OVER-THE-RHINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2019 “OTR MADE” AWARDS CEREMONY LINEUP
Ellie Schneider of Design Core Detroit to Deliver Keynote Speech
CINCINNATI- Outstanding individuals and businesses showing dedication and contributions to the continued success of Cincinnati’s internationally celebrated Over-the-Rhine neighborhood will be honored at the annual OTR Made Awards, the OTR Chamber of Commerce announced today.
Ellie Schneider, Director of Advocacy and Operations at Design Core Detroit, the steward of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation, will deliver the keynote speech. In 2015, Detroit became the first and only city in the United States to receive the UNESCO City of Design designation, joining a network of now 22 design cities and 180 cities focused on using creativity as a driver for sustainable and equitable development around the world.
“We are excited to have Ellie to share Detroit's story and how the city became a national leader in using creativity as a driver for sustainable and equitable development,” said Kelly Adamson, Executive Director of the OTR Chamber of Commerce.
"As we recognize the people and businesses who have made OTR the community it is today, this is also a wonderful opportunity to learn the story of other cities and how they are carrying out their vision for the future through creative and inclusive avenues,” Adamson said.
The event will include a happy hour reception following the awards, with wine samplings from Revel Urban Winery and bites from Soul Secrets Catering, a Findlay Kitchen-based minority family catering service that specializes in southern cuisine. The event will also include a performance by local soul and hip-hop trio, TRIIIBE. The reception follows the award presentations to businesses and individuals who have helped make OTR a nation-wide success story for urban renaissance.
“The OTR Made Awards is a time for the community to come together and celebrate one of the nation’s top neighborhoods,” said OTR Chamber Executive Director Kelly Adamson. “By attracting one of the nation’s most recognized travel experts to the event, we are confirming that OTR isn’t just a Cincinnati gem, it’s a hotspot for tourists across the country and even the world.”
Awards will focus on the OTR tradition of promoting arts, community, culture, food, and entrepreneurship that contribute to the neighborhood. The 2019 recipients include:
- Norma Petersen Arts and Culture Award: School for Creative and Performing Arts.
- Architectural Revitalization of the Year: First Lutheran Church
- Chairperson’s Award: People’s Liberty
- New Business of the Year: 3 Points Urban Brewery
- Business of the Year: American Legacy Tours
- Bar/Restaurant of the Year: MAIZE Arepas and Bar
- Ezzard Charles Award: Maurice Wagoner
- Ed Hubert Award: Bill Baum and Otto Baum
- Community Impact of the Year: Abdullah Powell and Tom Kent
- Nonprofit of the Year: Brewery District CURC
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Chanel Scales
- Job Creation of the Year: Venice on Vine