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 799 business projects, representing more than 77,036 primary industry jobs created with a capital investment of nearly $10.2 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.

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.