BE NKY Celebrates Corporate Anniversaries

Since BE NKY Growth Partnership’s inception in 1987 (as Northern Kentucky Tri-ED), we have led successful relocation or expansion efforts for 814 business projects, representing more than 78,950 primary industry jobs created with a capital investment of $10.6 billion.

Every day, we work to attract new companies to Northern Kentucky, but we also honor those companies that have deep roots and a significant impact in our region. In 2024, we implemented a new program celebrating the milestone anniversaries of businesses in our target industry sectors.

Founded in 1965, Corporex celebrated 60 years of visionary real estate leadership, building over 25 million square feet in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Headquarted in Covington, Kentucky, they support business and economic growth across 22 states, delivering high-quality developments that strengthen communities and create long-term value.

BE NKY celebrated this accomplishment with Bill Butler, Chairman of Corporex Companies, and Brett Blackwell, President and COO, representing continued partnership for the local region.

On December 9, 2025, Vivitec, a cybersecurity and business technology service provider, celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of growth and impact. The company believes technology should be simple, secure, and reliable, helping bridge the gap between complex IT systems and the everyday needs of growing businesses.

Founded with a goal of helping businesses use technology more effectively, Vivitec works with companies to protect their data, improve daily operations, and support long-term growth. Their services include managed IT support, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions that help keep businesses safe from growing online threats.

Over the past decade, 80 Acres Farms has established itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture, reimagining how fresh food is grown and delivered. Their mission is to “change the way the world eats.” In 2023, 80 Acres Farms opened a new vertical farming facility in Boone County, creating 125 well-paying jobs within the local Northern Kentucky region.

On November 25, 2025, 80 Acres Farms President Tisha Livingston and CEO Mike Zelkind celebrated this occasion when members of the BE NKY Growth Partnership team presented an anniversary award recognizing their impact on the region.

Gentis Solutions was built on principles of people-first, prioritizing trust and relationships, and long-term success. Headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, the proud veteran-owned firm has grown to support clients in all 50 states, delivering talent solutions that include Contingent Staffing, Direct Hire, SOW engagements, VMS, and Managed Services.

On November 17, 2025, BE NKY Growth Partnership Client Relations Manager Devon Greco celebrated this achievement with Gentis Solutions CEO Dan Moore. This award recognizes both the company’s success and its strong partnership with the Northern Kentucky business community.

On October 1, 2025, Global Business Solutions, a technology integrator that helps organizations run smarter, safer, and more connected, celebrated its 30^th anniversary. GBS designs, deploys, secures and maintains across a suite of technologies that includes managed services, IT & IoT solutions, unified communications, design & consulting solutions, audio/video, physical security & cabling solutions.

Founded in 1995, GBS started as a small IT service provider but has since grown into one of the region’s most respected technology partners.

BlairTech, the world’s largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 by CEO Andy Blair, the company started in a basement/garage and has since relocated four times due to rapid expansion. The company now resides in a 110,000-square-foot former historic toy store in Covington and has been named Microsoft’s Global Refurbishing Partner of the Year since 2020.

Blairtech hosted a gala to honor this milestone anniversary and on Sept. 24, 2025, the company was recognized by the City of Covington, Kenton County, and BE NKY Growth Partnership.

Since 1905, SEGEPO-FSM has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality precision metal parts. Located in Cold Spring, the company specializes in custom screw-machined and turned components that serve a wide range of industries, including automotive and electronics. With more than a century of experience, SEGEPO-FSM continues to focus on reliability, efficiency, and meeting customer needs, maintaining its long-standing mission of quality and innovation.

On September 11, 2025, BE NKY Growth Partnership CEO Lee Crume presented an anniversary award to the company, recognizing their impact on the region.

Since 1965, Skilcraft has partnered with essential industries to deliver advanced production solutions and precision metal components. In 2023, the company was honored as Small Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, recognizing its leadership in strengthening the local economy, advancing industry standards, and developing innovative production methods and services.

On August 27, 2025, Skilcraft and members of the BE NKY Growth Partnership team celebrated this achievement and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore presented the company with a proclamation.

On August 19, 2025, the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) President Craig Townsend, Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore and members of the BE NKY Growth Partnership team celebrated the 140^th anniversary of Bicycle brand playing cards.

Founded in 1867, USPCC is the leader in the production and distribution of premier brands of playing cards. Along with Bicycle, these include Bee, Aviator, Hoyle, Kem and Congress brand playing cards.

Two decades after establishing its first Northern Kentucky facility, Amazon’s presence has evolved into one of the company’s most significant regional operations, creating more than 22,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Amazon’s Kentucky footprint encompasses its flagship air hub, 11 fulfillment and sortation centers, one same-day delivery site, five delivery stations, two Whole Foods Market stores, and five solar installations – representing more than $43 billion in infrastructure investment and employee compensation since 2010.

On June 4, 2025, regional elected officials and business leaders gathered at the Amazon Air Hub, where BE NKY Growth Partnership CEO Lee Crume presented an anniversary award celebrating Amazon’s transformative impact on the region.

On May 28, 2025, R.A Jones, a Coesia company, celebrated its 120th anniversary. Founded in 1905 as a soap packaging company, R.A Jones has operated in Northern Kentucky since 1913. Now a global leader in the design and manufacturing of primary and secondary packaging machinery for the beverage, chemical, consumer goods, dairy, food, pharmaceutical and industrial industries, R.A Jones employs more than 300 people in its Kenton County office.

Many community members attended the company’s celebration, including Kenton County Commissioner Beth Sewell who presented a proclamation from Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann designating May 28, 2025, as “R.A Jones’ 120th Anniversary Celebration Day.”

On May 8, 2025, Steinhauser celebrated its 120th anniversary at an all-employee event with many elected leaders, business colleagues, and community representatives. Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, Rep. Matthew Lehman, Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery, City of Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr., shared proclamations from the state, county and city and Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brent Cooper, and BE NKY President & CEO Lee Crume shared remarks on this milestone anniversary.

Steinhauser, a fourth generation, 100% woman-owned company, is a custom label and shrink sleeve printer serving the beverage, spirits, personal care, and household markets.

On April 28, 2025, Taylor Farms Kentucky celebrated its 30th anniversary. Covington Mayor Ron Washington and leaders from BE NKY Growth Partnership and Kenton County honored the company with a proclamation and an award presentation at their Covington office.

Taylor Farms Kentucky, which employs more than 700 people, is a leading North American producer of salads and healthy fresh foods. Northern Kentucky residents can find the company’s products, including a wide variety of salad kits, in hundreds of local grocery stores.

On March 26, 2025, AquiSense Incorporated celebrated its 10th anniversary and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore presented the company with a proclamation designating March 26, 2025, as “AquiSense Recognition Day” and BE NKY CEO Lee Crume presented CEO Oliver Lawal with an anniversary award.

A world leader in UV-C LED disinfection systems, AquiSense was one of the first companies to commercialize this technology for disinfection applications.

Bonfiglioli USA, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of a variety of gear motors, electric motors, planetary gearboxes and inverters, celebrated 25 years of operation in Northern Kentucky. The company serves many industry sectors, including industrial automation, mobile machinery and renewable energy.

On Oct. 31, 2024, Bonfiglioli President and CEO Greg Schulte celebrated this occasion with members of the BE NKY Growth Partnership team and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore, who presented the company with a proclamation.

Founded in 1984, ATech develops products that support instructors by delivering a hands-on approach to teaching vehicle diagnostics and repair. Driven by this vision, they have become a world leader in the design and development of leading trainers and courseware, serving Automotive OEMs, secondary education programs, community colleges, military and technical schools worldwide.

On October 30, 2024, ATech President Laura Lyons celebrated this occasion with members of the BE NKY Growth Partnership team and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore, who presented the company with a proclamation.

Mazak, a leader in the design and manufacture of productivity-improving machine tool solutions, opened its doors in Northern Kentucky in 1974. The Florence facility, which has expanded 20 times since opening, employs more than 600 people and produces more than 70 machining solutions.

The Kenton County Fiscal Court and Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann declared Oct. 31, 2024, as “Mazak Corporation’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration Day.”

STEP is a nationwide IT services and engineering firm that delivers secure and scalable solutions across wired, wireless, cellular and cloud environments. Headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, it is one of the fastest-growing technology firms in the Midwest with more than 3,500 clients.

In late 2024, the company celebrated its 10^th anniversary, complete with a proclamation from Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann who named Oct. 29, 2024, as “STEP CG’s 10^th Anniversary Celebration Day.”

CertainTeed, North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, celebrated its 120th anniversary. “It’s time to rethink the way we build – for people and the planet”. With a mission to create better, more sustainable homes, CertainTeed combines comfort, beauty and long-lasting performance to design products that meet today’s standards while protecting future generations.

On October 28, 2024, CertainTeed celebrated this occasion with members of the BE NKY Growth Partnership team, recognizing long-lasting success within the Northern Kentucky Region.

CTI, a global, privately held research service organization, celebrated its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1999, the company began in a small carriage house but now has associates in more than 60 countries worldwide. Over the past 25 years, they have completed more than 10,000 projects in every continent except Antarctica and have contributed to more than 150 new drug and medical device approvals through global regulatory agencies, including the FDA and EMA.

Through a therapeutically focused leadership and a 90% retention rate, CTI has built an experienced team that stands apart from other service providers. They currently work with 250 pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology and medical device companies, bringing innovative therapies to patients around the world.

On October 22, 2024, Safran Landing Systems celebrated 25 years of continuous growth and aerospace manufacturing since establishing operations in Northern Kentucky in 1999. Over the past quarter-century, the Walton facility has expanded its operations, strengthened production capabilities, and has become a major contributor to Kentucky’s successful aerospace industry.

Safran continues to invest in the Northern Kentucky region, expanding its wheels and brakes manufacturing in 2007 and increasing carbon production capacity by 50 percent in 2016. In 2023, the company announced the creation of 92 additional high-wage jobs to meet rising production demand, strengthening its long-term commitment within the region.

“Give it a Rye”. Founded in 2014 by Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling celebrated its 10th anniversary marking a decade of craftsmanship and dedication to producing high-quality Kentucky whiskeys. Independently owned and operated by one family, New Riff is free from outside pressures, allowing them to focus on quality rather than profit. Unlike most Kentucky distilleries, they committed exclusively to the Bottled in Bond standard, which is one of the strictest legal quality standards in American whiskey history.

The distillery is the northernmost stop on the Craft Bourbon Trail, and curates a range of whiskeys including Bourbon, Rye, and Kentucky Wild Gin. With a long-term vision of becoming one of the world’s great small distilleries, the company continues to build its reputation through craftsmanship, independence, and commitment to quality.

On Sept. 5, 2024, C-Forward hosted a celebration at its company headquarters in downtown Covington to commemorate its 25^th anniversary. C-Forward, an information technology consulting service for small and mid-size businesses, was founded in 1999 by Brent Cooper. Today, the company’s annual revenues exceed $8 million, and Cooper employs more than 35 people.

Local and state elected leaders attended the celebration including Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery, Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore, and Covington Vice Mayor Ron Washingon. C-Forward was also formally recognized by the Kentucky Senate through Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer.