Stories

Tri-ED lent hand to 22 projects in 2010

Friday, April 29, 2011

Source: Business Courier

Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-ED) recognized new and expanding primary businesses in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties that made a significant economic impact in 2010 at the organization's annual Thoroughbred luncheon and recognition event. Tri-ED assisted with 22 projects for new or expanding companies in 2010 and as a result it is projected that 3,513 primary and indirect jobs will be created over the next three years.Read more here.

Bexion Pharmaceuticals awarded $500K SBIR state grant for cancer research

Friday, April 29, 2011

Source: Soapbox

Bexion Pharmaceutical's work to treat a deadly form of brain cancer has earned a $500,000 boost from the state of Kentucky.The Covington-based biotechnology company has been awarded a state Small Business Innovation Research matching grant for its ongoing research into a cure for glioblastoma multiforme, an invasive brain tumor that can't be effectively treated now. The grant offers a partial match to a $1.5 million, Phase 2 SBIR grant that the National Cancer Institute Awarded Bexion late last year."By Kentucky matching that grant it allows us to expedite the process, so that we can move to clinical trials a lot faster," said VP of Business Development Margaret van Gilse. "We are working on developing the drug that will ultimately be used in the Phase I clinical trial."

Bexion expects human clinical trials will start late this year or early 2012, van Gisle said.

"In order to cultivate breakthrough technologies, life science companies need early stage funding. In Kentucky, we are doing everything we can to support this important cluster of our local economy with sources such as the Northern Kentucky ezone as well as with state and local support," said Northern Kentucky Tri-ED Chairman, Steve Pendery. "Northern Kentucky is certainly open for business in the life sciences corridor."Bexion Pharmaceuticals is a startup focused on finding cures and treatments for a wide range of cancers. Currently they are working with technology licensed from Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The company has three primary focuses: oncology therapeutics, oncology diagnostics and nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) delivery. Bexion is located at bioLOGIC Corp, a global life science investment and management company with a Covington office."Bexion Pharmaceuticals was awarded the highest matching grant possible from the state program due to the potential for commercialization of the drug treatment therapies the company is developing," said Gene Fuqua, acting commissioner of the Cabinet's Department of Commercialization and Innovation.

Cincinnati Innovates competition grows with nearly $90,000 in prizes

Friday, April 29, 2011

Source: Soapbox

The third annual Cincinnati Innovates competition has just started, growing to offer nearly $90,000 in prizes designed to push forward groundbreaking products and services."The goal of Cincinnati Innovates is to connect aspiring entrepreneurs - people with ideas - to all the great resources our region has to offer: incubators, angel investors, banks, mentors, and experts. The grant awards are just the first step," says Elizabeth Edwards, venture capital investor and founder of Cincinnati Innovates.The competition opened April 15 and continues through July 15. As in the past two years, it's open to anyone now or originally from a 15-county area of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. The contest is looking for a broad range of innovative products, devices, business processes and more to highlight, fund and support. This year 12 awards will be given with a $25,000 top cash prize sponsored by CincyTech. For many winners, Cincinnati Innovates is an early step in their path to development, investment and growth. In total, more than $135,000 has been awarded, with winners attracting more than $3 million in additional financing, said competition founder Elizabeth Edwards."There have been lots of new patents filed, a lot of new funding. There has been some really great progress for these startups and that was exactly wanted we wanted to see happen," said Edwards.To enter the contest or get more info, go to the contest website. There you'll enter a short description of your idea and upload pictures, video, or sketches to help explain and showcase it. You can also take a look at past entries and winners. Last year more than 300 people entered and more than 100 attended supporting innovation workshops offered during the competition timeline.This year those workshops will expand and include: Patents and Trademarks, Startup Financing, Individual Health Insurance, Branding, Concept Development, and Licensing.There are 25 Cincinnati Innovates sponsors (including Soapbox); many are offering cash or in-kind service awards including the $25,000 CincyTech award; $10,000 and $5,000 in-kind Taft Patent Awards applied toward the patent process. There are two $10,000 in-kind branding and marketing awards: the Round Pixel Studio Web Development Award and the LPK Design and Branding Award.

Thomas More College launches new STEM program targeting 3,000 NKY students

Friday, April 29, 2011

Source: Soapbox

Thomas More College has launched a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) program, partnering with eight Northern Kentucky High Schools to train teachers and educate 3,000 students.The three-year Thomas More STEM Initiative (TSI) is funded through a $360,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation. TSI is designed to develop and increase quality and diversity of STEM teachers in underserved areas of Northern Kentucky, and to raise student interest in STEM learning."The Thomas More STEM Initiative is a response to a regional and national need. We as a nation are falling behind in science and technological abilities. The future development of our region and our country is negatively impacted by such a decline. The partnership is directed very precisely at responding to this crisis," said Thomas More College President Margaret Stallmeyer.Thomas More is partnering with: Bellevue High School, Bishop Brossert High School, Dayton High School, Holy Cross High School, Lloyd Memorial High School, Ludlow High School, Newport High School and Newport Central Catholic High School.Starting this fall, 1,000 students will go through the STEM program each year."It will include numerous interactions between TMC and the schools and will present a diverse array of activities. It formally begins this summer with a teacher workshop, followed by classroom visits and online communication throughout the year, in addition to field trips to our STEM facilities, including our science labs here on campus, the Bank of Kentucky Observatory and the Biology Field Station, along the river," said Dr. Chris Lorentz, biology professor and director of Thomas More College's Biology Field Station.At the end of each year, five top students will be selected to attend a weeklong summer camp at Thomas More. That week they'll live on campus, conduct research, and work with campus STEM majors."Not only do we hope to increase the number of overall STEM majors in our region, our focus will be on those students currently underrepresented in the STEM disciplines. We know that many of today's jobs already require STEM skills and even more of tomorrow's jobs will demand STEM graduates," Dr. Lorentz said.

Census: Boone grew fastest in NKY

Friday, April 29, 2011

Source: NKY.com

Population in Northern Kentucky grew about 12 percent in the past decade with much of the growth concentrated in Boone County. Boone County was Northern Kentucky's biggest winner in the 2010 U.S. Census with a 38 percent increase in population in the past 10 years, the third highest in the state.Read more here.

Local NKY Musician to Perform at Renfro Valley

Friday, April 29, 2011

Source: Source

Boone County, Kentucky is home to many unique bands and other cultural assets, Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony band being one of that stands out. The Northern Kentucky musical group has a sweet, heartfelt Christian Country sound that you can say is meant to be. Originally formed in 1985, Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony parted ways in 1997. Shortly after, one of the band members, Dewayne Jackson, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. The band got back together for a benefit concert to help the family with financial struggles and the rest is history. Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony have been together ever since. Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony's unique sound and sincere spirit has been shared in Nashville, TN, the hills of Renfro Valley, KY, and throughout Columbus Ohio. As a matter of fact, the group received the best live group award in the Renfro Valley Gospel Talent Search. Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony plan to revisit Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in eastern Kentucky again on May 28 as they perform independently in the New Barn Theater. The band will provide entertainment to Christian County lovers and Renfro Valley visitors in the Valley for the Classic Country Car Cruise In. Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony consists of: Roy Knipp (Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar), Steve Brunner (Lead Guitar), John Croley (Bass Guitar and Backup Vocals), LC Taylor (Backup Vocals), Terry King (Steel Guitar), Jason Frost (Drums), and Bob Lese (Harmonica & Mandolin), all Northern Kentucky natives. They have released their third CD titled "We'll Tell Them About You", which was their first release that went to #20 and also "I Do It All For You" which went to #18. Their latest release "Lord I Want To Thank You" went to #22. For more information about Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony: www.royknippandsouthernharmony.com. For more information about Renfro Valley Entertainment Center: www.renfrovalley.com. About Renfro Valley Entertainment Center It all began in 1939 when John Lair stepped to the radio microphone and said "Howdy Folks! Welcome to Renfro Valley." Lair's 20-year dream of preserving pure, clean folk music that he had grown up with in Renfro Valley had come true. The show that started that night in 1939 in the newly built Big Barn was an instant success, with as many as 10,000 people sometimes showing up for Saturday night Barn Dance. The Barn Dance was joined four years later by the Sunday Morning Gatherin'. Both shows were carried over the CBS Radio Network and drew thousands of loyal listeners from throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. Visitors across North America would show up for the weekly performances. The Renfro Valley community grew to include world famous Lodge Restaurant, guest cabins, hotel, souvenir shop, music library (drawing historians and scholars as far away as England), newspaper, radio station, museum, shopping village, RV Park, New Barn Theater and has become one of Kentucky's most popular destinations as "Kentucky's Country Music Capital." Renfro Valley is now in its 72nd year of operation. 2011 marks the beginning of many changes in the valley – a new beginning to an old tradition. For information about Renfro Valley Entertainment Center call 800-765-SING or visit www.renfrovalley.com.

Feature Story

StoneBrook Winery

Amy ElliottFriday, March 25, 2011

As StoneBrook's success demonstrates, making wine means more than the market price of the crop, and it's bigger than the profit margin on a bottle. It's about the experience -- and that's why Campbell County's wineries are a leading edge of the region's growing agri-tourism sector.

Feature Story

Livability and commercial activity are hallmarks of Campbell County

Gabriella JacobsFriday, March 25, 2011

Campbell County boasts an energizing business climate, two major Riverfront real estate developments, a dynamic University, home-grown wine, dining, and a touch of Hollywood appeal.

Feature Story

Video: NKY's shifting workforce

Amy ElliottFriday, March 25, 2011

Source: NBC Nightly News

NKY shines in a special segment on NBC Nightly News exploring the future of the manufacturing work force. MAG Industries' apprentice program and Gateway's Center for Advanced Manufacturing are examples of how America's manufacturing sector is training workers for success in a shifting sector.

Global trade boosts region

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: Cincinnati.com

New research from the Cincinnati USA Partnership, the Center for Economic Analysis and Development (CEAD) and Haile/US Bank College of Business at Northern Kentucky University emphasizes the importance of international trade and direct foreign investment to the Cincinnati MSA area economy.

Their analysis shows that international business generates an estimated $34.5 billion in direct revenue and supports 8.2 percent of jobs in the region. The study also examined indirect, induced and total economic impact.

Home building rebounds in Northern Kentucky

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: Business Courier

This year is looking better than last year for new home in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. One company expects to see as much as 15% growth in the market. And with new home building could bring significant job growth in the region.

Read the full story here.

NKY tourism has best year since 2007

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: Business Courier

Northern Kentucky's hospitality industry saw hotel occupancy and overall visitor spending rise in 2010 for the first time in three years.

Hotel demand grew 8.6 percent last year in Northern Kentucky, outpacing the growth in demand in the U.S., Kentucky, Ohio and Cincinnati, according to a news release issued by the bureau. Hotel occupancy also grew by 4.5 percent in Northern Kentucky despite a 3.9 percent increase in supply resulting from two new hotels opening last year.

Northern Kentucky's hotel supply increase was almost twice the national average, according to a report by the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau. Read more here.

Local economy grew substantially in February

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: Cincinnati.com

Business activity in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky last month increased "substantially," according to the February survey of local purchasing managers released by the University of Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Purchasing Manager's Index rose to 67.8 last month. The February number, based on reports and observations from a variety of local companies, was up from 56.8 in January. Any reading over 50 indicates growth in the local economy.

Read the full story here.

Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council website offers one-stop shop for international orgs

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: Soapbox

Like any successful metro area, Greater Cincinnati has a strong and growing international community making a mark on local culture, business and education.

Now the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council has launched a website to link those organizations, and their work. The site, "Global Cincinnati: Gateway to the World" aims to offer a one-stop shop for the region's international and interethnic organizations, as well as to give them wider exposure throughout the community.

"Globalcincinnati.org is a way for any citizen in Cincinnati to get in touch with global resources and engage in global forums to improve their business, coursework, or career," said GCWAC Executive Director Erika Dockery. "Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council is the center of excellence for international education and citizen diplomacy in the Tri-state."

The site includes links to foreign chambers of commerce, businesses and trade associations as well as non-profit and educational organizations.

There's also a section listing local experts with knowledge of specific fields, like history or language, along with their contact information. They can be reached for media interviews or speaking engagements.

Perhaps the most dynamic portion of the site is the events calendar which will be constantly updated with a wide variety of international educational, cultural and business events across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

The Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council is a longstanding, non-partisan organization founded in 1923 to build "global understanding and promotes international awareness through education, information and exchange of people and ideas."

The site is just part of the council's web outreach. You can also follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson

Source: Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council

NKU to launch doctor of nursing program

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: NKU

Northern Kentucky University is now accepting applications for its newest academic program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The first cohort will begin in the fall.

The practice-focused program will prepare masters-level nurses to practice at the highest levels of expertise in a variety of clinical settings. DNP graduates will also be authorities in the design, implementation, management and evaluation of healthcare delivery systems and patient populations.

Says Denise Robinson in the press release:

"This high level of skill is needed to address the complexity of healthcare needs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and globally. These nursing experts will be tomorrow's healthcare leaders."

Read the full release here.

Kentucky: Banking on automotive once more

Friday, March 25, 2011

Source: Business Xpansion

Kentucky ranks fifth in the nation in foreign direct investment. And with its strong national brand (think bourbon), a highly productive workforce, and central location in the nation, the state is poised for major growth in the automotive industry.

In Northern Kentucky, ZF Steering Systems is construction two new buildings and has announced a $92 million capital investment and close to 400 new jobs. Its high-tech manufacturing sector could attract firms interested in the state's capacity for advanced electrical and industrial manufacturing as well as research and development projects.

Says Karen Finan, senior vice president with Northern Kentucky Tri-ED:

"We have a strong value proposition to accompany those coming in who need that high-tech workforce, especially in the areas of data centers," Finan says.

Read the full story here.

Video

Northern Kentucky CVB flaunts "Southern Side of Cincinnati"

Friday, February 25, 2011

Dining, nightlife, entertainment, world-class hotels, family attractions -- it's all part of the Northern Kentucky experience. See the highlights in this fun video from the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau and you'll understand why meeting planners, corporate conventioneers and vacationers from all walks of life love coming to Northern Kentucky.

Feature Story

St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Amy ElliottFriday, February 25, 2011

In January 1861, St. Elizabeth -- a hospital organized by the Sisters of the Poor in Cincinnati -- admitted its first patient. In January 2011, St. Elizabeth celebrated a milestone anniversary. After 150 years, it's the largest employer in Northern Kentucky and its regional economic impact is over a half-billion dollars a year. And it's got a new CEO to boot. John Dubis, former Chief Operating Officer, started on January 1 this year.

QandA with Casey Barach of ezone

Friday, February 25, 2011

Source: Cincy Magazine

The Northern Kentucky ezone, part of the Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp., has been helping local companies start and grow since 2001. The ezone has aided more than 189 companies, and it has brought in more than $74 million in investments to Northern Kentucky.

Cincy Magazine spoke to Casey Barach, vice president of entrepreneurship at ezone, to find out more about this successful program.

Read the entire interview here.

Growing Life Eye's Media video production company hires 2

Friday, February 25, 2011

Source: Soapbox

For the past five years, Life's Eyes Media has been a one-woman show that relied on the expertise and hard work of founder Kristen Getsy, a former news reporter and anchor.

Getsy has managed the video production and media training company's "concept to completion" vision for clients including The Newport Aquarium, Kroger and NASA. Life's Eye Media's client base has grown so much over the past few years that Getsy just hired two full-time employees to help manage the load and grow the company even more.

Joyce Looby and Michelle Howard have joined the Northern Kentucky-based company. Both are experienced businesswomen. Looby, now the company's creative director, has more than 10 years of video experience including in-studio productions and live and pre-produced events. She's also produced and edited videos for corporations and for retail distribution.

Howard has been named business development manager. She brings more than 20 years of experience in media, non-profits and local government. She's well versed in writing and editing, public relations, fundraising and event planning.

"We are really growing," Getsy said. "I've created a really strong brand and developed some key partnerships. Some of our clients have come back year after year and that loyalty means the world to me."

Gesty said she's planning to hire two more employees by the end of the year if growth continues.

Life's Eyes Media, based in Independence, offers a wide variety of video production services including steaming video, online PR, video news releases, PSAs and website design. The company also offers writing and other communications and promotional services, based on the art of storytelling.

The company works with a team of seasoned professionals- including producers, journalists, photojournalists, writers, editors, videographers and lighting specialists - who serve a variety of corporate and private clients.

"The expansion of the Life's Eyes Media team comes at a pivotal time in our company's history," Getsy said in a release announcing the hires. "We are poised for tremendous growth, and Joyce and Michelle will help to propel Life's Eyes Media to even greater success."

Writer: Feoshia Henderson

Source: Kristen Getsy, founder and president Life's Eyes Media

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