"From a city standpoint, we've been looking at a formal business retention and expansion program for a few years," Wice said. "We participate on the Economic Competitiveness Working Group through Vision 2015, which is kind of an economic development roundtable. Through those discussions the issue of a formal business development program for the entire region really became a top priority."

Barela said he's "very confident" that in the coming months his company will secure a long-term tenant for the largest contiguous space at the development, which is nearly 19,000 square feet. The Levee can lease suite spaces as small as 1,000 square feet, he said. The space is listed for between $17 and $19 a square foot.

Northern Kentucky economic development officials say new economic engines such as an expanded DHL air freight hub at CVG and a new College of Informatics at Northern Kentucky University are making their jobs easier.

 

"We have to work our deals harder and smarter and show the service after the sale. But I'd say we're getting it done," said Dan Tobertge, Tri-ED president and chief executive officer.

Tri-ED does not create incentive deals or lobby lawmakers. The organization’s marketing efforts, officials say, have helped to transform a region that was largely rural by helping to attract or expand 554 companies and create more than 44,600 jobs.

 

This year, Tri-ED has helped to create 2,668 new jobs, 600 more than its annual average.