It was a moment of reflection for past leaders of the Covington Business Council on Thursday.
The CBC held their 50th Anniversary Luncheon at The Grand Banquet Hall on E. 5th Street in Covington. The CBC was founded 50 years ago on April 14, 1972. The theme of the luncheon was looking back on the CBC’s prior successes, while also looking forward towards future endeavors.
“This luncheon was a wonderful affirmation of the efforts of so many dedicated Board Members, volunteers and staff to impact Covington and the region,” CBC Executive Director Pat Frew said.
During the luncheon, Covington City Commissioner Michelle Williams presented Frew with a special proclamation naming April 14th ‘Covington Business Council Day” in Covington.
“First of all the organization timeline, “CURE” or Covington Urban Redevelopment Effort was launched by Ralph Haile, on this day in 1972 to help stem the migration of businesses and residents to the suburbs,” Frew said. “CURE became ACT of Covington in 1979 when it merged with the Covington Retail Merchants Association, ACT began focusing more on Riverfront Development and Small Business Growth. ACT became CBC in June of 1990.”
Frew recognized and thanked past Executive Directors and Board Members for their contributions to the organization. Frew recognized former Executive Directors Pat Ewing, Christi Nader and Steve Lapske. Frew recognized former Board Members Gene Schindler, Bill Ingram, Rhonda Whitaker, Rob Hudson, Don Talbert, Eric Summe, George Hagan and Eric Avner.
The luncheon featured a panel of three speakers which included former CBC Executive Director Tom West, who served in the position from 1992 to 1995. West is the City of Covington’s current Economic Development Director. Beth Sewell, who served as CBC Executive Director, from 1997 to 2001. Sewell currently serves as a Commissioner for the 1st District of Kenton County. Gary Keller, served as CBC Executive Director from 2007 to 2010. Keller currently serves as the Director of the South Dakota Film Commission.
Sewell discussed the accomplishments of the CBC while she was the Executive Director. Under Sewell’s tutelage, the CBC helped install planters around Covington to increase the city’s beautification, partnered with local civic organizations to host debates so the city could elect quality politicians, and began hosting community forums so citizens could have an outlet to discuss issues facing their community.
“I inherited a healthy membership. I inherited, really prosperous businesses that were already set up in the community,” Sewell said.
Keller praised Frew for taking the organization “to the next level”.
“I want to celebrate Pat for taking it to the next level. My superpower was leaving an organization when it was time,” Keller said. “It was my time to go back. Pat took over and has done such a great job.”
Keller said Frew’s leadership has been beneficial for the growth of the CBC. Frew has been able to steer the ship, and lead the organization into a greater horizon.
Sewell described the differences of how American generations participate in the community organizations, and how business institutions fit into that equation.
“I think that what’s important is that we don’t lose sight of the fact that this is an organization that represents people and membership organizations,” Sewell said. “Although we question whether they were worthwhile, we’re sitting near 50 years later and going, they must be because I think generationally the baby boomers love to be a part of an institution. Me, I’m an X’er. I like to know that I have personal relationships with people. Then the millennials like to be part of a tribe. So I think this organization offers all of those.”
West said that going forward, the CBC and city leadership must understand “what Covington is, and what Covington is not.” West described Covington as having a “cool vibe.” He said the CBC understands the personality of the city, a valuable characteristic that will help see the organization’s vision for the future.
“My new assistant director took her 13-year old daughter to see Jack White at Icon last night,” West said. “Jack White thanked Cincinnati but pointed out the cool city across the river named Covington, three times during the concert. He gave shout outs to Covington. That’s something. He talked about us being cool. We have a vibe here. If you all have seen anything, whether you love or hate what I’ve done over the last four years in economic development, it has not been development at all costs.”
Covington has a strong local business scene and creative entrepreneurial spirit. The CBC is one of the few business associations in the area specifically dedicated to a city. Covington and the CBC will grow together, celebrating each other’s successes along the way.
