority. That shift begins with making leadership development an intentional part of every executive's role.
MAKE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT A STRATEGIC PRIORITY Once leadership development becomes an embedded executive priority, Trovato explains that organizations must identify not only the talent they need today, but also the talent they'll need three years from now. "I don't know a single leadership role that's going to look the same three years from now," Trovato says. "Employers need to hire people who are highly adaptable, growth-minded, and able to largely chart their own growth trajectory within the organization." "Effective development requires executives to sit down and PAGE 6
deeply evaluate several questions," Trovato says. "These include: What skills and competencies does their work require? What stretch assignments can I give them to expand their capabilities? What coaching and feedback do they need while being stretched? What guardrails and security do we put in place so they have room to take risks, fail, and pick themselves back up? All of this requires deep thoughtfulness." Bright Arrow COO Maggie Gough says one of the biggest mistakes organizations make is waiting until a leadership position is vacant before preparing someone to step into it. "Every promotion should be the result of intentional development," Gough says. "Organizations that consistently invest in leadership before they need it are the ones best equipped to navigate change, retain top talent, and sustain long-term growth."
BUILDING A STRONG INTERNAL TALENT PIPELINE Leadership development doesn't end once a position has been filled. Organizations must continually invest in the people they already have. "Having talent conversations once a year is too infrequent," Trovato says. "Leaders should meet with their direct reports quarterly — or at least every six months — to discuss what employees aspire to in their roles and look for alignment with the organization's needs. That also signals the organization's commitment to elevating internal talent and keeping a pulse on what burgeoning leaders need in their growth." Executives can also overlook promising talent simply because employees have never been given opportunities to demonstrate what they're capable of. NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
"Executives can occasionally overlook internal talent because they haven't given them room to flex their capabilities beyond their day-to-day duties," Trovato says. "Companies with a healthy pipeline will be able to say things like, 'We give our internal team the space to own projects that demonstrate they are self-starters, capable leaders, and effective cross-functional influencers.' We must give them a chance to show us they're ready; otherwise, this is where attrition comes in, because talented people won't stay when they watch outsiders come in and keep getting the jobs ahead of them." Establishing clear, intentional growth paths is essential to creating that pipeline. "What we already see at Bright Arrow is that we have a gap in C-suite talent," Trovato says. "Where do we get the C-suite talent from? From the VPs. Where do we get the VPs from? From the managers. If we're going to close the CEO talent gap, it actually starts at the entry - level leader role because we need to be making room for all leaders to develop."
ATTRACTING AND SELECTING THE RIGHT LEADERS Developing leaders internally is only one side of the equation. Organizations must also be intentional about attracting and selecting the right external talent. "Candidates are evaluating organizations just as carefully as organizations are evaluating them," Gough says. "The companies that consistently attract exceptional leaders are the ones that can clearly articulate their purpose, their culture, and the impact a leader can make — not just the responsibilities listed in a job description." In a world where employees can openly review employers on sites like Glassdoor, Trovato says the days of claiming to have a great culture when one doesn't exist are over. Part of having a great culture, she says, is having a clear employer value proposition — honestly assessing whether your workplace is a place where people want to work. If the answer is no, then improving that experience must become the next priority. For organizations struggling to identify executive talent, Trovato recommends starting with the leadership team itself. First, ask what is missing from your leadership team. That will help determine the impact your next hire needs to have across the organization. Second, ensure everyone involved in the hiring process is aligned. "It's not uncommon when we take on an executive search for multiple stakeholders to have completely different opinions about what they're looking for in a leader," Trovato says. "That's why the first thing we do is align the hiring team around the selection criteria."
EMBRACING DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP STYLES Even with the right people in place, organizations must create environments where different leadership styles are welcomed and valued. Try as they might, even the best organizations can have blind spots created by bias. In the workplace, Trovato notes this bias often surfaces when someone new steps into a leadership role and approaches the work differently than established executives. "Getting results matters. How we get results matters," she says. "We have to create environments that welcome different leadership styles to ensure we get those results. It does not need to look the same from leader to leader." Operating from a scarcity mindset — believing there isn't room for more leaders at the table — is equally counterproductive to leadership development. LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
FINAL THOUGHTS: LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT DEVELOPING PEOPLE Trovato believes meaningful leadership development doesn't happen by accident; it requires a deliberate blueprint. To that end, she recommends exploring how AI tools can help construct leadership development plans while pairing that technology with mentors who can draw on their own experience to help others grow. "I have not met a single leader or employee who did not appreciate having a talent conversation," she says. "Just ask your people what they want in terms of their growth and give them some suggestions. Frankly, if we aren't prioritizing talent development, we are failing to fulfill a core responsibility of leadership." If you're wondering what advice Trovato would give her younger self about leadership, her answer is one that should resonate with leaders at every stage of their careers. "Do not wait for your organization to hand you a talent development framework," she says. "You can choose to make talent development a foundational piece of your personal leadership ethos and philosophy today. Talent development changes lives. How we develop adults in the workplace directly impacts how they develop their children at home, which ripples into economic and financial prosperity for generations. The real, lasting ripple effect of leadership is always created through the growth of your people." NKY
DELIVERING CLARITY About Bright Arrow Executive Talent & Advisory Bright Arrow Executive Talent & Advisory brightarrowadvisory.com 312-248-2851 Founded in 2015, Bright Arrow is an executive talent and advisory firm helping senior leaders and leadership teams move through uncertainty, pressure, and competing priorities with stronger alignment, clearer decisions, and measurable progress. When priorities compete and alignment starts to fray, even strong leaders can lose speed. Organizations need a clearer way to support the executive talent carrying critical decisions, transitions, and enterprise priorities. Bright Arrow brings structure to complex moments— combining deep discovery, practical insight, and experienced advisory support that helps leaders and teams turn pressure into progress. Bright Arrow is a national firm with a strong presence in Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and New York. Their COO, Maggie Gough, is a resident of Northern Kentucky. Tegan Trovato is a human capital strategist, board advisor, founder and CEO of Bright Arrow. Prior to founding Bright Arrow, Trovato held executive roles in talent and organizational development at industryleading companies like Levi Strauss & Co., Cielo, and Xerox. There, she led largescale transformations in workforce strategy, leadership development, and post-merger integration. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: MAGGIE GOUGH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER; TEGAN TROVATO, FOUNDER AND CEO PAGE 7
Regional Youth Leadership Powered by:
Announcing the Regional Youth Leadership Class of 2027
LUKE KREGOR Anderson High School
WINNIE HUMS Archbishop McNicholas High School
FINN BAILEY Beechwood High School
LILY ROEDING-MACKE Beechwood High School
BENJAMIN D'ALESSANDRO Bishop Brossart High School
GRACE FROMMEYER Bishop Brossart High School
REESE CORBIN Calvary Christian School
DALAL KODHI Campbell County High School
BRYSON BOLTE Colerain High School
CALVIN HUXEL Conner High School
BENJAMIN COURTNEY Covington Catholic High School
WADE KOESTER Covington Catholic High School
CONNOR CALLAWAY Dayton High School
CLARA CHIANG Dixie Heights High School
PATRICK CONDREN Elder High School
LUCY GILLEN Highlands High School
ABDUL HASEEB Holmes High School
MADDIE HOLTZ Holy Cross High School
NORAH FORSYTH Ignite Institute
HAYDEN ZOLLINGER Ignite Institute/Ryle High School
CLAIRE BERGSTROM Indian Hill High School
KEATON POPE Lebanon High School
MCKENZIE REINHART Lloyd Memorial High School
AVA GRACE LAMPE Madeira High School
BRECK BLESSING Mariemont High School
KAYLEE SHINTON Mount Notre Dame High School
RHYLEE STERWERF Mount Notre Dame High School
ALLIE LONNEMAN Newport Central Catholic
MIRIAM VAN AUSDALL Newport Central Catholic
ANNIE LAWRIE Notre Dame Academy
FRANCES MAIER Notre Dame Academy
CLARE OLLIGES Saint Ursula Academy
LAILA SCHLOTMAN Saint Ursula Academy
SAWYER HUNT Scott High School
ANTHONY RUMP Simon Kenton High School
PAGE 8
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
A Letter from the Chair of RYL 2027 AJ HAGEDORN St. Henry District High School
LIAM MCCORMACK St. Henry District High School
EMMA TIAN The Seven Hills School
KYAN GATEWOOD The Summit Country Day School
GRACE GOLDEN The Summit Country Day School
ADELYNE CHU Ursuline Academy
ELIJAH DRIVER Villa Madonna Academy
FIONA KELLEY Walnut Hills High School
JAMES POPELAR Walnut Hills High School
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NKY CHAMBER REGIONAL Youth Leadership Class of 2027. As a proud graduate of the 2005 Regional Youth Leadership (RYL) Class, it is especially exciting to congratulate the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Regional Youth Leadership Class of 2027 on your selection into this outstanding program. For more than three decades, RYL has helped shape the next generation of leaders across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Through a unique blend of education, community engagement, and leadership development, the program challenges students to think beyond the classroom and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and issues that impact our region. Being selected for RYL is an achievement in itself. You join a network of talented students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference in their schools and communities. Over the coming months, you will have the opportunity to learn from civic, business, and nonprofit leaders while exploring topics such as local government, economic development, arts and culture, health, human services, and professional growth. My own experience in the 2005 class provided invaluable lessons that continue to influence both my career and community involvement today. Beyond the knowledge gained, the relationships built through RYL often become lasting connections that create opportunities for years to come. As you begin this journey, I encourage you to be curious, engaged, and open to new perspectives. Take full advantage of every session, every conversation, and every opportunity to learn from one another. The experiences ahead will help shape not only your understanding of our region but also your potential as future leaders. Congratulations, Class of 2027. Your leadership journey is just beginning, and our community's future is brighter because of you.
MEGAN VOLSKI Regional Youth Leadership Chair, Class of 2027
THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!
ArtsWave Brighton Center Chick-fil-A | Newport Pavilion
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
St. Elizabeth Healthcare Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
PAGE 9
Leadership NKY Powered by:
Announcing the Leadership NKY Class of 2027
TYLER ARNZEN Strauss Troy Co., LPA
NATHAN BAILEY Opus Capital Management
KAITLIN BARBER Boone County Public Library
JENNIFER BARRY The Christ Hospital
BENJAMIN BESSLER Prestige Services, Inc.
PATRICK BITTERS C-Forward, Inc.
STEPHANIE BURNSIDE Thomas More University
MATTHEW CROWE Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK)
CAMERON DAVIS Citi
DYLAN DIETRICH Amazon Air
ASHBY DRUMMOND BE NKY Growth Partnership
CIERRA EARL Kenton County Public Library
ANDREA ENDERS REDI Cincinnati
KYLE FLOWER Amazon
KATIE FLOYD Transitions, Inc.
ISAIAH FRY St. Elizabeth Physicians
TIM FURBUSH Dean Dorton
TYLER GABBARD The Carnegie
MICHELLE GIBBS PNC Bank
LEIGH ANN GUNDRUM St. Elizabeth Healthcare
BERT HEHMAN Corporex Companies, Inc.
CASSIE HITCH Brighton Center, Inc.
TASHA JOHNSON Verst Logistics
GEORGE KAVALAUSKAS Lifetime Financial Growth
CASEY KROGER Perfetti Van Melle USA
JASON LEWIS City of Florence
ASHLEIGH LUEBBERS Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky
NICHOLAS LYKTEY Gravity Diagnostics
MATT MARTIN Duke Energy
JULIE NESBITT Forvis Mazars
ERIC NEUFARTH Fifth Third Bank
HOLLY NIBERT HARRISON Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
ALLISON OWENS Designs Direct
CARISSA PARNITZKE The Ion Center for Violence Prevention
JORDAN PEREZ Advanced Technology Consulting (ATC)
PAGE 10
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
A Letter from the Chair of Leadership NKY 2027 KRISTIN RICE Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport
JOSH RUTH Huntington Bank
JOHN SADOSKY City of Covington
MEGHAN SAVERCOOL Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
EMILY SAYERS Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
BETH SETTLEMOIR Gateway Community and Technical College
ERIC SEVERSON Fifth Third Bank
MATTHEW SHEHADI Turfway Park Racing & Gaming
SAM SHELTON City of Bellevue
LEADERSHIP NORTHERN KENTUCKY IS MORE THAN a program. It is an invitation to show up fully, to listen deeply, and to engage with the complex and vibrant realities of our region. This year’s theme reflects what leadership truly requires today: the courage to ask questions and the commitment to turn learning into meaningful action. As Chair of the 2027 class, my hope is that every participant approaches this journey with an open mind and a willingness to grow. Over the next 10 months, they will explore the realities of Northern Kentucky including economic growth, education, health care, and community vibrancy. The true impact will come from the relationships they build and the insights they carry forward. Leadership shows up in many forms, from bold, sweeping actions to the small, deliberate choices that ripple through a community. Each matter, and together they shape the future. This program has a way of shifting perspectives. It reminds us that leadership is not about titles or quick fixes. It is about how you show up, how you listen, and how you act when it counts. By applying to this program, this class has already taken a bold step toward that kind of leadership. I know they are ready to lean into curiosity, embrace diverse voices, and act with purpose for the greater good. Here’s to a class ready to turn curiosity into action and action into impact.
KIM A. KRUGEL Leadership Northern Kentucky Chair, Class of 2027 CULLEN SIMPSON Trade31
APRIL STERLING Emerge IT Solutions
GANNON TAGHER Northern Kentucky University
THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!
LAUREN THOMAS Jabil
AMANDA VILLINES First National Bank of Kentucky
LAUREN VOGEL Scooter Media
REMI WALZ Life Learning Center
BRIAN WEIS Duke Energy
JARED WEITZEL Prysmian
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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ERLANGER BUSINESS COUNCIL
Chair: Ryan Bihl UPCOMING EVENTS Business Social 9/8 Garzelli’s Pub & Pizza, Erlanger 4:30-6:00 PM
Business Councils BUSINESS COUNCILS WERE ESTABLISHED
to foster collaboration, promote economic growth, and support the development of businesses in the community. They serve as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and advocacy on issues impacting local businesses. Membership is open to businesses, industry associations, government officials, educational institutions, and community organizations operating or doing business within the respective cities. NKY Chamber members automatically receive membership to all Business Councils. Meetings are held monthly to discuss key issues, initiatives, and progress of the business council and rotate meeting locations. While membership provides additional benefits, monthly meetings are open to any business or community member interested in attending. NKY TITLE SPONSORS
10/13 CVG Update with CEO Larry Krauter DAV, Erlanger 11:30 AM-1:00 PM /ErlangerBusinessCouncil
FLORENCE BUSINESS COUNCIL
Chair: Matt Shehadi UPCOMING EVENTS 9/10 The Real Estate Connection Florence Nature Park, Florence 11:30 AM-1:00 PM 10/15 Business Resource Roundtables Turfway Park, Florence 11:30 AM-1:00 PM /FlorenceBusinessCouncil
NEWPORT BUSINESS COUNCIL
Chair: Mark Ramler UPCOMING EVENTS 9/22
Tourism as an Economic Driver Carnegie Hall, Newport 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
10/27 State of the City Update Carnegie Hall, Newport 11:30 AM-1:00 PM /NewportBusinessCouncil LEARN MORE FORT THOMAS BUSINESS COUNCIL
Chair: Christine Smalley UPCOMING EVENTS 9/24
NKYChamber.com/Business-Councils HAVE QUESTIONS? Erin Heffernan, 859-426-3652 eheffernan@nkychamber.com
How to Use Marketing Tools Mess Hall, Fort Thomas 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
10/22 Business Resource Roundtables City Building, Fort Thomas 8:15-9:30 AM
/MyFortThomas /NewportBusinessCouncil
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A LEGACY OF
LEADERSHIP
“
Leadership Northern Kentucky
alumni reflect on program’s value, connections made By Tabari McCoy
POWER. PRESTIGE. INFLUENCE. THESE ARE WORDS OFTEN associated with people in leadership positions, yet none is an indicator of whether someone is actually a good leader. Good leaders are often born – not of birthright, but from the wisdom of others and the lessons they learn along their professional journey. This is what Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK) aims to provide through its curriculum by building better leaders through connection and collaboration. Launched in 1979, LNK is designed to help “a diverse group of established community leaders acquire an understanding of the strengths and challenges of the region and the skills necessary to engage others in collaborative efforts to address them.” Unique in both its approach and its impact, LNK starts with an August orientation followed by a two-day, overnight retreat and monthly day-long sessions using the community as a classroom for on-site experiences and education. The LNK experience is well known to Paul Hemmer, a member of the inaugural LNK class of 1979; Laura Menge, a class of 2015 graduate and chair of the 2020 class; Jason Mack, class of 2024; and Dr. Holly Danneman, class of 2026. Read along as each share what has made LNK an experience they’ll never forget.
the O.G. Paul Hemmer Class of 1979
PAGE 14
The connector Laura Menge Class of 2015
LNK Class of 2026
the lifesaver k Jason Mac 24 Class of 20
the problemsolver Dr. Holly Danneman Class of 2026
the O.G.
While he doesn’t believe there is one way to be a leader, Hemmer believes passion, aptitude and ambition are necessary qualities for a good leader to possess. Paul Hemmer reflects on being part Hemmer is the third-generation leader of a family business synonymous with of the first LNK class ever construction, real estate and building services throughout Northern Kentucky, as well as Greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville, and Indianapolis. The two-time Purdue graduate joined the family business in 1976 before eventually forming his own construction company alongside his father. That company’s growth laid the foundation for what today is known as the Paul Hemmer Company. In 1979, Hemmer was selected for the first LNK class, an experience he took part in out of “curiosity and ambition.” What followed, resulted in lessons that have lasted a lifetime.
“
(original generation)
“The program provided a network of lifelong friends while learning about all the different industries represented, as well as community organizations, nonprofits, etc.,” Hemmer recalls. “What it gave me was a broader perspective of Northern Kentucky. As opposed to just being a skills class, it focused on several topics like economic development, social services, and law and order. At the end, you have a better appreciation for what makes the community work.”
Hemmer – who has encouraged his own employees to apply for LNK – says the program is needed to ensure the region’s future leaders thrive. “I can’t recommend the program enough,” he says. “A leader is somebody who must be able to attract, retain and inspire people to do good work. LNK is full of the region’s best leaders – people serving on community and social boards and involved in different organizations. Leaders were present 46 years ago when I was part of the class; now, we are seeing the emergence of the next generation of leaders who need and will benefit from the LNK experience. Success is never an individual effort. Take in as much as you can and then give back as much as you can.”
an attitude of gratitude.
Laura Menge on gaining friends and a new home following her LNK experience
Menge credits LNK as almost single-handedly being the reason she is in Northern Kentucky today. But to understand and appreciate why that is, it’s critical to understand where she was more than a decade ago. In 2014, Menge was at a crossroads. She was “eager to explore my new community, meet people and learn how this region works.” But having just moved from Boston and new in her job at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), she struggled to find her footing. Then, she was introduced to LNK, and calls joining the class of 2015 “one of the best things I’ve ever done.” She would later serve as vice chair of LNK’s 2019 class before stepping into the chair role in 2020. Menge would then be honored with LNK’s Ruth A. Eger Leader of Distinction Award in 2022 and now serves on its Leadership Council. Her time in LNK has led to a plethora of both personal and professional connections, creating strong ties to Northern Kentucky and meaningfully informing her role at GCF and in community partnerships. To hear her tell it, “The life I have constructed in Northern Kentucky was built on the foundation of LNK.” One reflection of her appreciation for the LNK community occurred this January at a dinner created and catered by At Home Chef founder and owner Ken Durbin. Menge won the private dinner package at the Ion Center for Violence Prevention’s 2025 Toast for Hope event. Durbin, a friend from the LNK 2020 class and a member of the Ion Center Board, invited Menge to attend the event. While catching up with friends – including Ion Center CEO and fellow 2020 LNK class member/2026 Class Chair Christy Burch – the event took an unexpected turn for Menge when Durbin announced he’d be auctioning off a private dinner to raise money for the center. It was in that moment, Menge says, that the event felt like a true culmination of all the connections she’s made in Northern Kentucky. “I was struck with all the emotion of how, 10 years after my first LNK experience, I’ve really come a long way,” Menge recalls. “I've been buoyed and supported in this region by all these great friendships and wonderful connections that have impacted my life and my sense of belonging here. I thought, ‘I have to win this auction; I want to pay it back.’ I wanted to support the Ion Center and its incredible work and support Ken, Christy and celebrate these friendships. I thought this dinner could be a meaningful tribute to LNK and the best way I could show my gratitude.” She envisioned the dinner as the perfect opportunity to thank her LNK peers with a memorable meal. The event ultimately turned into a mini-LNK reunion hosted at the home of NKY Chamber Director of Leadership Ann Marie Whelan. Calling the meal “the best steak dinner of my life,” Menge says shouting the winning bid and sharing the dinner with LNK friends was a most special way to celebrate. “Leadership to me means lifting people up and generously sharing your resources and connections to support others. LNK did that for me,” she says. “LNK is an opportunity for exposure, for learning, assessing how this region works by showing that these are the systems, the companies, the organizations, the people, the leaders that all come together in a really beautiful, intricate way to make this a thriving region. For a transplant, it was a terrific strategy and experience. I wouldn't still be here if I didn't have the friends and community that I found through the experience. LNK was and continues to be foundational to the life that I've built here.”
Class of 2020 Mini-Reunion
Chef Ken
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the lifesaver
“I’m having a great time, doing all the things we normally do,” Mack says, as they finally started to load up their truck to go home. “I look over and Jerry is going through some kind of cardiac arrest, and in that moment, everything slowed down.” Jason Mack saved a life and gained confidence as part of the class of 2024 Mack used the CPR training he had just learned through LNK and began chest compressions until the ambulance arrived. Still emotional when retelling the story, Mack says the fact Jerry Imposter syndrome. In the workplace, it can be detrimental to is still here is another example of what makes LNK so special as it one’s professional performance and personal mental health, the gave him the “mind shift necessary to be the leader” he is today. persistent fear that you are not as good as your peers can leave “LNK gives you the confidence to act under pressure and feel one constantly downplaying one’s accomplishments. In Mack’s like you can be the one to execute in those real moments ... It case, that fear coupled with being, as he puts it, “volun-told” he was going to be part of LNK’s class of 2024 put him on edge at shifted me from being a participant to an active leader,” he says. first. Much like a kid at a new school, he showed up on the first day “Like many people, I was comfortable in a routine. Now, I’m a vice thinking, “I don’t want to be here,” but fortunately, he says, “that president and I don’t think I would have taken that opportunity if it wasn’t for that class. I would have felt the imposter syndrome. I changed pretty quickly.” encourage anyone to be part of LNK because it’s honestly the best Mack is the vice president of ESI Electrical Contractors’ thing I’ve ever done.” Cincinnati and has more than 25 years of industry experience. Now in a leadership position, he credits LNK for exposing him to and increasing his understanding of regional issues and varying leadership perspectives outside his industry, while expanding his network in the process. However, it would be the CPR training LNK provided that would produce the most significant impact on not only his life, but the life of Jerry Freeman, the father of his best friend, Jeremy. Friends for more than 30 years, Mack and Jeremy annually take a guys’ trip. In 2024, Mack found himself facing a tough decision during his LNK tenure: Miss an LNK class or miss out on that year’s trip to the famed Talladega International Speedway in Alabama, the state where Jeremy’s father lives. Not one to welch on a commitment, Mack decided he would split the difference and attend half of that day’s LNK class before heading south to join up with is best friend, his father Jerry, and a few others. That decision changed everything.
Jason Ma Jeremy Freckemaand n
the problem Solver
Dr. Holly Danneman found solutions and leadership lessons through LNK
Jerry Freeman, Jason Mack, James Freeman + Jeremy Freeman
Dr. Danneman has built a career on helping others. A Family Medicine physician, Dr. Danneman is now the Associate Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Northern Kentucky regional campus. She oversees medical education and strategic partnerships to support physician workforce development across the region. When she discovered that an organization for which she is a board member needed support, it should come as no surprise she wanted to help.
Help came from a fellow member of her 2026 LNK class. Dr. Danneman is on the board for Faith Community Health Network (FCHN). Founded in 2002 by pharmacists Mary Beth Beimesch and Rosana Aydst, FCHN helps provide essential medications to those who might otherwise go without them. Unfortunately, the organization was having trouble accepting samples because it was lacking the people “necessary to do something as simple as pop the pills out of their packs.” Fortunately, she knew someone who might be able to provide the needed manpower: Dr. Chris Rickels, a fellow LNK classmate and the dean of business, information and studies at Gateway Community & Technical College. Dr. Danneman remembered her class touring Gateway and seeing the incredible tasks students could automate by programming robots. She knew exactly whom to call.
“
“I was so impressed by the ease of that interaction and how that can have a ripple effect of amazing things we can do for our community,” says Dr. Danneman. “Something so simple could allow more donations to be processed so we can take care of more people who need affordable prescriptions. I shared that story during our LNK graduation with some of our leadership because it was an obvious example of where LNK helps to foster relationships that transcend beyond friendships.”
That real-world solution is why she recommends LNK to anyone looking to become a better leader. “It takes a certain mindset for someone to be a leader, but it takes development within that mindset to be able to do it effectively,” she says. “Some people are naturally inclined to want to lead others; however, it doesn't mean that they have the skill set to do so without some mentorship, training or assistance ... This is a way for people who are inclined to lead in positive ways to take those innate talents and develop them in a way that allows them to reach their best potential – Leadership Northern Kentucky does that beautifully.” NKY PAGE 16
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Break Sponsors
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2026-2027 Executive Committee Members
GERALYN ISLER
Chair Business Benefits, a Houchens Insurance Group Company
HANK HEIDRICH Vice Chair, NKYP Fifth Third Bank
CAROLINE WELTZER
Vice Chair, Women's Initiative Viox & Viox
JASON PAYNE
MICHAEL HALL
JAY WUEST
KEN MUTH
ROSEANNE NIELDS
KRISTEN SMITHERMANVOLTAIRE
Past Chair First National Bank of Williamson
Vice Chair, Talent Strategies Duke Energy
GARREN COLVIN
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Treasurer Citi
Vice Chair, Advocacy St. Elizabeth Healthcare
ALLYSON COOK
Erigo Employer Solutions
Secretary PNC Bank
Vice Chair, Inclusive Business Strategies Turner Construction Company
BARBARA JOHNSON Wells Fargo Advisors
GINA DOUTHAT
Vice Chair, Membership Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK)
KENNETH WEBB
Vice Chair, Leadership Republic Bank
LARRY KRAUTER
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
RAY TAKIGIKU Asellus Ventures
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GABY BATSHOUN Global Business Solutions
ANGEL BEETS Gilman Partners
BRIAN BOZEMAN SKANSKA USA Building
CHRIS CHAPMAN Klosterman Bakery
DR. JOSEPH CHILLO Thomas More University
LEE CRUME BE NKY Growth Partnership
ADAM DAVEY Dean Dorton
BRENT DEGENHARDT City Wide Facility Solutions
JOSH DUCKWORTH altafiber
DR. FERNANDO FIGUEROA Gateway Community and Technical College
KAREN FINAN OneNKY Alliance
PAUL FURTADO Prysmian
LES GRAY Max-Hamilton Group LLC
TOM GUIDUGLI JR. Guidugli Productions
PATRICK HUGHES DBL Law
DAN JANKA Mazak Corporation
TONY JOHNSON Huntington Bank
BRADY JOLLY Jolly Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electric
RYAN KENNEDY Paul Hemmer Company
JULIE KIRKPATRICK MeetNKY, Northern Kentucky CVB
KRIS KNOCHELMANN Kenton County Judge/Executive
JULIE LEPPO U.S. Bank
MOLLIE LEWIS New Riff Distilling
MELISSA LUTZ Champlin | EOP
LAURA LYONS ATech Training, Inc.
PAUL MEIER Mayor of Crestview Hills
GARY MOORE Boone County Judge/Executive
STEVE PENDERY Campbell County Judge/Executive
NICK PROFFITT Messer Construction Co.
BRIAN ROBINSON Fort Thomas Independent Schools
CATHERINE SALZMAN Heartwood Strategies
BILLY SANTOS Truist
LEE SCHEBEN Heritage Bank
MATTHEW SHEHADI Turfway Park Racing & Gaming
RESHAMAR SHORT The Kroger Company
DR. CADY SHORT-THOMPSON Northern Kentucky University
MIKE SIPPLE JR. Centennial, Inc.
LACY STARLING LINK Media
LAUREN THOMAS Jabil
WONDA WINKLER Brighton Center, Inc.
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
PAGE 19
a
Q&A
with the board
We asked members of our Board of Directors and Board of Advisors to share their favorite leadership books. Here are their recommendations to inspire you.
BRIAN BOZEMAN
SHANE NOEM
Vice President, Skanska The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks
President, Roebling Solutions Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert A. Caro
JOSEPH L. CHILLO, LP.D.
NICK PROFFITT
President, Thomas More University The Last Riddle: Advice on Living and Dying Well from the Imprisoned Saint Thomas More by Stephen Smith
Business Development Director, Messer Construction Co. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt
JEFF EVANS
Director, Pepper Construction Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear LESLEY GRAY
CEO, Max-Hamilton Group Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by James C. Collins TREY GRAYSON
Partner, FBT Gibbons The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods
TERI VONHANDORF
Provost, Gateway Community and Technical College Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath BILLY WERSEL
Northern Kentucky Market President, First Financial How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
MOLLIE LEWIS
President, New Riff Distilling Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans LAURA LYONS
President, ATech Training The Art of War by Sun Tzu
WONDA WINKLER
President & CEO, Brighton Center, Inc. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW
KEN MUTH
RICK WURTH
Government & Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy To the Third Power: The Inside Story of Bill Koch’s Winning Strategies for the America’s Cup by Paul C. Larsen
CEO, OneQuest Health Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath
PAGE 20
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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
EQ Lead
David Rust uses emotional intelligence to help companies develop leaders, retain talent By Tabari McCoy
WHEN DAVID RUST, ED.D., SERVED AS SUPERINTENDENT of Campbell County Schools, he oversaw more than 900 employees while managing a $75 million budget. “My days were spent evaluating and growing the adults while managing the business functions of the district,” he says. After spending 30+ years in education focusing heavily on cultivating the talent needed to shape young minds, he pivoted in 2022 to use his experience to help companies leverage the power of Emotional Intelligence (EI), which examines one’s ability to identify, express and manage their feelings. Now, as the owner and operator of EQ Lead, he “helps leaders use their emotional capacity to better connect people so they can grow and collectively achieve their company’s goals.” In doing so, he hopes to continue building better leaders throughout Northern Kentucky.
INTELLIGENTLY SPEAKING Facial cues, body language, and understanding the use of tone and recognizing it are all important parts of one’s EQ. Says Rust, “Emotional intelligence is learning about and managing your emotions and being able to understand and recognize the emotions of others. Then, being able to apply those skills in the relationships that happen every day in a workplace.” A certified EQ-i® 2.0 coach, Rust uses assessment tools designed to help develop, promote and retain a company’s highest performers. According to Rust, research shows that teams with high-EQ leaders outperform others by 15-20% on annual revenue targets while employees with high EQ managers are four times less likely to leave compared to those with low-EQ managers. These, Rust says, are among the reasons that emotional intelligence matters in the workplace. “For most people, their emotional intelligence continues to grow over the course of their lifetime, unlike their intellectual intelligence,” says Rust, explaining how EQ can grow when managed properly. “For leaders, especially in today's multi-generational workforce, managing people on different scales of the spectrum and who approach work from different perspectives requires the ability to understand and manage those relationships. A lot of leaders, however, do not get any formal leadership training ... They are thrust into leadership or management positions without knowing how to move, motivate and inspire people, manage inter-office conflict and deal with differing, multi-generational approaches to work.” Noting that research shows leaders with higher levels of emotional intelligence have higher, better returns out of their workforce, Rust says paying attention to EQ can be key to attracting and retaining talent.
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DAVID RUST, OWNER AND OPERATOR EQ LEAD
This is why EQ Lead helps employers by encouraging them to look beyond an employee’s technical skills, and also consider their relational skills, which, “often take a back seat until they don’t.” “If you think about employees, when they leave a company, they're not really leaving the company – often, they're leaving a supervisor,” he says. “When I'm called by a company, most often it's because they've had a leader or an employee go sideways. It's the emotional lack of capacity that gets the leaders in trouble. They say something they shouldn't have said, they misunderstood a circumstance or misread a scenario ... People look for technical skills first, but it's the emotional, relational skills that make or break a really good employee.”
HEAD OF THE CLASS Starting with his humble beginnings working at a toy store and in fast food before embarking on his education career, Rust says he has always wanted to venture past academia. However, the “teacher and coach by nature” says he has been compelled to lead people to become better versions of themselves his entire adult life, making the foundation of EQ Lead a natural next step for his career. “As I was navigating retirement – and I was working with an executive coach myself when I was superintendent of schools – I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in the future,” Rust recalls. “He said, ‘You have always gotten satisfaction out of identifying and building capacity of the people that work around you.’ As I navigated retirement, I realized that is really what I want to do. I had this background in emotional intelligence, and it just seemed like a natural thing to leverage because I see it every day. I wasn't looking to escape education because I wanted to continue to teach, coach and develop people – that’s why I ventured out with EQ Lead.” Rust has used his networking skills and word-of-mouth referrals to work with organizations in the world of public safety as well as the Kenton County Fiscal Court, Bray Construction and CVG Airport. “I do a lot of pre-employment screenings, which is a very interesting part of my work,” says Rust. “If you're an employer and you're hiring a new supervisor, and you have both internal and external applicants, a lot of times you have bias because you know your employee – it’s the devil you know versus the one you don't. I can provide an objective perspective of what an internal candidate you have on your team already may look like against an external candidate coming in from a competing company or elsewhere.” If you’re looking to increase your company’s EQ, Rust hopes that you’ll look to EQ Lead. “I love growing people,” he says. “I love seeing people develop. I love helping people become better versions of themselves. That, in a nutshell, is what makes me happy and what gives me satisfaction.” NKY
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
“I love growing people, I love seeing people develop. I love helping people become better versions of themselves." - David Rust
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
IN THE LEAD EQ Lead AT A GLANCE EQ Lead P.O. Box 104 Alexandria, KY 41001 eqlead.com 859-393-1654 davidrust@eqlead.com
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PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP Business Benefits, Houchens Insurance Group expand services, legacy throughout Northern Kentucky By Tabari McCoy
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
ROOTS. JUST AS THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO PLANTS, A company's "roots" are often used to signal longevity and loyalty to a region and its customers. In some cases, though, it’s used as a marketing tool to project experience, build trust, and win over customers. In the case of Business Benefits, the first insurance agency in Northern Kentucky to specialize in employee benefits, the concept is a valid, efficient one-word summarization of its longstanding service across a variety of industries and sizes. And for a company that specializes in finding efficiencies for its clients, short, simple and to the point is how they have excelled for decades. These are among the reasons behind the partnership between Business Benefits and Houchens Insurance Group, which allows the company to expand its capabilities and continue to be a leader in its industry It also ensures companies throughout Northern Kentucky will, as its name implies, continue to enjoy business benefits for years to come.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Founded by George Beatrice in 1984, Business Benefits started simply as a family-owned company helping others. Change came in November 2025, when second generation owners, sister-andbrother-duo Geralyn Isler and Jim Beatrice chose to join Houchens Insurance Group. Due in part to Houchens Insurance Group’s own history in the region, the partnership felt like a natural fit for both companies. Houchens Insurance Group's presence in Northern Kentucky is not new. The company joined the area with its Crestview Hills office through the acquisition of Roeding Insurance 13 years ago, building on a local agency that had served the community since 1919. Since then, Houchens Insurance Group has continued investing in the region while expanding into nearby markets, including Dayton, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The partnership gives Business Benefits access to the broader resources and expertise of Houchens Insurance Group while preserving the relationship-driven approach that has defined the agency for decades. Business Benefits will continue to offer the services for which it has become known. This includes helping companies navigate scores of employee health insurance options, providing access to an online benefits communication and enrollment system, assisting with business administration technology, current compliance regulations, Medicare, and more. Now, as part of Houchens Insurance Group, clients also have access to a full-service agency offering property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, loss control and risk management services, surety, public entity, and personal insurance solutions. This gives businesses the ability to address a broader range of insurance and risk management needs through one organization while maintaining the trusted relationships they have built with the Business Benefits team. What motivated Business Benefits to go from being a small, family-owned, Ft. Mitchell-based agency to be part of a much larger company like Houchens? Scaling up their offerings and expertise is at the core of it. “For more than 40 years, Business Benefits has been a leader in our industry in Northern Kentucky, serving as an important advisor for employers ranging from startups to larger organizations,” says Isler, a vice president/employee benefits producer. “We have always helped our clients navigate the very complex world of employee benefits and group insurance – joining with Houchens will only LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
PAGE 25
make us better. They bring a much larger team with key specialists who have already proven to be great resources for us.” Houchens Insurance Group North Region Executive Vice President Paul Brophy says the move has been a long time coming. “I've been in this industry for 42 years and in my first year, I met Geralyn and Jim's father George. From the very beginning, I could tell the Beatrice family took their leadership in the community very seriously from both a cultural and giving back perspective,” Brophy says, noting that the company views itself as a very large regional player built upon local relationships. “That was important to us at Houchens; we’re picky when it comes to the agencies we partner with or look to acquire. Jim and Geralyn made it clear they wanted to continue with Business Benefits as opposed to wanting to get out of the business ... We are very excited that the Business Benefits team will be able to use the resources we have – be it marketing, clinical, pharmacy solutions, analytics or our vendor partners. We couldn’t be more pleased that they have joined us.” Beatrice, who cites Houchens’ culture as critical to the move, agrees. “There're a lot of family businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area, be they small or large, and we have definitely found success helping them because they appreciate our perspective of being a family business,” Beatrice says. “They know we understand what that is like. Even though Houchens is a much larger organization, all their employees are owners. That culture is an excellent fit for us, and everyone involved has a genuine stake in the business and the service they provide.”
SIZEABLE BENEFITS One thing both Isler and Beatrice want to make clear is that the values at the core of Business Benefits remain unchanged as part of Houchens Insurance Group. Brophy says that cultural alignment, along with Isler and Beatrice's commitment to remaining with the business, was a critical piece of the acquisition. “We look at our clients as partners. To build a strong partnership, we need to know what the goals are,” she says. “We need to understand their perspective and their long-term goals, not just for the current year. If they don't have a long-term strategy, we help them formulate one – not just control costs, but also to provide benefits that meet their employees’ needs and align with their company culturally.” Doing so, Beatrice says, is critical to helping a business retain its top talent. “The number one reason an employer offers benefits is to attract and maintain quality employees,” he says. “That's the purpose of having a benefits package. That means understanding their goals, their situation, their population, how competitive they are in their industry and how often they lose employees to competitors. We work to put together a package that is meaningful to them before backing it up with a lot of service to make sure everyone is happy – that’s what we’re all about.” Brophy says changes in access and costs have made that work critical to the success of both their respective companies and their clients. “If you look back, say 20-25 years ago, employers had more carrier options from a health insurance perspective,” Brophy says. “Today, those carrier options are more limited, but we have the opportunity to collaborate with clients to provide alternative creative solutions. We want to be sure we're doing everything we can to make sure PAGE 26
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
the employers we work with have the best options for their employees, and we also want to work with them on a communication plan, so they understand their benefits and utilize them in the right way.”
ROOTED IN SERVICE Access to larger resources and expansion of services notwithstanding, one thing that has not changed for Business Benefits is the company’s commitment to the local community. With Houchens being a big supporter of the St. Elizabeth Foundation – a fact reflected in its $1 million donation, the largest at the time, to the organization in 2024 – Brophy says Business Benefits’ similar support of various charitable causes and community organizations only made the acquisition of the company more attractive. A longstanding Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce supporter who will now serve as its Chair, Isler says, “You’ll see us continue to be actively engaged with other organizations and continue to build more meaningful and lasting impact.” Now that they are part of the Houchens Insurance Group, Isler looks forward to the roots their father planted in Northern Kentucky continuing to grow. “Our father said when he started this business – and we’ve always practiced the belief – that our clients come first. That’s our core legacy,” Isler says. “We've always had the reputation of being professional, courteous, knowledgeable and doing the right thing, and now we are part of a larger organization with that same culture and work ethic. We're going to do great things together because that is what we do.” Beatrice agrees. “Our legacy is not in our name,” he says. “It’s in doing the right thing, caring for the community and in providing our clients with valuable and meaningful service. We are still here, but now stronger.” Brophy is confident Isler and Beatrice are doing right by their father’s standard. “We at Houchens are concerned with taking care of what we call the three Cs of service: our clients, our co-owners and our community,” he says. “If we’re doing those things, the legacy will take care of itself. We’re looking to triple our size in the next 10 years and the only way we can do that is with partners like Business Benefits.” NKY
OFFICIAL BUSINESS Business Benefits AT A GLANCE 211 Grandview Drive Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 859-331-3232 businessbenefits.com
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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NKY Chamber
Annual Golf Outing
Title Sponsor:
Photo Credit: Emory Davis
Employee Engagement and the AI Effect
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Annual Dinner Presented by:
Thursday, Sept. 17 5:00 - 8:30 PM NKY Convention Center NKYChamber.com/Events
HONORING
JASON AND AMY JACKMAN The Horizon Award
RHONDA WHITAKER HURTT Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III Northern Kentucky Economic Development Award
CAROL ANN AND RALPH V. HAILE, JR. FOUNDATION Devou Cup
DAVE SCHROEDER The Walter L. Pieschel (MVP) Award
JUDGE/EXECUTIVE STEVE PENDERY The Walter R. Dunlevy/ Frontiersman Award
OKI REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS The Northern Kentucky Unity Award
Title Sponsor
Dunlevy Award Sponsor
Pieschel Award Sponsor
Presenting Sponsors
ImageMaker Award Sponsor
Devou Cup Award Presented By
Robinson Award Presented By
Reception Sponsors
Unity Award Sponsor
Horizon Award Presented By
Wine Sponsor
Entertainment Sponsor
LINK NKY ImageMaker Award
Media Partner
Parking Sponsor
Centerpiece Sponsor
Photo Booth Sponsor
MEET THE NEW CHAIR
Geralyn Isler is ready for new challenges, opportunities
By Tabari McCoy
WITH NEARLY 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE employee benefits industry, Geralyn Isler – the vice president/ employee benefits producer of Business Benefits, a Houchens Insurance Group Company – has an intimate knowledge of the Northern Kentucky business community. Now officially sworn in as the 55th Chair of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber), she plans to utilize that knowledge to help the community she loves enjoy continued prosperity and new opportunities. Isler will officially accept the NKY Chamber Chair’s gavel on Sept. 17 during Annual Dinner presented by Fifth Third Bank – the region’s biggest networking night of the year. The sixth woman to serve as chair in the NKY Chamber’s 57-year history, Isler has been an active voice in business and health policy advocacy for more than a decade and is a longstanding NKY Chamber volunteer, supporting the organization for nearly 30 years. She has served with the NKY Chamber in several roles for more than a dozen years, including as both Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Chair of Women's Initiative and as a member of both its Board of Advisors and the Healthcare Policy Committee. Her service as part of the Women’s Initiative helped advance the professional growth of women across the region, a fact for which she was honored in 2019 as an Outstanding Woman of Northern Kentucky. Born in New Jersey, Isler has lived “almost all” of her life in Northern Kentucky. Graduating high school from Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, Isler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University. She is a resident of Hebron where she lives with her husband, Bob.
Q: YOU’RE A LONGSTANDING NKY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER – HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO NOW BE STEPPING INTO YOUR ROLE AS CHAIR?
Isler: It's truly an honor and a privilege. Having been involved with the Chamber for many years, I've had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding business and community leaders and to participate in conversations that help shape the future of our region. Those experiences have not only helped me grow as a leader, but they’ve also given me a deeper appreciation for the Chamber’s impact on our business community. Serving as Chair is an opportunity to give back to an organization that has invested so much in both our community and in my own professional development. I’m excited to help build on the strong foundation that’s already in place and to support the Chamber’s continued efforts to foster growth, collaboration, and opportunity throughout our region. Q: YOUR COMPANY, BUSINESS BENEFITS, WHICH IS NOW PART OF HOUCHENS INSURANCE GROUP, HAS WORKED FOR YEARS TO HELP OTHER EMPLOYERS MANAGE THEIR EMPLOYEES. DO YOU SEE THIS EXPERIENCE AS BEING BENEFICIAL TO THE POTENTIAL CHALLENGES AND GOALS YOU HAVE AS CHAIR OF THE NKY CHAMBER?
Isler: Absolutely. At Business Benefits, our focus has always been on helping employers attract, retain, and support their employees through effective benefits and workforce strategies. That work has given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges businesses face, regardless of their size or industry. I believe that perspective will be valuable as Chair because strong businesses and a strong workforce go hand in hand. The Chamber plays a critical role in supporting both through its advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, leadership development programs, and business resources. My goal is to work alongside fellow board members, Chamber leadership, and the broader business community to continue strengthening our regional economy. By supporting business
GERALYN ISLER BEGINS HER TERM AS THE 2026-2027 NKY CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR.
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
growth, developing future leaders, and investing in our workforce, we can help create greater opportunities and an even stronger Northern Kentucky for both employers and residents.
Q: AS A BUSINESS LEADER AND THE NEW NKY CHAMBER CHAIR, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON NORTHERN KENTUCKY’S FEMALE ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY AND HOW THE CHAMBER CAN SUPPORT THEM?
Q: SPEAKING OF GOALS, WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE AS THE NEW CHAMBER CHAIR?
Isler: Northern Kentucky has a strong and growing community of women entrepreneurs and business leaders, and I've had the privilege of watching that growth firsthand through my involvement with the NKY Chamber and the Women's Initiative from its earliest days. In many ways, I’m a product of what the Chamber can do for women in business. The Women’s Initiative provided opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and meaningful connections that helped shape my own professional journey. As Chair, I'm proud to represent the many women who are leading businesses and strengthening our region. I believe the Chamber can continue to support women by creating opportunities to connect, develop as leaders, and access the resources they need to succeed. When women thrive, our entire business community benefits.
Isler: Northern Kentucky is fortunate to have an engaged, collaborative, and forward-thinking business community. As Chair, my goal is to build on that foundation by ensuring the Chamber continues to deliver meaningful value to its members. One of our greatest strengths is the collective expertise and leadership of our members. I want to ensure we are fully leveraging that knowledge to support businesses, strengthen partnerships, and address opportunities and challenges facing our region. A key priority of our board is to support efforts that attract, develop, and retain world-class talent in Northern Kentucky. A strong workforce is essential to economic growth, and the Chamber will continue working with business, education, and community partners to help employers access the talent they need to succeed. We’ll also remain focused on advocacy, leadership development, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections among our members. We've had a very successful year, and I’m excited to build on that momentum while ensuring the NKY Chamber remains a trusted resource and a strong voice for the business community. Ultimately, success will be measured by the strength of our member businesses and the prosperity of the Northern Kentucky region as a whole. Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Isler: My husband and I have been enjoying traveling, mostly in the U.S. We've been making memories with friends, learning more about our country and seeing great sites. Traveling has been a lot of fun, and we continue to plan new adventures. Closer to home, I enjoy spending time with family, evening walks and reading in my spare time.
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AS YOU BEGIN YOUR TENURE AS NKY CHAMBER CHAIR?
Isler: I would like people to know that I view this role first and foremost as one of service. The NKY Chamber has a strong history, an outstanding team, and an engaged membership, and my goal is to listen, learn, and help bring people together around our shared priorities. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about helping businesses succeed, particularly small and mid-sized businesses that are such an important part of our regional economy. I've seen firsthand how relationships, shared knowledge, and a strong business community can create opportunities for growth. Northern Kentucky's greatest strength is its collaborative spirit, and I look forward to building on that tradition as we work together to support businesses, develop leaders, and strengthen our region. NKY
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Congratulations to the 2027 Leadership Northern Kentucky class
C
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CONGRATULATIONS Leigh Ann Gundrum! 2027 Leadership Northern Kentucky Class
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CONGRATULATIONS, KRISTIN RICE! Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Director of Customer Experience
Kristin Rice has been named to the 2027 Class of Leadership Northern Kentucky.
CVGairport.com
CONGRATULATIONS! Patrick Bitters Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2027
Congratulations, Bert! Member of 2027 Leadership Northern Kentucky Class
Bert Hehman
Director of Sales & Leasing
corporex.com
Congratulations, Amanda! Wishing you continued success as you grow, lead, and make a lasting impact through Leadership Northern Kentucky.
www.fnbkentucky.com
859-320-6434
Shine on, April, Shine On! Emerge loves supporting you and leaders like you at the top of their game. You’re an inspiration and a blessing to our company, our customers, and our community.
April Sterling Director of Customer Experience
Congratulations to Josh Rush for being part of 2027 Leadership NKY
Member FDIC. Huntington, Huntington Bank, and the Huntington Brandmark are service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. © 2026 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.
CONGRATULATIONS TO Executive Director of Workforce Solutions
EMILY SAYERS
TBD_Pln-Gov_Congratulatory_Ad_Leadership_NKY_Class_072026_R1.pdf
Recognizing the remarkable. Congratulations to Director Julie Nesbitt and all the trailblazers selected for the Leadership Northern Kentucky class of 2027!
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CONGRATULATIONS Isaiah Fry, MD! 2027 Leadership Northern Kentucky Class
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Assurance | Tax | Consulting forvismazars.us
Congratulations to PNC's Michelle Gibbs for being selected to the 2027 Leadership NKY Class!
©2026 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
7/30/
Congratulates Ben Bessler for being accepted into the Leadership NKY Class of 2027
www.prestigeelectriccompany.com
Congratulations! Katie Floyd Vice President & CFO Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2026 CONGRATULATIONS
Matthew Shehadi as one of our newest participants for the
2027 LEADERSHIP NORTHERN KENTUCKY CLASS!
CONGRATULATIONS TASHA JOHNSON
Helping people do business with the people they know... It’s what we do.
2027 LEADERSHIP NORTHERN KENTUCKY CLASS
CONGRATS!
Holly Nibert Harrison Director of Women’s Initiative
Leadership Northern Kentucky
As you think about your 2027 marketing strategies consider advertising in the NKY Business Journal.
Class of 2027
For more information, contact Diana McGlade at dmcglade@nkychamber.com or 859-578-6381.
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. 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 By development Tabari McCoy, Scooterto Media programs, serving as ambassadors. MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNTS Offer exclusive deals to fellow Chamber members or take advantage of discounts offered by other local businesses. MEMBER JOB BOARD Post career opportunities within your company to reach engaged local professionals actively looking for their next role.
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 & 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 SHRMcredits in the process. HR TRIFECTA Hosted in partnership with NKY SHRM, HR Trifecta brings HR leaders together around three topics focused on building a solid strategy to hire, develop, and retain a quality workforce. 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 is a 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. DISRUPT HR NKY A lively, fast-paced event where 14 featured speakers wow us with lightning-fast inspiring messages. NKY
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.
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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AROUND THE CHAMBER
FLORENCE BUSINESS COUNCIL & NKY CHAMBER NIGHT WITH THE FLORENCE Y’ALLS | Y’ALLS BALLPARK, FLORENCE
ERLANGER BUSINESS COUNCIL STATE OF THE COUNTY ERLANGER CITY BUILDING, ERLANGER
FUSION: A MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE | THE MERCANTILE IMMERSIVE, CINCINNATI
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
LEADERSHIP VISIT SPONSORED BY GBS | WASHINGTON, D.C.
NKYP COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH EMERGING LEADERS | DBL LAW, COVINGTON LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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AROUND THE CHAMBER
EGGS 'N ISSUES: INCOME-ALIGNED HOUSING | RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER
FORT THOMAS BUSINESS COUNCIL MESS HALL, FLORENCE
WOMEN’S INITIATIVE CONNECT HOUR POWERED BY PNC | NEWPORT AQUARIUM, NEWPORT
DISRUPTHR NORTHERN KENTUCKY NKU, HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
ALL BUSINESS COUNCIL JOINT MEETING WITH KY TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY REBECCA GOODMAN | RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SPONSORED BY FBT GIBBONS UP THERE, COVINGTON
WOMEN’S INITIATIVE COFFEE CONNECT POWERED BY PNC ARCHER & COMPANY ROASTERS, HEBRON
NKYP LUNCHTIME LEADER CHAT: CADY SHORT-THOMPSON NKU, HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
EGGS ‘N ISSUES: SPARKING NKY’S FUTURE, A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH GARREN COLVIN RECEPTIONS, ERLANGER
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:
ELLIOT FAMILY OF BRANDS 1700 Petersburg Road | Hebron, KY 41048 | 859-600-6216 | elliotengineeringinc.com
CELEBRATION VILLAS OF SUMMIT HILLS 2625 Legends Way | Crestview Hills, KY 41017 | 859-331-5951 | celebrationvillaofsummithills.com
KAY JEWELERS 7753 Mall Road, Suite 29 | Florence, KY 41048 | 859-525-6800 | kay.com/ky/florence
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
KOI SUPERIOR WALLS 1640 Distribution Drive | Burlington, KY 41005 | 859-344-1130 | koisuperiorwalls.com
MOBILITY PLUS 8123 Connector Drive | Florence, KY 41042 | 859-918-1006 | mobilityplus.com/kentucky/florence
PUBLIX 5401 Alexandria Pike | Cold Spring, KY 41076 | 859-908-6007 | publix.com
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored by:
SPRING ARBOR SENIOR LIVING OF FLORENCE 4009 Seligman Drive | Florence, KY 41042 | 859-667-1906 | allegroliving.com/communities/spring-arbor-florence-ky
UNIQUE DESIGNS & WRAPS 961 Helen Ruth Drive | Ft. Wright, KY 41011 | 859-279-3855 | uniquednw.com
UP THERE 535 Madison Avenue | Covington, KY 41011 | up-there.com
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MCALISTER’S DELI 3721 Alexandria Pike | Cold Spring, KY | 859-500-3065 | mcalistersdeli.com
We want to help you promote and celebrate your ribbon cutting ceremony for your new facility, expansion, anniversary celebration or open house! We’ll bring our trademark giant blue scissors, a group of Chamber ambassadors, and a camera to capture the excitement of your special day. Call Lynn Abeln at 859-578-6390 to schedule your FREE ribbon cutting today!
NKY CHAMBER
JOB BOARD Looking for top local talent? Post your open positions on the NEW NKY Chamber Job Board and connect with qualified candidates today. Visit NKYChamber.com/Jobs to get started. *This is a member-only benefit
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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MILESTONES
SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! All NKY Chamber members are invited to share announcements & personal achievements in the Milestones column. Send Milestones to info@nkychamber.com PAGE 44
BHM CPA AND CHAMBERLIN OWEN CPAS bhm cpa group, a full-service certified public accounting firm with offices across the Midwest, acquired Chamberlin Owen CPAs, a respected Northern Kentucky firm with more than 20 years of service to individuals, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. The acquisition extends bhm’s footprint into the Kentucky market and adds several experienced team members to the firm. “One of our goals at bhm is to expand our reach inside the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Once we spent time with John and Lori, it was obvious that combining Chamberlin Owen with bhm would provide a platform to achieve our goals. John and Lori have built an incredible organization. It is our collective mission to make bhm a conduit for all our associates to achieve their career goals while living up to our purpose,” said Doug Mayr, bhm CEO. Founding partners John R. Chamberlin and Lori Owen will continue to lead the Erlanger, Kentucky, office, and the full Chamberlin Owen team will join bhm. “We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with bhm! This new venture allows us to develop while continuing to provide excellent client service in Kentucky. John Chamberlin and I will continue to lead the team from the same location, while expanding our bandwidth and resources to better serve our people and our clients,” said Lori Owen, Founding Partner of Chamberlin Owen.
EASTERSEALS REDWOOD Easterseals Redwood’s Florence campus has officially earned a prestigious five-star rating through Kentucky All STARS, the commonwealth’s expanded five-star Quality Rating and Improvement System for early care and education programs. Managed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood, and the Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky All STARS recognizes early childhood centers that pursue continuous growth and provide exceptional services to improve outcomes for children and families. A five-star rating is the highest achievable level of excellence awarded. The Florence campus joins the organization’s Fort Mitchell location, which achieved its own five-star designation in 2023. Earning a five-star rating requires passing a rigorous evaluation process. "I am excited and incredibly proud that our Florence campus has officially earned a five-star rating through Kentucky All STARS in its very first survey," said Pam Green, president and CEO of Easterseals Redwood. "This achievement reflects the incredible dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire Florence team, led by Katrina Proud, our director of children’s services. Most importantly, it demonstrates our promise to children and families that they are receiving the highest level of care and education." Learn more at EastersealsRedwood.org.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
ARK ENCOUNTER The Ark Encounter celebrated its 10th anniversary this July. The highest-attended themed attraction in the state and located in the Northern Kentucky region, the park features a life-size Noah’s Ark. Along with its sister attraction in Petersburg, the Creation Museum, the venues draw more than 1.5 million visitors annually. They have helped spur revenue for neighboring hotels, restaurants and stores. “New hotels continue to be built in Northern Kentucky, and inside the grounds of the Ark Encounter, we have plenty of acres to build new attractions,” said Ken Ham, founder of the Ark Encounter. “We’ve already grown our zoo, just opened a stunning Welcome Center, added a 4D virtual reality theater and built the large Answers Center for various programming - a convention center, if you will." “The Ark Encounter’s 10-year anniversary is also a milestone for Northern Kentucky’s visitor economy," said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of NKY Tourism. "With more than 90% of its guests coming from outside the region, the Ark continues to draw new visitors who stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, explore nearby attractions, and generate meaningful sales tax revenue for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It has become a powerful economic driver.” The Ark Encounter is owned by Answers in Genesis, a Christianity-defending ministry. Learn more at ArkEncounter.com. NKY
Member to Member Discounts The NKY Chamber member portal now lets you offer exclusive deals to fellow Chamber members or take advantage of discounts offered by other local businesses. Visit NKYChamber.com/MemberDiscount to start saving. *This is a member-only benefit
LEADERSHIP | VOLUME 46 NUMBER 1
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Banking that Grows With You. Partners Who Think Ahead.
Kevin Garrett
Commercial Banking 859.320.1253
B. Adam Irlam
At Civista Bank, we go beyond transactions—we’re your strategic financial partner. Whether you’re scaling your startup, expanding your operations, or optimizing cash flow, our proactive team delivers creative, tailored solutions to keep your business moving forward.
Learn more at civista.bank
300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 103, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 • 800.604.9368
David Stringer
Private Banking NMLS# 574957 859.320.1254
Senior Vice President, Regional Market Executive 859.320.1251
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP PS Form 3526
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)
1. Publication Title NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC./NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
2. Publication Number 548630
ISSN 8096
3. Filing Date 07/30/2026
4. Issue Frequency BI-MONTHLY
5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price 6
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication 300 BUTTERMILK PIKE STE 330 LAKESIDE PARK, KENTON, KY 41017-3924
Contact Person SHERI GOODENOUGH Telephone (859) 578-8800
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) Brent Cooper 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
13. Publication Title
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC./ NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL 15. Extend and Nature of Circulation a. Total Numbers of Copies (Net press run)
2500
2500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mailed Outside County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS (1) Form 3541(include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies)
c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), (4))
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Shannan Boyer 823 Scott Blvd. Suite B Covington, KY 41011 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name
Complete Mailing Address
Brent Cooper
300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Hoding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds. Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box Full Name Complete Mailing Address
X None
d. Free or or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on (2) Free Nominal PS Form 3541 Rate Distribution (By Mail and Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Outside the (3) Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) Mail)
0
0
698
698
428
428
0
0
Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (4) (Carriers or other means)
0
0
e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), (4))
1126
1126
f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)
1126
1126
g. Copies not Distributed
1374
1374
h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g)
2500
2500
0.00 %
0.00 %
a. Paid Electronic Copies
0
0
b. Total Paid Print Copies(Line 15C) + Paid Electronic Copies
0
0
c. Total Print Distribution(Line 15F) + Paid Electronic Copies
0
0
0.00 %
0.00 %
i. Percent Paid ((15c / 15f) times 100)
18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Title Shannan Boyer
Date Managing Editor
07/30/2026 13:43:32 PM
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 2)
Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form b. Paid Circulation (2) 3541(include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies) (By Mail and Outside Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales the Mail) (3) Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS
or Nominal Rate Outside County Copies (1) Free included on PS Form 3541
Publication not required.
in the 09/01/2026 issue of this publication.
Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the (4) Paid USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail)
Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Gene Kirchner 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
X If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed
07/01/2026 Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date
PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com
16. If total circulation includes electronic copies, report that circulation on lines below.
PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 1)
PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com
d. Percent Paid(Both Print and Electronic Copies)
I Certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (Electronic and Print) are paid above a nominal price. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUSINESS JOURNAL
REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT NKYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
EVENT CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 9/3 NKYP Kick-Off Meeting | Beeline, Newport | 4:00-6:00 PM 9/8 Erlanger Business Council: Business Social | Garzelli’s Pub & Pizza, Erlanger | 4:30-6:00 PM 9/10 Florence Business Council: The Real Estate Connection | Florence Nature Park | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM 9/10 Business After Hours Sponsored by FBT Gibbons | TBD | 4:30-6:30 PM 9/13 Regional Youth Leadership Retreat | Camp Ernst, Burlington | 8:30 AM-3:30 PM (class only) 9/17 Annual Dinner Presented by Fifth Third Bank | NKY Convention Center, Covington | 5:00-8:30 PM 9/22 Newport Business Council: Tourism as an Economic Driver | Carnegie Hall, Newport | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM 9/24-25 Leadership NKY Overnight Retreat | Camp Joy, Clarksville, OH | 8:30 AM-2:00 PM (class only) 9/24 Fort Thomas Business Council: How to Use Marketing Tools | Mess Hall, Fort Thomas | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM 9/28 Women’s Initiative Connect Hour Powered by PNC | Braxton Brewing, Union | 4:00-6:00 PM
OCTOBER 10/7 10/8 10/13 10/14 10/15 10/20 10/22 10/27 10/27
Getting the Most of Your Chamber Membership | NKY Chamber, Ft. Mitchell | 9:00-10:00 AM NKYP Cocktails and Conversations | New Riff Distilling, Newport | 4:30-6:30 PM Erlanger Business Council: CVG Update with CEO Larry Krauter | DAV | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM HR 100: Understanding and Responding to Power-Based Violence | NKY Chamber, Ft. Mitchell | 8:00-11:00 AM Florence Business Council: Resource Roundtables | Turfway Park, Florence | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Eggs ‘N Issues: Navigating Global Trade Disruption | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30-9:15 AM Fort Thomas Business Council: Resource Roundtables | City Building, Ft. Thomas | 8:15-9:30 AM Women’s Initiative Coffee Connect Powered by PNC | DBL Law, Covington | 8:00-10:00 AM Newport Business Council: State of the City | Carnegie Hall, Newport | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
NOVEMBER 11/5 11/10 11/10 11/12 11/12 11/16 11/17 11/19 11/19 11/20
Women’s Initiative Regional Summit Powered by PNC | Student Union, NKU | 8:00 AM-4:00 PM HR Trifecta Strategic Leaders Conference | Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger | 8:00 AM-12:30 PM Erlanger Business Council: KCTCS-TRAINS Funding | DAV | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Leadership Northern Kentucky Session | TBD | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Class Only) Business After Hours Sponsored by FBT Gibbons | TBD | 4:30-6:30 PM Women’s Initiative Connect Hour Powered by PNC | TBD | 4:00-6:00 PM Eggs 'N Issues: 2027 Regional Economic Outlook | Receptions, Erlanger | 7:30-9:15 AM Florence Business Council | Turfway Park, Florence | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM NKYP Next Generation Leader Awards | The Carnegie, Covington | 5:00-7:45 PM Leadership Northern Kentucky Half Day Session | TBD | 12:00-5:00 PM (Class Only)
Northern Kentucky Business Journal is published bi-monthly by:
Periodicals Postage Paid USPS-548630 at Covington, KY.
CEO/Publisher Brent Cooper | bcooper@nkychamber.com
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330 P.O. Box 17416 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 859-578-8800 NKYChamber.com
Postmaster: Please send address changes to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330, P.O. Box 17416 , Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017-0416.
Marketing & Communications Shannan Boyer | shannan@scootermediaco.com Amber Potter | amber@scootermediaco.com
The Business Journal is a benefit of membership and included in membership fees. Annual subscription rate for nonmembers is $30.
Subscribers: Please send address changes by e-mail to info@nkychamber.com. © 2026, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and by the individual authors. All rights reserved.
Design Lindsey Vanderkolk | lindsey@scootermediaco.com Photography Emory Davis | emory.gdavis@gmail.com Vice President, Membership–Sponsorship Sales Lynn Abeln | labeln@nkychamber.com Director, Sponsorship Investments Strategist Diana McGlade | dmcglade@nkychamber.com Staff Writer Tabari McCoy Printing Black Tie Productions
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