This issue of Realm will land on your desk just after the lights go off at BLINK 2024. As I write this letter, we’re deep in final preparations and are so excited for you to experience what we’ve worked so hard to produce and curate. We believe BLINK is a cornerstone of our future city and that it drives every part of our economic growth strategy.
In this magazine, which we produce for our members and stakeholders four times a year, you’ll read about our State of the Region Report presented by First Financial Bank. And, like always, you’ll read about community leaders who are driving growth in our economy, population, and cultural vibrancy.
And finally you’ll read an exit interview with one of the most consequential regional leaders in the last 15 years: Candace McGraw. Her steady leadership of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport has turned CVG into one of the most important drivers of growth. We’re now the 12th-busiest cargo airport hub in the world with a $9.3 billion economic impact in our region. There’s a new rental car hub, an upcoming terminal renovation, and dozens of new flights and carriers, including the direct flight to London on British Airways.
Candace’s steady leadership has made all of this happen. She built a tremendous team that’s focused on running a best-in-class airport that drives economic growth across our region. She is a connector.
If we were electing a Governor of the region, I’d vote for Candace. She has deep relationships throughout the region with business leaders and elected officials. She represents us globally through her service as chair of the World Governing Board of Airports Council International and helps expand our standing and our economy through her work.
She’s been the Board Chair of the Chamber for the past two years, and I’ve appreciated her counsel and strategic mind as we launched our plan. Fortunately for us, Candace will continue to be a leader in this region for many years to come. I hope you enjoy reading about her and her extraordinary years at CVG.