The OneNKY Alliance, formerly the Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance, held its annual summit this week, bringing together Northern Kentucky’s growth organizations, elected officials, business, and community leaders to address community challenges.
Earlier sessions focused on growth, health and education and identified challenges and potential solutions, which shaped content for the event.
“Tremendous progress is underway within Northern Kentucky as we build our 22nd Century OneNKY,” said Garren Colvin, OneNKY Alliance Board Chair and President/CEO, St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “Thought and effort is invested by many into these exciting transformative initiatives.”
Karen Finan, president & CEO of OneNKY agreed.
“We will leverage the results from the OneNKY Summit Series as new initiatives are shaped. Our momentum continues in high-gear as we work together to identify gaps and provide solutions for our community,” she said.
The event included announcements and updates related to key initiatives:
• The Moon Shot for Equity program customized by education firm EAB and introduced by Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community & Technical College. These local institutions are partnering with Miami University and Cincinnati State to take significant and measurable steps to close equity gaps within regional clusters of two- and four-year colleges and universities by 2030. A Challenge to create similar measurable efforts in NKY’s business and health sectors was issued, as work on Diversity Equity and Inclusion continues.
See the NKyTribune’s story about Moon Shot for Equity here.
• The Kenton County Tax Portal Pilot led by Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann brings efficiency and convenience to the collection of business tax and fees. The pilot will begin with area realtors in early 2022 with the intent to expand to the business community once vetted. Through its ease of use and high-tech access, the portal has regional application.
• NKY at a Glance – This new series will provide community information enhancing knowledge and voice. Northern Kentucky University research team provided the initial segment focused on structure and spending with more programming to come in 2022.
• OneNKY Frankfort, an existing facility offering presence and identity for NKY was featured as the community continues to pursue resources and recognition in Frankfort and Washington DC. Within walking distance to the Capital, the facility offers co-working and event space. Opened in 2020, the facility has been frequently utilized by various growth organizations, business, and community leaders.
See the NKyTribune’s story about OneNKY in Frankfort.
• Plans continue for the OneNKY HQ facility bringing together growth organizations with a stronger, more unified identity as an economic growth driver. The 34,000- square-foot facility located at the foot of the Roebling Bridge in Covington, will house the NKY Chamber, Tri-ED, meetNKY, Catalytic Fund, Horizon Community Funds and the OneNKY Alliance.
• LINK Media, a new multi-media platform will focus on NKY news, information and entertainment created for Northern Kentucky and grew out of the need for a strong voice for NKY. The Alliance has been working on its communications plan for 18 months. Lacy Starling, founder of Legion Logistics who recently sold her interests there, has been named LINK Media’s Chief Executive Officer. She announced that LINK has purchased the River City News and Fort Thomas Matters and that Michael Monks and Mark Collier will join the enterprise. An editorial board is being formed that will include investors and representatives of community organizations.
See the full production of the OneNKY Summit here.