Annual Meeting Recap

An enthusiastic crowd of over 300 people attended the 2009 Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 14th. The audience included several business, civic and government leaders, along with many other Over-the-Rhine supporters. Held in Music Hall’s Ballroom, this year's program recognized the great progress achieved in Over-the-Rhine this past year.  The meeting  honored and recognized Star Awards recipients. Once a year, Star Awards are received by outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses to recognize the positive impact they have made in Over-the-Rhine over the past year.

Serving as master of ceremonies was Executive Sports Producer for News Channel 5 George Vogel, who brought humor and personality to this year's stage.  District One Congressman Steve Driehaus served as this year's Keynote speaker.  A big thank you goes out to the individual volunteers that helped make the 2009 Annual Meeting a great success.

2009 Star Award Winners

At the 2009 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.

Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney received the Chairman's Award for his efforts to make Cincinnati a better place to live, work and play.

Brian Thomas of 55KRC received the President's Award for his efforts in making Over-the-Rhine's progress known.

The Business of the Year Award went to Decal Impressions.

New Businesses of the Year Award went to both Lavomatic and Mixx Ultra Lounge.

Property Development of the Year Award went to Urban Sites for their continued role in redeveloping Over-the-Rhine.

Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year Award went to Wesley Chapel Mission Center.

Architecture of the Year Award went to Jeff Raser, Angela Sanalone, and Brian Grider of glaserworks.

The award for Arts Organization of the Year went to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for its continued excellence in highlighting out neighborhood on a local, regional, national and international stage.

This year's Individual Contribution Award went to Kathleen Norris for her dedication to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

In addition, Sergeant Stephen Saunders of the Cincinnati Police Department and ProScan Pink Ribbon Center each received a Special Recognition Award.

Thank You to the 2009 Annual Meeting Sponsors

The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize the 2009 Annual Meeting sponsors whose support made the event a success. We appreciate PNC Bank and Western & Southern Financial Group, our Platinum Sponsors.

Thanks also to our Gold Sponsors: The Business Courier, Eagle Realty Group, Frost Brown Todd LLC, glaserworks, Macy's Inc., Michael Schuster Associates, The Model Group, Proctor & Gamble and Rippe & Kingston Co. PSC.

Many thanks to our Silver Sponsors: 3CDC, Catholic Healthcare Partners/HealthSpan, Duke Energy, Loud & Clear Inc., Media Bridges, Urban Sites Properties, US Bank, Winegardner & Hammons Inc., Worldwide Graphics and YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.

The Chamber would also like to thank our Patron Sponsors: Blue Frog Promotions, Carey Digital, Dugan & Meyers Construction Co., Gray & Pape Inc., Hixson Architects Engineering Interiors, The Kroger Co., Mellott & Mellott P.L.L., Messer Construction Co., New Horizons Credit Union, Norma Peterson, Turner Construction Company and St. Francis Seraph Ministries.

And finally, a very special thanks to: Cincinnati Arts Association at Music Hall, the Cincinnati Opera, City Cellars Fine Wines, the Corporation for Findlay Market, Elegant Fare Inc. and Pieczonka Unlimited.