Driving development in Northern Kentucky

Every day, often behind the scenes, brokers, real estate professionals, and committed community leaders make deals that create new opportunities, jobs, and investments in Northern Kentucky.

 

For Tri-ED's twenty-fifth anniversary, we asked three leaders in development to share their perspective on what's moving Northern Kentucky forward.

 

Duke Energy supports a vast array of programs that spur development in Northern Kentucky. In 2010, Duke committed $1 million to the Catalytic Development Funding Corporation, a significant kick-in toward to the Fund's $10 million goal. The Catalytic Fund, which reached its fundraising goal in May 2012, is designed to spur investment and stimulate growth in Northern Kentucky's urban centers.

 

In another demonstration of commitment to NKY's urban regeneration, the Duke Energy Foundation this year announced a $100,000 grant for the City of Covington for the creation of a Life Sciences Accelerator in partnership with bioLOGIC. Duke has also contributed to Tri-ED to enhance existing business retention and expansion efforts in Kenton, Boone and Campbell counties.

 

Julie Janson, President of Duke Energy, grew up in Northern Kentucky, so she has a deep sense of what makes NKY a special place to do business and nurture a vibrant community. 

 

"I know firsthand how the people and the businesses here embrace a collaborative environment as a means to helping the region grow, advance and innovate," Janson says. "There is a commitment to progress and strategic development, all while embracing the rich heritage that is unique to this community." 

 

Paul Hemmer, president and CEO of Hemmer Companies, agrees that the Northern Kentucky community is one of its greatest assets. 

 

"The Northern Kentucky community is unique," Hemmer says. "It offers the ability for businesses to grow in a stable, yet varied economy, in a metropolitan area that includes a world class airport, arts, sports, festivals and a myriad of other recreational opportunities. This is a combination of advantages that few communities can match."

 

Hemmer Companies has led construction on several significant expansion projects, including U.S. Worldwide Logistics in Hebron in 2010. It's also the owner of Northern Kentucky Industrial Park in Florence, the largest business park in Greater Cincinnati and home to firms such as Mubea, Inc. and Mazak.

 

When asked what's moving the region forward, Hemmer says he sees companies growing again, and that's spurring progress. 

 

"Companies are once again focusing on capitalizing on growth opportunities and have begun to pull the trigger on significant expansion projects," he says. "Manufacturing companies, in particular, are active and Northern Kentucky remains well positioned for ongoing growth." 

 

IDI has been in Northern Kentucky since 1989 and has provided office and industrial space for a number of the region's most prominent companies. Most recently, iHerb, an online provider of natural products and food supplements, announced a regional HQ at IDI's Park West industrial park in Hebron. The move will create 600 jobs. In 2010, IDI was honored by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky chapter of NAIOP with Industrial Deal of the Year for L'Oreal's move into a 678,000 square foot facility in Kenton County. L'Oreal is currently planning a second expansion.
 

"IDI is proud to be a member of the Northern Kentucky Development Community for more than 23 years," says Douglas Armbruster, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of IDI. "We feel privileged to provide workspaces that house marquee companies and provide job opportunities for thousands of Northern Kentuckians."

Learn more about development opportunities in Northern Kentucky at northernkentuckyusa.com.