By Mark Hansel
NKy Tribune Managing Editor
Vision 2015 chose a fitting location to announce the group’s regional strategic plan for the next five years, reveal the new name for the organization, and name a new leader for the board.
myNKY, the fourth strategic plan for the organization that will now be known as Skyward, was unveiled at the Pinnacle Penthouse at the Ascent at Roebling Bridge in Covington.
Located 20 stories above Covington street level, the Pinnacle Penthouse provides views of a large portion of the region that will be the focus of Skyward’s new strategic plan.
“The purpose of the myNKY plan is to elevate Northern Kentucky to greater heights,” Bill Scheyer, president of Skyward, said. “The name fits perfectly.”
Sharmili Reddy, co-chair of the myNKY Leadership team during the planning process, said the group received more than 15,000 ideas and opinions on the plan from more than 1,500 people in nine counties.
“It was not an easy task to distill all of that information into four priority areas, but the leadership team knew early on in the process we wanted to balance bold and achievable,” said Reddy, who is the city administrator in Fort Mitchell. “Finding the focus areas where the greatest impact could be achieved was important.”
The four areas of focus are:
myNKY has children entering kindergarten ready to succeed
Early childhood development is essential because experiences early in life can have a lasting impact on later learning, behavior, and health. Providing children with a high-quality environment helps them learn, grow, and develop, while also leading to proven economic returns of $4-$9 for every public dollar invested in a child’s education before the age of five. Currently, 53% (or 2,840) of children are prepared for kindergarten in Northern Kentucky. The goal is to prepare 1,000 more.
Transformational tactics to realize this goal include implementing “Pre-K Works,” a program ensuring high-quality preschool for all 3 and 4-year-olds.
myNKY has a culture of good health in which residents lead healthy lives
Health is the foundation for Northern Kentucky’s future growth and vitality. Currently ranked 47th out of 50 states in overall health, it is critical for Kentucky to promote healthy behaviors such as active lifestyles, proper nutrition, and smoking cessation. Our dedicated efforts will increase awareness, collaboration, and access to generate a culture of good health everywhere we live, work, and play. The goal is to have 20,000 more adults rating their health status as very good or excellent.
Transformational tactics to realize this goal include implementing LiveWell NKY, a program designating local residents, organizations, and communities as “LiveWell” ambassadors by achieving health goals in exercise, nutrition, and smoking cessation.
Northern Kentucky University President Emeritus James Votruba (center) views a video presentation introducing Skyward as the new name for Vision 2015
To kick start our ability to compete more effectively against peer regions, myNKY will push our community further with a talented workforce and an environment designed to give businesses the tools they need to succeed. The goal is to increase the Northern Kentucky Labor Market Index by five percentage points.
Transformational tactics to realize this goal include bringing leaders of the region’s business community together to enhance and develop innovative programing to support both current and future entrepreneurs.
myNKY is vibrant: intentionally fostering an inclusive, creative, and connected community
Northern Kentucky is a region where people from all backgrounds feel included, connected, and welcome. By being intentional about the story we tell through public art and the use of space, myNKY can write a fresh chapter about the people who call Northern Kentucky home — now and in the future. Utilizing creative place-making will not only ensure a vibrant, ever-evolving region, but will also contribute to a more robust economy, as many jobs are supported by the arts. The goal is to assemble $5 million dollars for vibrancy in the Northern Kentucky Community.
Transformational tactics to help realize this goal include developing a public space that brings Northern Kentucky community members together to interact and connect in a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive setting.
Candace McGraw, CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, received a raucous ovation as she was introduced as the chair of the board of directors for Skyward.
“(Skyward) will be the foundation for an even healthier, smarter, prosperous and more vibrant region for us all,” McGraw said. “I could not think of a better time, nor a better organization in Northern Kentucky for which to serve as chair.”
CVG CEO Candace McGraw participates in a ceremonial toast at the introduction of Skyward Thursday.
Vision 2015 was identified as a catalyst for growth in Northern Kentucky that brought community leaders together to help outline priorities and goals for the region. Skyward hopes to build on the momentum generated by Vision 2015 and continue to move the region forward.
The group plans to align community momentum by building a consensus among convening powers, empower stakeholders to help solve problems and mobilize funding that will be channeled to the region’s highest priority issues.
It will also track the progress of the initiatives that have been identified and provide updates to leaders in Northern Kentucky’s communities.
Children from Treasure House Child Development Center in Covington prepare to perform the song “I Can Do It” at the event.
More than 200 of the most influential leaders from the public and private sector in Northern Kentucky attended the introduction of myNKY and the launch of Skyward.
Scheyer said that while he expected a large crowd, it was still very encouraging to see so many community leaders in attendance.
“The people in this room are the people it takes for this community to move forward,” Sheyer said. “To be able to say we’ve got our next plan, and it’s a great plan, and to have all of these people come together to express their support for it is a great way to start off.”
As co-chairs of the myNKY plan, Reddy and Northern Kentucky University President Geoffrey Mearns will meet with various groups to introduce the goals and strategies to the community.
Upcoming meetings include the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Eggs ‘N Issues breakfast on Tuesday, June 16 and a free event hosted by Northern Kentucky Forum Tuesday, July 28, at NKU’s Digitorium.
For more information on Skyward or to view the myNKY plan, go to www.skywardnky.org.
what jargon school did these folks attend?