The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Business Councils have announced the winners of the Business Achievement Awards, which recognize outstanding member businesses in Erlanger, Florence, Fort Thomas, and Newport, for their achievements and contributions to their respective communities.
The awards will be presented during the Business Council Celebration Dinner on Thursday, May 21, at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming Event Center from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
The Business Achievement Awards were created to celebrate business council members that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to improving their communities.
The 2026 Business Achievement Award winners are:
Erlanger Business Council:
Baptist Life Communities
Baptist Life Communities has been serving Northern Kentucky seniors since 1952. It is the largest provider of housing, healthcare and a variety of beneficial services for the 55+ community in Northern Kentucky. As a nonprofit, faith-based organization, this is a place where careers are built, community is celebrated, and people feel inspired to serve every day.
Florence Business Council:
ISOCNET
ISOCNET was founded in 1996, offering dial-up services. Over the past 30 years, its technology and service offerings have grown to meet the needs of its small
business community, but the mission has remained the same. They are dedicated to providing the best service and solutions possible, so clients can be proud to call ISOCNET an IT business partner.
Fort Thomas Business Council:
Taste Cellar & Pantry
Taste Cellar & Pantry offers thoughtfully sourced wines, artisan foods, and everyday staples, curated with care for individuals and their families. They also host wine tastings and hands-on cooking and entertaining sessions and sell convenient pre-made meals using fresh, local ingredients.
Newport Business Council:
Executive Transportation
This fourth-generation family-owned and operated business offers black car sedan/ SUV service, airport shuttle, motor coach, and non-emergency wheelchair and non-wheelchair service. They strive to be the leading provider of ground transportation in terms of quality, capability, and customer service.
“These organizations are making a real impact – giving back, championing fellow entrepreneurs, and fostering connection across our communities, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them at the second annual Business Council Celebration Dinner,” said Brent Cooper, president and CEO of the NKY Chamber. “Local businesses are the heartbeat of our region and economy, and we invite the community to join us on May 21 in honoring these leaders and the thriving businesses from the communities of Erlanger, Florence, Fort Thomas, and Newport.”
Businesses were reviewed by an impartial panel of judges from other business councils. The NKY Chamber Business Councils were established in 2023 in partnership with the NKY Chamber to foster collaboration, economic growth, and advocacy for local businesses. They provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and addressing key business issues within their communities.
In addition to the awards program, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Tori Murden McClure, who will share what she learned during her journey as the first woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean; a story that leads her memoir, “A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean.”
The Business Council Celebration Dinner is open to the public. Pre-registration is required at NKYChamber.com/Events. The cost to attend is $100 for Chamber/Business Council members, $120 for non-members, $90 for NKYP and $1,000 for a table of ten.