Greater Cincinnati Foreign Trade Zone (GCFTZ) & Northern Kentucky Foreign Trade Zone (NKFTZ)
The Greater Cincinnati FTZ (46) and Northern Kentucky FTZ (47) are governed by a board of directors, referred to as the GC/NKYFTZ Board, whose members represent international trade and economic business leadership in the Cincinnati region. As a nonprofit entity, the GC/NKFTZ Board’s mission is to identify and implement economic development and foreign trade initiatives throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky regions to sustain and grow the area’s economic base. FTZs 46 and 47 are governed jointly by the Board with separate grants of authority for the trade program in their respective service areas. GCFTZ, Inc.’s service area covers Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren and Brown Counties in Ohio, and NKFTZ, Inc.’s service area covers Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties in Kentucky. Grantee responsibilities include implementing zone schedules, assisting current and prospective users in zone activation, reporting to federal agencies, and marketing the FTZs to companies that would benefit from the zone. As required by the FTZ Act, grantees are required to operate the zone as a “public utility” with “fair and reasonable” fees and provide “uniform treatment under like conditions” to all parties that seek to use the zone.
In 2023, GCFTZ contracted with the CVG Airport Authority (owner/operator of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, CVG) & REDI Cincinnati to assist with administration of the program, working on behalf of the board of directors to provide management, marketing, and governance services for FTZs 46 and 47.
CVG Airport Authority
The CVG Airport Authority (CVGAA) owns and operates the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport—CVG—which is one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S. and is committed to redefining and elevating the role of an airport. Through its strategic plan, New Heights, CVGAA has charted a course to serve as a key player in the aviation and economic development ecosystem in the Cincinnati region. CVGAA’s goal is to engage in regional economic development strategies that support the aviation ecosystem and beyond. In alignment to that objective, in 2023, CVGAA entered into an agreement with FTZ 46 & 47 Grantees (GC/FTZ Board) to assist with administrative management. As the 6th largest cargo airport in North America with two powerhouses on campus continuing to drive growth, Amazon Air’s Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas, CVG is a key part of the global supply chain. With an annual impact of $6.8 billion on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in aviation innovation. Learn more at CVGairport.com.
REDI Cincinnati
The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati is the first point-of-contact for companies locating or growing in the 15-county region at the heart of southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. REDI Cincinnati is supported by top business leaders and community partners and staffed by a team of economic development experts who are uniting the Cincinnati region to compete globally.
