Description

The Business Impact Awards are a celebration of the success and strength of our Northern Kentucky business community. The Business Impact Awards presented by Huntington Bank, recognize businesses - small and large, new and long-standing, who are IMPACTING our Northern Kentucky Community through innovation, creativity, strong business practices and leadership. 

2026 Business Impact Award Categories Finalist!

SMALL (1-10), MEDIUM (11-50), LARGE (OVER 50) BUSINESS AWARDS - Recognizes companies that are industry leaders in their respective markets and represent NKY to the broader region by providing outstanding goods or services. Qualifying organizations must exemplify strong business and civic leadership, community involvement, good management practices and financial soundness. 

Small Business:

• Covington Community Montessori
• Olla Taqueria Gutierrez
• Roebling Solutions
• Superior Van and Mobility NKY
• Sure Drive Driving School

Medium Business:

• ATech Training
• Complete Forklift Repair
• FamilyCare Counseling Solutions
• The Hive – East Coast Kitchen + Coffee Bar
• Regadget

Large Business:

• Clark Schaefer Hackett
• One Holland
• Perfetti Van Melle USA
• The Radisson Hotel
• Strauss Troy

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARD (FOR-PROFIT AND NON-PROFIT) - Recognizes a business or organization 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. These companies and organizations are truly of, by and for their communities. The employers continually work to help engage and empower their neighborhood, city and region. The organization supports workplace giving and employee engagement programs to improve Northern Kentucky. 

Nonprofit:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati
• CORA
• Easterseals Redwood
• Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council Inc.
• The Missing Alexis Foundation

For-Profit

• Gravity Diagnostics
• Jabil
• M&P Logistics
• Riegler Contracting
• ROAD iD

COOL PLACE TO WORK AWARD - Recognizes a business that is a fun place to work and demonstrates innovative initiatives to discover, grow, maintain, and retain its workforce while fostering a culture where employees value their jobs and enjoy going to work.

• City Wide Facility Solutions
• Excelsior Accounting Services
• Fort Thomas Coffee
• TENTE Casters, Inc.
• Villa Madonna Academy High School

START-UP AWARD - Recognizes a business that has been in operation for at least one year but less than five. This business has shown proven growth and demonstrates sustainability. 

• 4 Hounds Gear and Grooming
• Homewood Suites Newport
• Prime Car Wash
• Risen Electric
• Signature Outdoor Solutions

INNOVATION AWARD - Recognizes a business that has inspired and delivered new thinking in the marketplace. In a world of sameness and business as usual, this business has bravely stepped into the unknown and delivered their unique point of difference. They have raised the bar and showcased Northern Kentucky as an area of thoughtful, innovative industry leaders. 

• Global Quality Corp.
• It’s Only One Stop LLC
• LifeSciKY
• Red Hawk Technologies
• TradesNKY

HERITAGE AWARD - This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated consistent stability and contributed significantly to the economic development of the Northern Kentucky community. The business has actively provided employment opportunities, remained engaged with the community, and sustained its relevance through both prosperous and challenging times. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for more than 25 years.

• CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting
• Earl Franks Sons and Daughters
• The Kenton County School District
• Steinhauser, Inc.
• Verst Logistics

JUDGES CHOICE AWARD - This award is presented during the event to one finalist who did not win in its category but submitted an excellent nomination.

Event Schedule

4-5pm: Networking, Cocktails, Small Bites, Say Cheese Photo Booth 

5-5:45pm: Award Program (Theatre Style Seating)

5:45 - 6pm: Networking/Close

6 - 7pm: Afterparty