The Commonwealth of Kentucky has received
a 2012 Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine -- thanks in part to projects spearheaded by Northern Kentucky Tri-ED.
Gold and Silver Shovel awards are granted each year to the states that were most successful in creating jobs and securing investments. In 2011, two of the 10 projects submitted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky were significant expansions in Northern Kentucky: Mubea's expansion at its Kenton County/Elsmere Stabilizer Bars facility, an investment of $46.8 million that will create 182 jobs; and Eagle Manufacturing-Linamar's expansion in Florence, an investment of $40.8 million that will create 138 jobs.
The award reflects Northern Kentucky's excellence in facilitating the region's readiness to grow.
"In the cases of both of these expansions, these were sites that had been vetted," says David Smith, Director of Development, Duke Energy, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy, through its Foundation, offers matching grants to help communities with site selection and readiness, removing barriers such as environmental surveys and zoning changes for relocating and expanding companies. "When a company is ready to make a decision to expand, to grow, or to locate, as much time as you can remove from the equation makes it easier for them to make that decision."
Smith credits Tri-ED with a progressive vision for the community.
"Tri-ED is very forward-thinking," Smith says. "They understand this process, and they really approach this in the right way. They're providing a lot of leadership to make this happen."
The award also testifies to the growing strength of advanced manufacturing in Northern Kentucky, specifically in the automotive sector. Both Mubea and Eagle Manufacturing-Linamar supply components for the automotive industry. And in 2011, the majority of the $384 million in capital investment in the region -- the fourth highest level in Tri-ED's 25-year history -- came from manufacturing companies.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.