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Issue 4, Vol. 1
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June/2009
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Greetings!
It is my distinct honor, and privilege, to have been named by City Manager Milton Dohoney to serve as the Interim Director of Economic Development for the City of Cincinnati. I take the assignment to succeed Holly Childs, who accepted a position in Pittsburgh in April, very seriously and pledge to work as hard as possible to maintain the momentum created by the Economic Development Division (EDD) over the past two years. I am fortunate to be surrounded by the professional staff assembled by Holly.
I would like to introduce myself to those of you whom I have yet to meet. I am a lifelong resident and have worked for the City of Cincinnati since 1992. I started my public service in the Neighborhood Housing & Conservation Department. I managed housing and community development projects in Avondale, East End and Downtown. In 2002, I was assigned to work on economic development projects and was one of the first employees assigned to the newly created EDD in 2004. I've worked on developments as small as a $20,000 housing rehab all the way up to the $300 Million Great American Tower at Queen City Square. All of it has been educational and fulfilling.
Our task, in this challenging economic environment, is to retain our existing companies and help them to grow; as well as to actively recruit new businesses and development opportunities in Cincinnati. We recognize that a major portion of the City's Budget is generated by earning tax revenues. Job creation and retention are essential to our ability to provide basic services to citizens. We will continue to maintain that focus.
On May 29, the Graeter's Manufacturing Company broke ground on their new ice cream production plant in Bond Hill. Also in the month of May, EDD staff assisted Burke, Inc. with a LEED-CRA property tax abatement, which will enable the company to renovate and expand 500 W. Seventh Street.
More projects are in the pipeline, giving us hope that the long awaited turnaround is within sight. In coming months, I will share the details as projects emerge. I also welcome your input on how the Economic Development Division may best serve the needs of the residents and corporate citizens of our City.
Thank You,
Patrick Ewing,
Interim Economic Development Division Director |
Graeter's breaks ground on new ice cream production facility
Project news from Patrick Ewing
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 On May 29, Graeter's, City officials, the State of Ohio, and the Bond Hill community joined together to break ground on Graeter's new ice cream production facility. The 28,000-square-foot plant, which will be located at 66th Street and Paddock Road in Bond Hill, will accommodate Graeter's planned distribution into new markets. The new facility will have a larger freezer, loading dock and a blend room where Graeter's will mix together the cream and flavors that create all of Graeter's irresistible taste combinations. Graeter's will still produce their candy and bakery goods at their Reading Road facility in Mt. Auburn. Initially, there are plans to create 50 jobs at this new site, with the potential for additional jobs within several years. The cost of the building project is approximately $11 million. The facility expansion was made possible through financial assistance from both the City of Cincinnati and the State of Ohio.
This is the first step toward the redevelopment of the former Mill Creek Psychiatric Center into a world class business park. Graeter's will occupy 4.5 acres at the corner of Paddock Road and 66th Street. The remaining 20 acres of the City owned site is being prepared to be marketed for Research & Development and/or Smart Office development.
The Economic Development Division would like the thank the Graeter's family for continuing their long history of doing business in the City of Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory addresses the crowd
Groundbreaking ceremony for Graeter's new ice cream production facility
Everyone loves Graeter's Ice Cream |
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Thank you for taking the time to read about the great things going on in the City. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
City of Cincinnati Economic Development Division |
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Did you know?
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Eight Greater Cincinnati companies are among the world's
most admired, according to the March 16, 2009 issue of Fortune magazine. |
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