Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky has announced the recipients of its 2025 Economic Development Awards, recognizing both community partners and company employees for their roles in supporting regional economic growth. The awards, established in 2023, are given annually to honor contributions 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 multiple projects throughout 2025 and ongoing development over the past five years. Notable efforts include work with Koch Foods and Pacific Manufacturing.
The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority was presented with the Duke Energy Visionary Achievement Award. The organization has played a key role in projects such as Givaudan in Reading (Ohio) and continues to partner with Duke Energy on infrastructure planning, site assessments, and strategic development initiatives.
Within the company, Martin Rios, Dina Riemann, Andre Rose from transactional legal support, and Roger Zimmerman, an electric distribution planner, were honored with the Energizing Economic Development Award for their support of major projects and assistance with economic development requests.
In 2024, Duke Energy’s Economic Development team collaborated with state and regional partners to secure more than $548 million in new capital investment and attract over 1,000 jobs to the region. The company’s site readiness program has evaluated 42 sites across southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky since its inception, contributing to increased competitiveness for industrial development.
Partnerships with organizations such as REDI Cincinnati and BE NKY Growth Partnership have also been significant factors in recent regional economic expansion.
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 serves approximately 910,000 electric customers across a 3,000-square-mile area and provides natural gas service to about 560,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile area within Ohio and Kentucky. Parent company Duke Energy is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Further information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com or through its social media channels.
