About OTRCC

Over-the-Rhine Chamber History

History of Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce

In the early 1980’s, with the leadership of Jim Tarbell, local businessmen, activists and civic leaders Fred Berger, Walter Gabennesch, Kim Krause, Dick Thomas and Bob Wimberg, concerned that the needs and the opportunities of Over-the-Rhine were great, and that an organization to address them did not exist, formed the neighborhood Chamber of Commerce,

Even before the OTR Chamber acquired it’s official 501c6 designation, this group had secured the National Historic Register recognition for the entire 360 acre foot print of the OTR neighborhood. OTR has the largest collection of 19th century Italianate architecture than any district in the United State an asset that continues to be a core value and appeal of the area.

In spring of 1985, the group’s first meeting was upstairs at Grammer’s Restaurant where Jim Tarbell was named president of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to improving civic involvement and rebuilding the inner city. Early members included Diane and Bill Smart, Marge Hammelrath, Mary Bonansinga, Tom Denhart and Joe Gorman. Monthly meetings moved form one business and establishment to another so members became familiar and supportive of one another. (This tradition continues today with monthly lunch meetings and various networking activities in a variety of businesses in OTR.)

From the beginning, Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce has actively encouraged the maintenance and establishment of businesses in the area. About the same time the OTR Chamber began, Terry Carter opened Neon’s bar and nightclub. This was the catalyst that began the revival of the Main Street Entertainment District. Numerous clubs, restaurants and bars lined Main Street and entertained nearly a million visitors a year.

Cincinnati is rich in volunteerism and philanthropy. the early 1990’s with the energy and support of the OTR Chamber, the OTR Foundation was spun off as a 501c3 organization, to tap into the grants and fiscal gifts available to generate street animation and activity for the businesses and residents of Over-the-Rhine. Together these two organizations work hand in hand to bring special events, attentions, awareness, resources and commerce to the 360-acre neighborhood.

The community's proximity to downtown and major transportation corridors and its lower property values and rents have attracted these investors, just as similar factors attracted Over-the-Rhine's original builders 150 years earlier. The neighborhood's architectural character and sense of time and place also have been major factors in attracting new businesses. Some shops provide for the community's residents, while others attract customers from throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Historic Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and one of Over-the-Rhine’s most cherished institutions. Findlay Market is home year-around to about two-dozen indoor merchants selling meat, fish, poultry, produce, flowers, cheese, deli, and ethnic foods. More than an exchange of commerce, Findlay is a gathering place attracts perhaps the most socially, economically, racially, and ethnically diverse crowds found anywhere in Cincinnati.

Scattered throughout the neighborhood are small groceries, specialty stores, restaurants, and light industrial shops. Most conspicuous is the large collection of arts and cultural related buildings including Music Hall, Memorial Hall, Emery and Ensemble Theatre.

An issue that the founders and the current leadership of the OTR Chamber face is maintaining high quality, affordable housing for low-income residents while attracting market-driven, middle- and higher-income housing thus insuring the economic stability of the neighborhood.

The OTR Chamber stays responsive to the needs of members and the community. In recent history, the OTR Chamber developed an anti-drug program with targeted police details to reduce the criminal activity related to illegal drug trafficking. The safety sector meetings successfully facilitate open dialogue between police officers, safety ambassadors, businessmen and residents in the various districts in the neighborhood.

Since its inception, the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce has grown to 500 members, making it the largest neighborhood Chamber of Commerce in Cincinnati. In 2004 it formed a partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce to strengthen its influence and to offer added benefits for members and the community.

Today, the OTR Chamber of Commerce is the lifeblood of the neighborhood, supporting all facets of the neighborhood – commerce, community and lifestyle. The OTRCC provides a forum for diverse interests: businesses, developers, property owners, residents, arts organizations and social service providers.