Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky has announced the recipients of its 2025 Economic Development Awards, which recognize both community partners and internal team members for their roles in promoting economic growth in the region. The awards, initiated in 2023, are given annually within the company’s Ohio and Kentucky service areas.
This year, the City of Fairfield (Ohio) received the Duke Energy Partner Achievement Award for its collaboration with Duke Energy on several projects throughout 2025 and ongoing development over the past five years. Notable projects include expansion efforts with Koch Foods and Pacific Manufacturing.
The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority was honored with the Duke Energy Visionary Achievement Award. The Port played a key role in projects such as Givaudan in Reading (Ohio) and continues to work with Duke Energy on infrastructure planning and site assessments to support future customers.
Internally, Martin Rios, Dina Riemann, Andre Rose from transactional legal support, and Roger Zimmerman, an electric distribution planner, were recognized with the Energizing Economic Development Award for their assistance on major projects and support of economic development requests.
Last year, collaborative efforts between Duke Energy’s Economic Development team and various state and regional partners resulted in more than $548 million in new capital investment and created over 1,000 jobs across Ohio and Kentucky. The company’s site readiness program has evaluated 42 sites in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky since its inception to help make them more competitive for industrial use.
Partnerships with organizations like REDI Cincinnati—the region’s primary economic development group—and BE NKY Growth Partnership have contributed significantly to recent economic gains.
Amy Spiller, President of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky said: “Through the efforts of our economic development team and local partners, we’ve been able to bring national and global organizations to our region. It gives us great pride to have supported these efforts, which ultimately landed opportunities for our communities to grow and prosper.”
Kimm Lauterbach, President & CEO of REDI Cincinnati added: “Duke Energy’s recognition of these award recipients reflects a deep commitment to advancing economic development across the Cincinnati region. Their support elevates the communities and partners whose work is driving impactful growth, expanding opportunity and shaping a stronger future for our region.”
Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky provides electric service to approximately 910,000 customers across a 3,000-square-mile area as well as natural gas service to about 560,000 customers within a 2,650-square-mile territory spanning Ohio and Kentucky. Its parent company Duke Energy serves millions of customers across several states while investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources including renewables.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through the company’s official social media channels.
