Description

Join us for the 2026 Business Council Celebration Dinner, where we will celebrate the successes and achievements over the past year for the Business Councils of Erlanger, Florence, Fort Thomas, and Newport. This will be an evening of connection, celebration, and recognition. 

Business Achievement Awards:
Each business council will recognize a business that has achieved outstanding results in the past year and contributed to the betterment of their community. Each award recipient is a member of and operates in the city of their business council.

Erlanger Business Council Award Recipient: Baptist Life Communities

Florence Business Council Award Recipient: ISOCNET

Fort Thomas Business Council Award Recipient: Taste Cellar and Pantry

Newport Business Council Award Recipient: Executive Transportation

Guest Speaker:

Tori Murden McClure
Explorer, Author, Scholar

Tori Murden McClure is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering commitment to leadership and adventure are inspiring and a story you won't want to miss!

Best known as the first woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Tori captured the world’s attention with her daring 81-day journey in 1999. Additionally, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first woman and first American to ski to the geographic South Pole during a 50-day, 750-mile expedition.

Tori’s dedication to leadership extends beyond her personal achievements. As the former President of Spalding University, she spearheaded initiatives that have earned the university recognition as the World’s First Compassionate University. Her diverse career includes roles such as a chaplain at a Boston hospital, director of a Louisville women’s shelter, policy assistant in the Louisville Mayor’s Office, and the first full-time employee of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.

Tori’s academic journey is as remarkable as her adventures. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Louisville, and a Master of Fine Arts in writing degree from Spalding.

Tori’s memoir, “A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean,” chronicles her remarkable journey across the Atlantic and serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. The book has inspired countless readers and has been adapted into the stage musical, “Row,” which premiered at the esteemed Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts in 2021.

Event Timeline:
5:30 PM Cocktail Reception
6:25 PM Welcome/Dinner
6:30 PM Program Begins
6:35 PM Business Achievement Award Presentation
6:55 PM Introduction of Keynote Speaker
6:55 PM Keynote Speaker Presentation
7:25 PM Keynote Presentation ends
7:25 PM Closing
7:30 PM Meet & Greet – Owner’s Suite

Dress: Business/Cocktail Attire

Be a SPONSOR for this event and support the small businesses making a difference!
Contact Diana McGlade at dmcglade@nkychamber.com to learn more.

NOTE - If you have an issue completing registration and need assistance, contact Erin Heffernan at eheffernan@nkychamber.com.