Covington officials want to find new ways to sell the city, so to speak, to anyone who may be interested in investing in its business community.

To that end, the city is hosting an invitation-only event on Oct. 6, with about 60 to 75 people on the list which will include developers, brokers, property owners, site selectors, city staff and representatives from local utility companies, according to a presentation provided by Covington City Manager Derek Matheson.

“Destination Covington builds on a similar, 2003 event called “Preview Covington” that many civic leaders credit with strong commercial and residential growth in the ensuing years,” Matheson wrote in an email interview.  “Destination Covington will bring together property owners, brokers, developers, retailers, and media to learn about Covington economic development opportunities and to network with one another.”

It will be an opportunity for those who attend to network over lunch as well as during a bus tour of downtown Covington as well as major residential subdivisions.

In the past decade the city has seen rapid growth in its downtown core as Kohl’s, Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, Red Robin and many other nationally known companies have established locations there.

In addition, Covington has put more than $40 million into transportation improvements during the past four years, according to information provided by Community Relations Coordinator Karla Slate.

Covington also updated its downtown plan to create more specific zoning that is intended to make developing in the commercial core easier while offering greater flexibility as well as higher densities such as multi-family housing like apartments, condos and cottage housing as well as retail and office development possibilities.

Jeff Wagner, who is active on the Covington Chamber of Commerce as well as member of the City Council, will emcee the event while Mayor Margaret Harto, other members of the chamber and the city’s Economic Development Council are also expected to attend.

Peter Kahn from Costco plans to give a presentation about the warehouse store’s experiences in Covington since it opened in 2008.

Eric Hovee of E.D. Hovee & Associates will provide insight into economic data about the city.

“We hope that the knowledge gained and relationships built will lead to another round of strong commercial and residential growth in coming years, especially in our town center,” Matheson wrote.