Gentis Solutions, a firm providing innovative talent solutions for competing in the digital age, will invest $2.7 million to establish its new corporate headquarters at River Center in Covington, Kentucky. The company plans to create 80 jobs.

The move to Kentucky will help the company better cater to its customers, a heavy majority of which are located in the Commonwealth and Ohio. Gentis leaders aim to begin operations June 1 and gradually hire 80 employees at the headquarters over the next 10 years, state officials said. Locating in Kentucky will also enable the company to implement new programs, including a training course to teach marketable IT skills to veterans and recent graduates.

“We are very excited about starting this next chapter in our company’s future,” Gentis COO Tom Flessor said. “The convenient Covington location will enable us to meet more frequently with our clients and to also recruit excellent technical talent for our consulting positions.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $500,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $2.7 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 80 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years, and paying an average hourly wage of $31 including benefits across those jobs.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments. Additionally, Gentis can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network.

“It’s imperative that we continue adding quality jobs in our state to improve the lives of Kentuckians and their families,” Governor Andy Beshear said. “That is exactly what Gentis Solutions intends to do. I am very thankful the company chose to locate its headquarters in Kentucky and look forward to watching the business grow in the commonwealth.”

Sen. Chris McDaniel, of Taylor Mill, thanked the company for capitalizing on Kentucky’s business advantages. “I am appreciative of Gentis Solutions for recognizing the value of our business climate and skilled workforce and for choosing to relocate their operation in Covington,” said McDaniel. “This is a great investment that will increase high tech-job opportunities and allow Gentis to better serve their customers in the Kentucky and Ohio Markets.”

Covington Mayor Joe Meyer said this development demonstrates the city’s ability to attract new business.“Gentis Solutions’ decision to relocate to Covington means the word is out – even beyond the region, people realize that Covington is a great business address,” Mayor Meyer said. “We have the 'cool factor' that attracts today’s talent, and that talent attracts companies looking to hire them.”

Lee Crume, president & CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, said the company’s decision reflects the region’s strengths.“I thank Gentis Solutions for choosing Northern Kentucky for its new U.S. headquarters location,” Crume said. “It’s a testament to our strategic location and the talented workforce in the Cincinnati region,” Crume added. “Gentis joins a strong technology company cluster in Northern Kentucky.”