CBC Mission:

To advocate for a healthy business environment in Covington.

Office Location:
501 Madison Ave.
Covington, KY 41011
gkeller@cbcky.com
859-431-1500
859-431-5134 (fax)
Click for Driving directions

Contacts:
Gary Keller, Executive Director
To reach by email: Click Gary Keller

CBC History

The Covington Business Council (CBC) was founded in 1979, but was originally known as the Covington Urban Redevelopment Effort (CURE). CURE was started in 1972 by Ralph Haile Jr., President of Peoples-Liberty Bank & Trust Co. (currently US Bank at 606 Madison, Covington). In April 1972, 16 volunteers hosted a public forum where they announced their ideas for the future of Covington. In 1979, the organization had begun to accept memberships and changed their name from CURE to ACT for Covington. ACT became a successful partnership between the Covington Business Men’s Association, the neighborhood residential groups, the City of Covington and interested citizens.

From 1979-1989, ACT changed from focusing efforts on marketing the downtown, to redevelopment. Although critics believed ACT’s new "think tank" process took them away from the "hands on" approach with downtown Covington businesses, the group persevered and made an even greater impact within that decade.

In 1990, the organization officially became the Covington Business Council, having grown its membership base to nearly 150 members from the original 16. From 1989-1999, CBC was instrumental in advocating for several successful projects: Grassroots lobbying efforts for the Northern Kentucky Regional Convention Center, proposed improvement to Twelfth Street and the location of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Covington produced direct results. The Clean Team, Vision Task Force, funding the Covington Bike Patrol, and creating the Prostitution Solution Committee not only cleaned up Covington Streets, but provided a long term solution to revitalizing the downtown. With the creation of the CBC Foundation and Southbank, additional projects continue to take shape. Beautification of the Fifth Street exit ramp is one of the more visible projects, which has been accomplished due to support from the CBC Foundation with more visible projects planned for the near future. The CBC Foundation initiated a campaign to assist businesses affected by the Odd Fellows fire in the Spring of 2002.

Today, CBC remains invaluable to its members by responding to their needs and requests, by advocating for them with city, county and state officials, by keeping them informed of issues and legislation that affect doing business in Covington and by offering the opportunity to network with other local business professionals. A recent strategic planning process will enable CBC to support Covington's resurgence with projects that include community involvement. If you think that you can contribute in any way, please don't hesitate to call the CBC Office.

The Value of Membership

Being a member of CBC is an investment in your business. Look at the returns:

• BC serves its members as a unified business advocate for approximately 200 Covington are businesses, protecting your interests in the community.
• CBC promotes economic development projects, whether large or small, in Covington, bringing more opportunities for growing your business.
• CBC provides financial support to the Covington Police Department’s Bike Patrol Program, keeping you and your business safe.
• CBC seeks the reduction of the City of Covington’s payroll tax, bringing more quality employers to your business.
• CBC offers your business a presence on the CBC Web Site, exposing your business to world-wide opportunities.
• CBC fosters relationships with local and regional organizations, providing your business with the most current information and opportunities with regard to the development of Northern Kentucky.
• CBC offers forums and networking opportunities, bringing you and other professionals together.
• CBC negotiates membership incentives and discounts such as insurance, increasing your business profitability.
• CBC is the only organization focused on serving the Covington business community!