The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) has announced the finalists for its 10th annual Business Impact Awards. The winners will be announced during a special event on Thursday, May 7, at MegaCorp Pavilion from 4-6 p.m. (101 W. Fourth Street, Newport).
Every year, these awards honor businesses of all kinds – small and large, new and long-standing – that strive to make a positive impact on the Northern Kentucky community through innovation, creativity, strong business practices and leadership.
“The Business Impact Awards allow us to champion the businesses that are creating new opportunities and moving our regional economy forward,” said Brent Cooper, president and CEO of the NKY Chamber. “This year’s finalists are a diverse mix and have showcased outstanding achievements through creative strategies, customer service, and a commitment to their employees. Together, they strengthen our community and make it a great place to live, work, play, learn, and give back.”
The 2026 Business Impact Awards finalists are:
Small (1-10), Medium (11-50), Large (over 50) Business Award: Recognizes businesses that are industry leaders in their respective markets and represent Northern Kentucky to the broader region by providing outstanding goods or services.
Small Business:
· Covington Community Montessori
· Olla Taqueria Gutierrez
· Roebling Solutions
· Superior Van and Mobility NKY
· Sure Drive Driving School
Medium Business:
· ATech Training
· Complete Forklift Repair
· FamilyCare Counseling Solutions
· The Hive – East Coast Kitchen + Coffee Bar
· Regadget
Large Business:
· Clark Schaefer Hackett
· One Holland
· Perfetti Van Melle USA
· The Radisson Hotel
· Strauss Troy
Community Champions Award – For-Profit Company and
Community Champions Award – Nonprofit Company: recognizes an organization that not only actively engages with and gives back to the community but also values a strong, diverse and inclusive workforce as a central part of its culture and values. These employers consistently strive to empower and engage their neighborhood, city and region. The organization promotes workplace giving and employee engagement initiatives that contribute to the betterment of Northern Kentucky.
Nonprofit:
· Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati
· CORA
· Easterseals Redwood
· Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council Inc.
· The Missing Alexis Foundation
For-Profit:Cool Place to Work Award: This award recognizes a business that is not only a fun and enjoyable place to work but also contributes to its employees’ growth. The business demonstrates innovative strategies to attract, develop, retain and maintain its workforce while fostering a positive culture where employees feel valued and excited about going to work.
· City Wide Facility Solutions
· Excelsior Accounting Services
· Fort Thomas Coffee
· TENTE Casters, Inc.
· Villa Madonna Academy High School
Start-Up Award: This award recognizes a business that has been in operation for at least one year but less than five years. This business has demonstrated proven growth and a commitment to sustainability.
· 4 Hounds Gear and Grooming
· Homewood Suites Newport
· Prime Car Wash
· Risen Electric
· Signature Outdoor Solution
Innovation Award: This award recognizes a business that has inspired and introduced new thinking to the marketplace. In a landscape often characterized by uniformity and routine, this business has courageously embraced the unknown and demonstrated its unique point of difference. By doing so, they have elevated Northern Kentucky as a hub of thoughtful and innovative industry leaders.
· Global Quality Corp.
· It’s Only One Stop LLC
· LifeSciKY
· Red Hawk Technologies
· TradesNKY
Heritage Award: This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated consistent stability and contributed significantly to the economic development of the Northern Kentucky community. The business has actively provided employment opportunities, remained engaged with the community, and sustained its relevance through both prosperous and challenging times.
· CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting
· Earl Franks Sons and Daughters
· The Kenton County School District
· Steinhauser, Inc.
· Verst Logistics
New this year, a Judges’ Choice Award will also be presented during the event to one finalist who did not win in its category but submitted an excellent nomination. For more information and to register for the celebration on May 7, visit NKYChamber.com/Events.