Lee Crume Honored for Transforming Northern Kentucky's Economy

Lee Crume, President and CEO of BE NKY Growth Partnership, has received the Northern Kentucky Community Award from the NKY Chamber. The honour was presented by Brent Cooper, the chamber's President and CEO, in recognition of Crume's contributions to the region. His work has helped drive economic growth and business development across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties.

Crume took on the role of CEO at BE NKY in 2019, focusing on attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses in Northern Kentucky. Under his leadership, the organisation completed major projects like the OneNKY Center and SparkHaus, which support local economic development.

In 2024 alone, BE NKY secured 18 new projects, bringing over 1,400 jobs and nearly $500 million in capital investment to the area. The group also earned a Best Places to Work finalist spot in both 2021 and 2023, reflecting its positive workplace culture.

Beyond his role at BE NKY, Crume serves on multiple boards, including the NKY Chamber, Greater Cincinnati Foreign Trade Zone, Inc., and LifeSciKY. He is also a 2023 graduate of Leadership Kentucky and holds degrees in Communication from Western Kentucky University. His achievements include being named a Top 50 North America Economic Developer by Consultant Connect in 2017, 2018, and 2023.

For details on the NKY Chamber Community Award or to submit a nomination, Lynn Abeln at the NKY Chamber can provide further information.

The award highlights Crume's impact on Northern Kentucky's economy and business community. His leadership at BE NKY has led to job creation, major investments, and recognition as a top workplace. The chamber's decision underscores his ongoing role in shaping the region's growth.