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Yesterday, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Board of Directors announced our long-term CEO succession plan following a special Board meeting. After seven amazing years, I have made the tough decision to step down as Chamber CEO, effective May 15, 2023. As part of the succession plan, I could not be more thrilled that the Board of Directors has elected Brendon Cull, the Chamber's current president, to serve as the next president and CEO of this incredible organization! Brendon is a well-known leader who is passionate about our region, and I know his strategy and vision will continue to propel the Chamber to new heights.
Throughout my tenure as CEO, I have had the honor of working with amazing leaders from across the region to tackle some of the region's most pressing economic issues and focus boldly on building a stronger Cincinnati to become a destination for people and businesses.
As the Chamber works through the final year of our current strategic plan, now is the right time for me to plan my next adventure. We have accomplished so much and this outstanding Chamber team is well positioned to deliver even more. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to lead this almost 200-year old organization and serve our robust business community. As before I took this role, I will continue to be a tireless advocate for how business leaders can build this Future City. Brendon has been my partner and the architect of so much of what the Chamber has accomplished over the last seven years. There is no better person to serve our members next and I couldn’t be happier that the Board agrees.
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Jill Meyer
CEO
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
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We Are Making Black History | Christie Bryant Kuhns
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Meet Christie Bryant Kuhns, president and CEO of The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. If there’s one word to describe Christie’s leadership ethos, it’s advocacy.
A lifelong resident of Cincinnati, Christie has been dedicated to the Queen City and its citizens from day one. A lawyer, former Ohio state representative, and longtime nonprofit employee, Christie has gained a diverse skill set that helps her lead at the head of the Urban League. She spent 16 years as a volunteer for the Avondale Community Council and Development Corporation, is on several boards - including the YWCA Greater Cincinnati and the Ohio Poverty Law Center - and is currently in Class 29 of the African American Leadership Development Program at the Urban League.
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Economic Update
Earlier today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for the month of January. The data show that inflation continued to fall on a year-over-year basis, ticking down to 6.4 percent, 0.1 percentage point lower than in December. Overall, year-over-year CPI inflation is down from 9.1 percent in June and has fallen for seven straight months. However, the monthly index increased from 0.1 percent in December to 0.5 percent in January, dampening optimism just a bit. It’s too early to tell whether January represents a reacceleration, or a one-time blip, but monthly inflation remains much lower than the heights it reached in early-to-mid 2022. The Federal Reserve will continue to raise the federal funds target rate, as job growth remains incredibly strong.
Year-Over-Year Change in CPI
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Monthly Percentage Change in CPI
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ATC's second annual Tech Summit, March 2
This Summit brings together leading technologists and IT leaders for education, trend talk, and networking. Expect a fast-paced, education-based agenda with some fun sprinkled in along the way.
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Beth McNeill Nominated for Go Red for Women's Woman of Impact
Congratulation's to the Chamber's Senior Director of Sales & Engagement, Beth McNeill, on being nominated for Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign. As part of this year’s class of changemakers, she's brought together a national team of Uncommon Blessings who are working to make the greatest impact possible on women’s health.
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Amtrak Roundtable Discussion
Yesterday, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber hosted a roundtable discussion with local, state and federal government, business and civic leaders, and Amtrak on the potential for expanded passenger rail service in the Cincinnati region.
Amtrak has proposed an increase in train frequencies and new routes with Cincinnati as a hub. Recent Federal infrastructure legislation makes this possible, with the right local partnerships. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Cincy Blend: Coffee & Connections
February 15, 2023 | 8:15 – 9:30 a.m.
Make your morning coffee run an opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals at this month's Cincy Blend at Bromwell's Hearth Room. This is a free, casual morning mixer and all are welcome – no need to be a Cincinnati Chamber member.
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Member Benefits 101
February 23, 2023 | 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Member Benefits 101 is the perfect opportunity for all types of businesses to learn about 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.
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Monthly Member Briefing
March 2, 2023 | 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Join us virtually at our next Monthly Member Briefing on Thursday, March 2nd at 8 a.m. with keynote speaker Col. Teresa A. Theetge, new Police Chief of the Cincinnati Police Department.
Following our keynote and Q&A, you'll hear from chamber member showcase companies. The program will conclude with updates from a featured chamber partner and a member of the Cincinnati Chamber team.
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Alumni Event | Breakfast Speed Networking
March 8, 2023 | 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Join us for coffee, breakfast (actual eggs and bacon and such and not just bagels!), and some fun speed networking with fellow Chamber alumni. The day will be facilitated by Gina Bonar of 5 Whys Marketing LLC.
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Regional Government Day
March 9, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Connect with elected officials and administrators from across the Cincinnati region and communicate your business' priorities.
At this half-day event, Chamber members can expect to hear from policy leaders about issues impacting their businesses, such as budgets, transportation, inclusion policies, housing and growth issues, regional collaboration, economic development and more.
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Also In This Issue
Sylvia Buxton, CEO North America, Perfetti Van Melle has been nominated for one of the top awards in the confectionery industry the Kettle Award. Click here to vote for Sylvia | Learn more
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