Northern Kentucky will welcome hundreds of economic development professionals for the Kentucky Association for Economic Development’s 2025 Economic Forum and Annual Meeting, set for November 5–7 in Covington. Organized by STV Inc., the event returns to the region after a previous gathering in 2023, showcasing the area’s expanding role in regional growth and innovation. n nA cross-regional committee of development experts has invested significant effort into organizing the conference, which will highlight recent advancements such as the OneNKY Center—housing key growth organizations and a LifeSciKY-operated life sciences lab—and SparkHaus, a hub dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and technological startups. n nKimberly Rossetti, Vice President of Economic Development at BE NKY Growth Partnership and current chair of KAED’s board, expressed enthusiasm about hosting her peers. She described Northern Kentucky as a dynamic environment where large-scale manufacturing and grassroots startups are thriving side by side, positioning the state as an attractive destination for global investment. n nCovington Mayor Ron Washington echoed this sentiment, noting the city’s revitalization, including the redevelopment of historic buildings and the Central Riverfront district, along with the arrival of forward-thinking businesses. He emphasized that hosting the forum offers a platform to display the strategic investments shaping the city’s economic future. n nAttendees will engage in discussions on pressing topics like artificial intelligence applications in development, income-based housing strategies, workforce attraction, and programs such as the Duke Energy Site Readiness initiative and the latest outcomes from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI). n nAdditional sessions will feature Blue North Executive Director Dave Knox and Sunflower Fuels CEO Gabi Blocher, who will speak about the region’s growing startup ecosystem, exemplified by SparkHaus—a collaborative space uniting high-potential ventures, investors, and mentors. n nKentucky Senator Chris McDaniel, head of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, will provide updates on the upcoming state budget, while international speakers will examine how evolving trade policies, talent mobility, and foreign capital flows affect companies operating in Kentucky. n nTerri Bradshaw, President and CEO of KAED, praised the host region, calling Covington’s energy and collaborative spirit emblematic of the organization’s mission. She noted that the region serves as a model for how innovation and partnership can drive sustainable economic advancement. n nMost events will be held at The Grand Ballroom in downtown Covington, with supplementary activities including a “Newport Gangster Tour,” mobile workshops, a scavenger hunt, and diverse dining experiences offering attendees a deeper look at the local culture. n nRegistration and further details are available at cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing. n
— news from Northern Kentucky Tribune
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BE NKY Growth Partnership, City of Covington to host 2025 Kentucky Economic Forum Nov. 5
Hundreds of economic development professionals, partners and leaders from throughout the Commonwealth will visit Northern Kentucky for the Kentucky Association for Economic Development’s 2025 Economic Forum and Annual Meeting Nov. 5-7, presented by STV Inc. n nCovington previously hosted the forum in 2023. n nA committee of economic development professionals from across the region dedicated much time and energy to planning the 2025 conference, and the City and BE NKY Growth Partnership are prepared to showcase exciting new regional developments. These include the OneNKY Center, home to Northern Kentucky’s growth organizations and a life science lab run by LifeSciKY, and SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky’s home for innovation and entrepreneurship. n nBE NKY Vice President of Economic Development Kimberly Rossetti serves as chair of KAED’s board of directors. n n“I am thrilled to welcome my colleagues from throughout the Commonwealth to our beautiful home in Northern Kentucky,” said Rossetti. “Our region is experiencing tremendous growth and momentum in multiple industry areas, from large manufacturing operations to small, local startups, and I am excited to work together to make Kentucky a destination for companies from throughout the world.” n nCovington Mayor Ron Washington will welcome KAED members and attendees to the city. n n“We’re honored to once again welcome the Commonwealth’s economic development leaders to Covington,” said Washington. “Our city has seen incredible growth recently, from the transformation of our Central Riverfront neighborhood and the redevelopment of historic properties to the arrival of innovative employers and small businesses that are choosing Covington as their home. Hosting the 2025 Economic Forum allows us to showcase the investments fueling Covington’s success and shaping the next chapter of our economic story.” n nForum attendees will explore current development issues shaping Kentucky’s economy, learn best practices, connect with colleagues from across the state, and recognize excellence, including the 2025 winners of the KAED Community Professional, Young Professional, and Allied Professional of the Year awards. n nBreakout sessions and panels will cover a wide range of topics, such as artificial intelligence, income-aligned housing, talent and development attraction, the Duke Energy Site Readiness Program and the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, including results from the latest round of KPDI applications. n nBlue North Executive Director Dave Knox and Sunflower Fuels CEO Gabi Blocher will discuss Northern Kentucky’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes the recent opening of SparkHaus, bringing together high-growth companies, venture capitalists and mentors under one roof. n nSenator Chris McDaniel, chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, will share insights and key highlights of the upcoming budget session, and international panelists will explore how shifting trade policy, talent flows, and foreign investment trends in their countries are impacting global companies with a footprint in Kentucky. n n“We are incredibly grateful to BE NKY Growth Partnership and Northern Kentucky for hosting this year’s KAED Economic Forum and Annual Meeting,” said KAED President and CEO Terri Bradshaw. “Covington’s vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and commitment to community and business growth perfectly reflect the mission of KAED. This region is a model for how collaboration and creativity drive economic success, and we’re proud to showcase it as the backdrop for Kentucky’s economic development leaders.” n nMost activities will take place at The Grand Ballroom in downtown Covington, but attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the region through a “Newport Gangster Tour,” mobile workshop, scavenger hunt, and many dining options. n nFor more information, or to register for the forum, visit cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing. n nBE NKY Growth Partnership