Blog

Since the 1990s, Cincinnati Works has been committed to building a stronger workforce and helping area workers succeed. Partnering with a variety of employers, the organization assists workers in strengthening soft skills and building financial acumen to gain valuable career experience. Cincinnati Works provides individualized education on a series of personal finance topics and addresses behavioral challenges that arise in the workplace. Financial coaching and money management education are key components of this effort, helping participants reach a greater level of stability. By taking such a holistic approach, the organization is positioning workers to thrive in the workplace on a long-term basis.

Cincinnati Works is a gold member with us. They’ve had a number of employees participate in our Leadership Center programs over the years, including two current participants – Tianay Amat, President & CEO, is in Leadership Cincinnati and Sam Dewald, Sr. Project Manager, is in C-Change. Cincinnati Works also utilizes their membership by hosting professional and employer development events in our rentable conference rooms.

Established in 2014 by co-founders Kristen Bailey and Anton Gaffney, Sweets & Meats BBQ is a woman-owned business established in Mt. Washington. Their passion for both their craft and community drives them to serve award-winning smoked meats, homemade sides, and desserts using cherished family recipes. Sweets & Meats was recently featured in Episode 5 of the 11th Season of the three time Grammy-nominated TV show, START UP, on PBS locally and in national markets. You can stream the entire segment online.

Co-Founder and CEO, Kristen Bailey, is a WE Lead Class 15 Graduate (2021). She and her partner Anton have participated in a number of our events. Most notably, Sweets & Meats earned several awards at the Taste of Cincinnati, including:

• 2023 1st Place Dessert – Peach Bourbon Bread Pudding
• 2022 2nd Place Entree – Rib Tips
• 2022 3rd Place Entree – Pulled Pork Slider & Macaroni and Cheese
• 2019 1st Place Entree – Rib Tips

The business has also taken advantage of participating in our ChamberComp® program to save money on their workers’ compensation premiums.

Visit their website to find their food trucks around town or to book catering or a food truck for your event. You can also give them a call at 513-888-4227 or connect with them on Instagram at @sweetsandmeatsbbq.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati builds inclusive and joyful environments where all people can reach goals, make friends, and connect to a cause greater than themselves. This year, they are expanding their impact around water safety with two initiative being added alongside traditional swim lessons. Each year, they serve nearly 7,000 individuals through 8-week swim lessons designed to establish comfort around water, teach safety, and progress to learning all strokes to become lifelong swimmers. To reach even more children from all backgrounds, the Y introduced April Pools Day, a one day water safety course for caregivers and children with little to no experience swimming. The Carl H. Lindner Impact Center in the West End also began offering free swim lessons to 300 children to reduce barriers that prevent proper water safety instruction. In 2024, the Y is on track to serving more children in each program.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is a gold member with us. They’ve had a number of employees participate in our Leadership Center programs over the years, including President & CEO, Jorge Perez, who is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati Class 42. Many of these graduates continue to engage with us and the Cincinnati region through the Leadership Center’s Alumni Network and its Alumni+ membership program.

Northend Gear & Machine is a Nix Industrial company, specializing in machining, gear cutting, and gearbox repair and rebuilds located in Cincinnati. They are a full service job shop with over 90 years combined experience specializing in the manufacture of machined parts from supplied samples or prints with experience in reverse engineering. They were acquired by Nix Industrial – a custom manufacturer and industrial repair company – of Poseyville, IN in 2021. Founded in 1902, Nix Industrial is a 5th generation family business with multiple locations and capabilities that stands on the foundation of century old values, while Forging Ahead℠ to find better solutions that keep America’s industries safe, efficient, and reliable!

Northend Gear & Machine is a silver member with us. They utilize our cost saving programs, including ChamberComp® to save on their workers’ compensation premiums.

At Frontier, they believe The Sky is for Everyone® and they deliver on this vision through their unique brand of Low Fares Done Right®. Frontier is tireless in their efforts to save you money on your flights, but they know that low fares alone aren’t enough. That’s why Frontier makes a bigger commitment – that’s the ‘Done Right’ promise.

Frontier has expanded their hub at CVG – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, to 20 nonstop flights, adding routes to Boston, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Pensacola, and Portland (ME). Frontier is the 3rd largest carrier at CVG based on passengers served and seats offered, serving 8.1 million passangers in the last 10 years. In addition to flight growth, Frontier has committed to job growth in the region, opening a Cincinnati crew base in May, where 160 flight attendants and 80 pilots will be stationed within the first year.

Licia Thompson is a certified personal growth coach, specializing in guiding leaders successfully through life’s setbacks so that they can reimagine and redefine life and career. She was formerly the national Workers’ Compensation Director of return to work and managed care for Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s Corporate. She is also the published author of “When Your Soul Whispers: Strategies to redefine values and move forward after life’s transitions.”

Licia recently became a new Cincinnati Chamber member and has attended several Greater Cincinnati Safety Council meetings and Cincy Blend networking events. Licia would love to meet you, and invites you to schedule a free leadership growth consultation.

Pierre Entities is a catering company that specializes in Creole, Cajun, and Caribbean cooking. You may know them for their food truck: Maw Maw’s Creole Kitchen. Having a Haitian background and being from Louisiana, one of the biggest things that makes them stand out is the way they intermix southern creole cooking with Caribbean influence.

They have catered a variety of events and participated in many events that the Cincinnati Chamber hosts. One of the biggest has been the Taste of Cincinnati, where they took first place for dessert with their signature beignets.

If you are interested in catering, food truck services, or would just like to know more, please be sure to visit foodbypierre.com. They are always looking forward to getting to know you through food!

GBQ Partners LLC is a top tax, accounting and consulting firm that has grown organically and through acquisition to become the largest independent accounting and consulting firm in Central Ohio. They’ve been a Silver member with us for years.

At GBQ, their purpose is clear: they empower growth – growth of their people and the communities and clients’ businesses they serve. A top tax, accounting and consulting firm for more than 70 years, they are driven by the outcomes that they know can change the lives of those they work with and for.