BE NKY Growth Partnership, Northern Kentucky’s primary economic development advocacy organization, received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council.
The award recognized BE NKY’s work in the “Talent Development and Retention” category for the 200,000 to 500,000-population group. NKY has a regional population of more than 400,000 residents.
The award recognized BE NKY’s Roadmap for Workforce Development, which is designed to connect NKY students with career exploration, education and employers. As part of the initiative, BE NKY invested $440,000 in three regional education organizations: Adopt A Class, TradesNKY and Learning Grove’s NaviGo College and Career Prep.
“BE NKY Growth Partnership is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Roadmap for Workforce Development initiative,” IEDC President Nathan Ohle said in a news release. “This award shines a spotlight on BE NKY’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development. IEDC is honored to present this award to BE NKY to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.”
The IEDC annually recognizes economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs for their work on projects oriented around strengthening communities and advancing economic development practices.
