Northern Kentucky is poised for the economic recovery and future growth of our region. We have a well-conceived plan to attract key companies and industries to the region and will continue to serve our existing business community by preparing the talent and providing the resources needed to help them succeed.
Businesses run on the brainpower of their employees, and the Northern Kentucky region is committed to building its intellectual capacity. Through a variety of outreach programs, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and Gateway Community and Technical College are collaborating with businesses in the region to ensure that students are prepared to meet current and future talent-force needs. Within a 100-mile radius, an increasing pool of graduates from 12 progressive colleges and universities offer high-tech skills and are looking for opportunities that demand innovative and high-level qualifications in a variety of disciplines.
At NKU, the College of Informatics supports the growing high-tech industry by integrating technology studies across various information-related fields. NKU works closely with local employers in health care, manufacturing and business management to provide a talent pool ready and available to add value and innovation.
Through NKU’s LaunchPad program, a partnership with the Tri-County Economic Development Corporation, companies in key industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing and technology are identified, data is collected and extensive interviews are conducted. Throughout this process, we assemble the regional knowledge and business intelligence necessary to guide us as we work together to meet any challenges local companies may face.
Recently, NKU received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to continue biomedical research in the genetics and neuroscience fields. Every year, NKU graduates talented innovators who provide a strong base of well-educated individuals with innovative ideas for companies in the region.
The University of Kentucky is home to the Center for Manufacturing, which was started to support manufacturers and enhance their global competitiveness. Gateway Community and Technical College offers workforce training, assessment and continuing education in a variety of programs. Gateway’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Competitiveness is scheduled to open in early 2010 and will house state-of-the-art classrooms designed to train and prepare students for highly skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing fields in Northern Kentucky.
Having an innovative and educated young professional community brings sustainability to the region. Young professionals are a key demographic to maintain and strengthen a regional economy with global reach. In Northern Kentucky, we understand that the availability of talented professionals will drive business growth in the region. Our resolve to maintain a world-class talent force has never been stronger.
Dr. James Votruba is president of Northern Kentucky University. He was recently included in the Cincy Magazine “100 Most Influential People” for the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. More information about NKU can be found at www.nku.edu
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