Make Your Voice Heard
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
The premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the region.
We’re just over a month until the November election, and early voting starts next week!
At the Chamber, we know that advocacy isn’t just about elections. Our Government Affairs & Advocacy Team works year-round to advocate for pro-growth policies at the local, state, and federal levels. We take positions regularly on legislation, and occasionally ballot issues, that align to our policy agenda, and after careful study by our Government Affairs Executive Committee. That committee is made up of business leaders and executives from companies throughout our region.
We also work with our membership at large—leaders like you and your colleagues. On Wednesday, we hosted our Chamber Advocacy Council meeting at the UC Health Gardner Center. The CAC offers a platform for businesses of various sizes, industries, and backgrounds to actively participate in discussions concerning government, policy, and politics. It’s both an opportunity to learn more about issues that are relevant to a pro-business climate as well as a good place to establish connections and cultivate relationships with other leaders who have an interest in the government affairs space. Last night, the discussion focused on childcare policy at the state and federal level. I’m proud our Chamber is engaging in these discussions because better access to childcare means a potentially larger talent pool for our employers, a stronger workforce, and more participation in our local economy.
Government Affairs and Advocacy is a crucial part of your membership at the Chamber. And there are plenty of ways to get involved. Start by reviewing the Chamber’s legislative priorities more in-depth. And then sign up for PULSE, our Government Affairs & Advocacy newsletter that provides insights to keep you informed about issues related to our policy agenda. You can also sign up here to get details on our next CAC event in November. I’m grateful to my colleague Liz Keating, our VP of Government Affairs and Advocacy, for her relentless focus on bipartisan sensible policy solutions that will grow our region.
Thank you for reading, and check this space next week for an exclusive BLINK preview!
Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator
KeyBank Awards $300,000 Grant to Minority Business Accelerator
In a significant move to support diverse businesses in our region, KeyBank has awarded a $300,000 grant to the Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) program this week. This investment marks a major milestone in the Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator's ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive business community.
The Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator, established in 2003, has been instrumental in supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses throughout the region. This new funding will enhance the program's ability to provide resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities to minority business enterprises.
Announcing Cincy Lead Class 6
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is proud to announce the launch of Cincy Lead Class 6! The program is designed to equip leaders with the skills and tools to accelerate their leadership in their organization and with their teams. Participants will also expand their personal and professional networks while sharing experiences and best practices.
Participants will:
Dual Chamber Member Spotlight
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Viva Coffee Roasters
Located in the Montecillos Coffee Region, Gerado’s family’s coffee farm was one of the best in the region. His family focused on producing high-quality Arabica beans, mainly of the Caturra, Bourbon, and Catui varieties.
Fast forward to 2009, Gerado relocated to Cincinnati, OH to start his career as an industrial engineer after finishing grad school in Upstate NY. When he arrived to Cincinnati, he immediately fell in love with the city. “Cincinnati is a very diverse and up-and-coming city with a deep passion for great coffee, great food, and a vibrant soccer scene… it reminded me of my home country.”
In 2021, in the middle of a global pandemic, Gerado took a leap of faith and bought his first 250g Drum Roaster. He started the long-sought dream of sharing his passion and love for coffee and community with the world. In April of 2021, he embarked on a 1,000+ km journey through the Western Sierras searching for outstanding coffee. From an all-women-operated Cooperative in Marcala to a 4th generation producer family in Copán, he met some of the most passionate and hardworking farmers. Loaded with 70+ lbs of green beans in his checked bags, he traveled back to Cincinnati, OH and carefully roasted and evaluated each sample, over and over again until he found the best coffee for you. This coffee is a testament to his passion for community and high-quality coffee. His company’s mission is to develop and roast high-quality coffee while improving the lives of their growers, partners, and customers through meaningful and honest relationships one cup at a time.
Viva Coffee Roasters is a Silver Dual Member. Through unique partnerships with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber and the Cincinnati USA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce companies can enjoy all the privileges and benefits of membership with the Cincinnati Chamber for one low price.
How does my company get started with dual memberships?
Contact Beth McNeill at bethm@cincinnatichamber.com or 513.686.2950
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2024
This year's Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, held at its new location at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, has been hailed as a huge success by attendees and vendors alike! With a record-breaking attendance of 818,532, this iconic Cincinnati event continues to be the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S.
Visitors raved about the festival’s lively atmosphere, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment, reflecting a remarkable 80% approval rating from over 900 survey responses. Guests highlighted the spacious and scenic riverfront location as a key improvement, offering more room to relax, enjoy the festival, and immerse themselves in authentic Bavarian culture.
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber, alongside presenting sponsor Samuel Adams, thanks everyone for making this year’s Oktoberfest an unforgettable experience. A special thank you goes out to the Events and Experiences Team, whose hard work and dedication played a crucial role in delivering such an outstanding experience for all. From record vendor sales to glowing feedback from attendees, the move to Sawyer Point was a resounding success.
Stay tuned for exciting updates for Oktoberfest 2025, and if you haven’t yet, share your thoughts on this year's event by completing the survey at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com!
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