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Crayons and Beyond (originally Crayons to Computers) came into existence through a project of Leadership Cincinnati Class XIX. Crayons and Beyond exists to level the playing field in the classroom by ensuring teachers can provide their students in need the tools to succeed in school. The Leveling the Education Playing Field Comprehensive Campaign launched publicly in late February and supports program expansion, facility renovations, and increased teacher accessibility.

Did you know that teachers routinely spend $500-1,000 out of their own pockets to provide for their students and classrooms? Or that there are more than 150,000 pre-K to 12th graders – in the Greater Cincinnati region whose families struggle to put food on the table?

Teachers at schools where 55% or more of the students benefit from the USDA’s free/reduced lunch program or at preschools where more than half the students receive state assistance to attend are eligible to shop at Crayons and Beyond.

The team at Crayons knows that teachers are busy people with many competing demands. Time and distance can be barriers for teachers to come to Crayons’ physical location in Bond Hill to shop. That is why Crayons is expanding two alternative methods of distributing donated products (school supplies, incentive and classroom enhancement items) to teachers and launching a $6.1 million comprehensive campaign.

Crayons and Beyond (originally Crayons to Computers) came into existence through a project of Leadership Cincinnati Class XIX. The organization is one of several “legacy” projects of this signature Chamber program. Crayons has been a proud Silver member of the Chamber for many years.

Through their Teacher Resource Center, Hubbard’s Cupboard and online orders for pick-up and delivery, they offer a variety of materials that support learning, including basic supplies like crayons, paper, scissors, and pencils, hygiene products as well as enrichment and incentive items that teachers can use to motivate and inspire student engagement. Items are donated or purchased at reduced or wholesale prices and given to teachers when the programs operate (August – May).

The Leveling the Education Playing Field Comprehensive Campaign launched publicly in late February and supports program expansion, facility renovations (to support program expansion), and increased teacher accessibility.

Product available through the Store and other distribution methods is mostly donated (only about 5% of the product is purchased). Your company can help! Teachers are extraordinarily resourceful and put to good use many items that might not have an obvious educational purpose. In addition to basic products like pencils, paper, scissors, crayons, and glue, Crayons is grateful for items that can be used for incentives (think prize box) and enhancements (think books, décor and seasonal items) for the classroom.

According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, product donation programs have “emerged as a cost-effective alternative to disposal and liquidation.” An inventory donation may carry with it an income tax charitable deduction (consult your tax advisor), prevents inventory from ending up in a landfill, and can promote your company as a socially responsible citizen. We’d love to talk about ways your company could get involved. Please contact Christi Smith at csmith@crayonsandbeyond.org.

Learn more about Crayons by visiting their website, Facebook Page, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, empowering individuals, and elevating the human potential through the power of work.

Goodwill, a valuable community partner for more than 100 years, envisions the Ohio Valley region as a vibrant, sustainable community, rich with opportunities for individuals to live dignified and purposeful lives.  The organization also has a long-standing commitment to the environment to reuse, renew, and recycle. Through its network of donation centers and retail stores that fuel Goodwill’s mission, the organization diverts more than 44 million pounds of donated products from area landfills each year.

One of the most interesting things about Ohio Valley Goodwill is that They are not just a thrift store — They are a nonprofit social enterprise. When you donate or shop, you’re directly fueling workforce training, housing support, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities across Greater Cincinnati. In fact, 85 cents of every dollar spent in their stores goes right back into life-changing programs that help eliminate barriers and empower people to thrive.

Ohio Valley Goodwill, a Silver level Chamber member, actively engages with the Chamber to better understand the evolving needs of our region. Through access to regional workforce and economic data, They are able to identify trends, anticipate barriers, and align workforce development, housing, and disability services to meet real-time community demand. This partnership ensures their programs are informed, strategic, and responsive to Greater Cincinnati’s growth and challenges.

Be part of the impact. When you donate, shop, hire, or partner with Ohio Valley Goodwill, you’re doing more than supporting a nonprofit — you’re investing in workforce opportunity, stable housing, and inclusive services across Greater Cincinnati. Join them in eliminating barriers and creating pathways to possibility for all.

For more information click here.

For Businesses click here.

For Services click here.

Beyond Exercise is an integrative and personalized physical therapy and fitness business that helps active people of all ages. They exist simply to provide another (and better) option for people who prioritize their health and want a high-quality service team to provide services that support their wellness and fitness needs.

​They are a highly specialized team of people who are experienced, who have walked in your shoes, who feel fulfillment in providing personalized care services, and who collaborate well with each other on a day in and day out basis to guide you to your end goal whether it’s walking pain-free, hiking 4-hours on an epic vacation, playing with your kids, performing house chores, or achieving athletic feats.

​Beyond Exercise, a Silver Member of the Chamber and enrolled in the Chamber’s ChamberHealth® Plan, was founded 15 years ago and started as a single owner operator. Since then, they have expanded to a team of 29 people that includes a team of physical therapists, personal trainers, Pilates instructors, health coaches, and massage therapists.

If you are looking for a team of people to give you the attention you deserve in order to be well and be happy, they invite you to give Beyond Exercise a try. In fact, they guarantee that you will find value in your first visit. If you don’t, then your next one is on them! Beyond Exercise is located in the heart of Madisonville’s business district.

Table Sense is a nonprofit focused on radically improving the child welfare system in several states: Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Their work is focused in research, advocacy, and impact investing to ensure well-rounded change to improve the lives of youth in the child welfare system or support youth aging out of the child welfare system.

As a new member of the Cincinnati Chamber, Table Sense has used Chamber events as a key way to build connections and engage with others across the region.

Their work is better when they have likeminded individuals and organizations at the table ready to make common sense changes that improve the lives of youth. Connect with them on LinkedIn, find them at a Cincinnati Chamber event, or reach out to them to chat about what we’re doing and how you can get involved.

With deep roots in the region and a strong local presence, Clark Schaefer Hackett (CSH) delivers audit, tax, outsourced accounting, and advisory services to organizations that need more than compliance, they need a partner who understands their business, their people, and their long-term goals.

CSH works alongside manufacturers, construction, not-for-profits, governments, and a wealth of other industries to solve complex financial challenges, strengthen operations, and support smarter decision-making through industry-specific expertise and a hands-on approach.   Beyond core accounting and tax services, CSH’s brand extensions expand the support available to organizations navigating growth and change. Clark Schaefer Consulting partners with Fortune 1000 and high-growth organizations to tackle complex growth, risk, and technology challenges, helping leaders address today’s priorities while preparing for what’s next. Clark Schaefer Strategic HR supports organizations with lean or evolving HR functions through customized HR, recruiting, and training solutions, serving as a trusted partner in building and strengthening people operations.

For generations, Cincinnati organizations have relied on CSH as an extension of their leadership team, providing financial clarity, strategic insight, and steady guidance through change. What ties it all together is a commitment to long-term partnership. CSH doesn’t just step in at year-end, they integrate with their clients’ teams, providing ongoing insight across finance, strategy, technology, and talent so leaders can focus on what matters most.

CSH, a Momentum Investor at the Chamber, has actively sponsored and attended events, served on Boards, Committees, and Roundtables. And the Cincinnati Chamber is also one of their valued clients.

With offices across the region and a significant concentration of clients right here in Greater Cincinnati, CSH is proud to be part of the Chamber community and to support the businesses and organizations that make this region thrive. Learn more about CSH and how they support Cincinnati-area organizations.

Skyline Chili is a Cincinnati original, proudly serving its iconic secret-recipe chili since 1949. Known for our famous Cheese Coneys and Ways, Skyline blends bold spices for a one-of-a-kind flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Beyond the restaurant, Skyline Chili catering brings Cincinnati’s most recognizable flavors directly to events of all kinds, from corporate meetings and employee appreciation events to weddings, fundraisers, and private parties. With options ranging from easy drop-off catering to full-service events, our team works closely with hosts to create a seamless and memorable experience.

Many people are surprised by just how flexible Skyline catering can be. While their classics are always a hit, menus are customizable and especially popular for wedding-related events like rehearsal dinners, cocktail hours, and late-night bites, offering guests a fun, unexpected favorite.

Skyline is a Gold Member of the Cincinnati Chamber who is excited to get involved, build relationships, and bring Skyline’s unique flavor to more events across the region. If you’re planning an upcoming meeting or celebration, Skyline delivers more than great food; they deliver a Cincinnati tradition that brings people together, rooted in local pride. Visit their website for catering inquiries and drop by your local Skyline Chili for your favorites!

Afromeals is a culinary experiences company specializing in corporate cooking classes and catering rooted in African and Caribbean cuisine, culture, and nutrition education. They partner with companies to deliver engaging team building, cultural, and wellness-focused culinary experiences both in person and virtually. They also produce a line of African-inspired CPG products, including signature spice blends, extending the Afromeals experience beyond the event.

Afromeals culinary experiences blend culture, wellness, and food education into programs that are fun, delicious, and designed to bring people together in meaningful ways. Their client base includes leading organizations such as Procter & Gamble, General Electric, Microsoft, Danone, and Clorox. They are actively booking new corporate cooking classes and catering engagements. Organizations interested in culture-driven, wellness-focused experiences are encouraged to connect.

Afromeals has a commitment to community impact through Afromeals Foundation, Their nonprofit arm dedicated to fighting food insecurity through free nutrition education, hands-on cooking classes, and the distribution of culturally relevant food and ingredients. This work allows them to extend their mission beyond corporate and private events and directly support underserved individuals, families, and youth across our community.

Afromeals is a new Silver Member of the Cincinnati Chamber. Their engagement began through a corporate cooking class with one of the Chamber’s Leadership Programs. That experience made joining the Chamber a natural next step and opened the door to meaningful partnerships within the Cincinnati business community.

Afromeals invites Cincinnati Chamber members to support thier business by to create unforgettable, culture- or health-driven cooking experiences, or by selecting us to cater their next event, as they have done for organizations such as Procter & Gamble, Accenture, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, YMCA, etc. Chamber members can also explore their delicious, flavorful spice blends and specialty products, available for personal use, corporate gifting, or employee appreciation, as well as Afromeals gift certificates for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Watch to explore African food meals with Arfromeals

Cerity Partners is a national, independent wealth management firm serving individuals, families, companies, and nonprofits. Its advisors leverage deep experience and collaboration to deliver tailored solutions for complex personal and professional financial needs.

Cerity’s name reflects their steadfast commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of their clients and communities. As part of this commitment, they have brought together a team of experts – financial planners, investment professionals, tax advisors, retirement plan consultants and attorneys – dedicated to helping clients achieve their short- and long-term goals.

What makes their approach different? They believe that successful wealth management considers every aspect of your finances and offer a full spectrum of coordinated services in a simplified client experience. Rather than coordinating with multiple advisors to paint your financial picture, you’ll have ONE dedicated team supported by in-house specialists working together to support your financial journey.

Cerity Partner is a new Gold Member of the Chamber. They have deep roots in the Cincinnati area, and recently completed a merger with their national firm – Cerity Partners. They are looking forward to supporting the financial goals of corporations, small- and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and families throughout the Greater Cincinnati community.

Whether you lead a major corporation, family business, nonprofit, or want to improve the financial well-being of your family — they want to help. Set up a complimentary consultation today!