The Northern Kentucky Port Authority has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This recognition falls under the Special Purpose Website category and acknowledges efforts benefiting a population between 200,000 and 500,000. The honor will be formally presented during the IEDC’s 2025 Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Detroit, Michigan from September 14 to 17.
Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of IEDC, praised the authority’s digital platform, NKYPort.org, for setting a benchmark in regional economic advancement. He emphasized that the website reflects the organization’s dedication to community engagement and its role in amplifying economic progress. “We are proud to recognize the Northern Kentucky Port Authority for its forward-thinking approach and leadership in shaping effective development strategies,” Ohle stated.
Each year, IEDC celebrates organizations and programs that demonstrate outstanding performance in economic development. Recipients are selected based on their ability to drive impactful, transformative initiatives that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life.
The NKY Port is operated by BE NKY Growth Partnership and supported financially through the Build + Elevate NKY investor initiative. Among its flagship developments are the OneNKY Center and SparkHaus, both set to launch in September. The OneNKY Center will host ten regional growth-focused organizations, including a research facility managed by LifeSciKY, while SparkHaus will serve as a hub for startups and innovative ventures.
Christine Russell, Executive Director of the NKY Port, noted that this marks the second time the organization has received such recognition. She attributed the success to the website’s role in communicating key milestones, such as the construction of major facilities and infrastructure improvements like repairs to the Purple People Bridge. “NKYPort.org not only documents our achievements but also keeps residents informed about upcoming regional projects,” Russell explained.
— news from Northern Kentucky Tribune
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Northern Kentucky Port Authority receives International Economic Development Council Excellence Award
The Northern Kentucky Port Authority received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the Special Purpose Website category that impacted 200,000-500,000 residents. The Northern Kentucky Port Authority will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17. n n“The Northern Kentucky Port Authority is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its NKYPort.org website. This award shines a spotlight on the NKY Port’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to the Northern Kentucky Port Authority to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.” n nEach year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development. n nThe NKY Port is managed by BE NKY Growth Partnership and funded through the Build + Elevate NKY investor campaign. The OneNKY Center and SparkHaus, opening in September, are two of the NKY Port’s major projects. The OneNKY Center houses 10 Northern Kentucky growth organizations, including a lab run by LifeSciKY, and SparkHaus is the region’s new home for innovation and entrepreneurship. n n“Our two-time award-winning website highlights the success the Northern Kentucky Port Authority has seen over the past three years,” said NKY Port Executive Director Christine Russell. “From construction of the OneNKY Center and SparkHaus to supporting repairs for the Purple People Bridge, NKYPort.org showcases our impact on the region while keeping the community informed about exciting projects in the works.” n nBe NKY Growth Partnership