2025 Annual Forum

People, Vibes and Automation – Trends Affecting NKY’s Prosperity

BE NKY led the Community Competitive Initiative over the last year and identified Northern Kentucky’s strengths, risks, and opportunities for the region’s economy in relation to forecasted population and labor force growth through 2050. This work poses critical questions for Northern Kentucky’s private and public sector leaders, including:

• If people are the economy, what are the implications of AI and automation? How do they intersect?
• How does a community continue to grow and prosper when people experience and perceive the economy differently?
• What should regional economies measure – beyond workforce and GDP – to determine growth and prosperity?

Noted author and economist Kyla Scanlon will join BE NKY at the 2025 Annual Economic Development Forum to address these and other questions about economic development, growth and the effects of the economy on Northern Kentucky. Kyla will provide her unique perspective on the economy including the effects of AI and automation and how communities and companies can develop growth strategies.

Date & Agenda:

Thursday, February 6, 2025
8:00 – 8:30am – Light Breakfast & Networking

8:30 – 9:45am – Kickoff, introductions, BE NKY CEO Lee Crume, & Kyla Scanlon, economist, “People, Vibes & Automation – Trends Affecting NKY’s Prosperity”

9:45 – 10:00am – Break & Refreshments

10:00 – 11:15am – Recognition of BE NKY Growth Award Winners & Panel Discussion

11:15 – 11:30am – Concluding Remarks, BE NKY CEO Lee Crume

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Location:

Northern Kentucky University
James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union
H. Gordon and Thelma S. Martin Ballroom, 107A

Parking:

Kenton Drive Garage
Kenton Drive
Newport, KY 41076