As I take stock of my 7.5 years serving as CEO at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the overwhelming feeling I have is gratitude. I’m thankful for the opportunity, the people, the partnerships, the big ideas, and everything else that has contributed to the ongoing realization of our Future City vision.
This job has been a lot of fun. And it’s been hard, high energy, and always and everywhere. I’ve learned a lot leading this almost 200-year-old organization, and I want to share a few key learnings with you:
Saying yes to big ideas really does change the world. Leaning into a bold vision to make Cincinnati the “hottest city in America” has pushed us further than we could have imagined. Things like the Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator, BLINK, Issue 7, Workforce Innovation Center, and so much more were born because we collectively said yes to a big idea.
Passionate enthusiasm is not just contagious, it is productive and it is strategic. What strikes an emotional chord is what wins. Always raise your hand, say it loud, and be relentless about bringing other people along with you.
We are capable of so much more when we join forces. Business leaders, government officials, school administrators, artists, critics, neighbors, strangers, anyone who raised their hand… These people and more have all been important collaborators in our work over the years, and it’s a good reminder we get more done together.
With reason to believe, people are way more capable than even the most proud of them thinks that they are. The people of Cincinnati are truly the best people on the planet. As a community, we’re willing to do the most important work and our business leaders invest the financial support to get it done in ways business leaders in other communities do not.
I have always believed in the power and potential of the Cincinnati region, and the need for those who call it home to take it where it can and needs to go. My ask of you is simple: keep showing up, keep caring, and keep owning something that moves our region forward.
Thank you for investing in us, for supporting me and the Cincinnati Chamber team, and most of all for believing in Cincinnati being a Future City. I know it is going to happen because I know the people driving the vision. There are so many great things still to come.
It’s been the honor of a lifetime, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter for me, the Cincinnati Chamber, and our Future City.
Last week, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber announced year two of Storefronts to the Forefront, a unique partnership with Duke Energy to promote increased visibility of small businesses in our region. Established in 2022, the Cincinnati Chamber and Duke Energy highlighted storefronts in 11 business districts throughout Ohio and Kentucky.
In 2023, Storefronts to the Forefront will offer five $5,000 grants to existing storefront businesses located in business districts in Ohio and Kentucky. Recipients will be able to use the funds for capital improvements, marketing support, expansion investments, or other growth-related efforts. In addition, Storefronts to the Forefront will promote the business and surrounding district.
It was another strong month of job growth, the April jobs report showed that the United States added 253,000 jobs. That now makes 28 straight months of job growth nationally. On the local front, the latest data is from March, where the Cincinnati region added 2,700 jobs. That now makes for about 1.16 million jobs locally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also released the latest unemployment numbers last week, which showed that the unemployment rate sits at 3.4% after seasonal adjustments. That ties the 50-year low that we set in January. Notably, the unemployment rate for Black Americans sits at 4.7%, a record low.
Employment Change by Month | United States
Employment Change by Month | Cincinnati MSA
While this is all positive news it does call into question how the Federal Reserve will react. It was believed that they would put a pause on interest rate hikes moving forward, but the hot job market could convince them to raise rates at least one more time to continue to combat stubbornly high inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April will come out on Wednesday of this week, and that will give insight into whether the Federal Open Market Committee will continue to raise interest rates. A larger than expected decrease in the CPI could help solidify the decision to pause interest rate hikes.
APPLICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP CINCINNATI AND WE LEAD ARE OPEN
The Leadership Center at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber offers a continuum of leadership development programs for employees at all stages of their careers. These facilitated training programs prepare employees to lead confidently and effectively, while also serving as a powerful retention strategy. Leadership Cincinnati is an immersive civic engagement and development program for established leaders in c-suite or senior executive positions, while WE Lead is a 10-month leadership development experience for high-potential, goal-oriented women looking to advance their careers. Both programs offer professional development and networking opportunities and allow participants to deepen their ties to the Cincinnati region. Learn more about Leadership Cincinnati | Learn more about WE Lead
If you have not filed your 2022 tax returns or if you are filing an extension, take advantage of lowering your taxable expense this year. Call Ed Sawyer at Business Group Resources, Chamber Benefits Member, to get your no cost no obligation analysis of how much you can save through Tax Credits. Call 513.200.1661 or email to ed.sawyer@businessgroupresources.com
Grab a friend and join us for happy hour at the Kinley Hotel Exchange Bar. Drop by for 30 minutes or stay for the full two hours, we are just excited to meet you! Registrants can enjoy their first drink for free. Walk-ins are welcome!
Make your morning coffee run an opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals at this month's Cincy Blend at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. This is a free, casual morning mixer and all are welcome – no need to be a Cincinnati Chamber member. Bring a friend or colleague and kick your morning off with coffee and connections in an incredible space. Walk-ins are welcome!
A Region at the Forefront: Maximizing Investments, Raising Our Profile, Growing Our Workforce. Join business and civic leaders as we address these issues with thought leaders in our nation’s capital.
This all-inclusive, overnight advocacy trip carries the voice of our region to Capitol Hill as we meet with members of Congress and key leaders on critical regional priorities.
The 26th annual Canstruction® in Cincinnati competition launched Tuesday, May 16, at the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Weston Art Gallery in the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Learn More
Tata Consultancy Services host Free goIT camp at Seven Hills Park in Milford, OH, June 7 & 8. This Free experiential, immersive technology camp will provide middle and high school students with hands-on technology education and IT career awareness. Register here
The Taft Museum of Art presents The Boat Trip: Etchings by Charles François Daubigny<> June 17–September 10, 2023. Learn More
