Northern Kentucky's innovative efforts at economic development and its regional approach to improving the community were recognized with the "E.ON U.S. Community Award for Innovation" from the Kentucky Association for Economic Development. KAED annually presents the award for economic development efforts that are community driven. Entries were judged on creative approaches to new and expanding industries, development of community partnerships, demonstration of community involvement, workforce development efforts and entrepreneurial activities.
The community was recognized in part for Vision 2015, its 10-year strategic plan for growth, which was developed by more than 2,000 citizens. The major goal of Vision 2015 is to exceed the national growth rate for new jobs and average household income. Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, the region's economic development office, is working with new and expanding primary industries and Northern Kentucky University to create 14,300 new high-paying jobs. These jobs are expected to in turn cause a total of 50,000 new jobs for Northern Kentucky by 2015.
Steve Pendery, Tri-ED chairman, says the award is evidence of "the hard work, cooperation and initiative of our community and its leaders including Northern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, the Southbank partnership and other allies in positioning our region to compete in a global, knowledge-based economy." Tri-ED's track record in community development over the last 20 years includes 460 companies that have located or expanded in Northern Kentucky, accounting for the creation of 43,868 new primary jobs and $4.375 billion in capital investment.
Writer: David Holthaus
Source: Karen Finan, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED
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