Annual Meeting RecapA 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(pictured above) 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.
Coming out of broadcasting retirement for one day only, Mistress of Ceremonies Robin Wood(pictured at right) of Robin Wood Flowers brought personality and warmth to the stage. Keynote speaker John Barrett recently had knee surgery and was unable to attend but left a video message. In the video, Mr. Barrett spoke about the importance of downtown and the contribution that a vibrant Over-the-Rhine can make to downtown Cincinnati and noted the importance of safety to achieving the goal. A big thank you goes out to the individual volunteers that helped make the 2008 Annual Meeting a great success.
2008 Star Award Winners
At the 2008 Annual Meeting, businesses, individuals, and organizations received Star Awards for their contributions to Over the Rhine over the past year. Each point on the star represents each of the 5 unique neighborhoods(Washington Park, Mohawk, Central, Pendleton, and Findlay Market) that make up Over-the-Rhine.
Recently retired Cincinnati Police Captain Kenneth Jones received the Chairman's Award for spearheading efforts to make District One and Over-the-Rhine safer.
George Crawford received the President's Award due to his passion for Over-the-Rhine and one of the most effective ambassadors to attract businesses to OTR.
Below Zero won the Business of the Year Award.
New Businesses of the Year Award went to Park + Vine.
Property Development of the Year went to Liberty & Main Properties, Urban Sites for converting an old warehouse at 14th and Clay into a commercial work space, and the Model Group for the Bremen Lofts Development.
Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year Award went to Christ Child YMCA Child Development for their long time success of developing neighborhood children into prosperous adults and Cincinnati Union Bethel – Off the Streets Program for addressing the issue of prostitution through a comprehensive and innovative program..
Architecture of the Year went to glaserworks.
Individual Contribution Awards went to Christine Douglas for her outstanding accomplishments as a single parent, full-time working and still find the time and energy to have an ice cream store that provides a favorable impact on the Over-the-Rhine community and Tammy Jacobson for turning around the struggling non-profit Memorial Community Center which for over 80 years provides advocacy services, early childhood education and youth programs in Over-the-Rhine.
Thank You to the 2008 Annual Meeting Sponsors
The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize the 2007 Annual Meeting sponsors whose support made the event a success. We appreciate Macy's, Proctor & Gamble, Melody Sawyer Richardson - Comey & Shepherd Commercial, Turner Construction Company and Western & Southern Financial Group, our Platinum Sponsors.
Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
The Business Courier, The Cincinnati Reds, Eagle Realty Group, glaserworks, Mercy Health Partners/ Catholic Healthcare Partners, Michael Schuster Associates, Winegardener & Hammons, Inc., and YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.
Many thanks to our Silver Sponsors:
3CDC, Cincinnati Union Bethel, Duke Energy, Frost Brown Todd, LLC, GBBN Architects, Inc, Loud & Clear, Inc, Media Bridges, The Model Group, PNC Bank, Rippe & Kingston Co. PSC, US Bank, and Urban Sites Properties.
The Chamber would also like to thank our Patron Sponsors: Blue Frog Promotions, Dugan & Meyers Construction Co., Gray & Pape, Inc., Mellott & Mellott, P.L.L., Messer Construction, and Norma Petersen.
A Very Special Thanks to:
Cincinnati Arts Association at Music Hall, City Cellars Fine Wines, Corporation for Findlay Market, Digital Express, Elegant Fare, Inc., Life Photography Studio, Pieczonka Unlimited, Robin Wood Flowers and Rookwood Pottery.
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