Promoting Economic Vitality
The mission of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce is to
be the driving force for creating a strong economy while
also promoting inclusivity, embracing diversity and
celebrating originality. Our vision is for Over-the-Rhine to
be a model neighborhood for inclusive urban
revitalization.
We accomplish this through comprehensive marketing, signature events, business support programs, and safety and beautification initiatives.
The OTR Chamber was formed in 1985 as a 501(c)(6) organization. In 2000, we created the OTR Revitalization Corporation, a 501(c)(3), to tap into available grants and fiscal gifts. The organizations work hand in hand to bring resources, events, commerce, and awareness to our 360-acre neighborhood.
We accomplish this through comprehensive marketing, signature events, business support programs, and safety and beautification initiatives.
The OTR Chamber was formed in 1985 as a 501(c)(6) organization. In 2000, we created the OTR Revitalization Corporation, a 501(c)(3), to tap into available grants and fiscal gifts. The organizations work hand in hand to bring resources, events, commerce, and awareness to our 360-acre neighborhood.
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Marketing and Communications
The Over-the-Rhine Chamber works to improve attitudes and
perceptions about OTR, and increase the neighborhood's
vibrancy. As the creator of signature events like the
OTR MADE Awards, and
Second Sunday on Main,
The OTR Chamber is responsible for bringing thousands of
visitors and potential shoppers to the district.
LEARN ABOUT MEMBER BENEFITS
The OTR Chamber also leads an annual holiday campaign, including special events. Year-round, it convenes Over-the-Rhine merchant associations on a monthly basis to better connect and cross promote regional business districts.
The OTR Chamber also leads an annual holiday campaign, including special events. Year-round, it convenes Over-the-Rhine merchant associations on a monthly basis to better connect and cross promote regional business districts.
Business Attraction and Retention
The Over-the-Rhine Chamber supports existing and potential
businesses of OTR to grow sustainable businesses, increase
employment opportunities, and energize the streets and
sidewalks of OTR.
Learn more about our Programs
Learn more about our Programs
Business First Grant
Our Business First Grant (BFG) program benefits the city by
strengthening the local economy, increasing pedestrian
traffic and growing jobs in OTR. To date, the OTR Chamber
has invested $400,000 in new businesses through its
supporting partners.
LEARN ABOUT THE BUSINESS FIRST GRANT
Business Innovation Challenge
Our Business Innovation Challenge awards grants to
businesses with an innovative idea focused on growing new
products and services in Over-the-Rhine. All existing
businesses located in Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton (as
defined by the City of Cincinnati) are eligible to apply.
LEARN ABOUT THE BUSINESS INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Our Neighborhood
Over-the-Rhine is a welcoming community where people of all
socioeconomic backgrounds shop, live, work and play. By
coming here, patrons are embracing the diversity that makes
our neighborhood special and supporting businesses that are
the backbone of our community.
Since the early nineteenth century, Over-the-Rhine, a 360-acre neighborhood, has been home to people of all economic classes and ethnic backgrounds. Over-the-Rhine has long been physically defined by its characteristic compact streets, three- to five-story brick buildings, churches, and meeting halls, which was heavily influenced by its first inhabitants, German immigrants.
The neighborhood's name is also a nod to its earliest residents. The first portion of the Miami and Erie Canal completed in 1827, and the canal flowed between downtown and Over-the-Rhine, which reminded German immigrants of the Rhine River. They dubbed the canal (now Central Parkway) “the Rhine,” and from this grew the name “Over-the-Rhine.”
The revitalization of Over-the-Rhine continues to receive national attention for its clear direction with regard to development, public and private efforts, and strong will of local residents. With city-wide collaboration and determination, Over-the-Rhine is moving steadily toward a future with an economically vibrant, socially and culturally diverse, and all-around inclusive neighborhood.
Learn more
Since the early nineteenth century, Over-the-Rhine, a 360-acre neighborhood, has been home to people of all economic classes and ethnic backgrounds. Over-the-Rhine has long been physically defined by its characteristic compact streets, three- to five-story brick buildings, churches, and meeting halls, which was heavily influenced by its first inhabitants, German immigrants.
The neighborhood's name is also a nod to its earliest residents. The first portion of the Miami and Erie Canal completed in 1827, and the canal flowed between downtown and Over-the-Rhine, which reminded German immigrants of the Rhine River. They dubbed the canal (now Central Parkway) “the Rhine,” and from this grew the name “Over-the-Rhine.”
The revitalization of Over-the-Rhine continues to receive national attention for its clear direction with regard to development, public and private efforts, and strong will of local residents. With city-wide collaboration and determination, Over-the-Rhine is moving steadily toward a future with an economically vibrant, socially and culturally diverse, and all-around inclusive neighborhood.
Learn more
