As I sit here today – my third day as President & CEO of the Cincinnati Chamber – I want you to know what an honor and privilege it is to lead an organization that represents our region’s business and civic leaders. The Chamber has been a force for growth in our community for nearly 200 years, and we have always been an organization singularly focused on building our region’s future. Through the trust and support of our members and stakeholders, we’re able to drive high-impact, growth-minded initiatives that keep our region competitive and thriving.
2023 is an important year for us as we will close out our current three-year strategic plan and embark on a new five-year plan. That plan will inevitably focus on growth, and more specifically the growth of our region’s population, economy, and cultural vibrancy. Each is crucial, and importantly, interrelated. More people bring more demand for products and services which spurs economic growth, and a thriving talent base leads to a surge in creativity, innovation, inclusion, and culture.
As a region, we have a tremendous opportunity to build on the momentum we’ve all felt over the last several years. Whether it was the investment in a modern and connected transit system, the $1.635 billion in federal funds secured for the Brent Spence Bridge, the return of BLINK, or the launch of the Minority Business Accelerator Fund I, we’ve been a Chamber focused on getting big things done. And that’s what will define our future. We have an open window for economic growth and a cultural renaissance that will make us the envy of cities in the world. Who wouldn’t want to make the Cincinnati region home?
I’m grateful to have worked so closely with Jill Meyer for seven years and to follow her in this role; she’s someone who has mentored and inspired me in so many ways. We have a tremendous Board of Directors who is dedicated to our mission and work. And we have a Chamber team that delivers our work with passion and professionalism every day.
I’m honored to serve our entire region’s business and civic community as we collectively drive toward a growth-oriented future city. I’m looking forward to everything ahead and what we can accomplish together.
Please connect with me and tell me your thoughts and hopes for the future.
Earlier this week, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Cincinnati Magazine launched the online version of the popular publication; Realm: The Journal for Queen City CEOs. Realm is a quarterly print publication connecting area executives with each other and with news, resources, and opportunities designed to help them succeed.
Analysis of Census data by the Center for Research and Data confirms residential population in the downtown area experienced a growth rate exceeding 20% between 2010 and 2020, and this growth trend is still ongoing. Furthermore, within the same timeframe, there was a notable increase of 36% in the number of housing units. This translates to approximately 1,100 new housing units being added in the span of the decade, making it the neighborhood in Cincinnati with the highest number of new units during that period.
Housing Growth in the City of Cincinnati – Top Five Neighborhoods 2010 - 2020
Population Growth in the City of Cincinnati – Top Five Neighborhoods 2010 – 2020
Earlier this month, the Cincinnati 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. Applications close May 31.
Applications for Leadership Center and WE Lead Close Today!
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 leadership development program for women that focuses on the whole person. Throughout the course, you will have space to invest in yourself by tapping into multiple angles of growth, including engaging with other high-achieving women, developing strategic goals, and going beyond your own aspirations and dreams. WE Lead intentionally leans into diversity through the programming, facilitators, experiences, and cohorts you are part of.
CINC is a series of free summer events that exposes interns and co-ops to all that Cincinnati has to offer by connecting students to each other and the region. The CINC Kick-Off will allow interns to connect, hear from a panel of local and highly engaged professionals, and have an opportunity to win several raffle items such as swag, sporting event tickets, and gift cards to local establishments. Share with your interns to join us to make the most of their experience this summer!
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.
Member Benefits 101 is the perfect opportunity for all types of businesses to learn about Cincinnati Chamber membership, how to get connected to your network of fellow Chamber members, and how to get engaged with the Chamber offerings that best benefit you and your business. Join us to hear from the Chamber team about how you can maximize your membership.
