Sam Hulbert
A 23-year resident of Downtown, Sam Hulbert says he wouldn't trade living there for a life in the suburbs -- and not just because he never has to mow the lawn.
NKY Thrives
NKY thrives is created and managed in partnership by Soapbox Cincinnati, a publication founded in 2008 to serve the Cincinnati region by Issue Media Group (IMG). IMG publications are supported by underwriting and partnerships with local businesses, civic institutions, community funds, nonprofits and foundations that support and expand our coverage of community and economic development, social innovation, city building and place making. Learn more about our underwriting policy here and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here. Tips, story ideas or feedback? If you have a tip or suggestion for us, please contact editor@soapboxmedia.com.
Career Builders
From the Minute Clinic to Job Search Boot Camp, entrepreneurship seminars to alternative co-op programs - our local university career centers are collaborating and getting innovative to help grads find jobs in a tough market. And they're building a regional talent network that can offer a helping hand to future alums along the way.
Maria Filardi
Though living in Downtown Baltimore has many entertainment and shopping Perks, for Maria Filardi it is the people that make this urban, metropolitan neighborhood great.
Henkle Schueler real estate buys 130-acre industrial park in Boone Co.
Expanding into Northern Kentucky, in August, Henkle Schueler bought a 130-acre industrial park in Boone County, Kentucky. The Lebanon, Ohio-based real estate company plans to create 20 lots for new manufacturing facilities. The venture is the first Northern Kentucky project for Henkle Schueler. "The site has all utilities located in the fastest growing county in Kentucky with very low tax rates to encourage business development,” said Jeff Eichhorn, the Henkle Schueler agent who managed the acquisition. “We look forward to partnering with Boone County and the Tri-County Economic Development Commission (Tri-ED) to bring new industrial businesses to Northern Kentucky.” The park will be known as Lakeland Business Center, named for investor Lakeland Farms, LLC, who partnered with Henkle Schueler in the purchase. Situated between I-71/I-75 and I-275, it’s one of only a few Boone County industrial sites with zoning completed, and gas, electric, and water already accessible. Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is Lakeland’s eastern neighbor, providing businesses with an advantageous location. Low local tax rates provide an additional advantage. Dan Tobergte, president and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, extends a warm welcome to Henkle Schueler. “We look forward to…more businesses and jobs [for] Boone County.” Source: Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Commission (Tri-ED)
Wolf Steel USA to expand in Northern Kentucky, create 18 new jobs
Wolf Steel USA, Inc., is growing into Grant County. The company, based in Crittendon, manufactures stoves, fireplaces, parts and accessories. And with the help of $360,000 in state tax incentives, Wolf Steel will add 72,150 sq. ft. to its current 39,000 sq. ft. warehouse, distribution and manufacturing space. The expansion is set to finish in March 2010. “Our future economic well-being is dependent upon job creation at home,” said Grant County Judge Executive Darrell Link. “We are proud that Wolf Steel continues to invest in Grant County and provide jobs for our young people. I am especially appreciative of the many partners that work with our business community including Gov. Beshear, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Grant County Industrial Authority, and the city of Crittenden, all of whom played a large role in making this announcement a reality.” The company, which makes Napoleon gas grills and fireplaces, also expects to create up to 18 new jobs over the next several years. “We are proud to expand our facility in Kentucky as demand for our Napoleon Fireplaces and Gas Grills grows, and appreciate the help of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development," said Stephen Schroeter, administration manager for Wolf Steel USA. Wolf Steel is the first company approved for the state’s new Kentucky Business Investment Program. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved the company incentives over a 10-year period, through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments. “We are delighted Wolf Steel USA has made the decision to further expand its Grant County operation, creating new jobs and additional investment in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “The expansion of our existing industries is vital to the growth of our economy, so we are pleased to have played a role in helping another Kentucky business succeed.” Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Mandy Lambert, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
$4.1M Seneca Place development helping revitalize Austinburg neighborhood of Covington
It has been a half-century since the last new housing units were built in the Covington neighborhood of Austinburg. But following a lot of hard work and dedication to turning that neighborhood around, local leaders are celebrating a new $4.1 million development called Seneca Place. Seneca Place has already sold two model homes and developers are working on eight additional homes, with more to come after that if the land can be secured. Homes range in price from $149,900 to $190,000. The development is being built to LEED Gold standards that are energy star rated, are tremendously well insulated, and feature hybrid heating systems. These "green" finishes are expected to save the homeowner on utility costs, which will average around $100 a month for each of the homes. Buyers have two floor plans to choose form that are both three bedroom with two and a half baths, with off-street parking. Once the decision has been made to make the investment, homes can be built from start to finish in a short 12 weeks. The Center for Great Neighborhoods views Seneca Place as a great asset for the Austinburg neighborhood. "If you like urban living with all of its conveniences, and want the ease of new construction, then this project is for you." The development is part of a larger effort to revitalize Austinburg. Officials note that the target area was carefully selected by residents and local officials alike. The actual investment was made possible by a $100,000 acquisition loan and a $500,000 revolving loan provided by LISC. The two- and three-story homes are located in the block bounded by Thomas Street, Oakland Avenue, E. 17th Street, and Eastern Avenue (map). To schedule a walk through or find additional information please call (859) 578-4966. Writer: Randy A. Simes Photography by Scott Beseler Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy
Lisa Ponzoli
Two years after opening up shop in Federal Hill, Lisa Ponzoli has become so taken with the neighborhood that she's moved her entire life - business and home - there. "Everyone is really cool," she says of what attracts her to the neighborhood.
Tom Gregory
A Federal Hill resident for 30 years, Tom Gregory has seen the neighborhood develop from a quite residential area to the historically hip neighborhood it is today.
Northern Kentucky to Host Association for Manufacturing Excellence Annual Conference
“In October 2009, Northern Kentucky will have the distinct honor of hosting the Association for Manufacturing Excellence Annual Conference! For more information on the conference, visit here.
Northern Kentucky University: Where Prime Location and Highly Skilled Workforce Converge
The old business success adage location, location, location takes on new meaning at Northern University at a planned developments at the of the growing, dynamic Highland Heights campus.
