An open letter to the citizens of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati:
It is with great pleasure that we write to you today.
We are both humbled and honored to have been selected as the sixth President/CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the fifth female Chair of the NKY Chamber Board of Directors. We are looking forward to continuing to build upon the legacy the chamber has established and pursue new and exciting opportunities for our region. We ask for your support as the journey begins.
The NKY Chamber’s annual dinner was a terrific event and highlighted the tremendous momentum that Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region has as we move forward together.
At the same time, we face regional challenges of workforce, transportation, health and wellness, opioid addiction, and education, just to name a few. We are convinced the solutions to these challenges won’t happen with just Northern Kentucky working together, it is going to take the entire Greater Cincinnati region.
The Chamber’s annual dinner.
The role that Chambers of Commerce play, on both sides of the river, is vitally important in that equation. As we look at the progress that has been achieved to date, and consider what is yet to come, we are filled with great optimism.
Over the coming months we will be investing a lot of time listening to the input of stakeholders who call this area home. To that end, we have been reaching out to schedule visits and phone calls to ask what the chamber is doing that is helpful, and where we might do things differently in order to be more supportive. We welcome requests to meet and to receive input.
We are all in this together and must work collaboratively in order to move ahead successfully. We consider the entire region, both north and south of the Ohio River, to be equally vested in our planning. We have so much at stake as we make crucial decisions around major issues. We must stand united and use one voice to signal to our legislators what our needs are, and how we can most effectively leverage their support and influence.
We will continue to offer the terrific programming that you have become accustomed to seeing.
We look forward to seeing you at mainstay events such as Eggs and Issues, HR100 discussions, Government Forums, and the numerous training programs we offer. At the same time, we’re excited about some new offerings, such as our Pints and Policies that will have its inaugural kickoff on Thursday, November 9th, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Hotel Covington, and at 6 p.m. we will continue the networking at Braxton Brewing Company. Come and add to the conversation!
With all the excitement, we are also cognizant of the challenges that are in place. We all felt the sting of our transportation issues with the construction that occurred on the Brent Spence Bridge throughout the summer months. The pension issue looms over our state and must be successfully resolved. Tax reform at the state and federal level are critical for our economic growth. And regional issues need to be considered, such as service consolidation opportunities, single tax collection, and heroin treatment, etc.
We believe that working together to achieve consensus on solutions is paramount.
Our Mission is to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy in the Northern Kentucky region, through leadership and advocacy, resulting in a better quality of life for all.
Our Vision is to be the premier membership organization driving Northern Kentucky’s pursuit to be a world-class region in which to start, develop and grow thriving businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that we rely on our mission and vision statements to serve as our guiding principles.
Please join us as we forge ahead. Together, we will lead, connect and advocate on behalf our region, and continue to make Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati a great place to work, play, do business, and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Brent Cooper
NKY Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO
Rhonda Whitaker
Duke Energy
NKY Chamber Board Chair
I agree that this area needs to stick together in order to accomplish anything in the legislature. On the other hand, I frequently disagree with the chamber’s agenda. I acknowledge that the chamber represents member businesses but their agenda frequently conflicts with what the average northern Kentuckian might want and need; i.e. health insurance that is available and affordable, right to work, minimum wage, etc.