AMIP Q4 Members Event - Progressing Manufacturing Growth with Economic Development

In Q4, AMIP is featuring a new series focused on investing in your team and your organization. Together, we’ll explore how federal, state, and regional resources can help you:

• Boost talent acquisition

• Understand the shifting economic landscape

• Attract & Upskill your workforce

• Invest in plant improvements and automation

This event is suitable for all manufacturers, educators, and community organizations in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. Stay Tuned for Speaker Information!

Meet Our Speakers!

Keynote: Brendon Cull

Brendon Cull, President and CEO, Cincinnati Regional Chamber

Brendon Cull joined the organization in 2016, and served as COO, EVP, and chief strategy officer. Cull is leading the region’s largest business organization through a strategy focused on growing the region’s economy, population, and cultural vibrancy.

The Chamber team, in partnership with the organization's Board and stakeholders, is a driving force behind the most critical and strategic regional priorities. Brendon has had deep experiences in the government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. His leadership was pivotal in efforts to expand transportation and infrastructure funding in Hamilton County, grow BLINK into a $127 million economic impact experience, and steer the region’s business community through the pandemic via the RESTART Task Force. At the Kroger Co., he led Government Affairs for nearly a decade, developing business-oriented legislative action plans, and advising executives on vital policy and political issues. During a critical moment in the City's history from 2000-2005, Cull was the legislative director and press secretary for the Cincinnati Mayor.

Panel Moderated by: Karen Brandenburg

Karen Brandenburg, Director Human Resources, Ditsch Pretzels

Karen Brandenburg is a strategic business leader who leverages the power of human potential to drive organizational performance, culture, and growth. As Director of Human Resources at Ditsch USA, she partners with the CEO and executive team to align people strategy with business objectives—guiding decision-making through a people-first lens to enhance culture, performance, and long-term success. With more than two decades of leadership experience across entrepreneurial, corporate, and consulting environments, Karen brings a unique ability to connect business outcomes with people-centered solutions. Her expertise spans organizational design, business strategy development and execution, change management, talent optimization, leadership coaching, and operations leadership. She has led enterprise- wide transformations that strengthen engagement, elevate teams, and deliver sustainable results.

As Vice President of Corporate Operations, HR & Administration at Custom Built Crates, Karen played a key role in leading the organization through a generational ownership transition—aligning operational strategy, modernizing systems, and positioning the business for scalable growth. She skillfully balanced business transformation with cultural continuity, ensuring the company’s heritage remained a foundation for future success.

Panelists

Kevin Donnelly, Vice President, REDI Cincinnati

Kevin Donnelly is Vice President of Project Management for REDI Cincinnati. In his role, Kevin leads REDI’s project management, site, and talent teams and is the main contact for companies evaluating the Cincinnati region for growth opportunities. He was named a Top 50 Economic Developer in North America by Consultant Connect in 2025.

Josh Smith, President and CEO, Butler County Finance Authority

Joshua A. Smith was appointed President & CEO of the Butler County Finance Authority (BCFA) in April 2024, bringing over 25 years of executive leadership in city management across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ohio. With expertise in economic development, public finance, and urban revitalization, he previously served as City Manager of Hamilton, Ohio, where he led transformative projects such as Spooky Nook at Champion Mill, the Meldahl Hydroelectric Project, and Marcum Park.

Matt Schnipke, Director of Development, Warren County Port Authority

Matt Schnipke is the Director of Development for Warren County where he oversees both the Economic and Workforce Development Divisions. He also holds the position of Executive Director for the Warren County Port Authority. Since joining the office in 2014, Matt has participated in the creation of thousands of new jobs, millions of square feet of new construction and nearly $1 billion of new investment inside of Warren County.

Kimberly Rosetti, Vice President, Economic Development, BE NKY

Kimberly Rossetti is Vice President of Economic Development for BE NKY Growth Partnership (BE NKY). She leads BE NKY’s economic development team, which is focused on attracting new businesses to Northern Kentucky and helping our existing primary industry companies grow and expand. Kimberly has been a member of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) for 20 years and was elected to the Board of Directors in November 2020.