By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor
Drees Pavilion at Devou Park in Covington was the site for Wednesday’s Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business IMPACT Awards.
The Business IMPACT Awards are designed to recognize businesses – small and large, new and long-standing, who are Impacting the Northern Kentucky Community through innovation, creativity, strong business practices and leadership. It is a celebration of success and strength of the Northern Kentucky business community.
The companies represented were as diverse as the region’s economy and included long established businesses, companies that are relatively new to area and innovators that recognize the opportunities available in Northern Kentucky.
The event began with networking that included businesses nominated for awards, corporate sponsors, Chamber members and guests.
Kevin Jones of Huntington Bank provided opening remarks and Good Morning Tri-state anchor Katherine Nero of WCPO emceed the event.
“I’m very happy to be here to not only celebrate the region of Northern Kentucky, but to celebrate the great businesses of Northern Kentucky because they are everywhere you turn,” Nero said. “Even just reading the nominees tonight, I’m learning all about these fantastic new businesses that many of us may not know about. So it’s time to celebrate them and celebrate all that they have done for this region.”
There were three nominees in each of the eight categories, including small or micro businesses with less than 10 employees, large businesses with more than 50 employees, start-ups, visionaries and cool places to work.
The 2018 Business IMPACT Awards finalists are included below with the winners identified in bold and a brief description of the company.
Micro Business (1-10 employees)
This company is small and mighty and represents NKY to the broader region by providing outstanding goods or services in the NKY community.
CraftForce
Thriveology
Hudson Eye Center The eye doctors at Hudson Eye Center believe in looking at the big picture when it comes to your eye health. The doctors and staff take the time to get to know you, your eye care history and your vision needs. Drs. Kimberly and Tyler Hudson know that getting the right prescription involves balancing several factors, including clear eyesight, visual efficiency and your ability to process visual information seamlessly.
Small Business (11-50 employees)
A business that exemplifies strong business and civic leadership, community involvement, good management practices and financial soundness.
Global Business Solutions
Heaven Sent Care
Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices Colonel De has three stores throughout greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and an online store. Colonel De’s carries over 500 culinary herbs, spices and blends and prides itself in having those hard-to-find spices. They carry over 30 types of salts, blends for every type of dish you may want to create.
Large Business (Over 50 employees)
A business that exemplifies strong business and civic leadership, community involvement, good management practices and financial soundness.
HORAN
TiER1 Performance Solutions
Perfetti Van Melle Perfetti Van Melle is a global leader in confectionary. It is the world’s third-largest candy and gum manufacturer. Perfetti Van Melle’s brands are enjoyed in more than 150 countries around the world. All of its U.S. marketing and manufacturing takes place through its Erlanger location. The company employs more than 350 people in the United States.
Community Champions
A business that not only engages and gives back to the community, but values a strong diverse and inclusive workforce as part of the culture and values of the organization. Whether non-profit, for-profit or government, these employers continuously work to help create a more inclusive Northern Kentucky region.
Master Provisions
Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission
St. Elizabeth Healthcare St. Elizabeth Healthcare has a vision to lead Northern Kentucky to become one of the healthiest communities in America. They are committed to leading the community to live longer and to live better, which starts with health and wellness. St. Elizabeth Healthcare now operates six facilities throughout Northern Kentucky – St. Elizabeth Covington, St. Elizabeth Edgewood, St. Elizabeth Falmouth, St. Elizabeth Florence, St. Elizabeth Ft. Thomas and St. Elizabeth Grant.
Cool Place to Work
A business that executes initiatives which demonstrate innovative solutions to discover, grow, and maintain its workforce, fostering a culture where employees value their jobs and enjoy going to work.
Cushman & Wakefield
Hub + Weber Architects, PLC
Trophy Awards Manufacturing, Inc. Trophy Awards Manufacturing, Inc. in Wilder employs 35 people who provide quality awards and services. It was one of the first awards companies to us UV printing technology to create vivid, full-color crystal and acrylic awards.
Heritage Award
A business, no matter the size, that has shown consistent stability and has been an economic contributor to the community. Must be in business longer than 10 years.
Corporex Companies
Smith Muffler
Tewes Poultry Farm Tewes Poultry Farm’s main business is Thanksgiving turkeys. Its founders attribute its successful run of 73 years in the business to the community’s fondness for tradition. The Tewes Family ells about 3,000 free range turkeys (ready to be cooked) in November and December. Dan Tewe, his wife, Darlene, and their family currently run the farm. The extended family comes back to help at the holidays.
Start-Up Award
A business with a particular niche in the market that has proven growth and has quality of measures. Must be in business longer than 1 year but less than 5 years.
AquiSense Technologies
Wyzerr
Allie’s Walkabout Started in 2009 by nine-year-old Allie Clegg walking dogs in her neighborhood for spending money, Allie’s Walkabout has bloomed into the region’s premier off-leash care facility for dogs. Located at 2640 Crescent Springs Road in Erlanger, Allie’s Walkabout boasts more than 12,000 square feet, with both indoor and outdoor play areas.
Vision Award
This organization has inspired and delivered new thinking to the marketplace. In a world of sameness and business as usual, this business has bravely stepped into the unknown and delivered a new way of thinking and delivering. They’ve raised the bar and showcased Northern Kentucky as an area of thoughtful, innovative industry leaders.
Baynum/BPI Painting Company
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services CTI is a multi-national, privately held, full-service contract research organization with a workforce made up of associates in more than 30 countries around the world. CTI was founded in 1999 to provide therapeutic exercise to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry across a range of services.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is the leading business organization in Northern Kentucky. It is a Five-Star Accredited Chamber with nearly 1,500 member companies representing approximately 175,000 employees. The Chamber focuses its efforts on education, workforce development, international trade, leadership development, and government relations at the federal, state and local level.
Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytrib.com