Covington

This genteel town just south of the Ohio River features a number of charming treasures including the lively MainStrasse district with its trendy bars, pubs and restaurants as well as beautiful homes stretched along the river beneath the strikingly modern architecture of the architectural jewel, the Ascent at Roebling's Bridge, designed by Daniel Libeskind. Covington is experiencing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and condos opening along Madison and Pike Streets, and a burgeoning Arts District that acts as the cultural glue that binds the city's charm to its proud denizens. Plus, its successful startup scene is attracting entrepreneurs, especially in emerging informatics and data-driven industries thanks to the UpTech business accelerator.

Covington company’s on cutting edge in security work

Covington-based Valley Forge Composite has introduced a new explosive detection system that could have major impacts on operations overseas in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan where the United States continues to have a major presence. Thor LVX performs a direct chemical detection of narcotics and explosives located within sealed containers.  The technology can also penetrate barriers like metal plates that are often used to shield items from detection. Read full article here.

B-Books to open up expanded operations in Covington’s arts district

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Two Northern Kentucky start ups awarded more than $630,000 in state tech grants

Two Northern Kentucky start ups, with help from Northern Kentucky ezonehttp://www.madisone-zone.com/Home.aspx, have been awarded a total of $630,000 in Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation grants.http://jacobsautomation.com/ Jacob's Automation, which is moving from Norwood to Campbell County, Ky., was awarded $600,000 for further development of its development of PackTrak™ technology. PackTrak is an upgrade on the chain, belt and gear motors in traditional package movers. PackTrack relies on a direct-drive linear motor that is tracked by customized software. Jacob's earlier received $200,000 from the Kentucky Enterprise funds to pay for patent expenses and for building two PackTrack demo units. "Given the economy and difficulty securing funding from traditional sources, the support we have received from the ezone and the KSTC programs has been invaluable and helped us invest in and further develop our technology," said Keith Jacobs, Founder and President of Jacobs Automation. "We are focused on growing our company and excited to be part of the high-tech economic growth that is happening in the state of Kentucky." DRSQUARED, in Covington, was awarded $30,000 for continued development of its web-based product designed to save web-based sellers' time by allowing them to manage, post and track products for sale through multiple online platforms at a single point."The KSTC grant gave me the momentum and confidence to push my idea forward," said Rodney D'Souza, DRSQUARED's founder. "The best part is that the ezone and KSTC provide the mentoring, networks and access to many non-monetary resources that will accelerate the growth of my business." Northern Kentucky ezone is a division of Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp. http://www.northernkentuckyusa.com/Home.aspxWriter: Feoshia HendersonSource:  Cheryl Besl, Strata-G Communications

Covington census office to create 1,200 jobs

The new census office in Covington is expected to create 1,200 temporary jobs for the region as employees work on the decennial population count.  The jobs are being seen as a success story as the Northern Kentucky region struggles with 10 percent unemployment. Once the census is complete in the fall of 2010, the census office will be closed at the downtown Covington location.  The jobs will pay $13.25 an hour and will begin in April.  Local leaders celebrated the news with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. Read full article here.

Cincinnati-based Model Group restoring historic Covington neighborhood

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Soapicks December 1-7

Be awed by more than 60 gorgeously decorated pines during CelebriTrees or catch Chuck Prophet's all-American performance. The Santaland Diaries takes to the stage while Miracle on MainStrasse has a little something for everyone. Don't miss the never before seen works of the Art for the People's Sake: Historic Soviet Era Propaganda Paintings and Posters exhibit.

TiER1 wins military research contract to prevent insider cyber threats

Covington-based TiER1 Performance Solutions won a $750,000 research contract from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to develop a training system to detect and prevent insider cyber security threats. Insider cyber security threats are considered one of the highest threats to U.S government and business data security. TiER1, founded in 2002, is a provider of end-to-end online learning and knowledge management solutions. Other clients include FedEx, Fidelity Investments, Kraft, Wendy’s and Procter and Gamble. “Our solution will provide a comprehensive training delivery platform that employs serious games and instructional support features for supervisors to practice skills in cyber threat detection,” said Terence Andre, Principal Consultant for TiER1. The Phase II funding Small Business Innovative Research award is a first for the company, and a growth area for TiER1. “Winning this highly competitive award provides a strategic entry into the fast growing field of Cyber Security, and positions TiER1 as a leader in training solutions required to combat these threats to our national security,” said Normand G. Desmarais, TiER1's Co-Founder and Chairman. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: TiER1 Performance Solutions

NKY Community Action Commission adds creative works to Covington Arts District

The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission has been inspired by its neighbors in the  Covington Art District. The first floor of the agency’s administrative services center, at 717 Madison Ave., now is devoted to the NKYCAC Art Gallery. The gallery’s works rotate every two months, promoting local artists in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. “It’s a natural extension of the all the art galleries in Covington,” said NKYCAC public information officer Karen Bishop. “We’re just across the street from the Madison Theatre and the artists on Madison and Pike Streets, and decided to put an art gallery in our lobby downstairs to be a part of it.” The commission provides emergency housing, education and other services to low-income families in eight Northern Kentucky counties. The gallery opened in October 2007 with an exhibit by Duvenek Center art students. Currently five artists’ work is on display through Dec. 23rd in the “The Holiday Presence” exhibit. Most is for sale and proceeds from this and other exhibits go to both the artists and the Commission. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. and local art district fixture Arlene Gibeau, former director of the Northern Kentucky Arts Council, is the curator. The gallery is also part of the Covington’s First Friday Gallery hop, on the first Friday of each month. Current artists are: Jane Bresser, Porcelain; Richard Overman, Ceramics; Diane Kruer, Jewelry and Photography; Rena Gibeau, Fabric and CrochetAmy Weber, Fabric and the Needle. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: NKYCAC public information officer Karen Bishop

Soapicks November 17-23

Cincinnati supports locally owned and operated retailers with BuyCincy's Unchained day of shopping. Pieced Together opens at the Collector Art Group and the 2009 Opera Ball is going Parisian. The 13th Annual Cincinnati Entertainment Awards honors 19 categories worth of talented local musicians.

Valley Forge engineers solutions, growth in security, aerospace tech

The newest, most innovative security and aerospace technology is being created and marketed by a company headquartered in Covington. The website of Valley Forge Composite Technologies features a Glossary of Terms filled with terms like “gamma rays” and “photonuclear.” But you don’t need a science degree to understand the motivation behind Valley Forge’s innovation. The Sept. 11 attacks brought worldwide attention to the need for new detection technologies. Since the fall of 2001, Valley Forge has been developing advanced counter-terrorism scanning equipment. Lou Brothers, President and CEO of Valley Forge, is enthusiastic about these innovations. “THOR—which is just now coming to fruition, is an advanced form of screening for airline bags and cargo containers. Gamma radiation provides a chemical analysis of baggage contents, including the ratio of carbon and nitrogen to identify explosives,” he said. Brothers plans to have THOR on the market sometime in 2010. Valley Forge will also distribute the ODIN, a next-generation people screening device. Brothers described ODIN as a vast improvement on traditional X-ray screening. “If they have contraband, you’re going to see it—even if it’s in a body cavity. ODIN has the best resolution out there,” Brothers said. The company’s momentum wheel sales total 9.5 million this year. “Our wheels have technical advantages for aerospace and ground-based energy storage systems. They’re very energy efficient—special ball bearings mean they generate almost no friction.” Brothers co-founded Valley Forge with Vice President Larry Wilhide in 1996. The company started out making satellite control systems, and won the NASA Directors’ Award in 1998. Their Board of Directors includes engineers and physicists with extensive international experience. Brothers has used this “dream team” to forge valuable partnerships with labs in the United States and Russia. Brothers feels fortunate to have funding from the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Securities Administration. These relationships make Valley Forge poised for growth that impacts the Cincinnati region and beyond. Brothers anticipates hiring in 2010, especially professionals with engineering and scientific expertise. A facility for constructing security technology is scheduled to open in greater Cincinnati within the next year. Writer: Elena Stevenson Source: Lou Brothers, President and CEO, Valley Forge Composite Technologies

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