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We are thrilled to feature your business in our Weekly Connection Newsletter, sent every Wednesday afternoon reaching over 15,000 subscribers across various industries and company sizes. With a Member Spotlight, you have an opportunity to provide readers with a brief snapshot of your business’ current news or events.
Member Spotlight
NEST (Nutrition, Education, Safety, Transformation) Community Learning Center is a unique non-profit organization aiming to break the generational cycle of poverty in suburban and rural communities in Eastern Cincinnati. Their mission is to address academic and non-academic barriers perpetuating poverty and provide at-risk school-age children with sound Nutrition and targeted Education in a Safe neighborhood environment to Transform their future outcomes.
NEST is committed to transforming the future outcomes of at-risk school-age children in suburban and rural communities. Join them in their mission to break the cycle of generational poverty. Get involved and support NEST Community Learning Center today!
Learn more at: https://nestclc.org/
Member Spotlights
The Cincinnati Cyclones, in conjunction with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Toronto Maple Leafs, have announced a new affiliation agreement. The Cyclones spent the previous season as the affiliate for the New York Rangers, while the Maple Leafs were affiliated with the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers since 2018.
“We are thrilled to be associated with an organization with such a storied history as the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Cyclones General Manager Vice President Kristin Ropp. “To partner with an organization that places value in the development of players from the ECHL through the AHL and into the NHL is truly exciting.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 13-time Stanley Cup Champions and have been regarded as one of the premiere NHL franchises since joining the league as an Original Six club in 1917. Toronto has enjoyed eight straight trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and plays out of the NHL’s Atlantic Division.
“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with the Cincinnati Cyclones,” stated Brad Treliving, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. “This is a significant investment for our hockey club as we look to provide our players with the best resources available to support their growth and professional development.”
Since the 2006-07 season, the Cyclones have seen 28 of its players go on to play in the NHL and plenty more receive call-ups to the American Hockey League (AHL). Cincinnati’s new AHL affiliate will be the Toronto Marlies, who have been longtime partners with the Maple Leafs. The two NHL and AHL Toronto based clubs play just over two miles apart downtown with the Leafs skating at Scotiabank Arena and the Marlies playing out of Coca-Cola Coliseum.
“Being a Toronto Native, my foundation for the game of hockey was laid in that city,” said Cyclones Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jason Payne. “The sport and Leafs Nation mean so much, to so many. It’s not just a part of life, it’s the way of life. I’m excited about the affiliation between our proud franchise the Cincinnati Cyclones and the Original Six Toronto Maple Leafs.”
The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team located in southern Ohio and have been a fixture in the pro sports landscape of Cincinnati, OH since 1990. The Cyclones compete in the ECHL and are the AA affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. Cincinnati hosts its home games at the Heritage Bank Center and competes in the league’s Central Division.” Visit cincyhockey.com for more information about tickets and ways to get involved.
Learn more at: https://cycloneshockey.com/
The Association of the United States Army is a non-profit, 501c3 organization and the Army’s professional association. They are a voice for the Army, supporting soldiers and their families and honoring veterans. The Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter serves the Southwestern Ohio, Southeastern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky area, in which more than 102,000 veterans reside, according to the 2022 census.
They host many support events every year, including Operation Thank You, which they host in conjunction with the Cincinnati VA and Cincinnati Parks. Operation Thank You is a celebration of military service with free access to veteran and military support organizations, music acts, family and kids zone, and access to currently serving soldiers and equipment. Now in its third year, this year’s event takes place on August 24th, and they’re expecting it to be bigger and better than ever with even more in attendance. You can learn more about the event – including how you can get involved or become a sponsor – on the local AUSA website.
Learn more at: https://www.ausatristate.org/
Avid Autocare serves all makes and models and their highly-skilled auto mechanics provide exceptional auto repair services. The more you learn about them, the more you’ll see that they are masters at auto repair, and they like it that way. They think you will too.
If you own an Audi, Porsche, or VW and want the same great service offered at Avid Autocare in Cincinnati, check out their sister location: Dubwerx. Both locations offer the same 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services and free Uber rides and loaner cars to make it easier to arrange the pickup and drop off of your vehicle.
Avid Autocare is a silver member with us, enjoying great healthcare benefits and savings through our ChamberHealth® partnership with Medical Mutual.
Learn more at https://www.avidautocare.com/
BIBIBOP believes in the power of well B-ing through balanced, nourishing, and delicious food. What sets them apart is their commitment to serving healthy Asian food that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. They are also proud to say they are 100% gluten-free!
BIBIBOP Rookwood is a new silver member with us, and we are excited to have them here in the Cincinnati region. They opened their doors at the end of June, and you can follow them on Facebook to see what’s happening at the restaurant!
Learn more at https://bibibop.com/locations/bibibop-cincinnati-oh-rookwood/
Adopt A Class serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade in 36 schools across Greater Cincinnati. Schools participating in the AAC program have higher levels of poverty where a majority of students participate in free lunch programs and help is needed most. On average, 97% of the students Adopt A Class serves are eligible for free or reduced meals.
Adopt A Class currently serves students in Cincinnati Public Schools, Catholic Inner-City Schools, Boone County Schools, Princeton City Schools, Norwood City Schools, Newport Independent Schools, Covington Independent Schools, and Middletown City Schools. As a mentor, you’re exposing young people to worlds they may not experience otherwise, and it only requires one hour per month during the school year.
If you’d like to learn more, complete this form and an Adopt A Class staff member will reach out to you
Learn more at https://aacmentors.org
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Visionworks is on a mission to simplify eye care. This means easy appointment scheduling, stores organized for finding perfect pairs easily, and a 100-day guarantee. They are new to the Cincinnati market and will be hosting a grand opening for their store in Kenwood (7817 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236) on July 12th at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome!
Visionworks is a new silver member with us. We’re excited they’ve come to Cincinnati and joined to get involved in the region right away.
Learn more at https://www.visionworks.com/
Activate offers high-tech games that test your team’s physical and mental agility across a wide variety of real-life challenges. Once inside, you and your team choose from hundreds of combinations of games and difficulty levels, each lasting one to three minutes. Your electronic wristband tracks your score and progress throughout your experience making Activate perfect for a casual night out or intense competition.
Activate Cincinnati, located in Oakley, is a new silver member with us. They recently joined to connect with other businesses at our events and share their support for the Cincinnati community in any way they can. If you’d like a free, exclusive tour of their new facility, click here to conveniently schedule one!
Learn more at https://playactivate.com/cincinnati
Banks Cleaning Services is committed to sustainability in their janitorial practices. They prioritize the use of eco-friendly cleaning products and implement green cleaning techniques wherever possible. Additionally, Banks actively seeks out innovative solutions and technologies that minimize our environmental impact while still delivering exceptional cleaning results to our commercial and industrial clients.
Experience the difference with Banks Cleaning Services LLC. Their expert team specializes in commercial and industrial janitorial services, delivering unparalleled cleanliness and professionalism to businesses in Cincinnati and beyond. Let them elevate your space to new levels of cleanliness and hygiene. Contact Banks today to schedule your personalized cleaning consultation and discover how Banks Cleaning Services can meet your janitorial needs with excellence.
Learn more at https://www.bankscleaningservicesllc.com/
Santa Maria helps families build self-sufficiency and break the cycles of generational poverty by offering a hand-up rather than a hand-out. They seek to help families help themselves by offering a range of programs that cover education, health, employment, financial stability, and family support. Santa Maria’s Family Center is based in Cincinnati Ohio’s Price Hill community and provides more than 2,500 individuals with educational tools and resources to build strong families, promote healthy residents, and foster neighborhood revitalization. Their mission is to be a catalyst and advocate for Greater Price Hill families to attain their educational, financial, and health goals. Their vision is for Greater Price Hill to be a vibrant, thriving, and self-sustaining community.
Get involved with Santa Maria today as a volunteer, supporter, or partner agency.
Learn more at https://santamaria-cincy.org/
Nexigen is excited to announce that they’re hosting Cincy AI Week! Their mission is to help businesses adopt responsible AI and empower our community. Join them as they lead the charge in AI innovation and make a significant impact together!
Cincy AI Week takes place from June 11-13 at Union Hall. Admission is free, but space is limited. Please be sure to pre-register to secure your spot.
Nexigen is a Momentum Investor with the Cincinnati Chamber. They have been engaged with us for years, actively contributing to business development through coffee meetups and many other initiatives.
Learn more at https://www.nexigen.com/
Somerhaus event space is the sister of Somerset Bar. Somerhaus is a unique, flexible, and affordable option for festive events like holiday or corporate parties, birthdays, wedding receptions, and rehearsal dinners, but also business functions like off-site meetings, retreats, and small group functions.
Underneath the skylight in Somerhaus in the steel rafters of the building sits a 200-year-old traditional Japanese fishing boat. A set of village gates brought over from India separates the main event space from a kitchen, which can be used by caterers.
Somerhaus is part of Lost Hospitality, a new silver member with us and proud member of the Over-the Rhine community. Visit their website to book a tour and connect with their amazing managers, Beth and Emma!
Learn more at https://www.somerhaus.space/
360 Total Care specializes in offering home care services, with a particular emphasis on community integration. They operate a day habilitation center that caters to individuals with developmental disabilities and the elderly, providing them with the necessary support and care they need. Their business is dedicated to supporting individuals to stay in their homes while providing opportunities for engaging in enjoyable activities, contributing to the community, and maintaining a sense of normalcy in their lives.
They welcome individuals from all walks of life to join them in their mission. Whether you have a family member with developmental disabilities, are a caregiver for an older parent seeking independence and community engagement, or a business owner interested in offering volunteer opportunities, explore their website and visit their center to discover how you can contribute to their cause.
360 Total Care is a silver member with us through a dual membership with the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA. By being a member with the Cincinnati Chamber, 360 Total Care continues to meet and collaborate with other small businesses to extend their community reach while taking advantage of special advertising offers and discounts on workers’ compensation through our ChamberComp® partnership with Sheakley. Engaging with the Chamber enhances their ability to create impactful partnerships and leverage resources that support their mission of fostering inclusion and acceptance for their participants.
360 Total Care is notable for its commitment to community integration, ensuring that each participant feels included and accepted. They’ve recently expanded to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Dayton, Ohio, which houses hundreds of participants. Their collaborations with organizations like the food bank and local metro parks provide participants with meaningful volunteer opportunities. This focus on real-world engagement helps participants become more social and accepted within the community, showcasing the tangible impact of their programs.
RJE Business Interiors specializes in high-quality furniture and workplace solutions. If you want to see their solutions in action, they host a Think Tank luncheon series on the third Thursday of each month touching on cutting edge trends with industry leaders in their showroom (downtown on Broadway St.). You can also visit their website, follow them on social media, or call them to schedule a showroom visit to experience what they have to offer. They’re also happy to meet for coffee or lunch!
RJE Business Interiors is a gold member at the Cincinnati Chamber. Their VP, Ashley Blevins, participated in WE Lead and they are working towards taking advantage of additional continued leadership opportunities with us for their entire team. They also enjoy networking at our Cincy Blend events – including hosting the next one on May 15 – along with attending many of our other learning and professional development events and series.
Learn more about RJE at https://www.rjebusinessinteriors.com/
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Ohio (SWOH) is a grassroots mental health organization originally founded as NAMI Hamilton County in 1979. The organization merged with NAMI Warren and NAMI Clermont in 2014 to better serve the region, and added Clinton County in 2021.
They offer educational programs, support groups, an information and referral HelpLine, and a variety of presentations in schools, businesses, and other community organizations. Additionally, they work together with their national organization and state affiliate on advocacy priorities and public awareness campaigns. All programs and services are offered at no cost. At NAMI, they believe cost should never be a barrier to accessing care.
The second Saturday of each May, they host their annual NAMIWalks, bringing the community together to walk in support of mental health for all and raising funds, awareness, and hope. This free event is open to all – you can register here to join them Saturday, May 11!
NAMI SWOH is a new Cincinnati Chamber member at the gold level. We look forward to partnering with them and seeing them at our events!
Learn More about NAMI SWOH https://namiswoh.org/
Nehemiah Manufacturing was founded in 2009 with the mission to build brands, create jobs, and change lives. They are led by a team of seasoned CPG executives with a proven track record of success, who share a passion for making a positive impact in our community. Nehemiah is committed to bringing manufacturing jobs back to the inner city of Cincinnati to stimulate community development and economic growth.
Nehemiah will continue to champion the business imperative of expanding hiring practices to include those with a criminal background or other barrier to employment. Nehemiah would encourage all business leaders to learn more about second chance hiring. More information can be found at 2ndchancefamily.com.
Nehemiah is a momentum investor and proud partner with the Cincinnati Chamber, as well as a supporter of the Workforce Innovation Center as an advocate for second chance hiring. Nehemiah has also participated in several of the Cincinnati Chamber’s leadership development programs, including Leadership Cincinnati and WE Lead.
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.
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