NKY moves forward in 2012

What's in store for Northern Kentucky in 2012? How will the region build on last year's successes? We spoke with Dan Tobergte, President and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, for a "State of the Region" update. From informatics to water technology to manufacturing jobs, we think you'll agree -- the future looks bright. 

Thrive: Northern Kentucky saw a number of major successes in 2011, from DHL's expansion at CVG in February to the grand opening of Griffin Hall at NKU and the completion of ZF Steering's $95.8 million expansion in October, to name just a few. How will you build on that momentum in 2012? 
 

Dan Tobergte: In 2011, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED recorded our fourth highest-ever amount of announced capital investment from 28 primary industry companies. While these metrics were beyond our averages, primary industry job creation was announced at 1,300 jobs, which is below our target of 2,100 jobs. So, we are earnestly seeking job creation from start-up, expanding and new primary industry firms. Our most promising industry sectors include aviation/aerospace services, advanced manufacturing, tech centers and HQ operations. 

 

Thrive: Job-creating expansions in NKY continue to prove that American manufacturing is alive and well. What contributes to Northern Kentucky's vitality as a center of advanced manufacturing? Why is the region such a good fit for manufacturers? And how will you ensure that NKY continues to be a place where manufacturing can thrive?
 

DT: We are quite pleased to have a manufacturing location quotient of 1.71. (Any location quotient above 1.0 shows a higher concentration of companies and jobs in an area compared to national averages.) NKY is blessed with a superb location for manufacturers -- we are within 600 miles of 60% of the U.S. population, which means easy access to a manufacturer's customers. The Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Gateway Community & Technical College has the capacity, equipment and teaching knowledge to train today's skilled workers.

Kentucky is the third most affordable state to do business east of the Mississippi River, according to the 2010 North American Business Cost Review, led by low utility costs and reasonable tax rates. We consistently hear from our existing advanced manufacturing firms of their ability to be profitable in our area. 

 

Thrive: With Griffin Hall, the new home of NKU's College of Informatics, the region demonstrated a major commitment to the field of informatics. You've also invested heavily in life sciences and biotech. What potential do you see for the future of NKY in these emerging industries?
 

DT: While 'Informatics' is a curious term to the uninitiated, it is gold to us in Northern Kentucky. The convergence of digital data, information, media, etc. in today's fast-paced world is the study and implementation of informatics across all industries and all sectors. With nine Bachelor's degree programs and seven Master's degree options, NKU's College of Informatics offers a plethora of opportunities for NKY to stand out for companies looking for this type of. We have also launched UpTech, an informatics accelerator offering up to $100,000 in seed money to ten start-up companies in 2012 supported by a robust mentoring network, all in rent-free space overlooking the Ohio River. 

 

Thrive: In 2011, a group of dedicated individuals announced the formation of the Water Technology Innovation Cluster within the regional efforts of Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky. How is this progressing? How will a water technology cluster benefit the region? Are there similar initiatives in the works?
 

DT: The WTIC effort is continuing to gain significant momentum. The purpose of the WTIC is to identify, test, develop and commercialize innovative technologies to solve environmental challenges and spur sustainable economic development and job creation, by attracting the best and brightest scientists and entrepreneurs; promoting economic development through the creation and attraction of jobs and investment; and becoming the world's source for practical and affordable solutions and sustainable practices.
 

Other initiatives like this exist in Milwaukee, the Middle East and elsewhere throughout the world. The difference is that our region is the home to U.S. EPA Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center Federal Research Lab, with over 1,000 researchers and scientists with a focus on water. It is time that we capitalize on this expertise to benefit our region. 

 

Thrive: What do you hope Northern Kentucky will have achieved this time next year? Briefly, what's your prognosis for the region's growth in 2012? 
 

DT: We are poised for a burst of activity in the form of new companies in advanced manufacturing, office and tech sectors with an improving national economy. We have challenges ahead of us as pointed out by our Region by the Numbers study by Vision 2015 and Agenda 360. With an emphasis on the life sciences sector in the urban core, our opportunities with Informatics, and enticing developed land opportunities in this centrally located, low-cost region, our prospects are bright for 2012.