It’s a breakfast sandwich. You can get one at Austin and Tony Ferrari’s small business “Mom ‘n Em” in Camp Washington and Madisonville.
That sandwich was a go-to for me during COVID, a Friday morning treat between Zooms. The sandwich was usually accompanied by a chat with Austin and Tony and their team as they worked tirelessly through a global pandemic to create a welcoming and inclusive space for neighbors and friends to gather and connect. In just four years, the Ferrari brothers have built a community of food, wine, and coffee lovers, and they’ve centered their businesses around two historic and growing Cincinnati neighborhoods.
The vibrancy created by our food entrepreneurs is why we celebrate Taste of Cincinnati each year on Fifth Street. Our region has a tremendous offering of restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and food start-ups that are defining the cultural renaissance. Food entrepreneurs are enlivening our neighborhoods, creating spaces for us to celebrate and bond, and importantly, growing our economy.
You won’t want to miss the celebration this week at Taste of Cincinnati, with nearly 80 total restaurants, food trucks, and food entrepreneurs from Findlay Market. Come down this weekend and eat great food and drink some beer.
And of course, celebrate the food and beverage oriented small businesses all over our region who are growing our economy, helping to attract talent, and spurring cultural vibrancy right here in Cincinnati.
Last week the US Census Bureau released their latest population estimates for communities across the country and they show that the Cincinnati Region continues a steady trajectory of growth, adding over 5,000 residents between July of 2021 and July of 2022. But beyond that, the data also show exactly where that growth is happening within our region. The largest numerical increase in population belonged to the City of Cincinnati itself, adding 828 additional residents over the course of the year. This also happened to be the fifth largest increase in population for any municipality in the entire state of Ohio, showing that the revitalization of our urban core continues to lead us toward a more vibrant future.
Ohio Cities with the Largest Numerical Population Increase (2021 – 2022)
SW Ohio Communities with the Largest % Population Increase (2021 – 2022)
SW OH Communities with the Largest Numerical Population Increase
(2021 – 2022)
Aside from the City of Cincinnati, the largest numerical gainers were all in Warren County. With suburban growth from both the Cincinnati and Dayton regions, Warren County continues to be a center of population growth for the entire state, and an increasingly important part of the Cincinnati-Dayton Metroplex. Additionally, the City of Norwood saw one of the largest percentage increases in population in Southwest Ohio, again highlighting the revitalization and growth of our urban communities. On the other side of the Ohio River, growth spread across the three suburban Northern Kentucky counties of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton, with Florence leading the way for numerical population growth in the NKY area. Covington also added 155 new residents during the year, showing that the urban revitalization is not confined to the Ohio side of the river. The Center for Research & Data will continue to monitor population growth throughout the region and use it to make thoughtful recommendations on public policy to help our region to continue to thrive and grow.
NKY Communities with the Largest % Population Increase (2021 – 2022, Min. population of 2,000)
NKY Communities with the Largest Numerical Population Increase
Applications are Open for Cincy Lead and WE Ascend
The Leadership Center is currently accepting applications for two premier leadership development programs:
Cincy LEAD is a five-session program from the Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. It was created to provide a roundtable experience within the context of a full leadership development program at an affordable cost for price-conscious leaders and organizations. Learn more and apply | View the Cincy Lead experience
WE Ascend is a seven-session program from the Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. It provides a small group coaching experience for 6-8 BIPOC women executives taking on new challenges in their organization or who have just been promoted or are seeking promotion. Learn more and apply | View the WE Ascend experience
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.
The Greater Cincinnati Safety Council was started in 2005 and is one of the largest Safety Councils in the region. It is comprised of local companies from all industries dedicated to the safety of their employees.
Join us virtually at our next Monthly Member Briefing on Thursday, June 8th at 8 a.m. with keynote speaker, Elizabeth Blackburn, the Director of Strategy & Engagement for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Following our keynote and Q&A, you'll hear from a member showcase company and the program will conclude with updates from one of our featured partners and a Cincinnati Chamber team member.
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 & 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.
