May 2008

2008 GOOTR 5K

On Saturday May 31st, over 750 people flocked to Over-the-Rhine for the second annual GO OTR 5K Run/Walk(see photos). The race began at 10 a.m. at the corners of 12th and Vine Street with Mayor Mark Mallory officially starting the race. The record turnout of runners is a great testament to the growth and positive change that is happening in Over-the-Rhine. The race participants were able to enjoy the historic beauty of OTR as the race route traveled along Elm, 12th, Main, Vine, Liberty and Central Parkway. The top five finishers in the male and female runners/ walkers categories were awarded with handcrafted metals from Rookwood Pottery. The run ended with a pizza from Venice and Vine and beer provided by Christian Moerlein.

The Over-the-Rhine Chamber would like to thank the participants and volunteers for making the event a huge success. In particular, the Over-the-Rhine Chamber would like to thank the following race sponsors:

• Presenting - Model Group, PNC Bank
• Music Hall - Huff Realty Metropolitan, Metro, Eagle Realty Group,Rookwood Pottery, 3CDC, Christian Moerlein
• Findlay Market Sponsors - Gateway Quarter, Rippe & Kingston Company PSC, Verdin Bell Company, New Horizons Credit Union, GBBN Architects, Strata-G Communications, Ket Moy Priniting INC.
• Washington Park Sponsors - infintech, Second Sunday on Main, Beckman, Weil, Shepherdson LLC, Attorneys at Law.

OTR Chamber Welcomes New Chairman W. Russell Wilson

The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome W. Russell Wilson as new Chairman of the Board.Russ Wilson has served on the Board of Directors of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber since July 2004. He has held the position of member of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Issues Committee, serviced as legal advisor and held the position of Vice Chair since 2007. Russ is a partner in the Cincinnati office of Frost Brown Todd LLC, where he practices primarily real estate law. Russ is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati. He is the immediate past President of the Board of Springer School and Center and has been actively involved in the organization of the Chris Collinsworth ProScan Fund's Queen City Classic scholastic chess tournament since its inception in 2002.

Annual Meeting Recap

A sold out crowd of over 300 people attended the 2008 Over-the-Rhine Chamber Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 29th. The audience included several business, civic and government leaders, along with many other Over-the-Rhine supporters. Held in Music Hall’s Ballroom, the meeting’s program recognized outgoing Over-the-Rhine Chamber Chairman Mario San Marco's contributions and achievements over the last few years. The meeting also honored and recognized Star Awards recipients. Once a year, Star Awards are received by outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses to recognize the positive impact that they have made in Over-the-Rhine over the past year. Read More.

February 2008

February Membership Luncheon Recap

A sold out crowd attended the February 19 Membership Luncheon featuring City Councilman Chris Bortz at Boost, the newest meeting facility in Over-the-Rhine. Councilman Bortz gave a 30 minute presentation and slide show on the proposed street car system for the city of Cincinnati. The presentation covered route, cost, financing, benefits, and the next step in the process to make this a reality. An interesting Question/Answer session afterward provided further discussion of streetcars in Cincinnati. Thank Yous go to Boost for hosting the meeting and Elegant Fare for catering.

Crime down in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown

District One which includes Over-the-Rhine, West End, and downtown, has had 18 consecutive months of decline in crime. Between 2007 and 2006, crime was down 25% and between 2007 and 2002, crime was down 41%. In fact , crime was lower in 2007 than 2000 in District One. District One now has the lowest crime statistics of Cincinnati's five districts.

We've Moved!

The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce has moved to 1401 Main Street, a prominent store front at the corner of 14th and Main Street. Please update your records and be sure to visit and check out the new location.