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State of Northern Kentucky at Chamber’s Eggs ‘N Issues focuses on region’s successes, challenges


By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor

Northern Kentucky remains among the most prosperous regions in the state, but there are challenges ahead.

That was the message from the region’s judges/executive at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Eggs ‘N Issues event at the Receptions event center in Erlanger Tuesday.

Judges/executive (left to right) Gary Moore of Boone County, Kenton County's Kris Knochelmann and Steve Pendery of Campbell County discuss the State of Northern Kentucky at the NKY Chamber's Eggs 'N Issues Tuesday. Pat Crowley of Strategic Advisers moderated the discussion (photos by Mark Hansel).

Judges/executive (left to right) Gary Moore of Boone County, Kenton County’s Kris Knochelmann and Steve Pendery of Campbell County discuss the State of Northern Kentucky at the NKY Chamber’s Eggs ‘N Issues meeting Tuesday. Pat Crowley of Strategic Advisers moderated the discussion (photos by Mark Hansel).

Judges/Executive Steve Pendery of Campbell County, Gary Moore from Boone County and Kenton County’s Kris Knochelmann agreed that the spirit of cooperation that exists among, and within, the counties will continue to move Northern Kentucky forward.

“I am happy to report today that this cooperation is alive and well and we are poised to continue this success,” Moore said. “We also have wonderful cooperation between our cities and with our mayors and city councils.”

Each judge/executive provided an overview of their respective counties, as well as insights into some common issues facing Northern Kentucky.

Pendery led off by addressing the heroin epidemic and specifically needle exchange, an issue that has support from all three county leaders, but has not yet been implemented regionally.

“It is crystal clear that needle exchange done well, substantially reduces disease transmission, does not enable drug usage, helps to get people into treatment and saves the public a rather large fortune,” Pendery said. “With treatment for Hepatitis C costing ($80,000) and treatment for AIDS a whopping $600,000 or more over time, surely we want to save that money for something else. Needle exchange is just a part of a comprehensive anti-drug strategy, but we must have it.”

Pendery also pointed out that, while unemployment in Northern Kentucky is low, the region faces some looming economic challenges.

“There are no ready industrial sites in Kenton or Campbell County,” Pendery said. “It’s wonderful news that unemployment rates are so low…but we have serious workforce problems going forward, not enough workers and not enough people trained in the disciplines, like manufacturing, that we need.”

On the plus side, Pendery pointed to improvements at Northern Kentucky University, which include construction of a new Health Innovation Center and the selection of a developer for the Nunn Drive project. Campbell County also has a record $100 million in building permit value booked this year and construction is underway on the KY 9 upgrade from the Taylor Southgate Bridge, which is fully funded.

An $8 million expansion of the Campbell County Jail is also nearing completion.

Community leaders listen intently at Tuesday's State of Northern Kentucky discussion Tuesday at Receptions in Erlanger.

Community leaders listen intently at Tuesday’s State of Northern Kentucky discussion Tuesday at Receptions in Erlanger.

Knochelmann, who was elected to his first term as judge/executive in 2014, praised Moore and Pendery for helping him transition into a county leadership position.

“It’s been a great benefit to step into my role with two statesman like these gentleman to help and learn,” Knochelmann said. “We don’t always agree, but I will tell you that I have a great deal of respect and appreciate what they continue to do for the community.”

Knochelmann praised Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport CEO Candace McGraw and the CVG team for their efforts to reinvent the region’s airport.

“Two years ago, we went to the General Assembly to receive their assistance in reorganizing the CVG Airport Board. We did this with a view toward improving operations,” Knochelmann said. “Today, with their help, we have an airport with truly regional oversight and energized and focused leadership team that has produced now a 7.7 percent passenger growth last year, lower airfares and new service offerings from five different airlines. CVG is on the road back.”

He also talked about the lack of industrial sites that meet manufacturing industry standards in the region.

“We are working to change that disappointing fact by introducing a new level of infrastructure and zoning planning in our community to support economic development,” Knochelmann said.

He credits Northern Kentucky Tri-ED for completing a site readiness study that will help the counties move forward with that effort.

Knochelmann also talked about an increased emphasis on the attraction of technology and knowledge based businesses. That effort bore fruit in a big way last month, when CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services announced plans to move to Covington.

“We’ve proven we can compete on every level of business and we intend to continue that effort,” he said.

Moore lamented being the last to speak because so many of the issues facing Northern Kentucky are regional and his predecessors had already touched on them.

“I was used to going first and I always heard from the other judges that there was very little left to say because it had all been covered,” Moore said. “Well now I know what you were talking about.”

““When you think of Northern Kentucky, that is what we’re known for around the state; for working together, for being a region, for collaboration. I’m happy to report today that collaboration is alive and well in the region,” Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore

He continued the emphasis on the importance of regional collaboration and cooperation.

“When you think of Northern Kentucky, that is our message (and) that is what we’re known for around the state; for working together, for being a region, for collaboration, Moore said. “I’m happy to report today that this collaboration is alive and well in the region and in Boone County.”

Moore talked about the growth in Boone County and how collaboration locally, and at the state level, is helping to facilitate progress. He pointed to the more than $100 million in road projects scheduled to begin in the next few years, that he said would not have been possible without support of Northern Kentucky’s state legislators.

“Together we are addressing the growth challenges in Boone County, the growing pains, and we’ve worked together to promote a climate that’s continued to deliver quality customer service, low tax rates, and a strong economy, Moore said. “There is no doubt that we have times when we disagree (but) there is this renewed climate of cooperation, respect and civility.”

Boone County has experienced 20 straight quarters of payroll tax receipt increases, year over year, Moore said. It is rated in the top five percent in the nation in a talent attraction scorecard recently produced by the firm EMSI, which uses labor market data to evaluate business and community development.

“By working together as a region, we have one of the most vibrant economies in the Commonwealth here in Northern Kentucky, we are continuing to attract new companies, our existing companies are growing and expanding in many cases,” Moore said. “We also have the lowest unemployment rate, as a region, in the Commonwealth.”

The monthly Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Eggs ‘N Issues meeting brings community leaders together to discuss issues of regional importance.

The next Eggs ‘N Issues, will take place on Oct. 20, at Receptions, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The topic is workforce and talent development.

For more information on Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce events and activities, click here

Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytrib.com


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