By By Okon Ekpenyong
Community members, journalists, and business leaders gathered Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Cincinnati Lager House in downtown Cincinnati for “An Evening with Axios” focusing on economic growth, innovation and future.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Kroger Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer Tim Massa spoke about economic development, workforce development, artificial intelligence, and the future of the region.
Attendees mingled over drinks, enjoyed live music and gathered on the patio overlooking the Ohio River as Axios reporters Kristen Swilley and Casey Weldon introduced themselves and discussed their coverage of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Axios launched its original Cincinnati and North Cincy newsroom on July 20, joining other Ohio markets, such as Cleveland and Columbus, as part of its expanding local journalism network to ensure extended coverage across the region.
Former WCPO-TV anchor and reporter Kristen Swilley spoke with Pureval about Cincinnati’s efforts to strengthen downtown following the COVID-19 pandemic. Pureval said remote work has affected the city’s earnings-tax revenue, making downtown revitalization a priority.
He outlined strategies focused on revitalizing the urban core, increasing hotel capacity and attracting investment in advanced manufacturing and technology.
“As companies go downtown, so goes not just the city, but the entire regional economy,” Pureval said.
Pureval, who is serving his second term, also said immigration and global talent are important drivers of regional population growth. He pointed to major Cincinnati employers and institutions, including Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, as organizations that attract talent from around the world.
Born in Xenia, Ohio, Pureval is the son of immigrant parents. His father is from India, while his mother was born in Tibet and came to the United States as a refugee.
Pureval also praised Axios for expanding its local journalism presence in Cincinnati and said he is proud of the city’s existing media organizations across print, digital, podcasts, and television.
“I’m genuinely grateful that Axios is spreading our local journalism footprint,” Pureval said.
Massa discussed Kroger’s use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity and the associate experience. The company is developing an “AI Translator’s License” to provide employees with AI training tailored to their roles.
With approximately 407,000 associates, Massa said Kroger typically has between 15,000 and 20,000 employees on some form of leave at any given time, including maternity, parental, and educational leave. Kroger is using technology to make those processes easier for associates and help them get the support they need.
Kroger’s numbers also show the company’s importance to Cincinnati and the national economy. The company has its world headquarters in Cincinnati and operates more than 2,700 stores nationwide. With more than 400,000 associates, Kroger remains one of the region’s largest employers and a major part of Greater Cincinnati’s economy.
Massa said Kroger is also using AI to help associates manage schedules, benefits, leave programs, and access to additional work hours. Technology allows employees to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time developing skills and focusing on customer service.
Massa, who is preparing to retire after 37 years in the workforce, offered a leadership lesson: “Bloom where you’re planted.” He encouraged leaders to embrace their current opportunities, collaborate with others, and make the most of their roles.
The event highlighted Axios Cincinnati’s commitment to local journalism and its growing coverage of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and the broader region.
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