City of Hamilton, OhioThird Quarter 2015
In This Issue
Barclaycard announces Hamilton location for new 1,500 person call center
Community First Solutions celebrates ribbon cutting
STARTEK celebrates new building with an open house
South Hamilton Crossing receives $3.75 million from OKI
City of Hamilton & CenterGrid launch high-speed internet partnership
Hamilton receives National Smart Growth Award
Jackson's Market & Deli celebrates grand opening
Made to Love celebrates grand opening
Two new startups joined The Hamilton Mill
SBDC is number one in the state
Municipal Brew Works slated to start construction in October
Mobile pay option added to 248 parking meters downtown
Hamilton Economic Development launches new website
McDulin Garage gets lighting upgrade
Utility improvements completed along Bilstein Boulevard & in Enterprise Park
CORE Fund makes progress on Main Street
Fall events in Hamilton
Program highlight: Design Assistance Program
Property highlight
Need assistance from the City?
Quick Links

Barclaycard announces Hamilton location for new 1,500 person customer contact center
Barclaycard customer contact center is one of Ohio's largest job announcements in the last decade
In August, Barclaycard, a payments business and a division of United Kingdom-based Barclays Bank, announced that their new customer contact center will be located in Hamilton. Barclaycard will be moving into Vora Technology Park, located at 101 Knightsbridge Drive. The 365,000 square foot facility was the former headquarters of Champion Paper. The future employees of the call center will provide customer service support for card members. There will be 250 new employees in 2016 and over the next three years, Barclaycard will ramp up to 1,500 employees. 

Barclaycard's announcement is the largest job announcement in recent memory in Hamilton and is one of the largest job announcements in the state of Ohio over the last decade. Barclaycard is the third company to announce job creation plans in Hamilton this year. Combined, Barclaycard, STARTEK, and ODW Logistics plan to hire over 2,200 people in the next three years. For more information, read the Journal-News article here about the announcement.
Community First Solutions celebrates ribbon cutting
The building is the new Community First Solutions Resource Center 

Construction is complete on Community First Solutions' new downtown headquarters. Community First Solutions is the parent company responsible for the strategic oversight of Colonial, Community Behavioral Health, Community First Pharmacy, and Partners in Prime. The new headquarters, which is called the Community First Solutions Resource Center, was a $5.8 million investment in the historic Ringel's Furniture building in downtown Hamilton. Community First Solutions serves over 46,000 individuals annually and is Hamilton's 2nd largest private employer with nearly 700 employees. 
STARTEK celebrates new building with an open house
STARTEK has hired 150 people since they opened in July
 
International call center operator STARTEK is ramping up its Hamilton operation even as construction continues on the building at 150 High Street in downtown Hamilton. The first employees moved into the building on July 13th and they celebrated their new space with an open house on July 30th. When fully operational, STARTEK plans to employ 682 at the Hamilton facility. The $2.8 million renovation is expected to be completed mid-October.
South Hamilton Crossing receives $3.75 million from OKI
In total, OKI has pledged $6.2 million towards the project
 
In September, the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) awarded the South Hamilton Crossing  overpass project $3.75 million from the Federal Surface Transportation Program. This is in addition to the $2.45 million previously awarded to the project from OKI. The South Hamilton Crossing (SHX) project will improve transportation in the City of Hamilton and the region. SHX will replace an existing at-grade railroad crossing with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard to the west. SHX is expected to greatly improve safety and transit access to Vora Technology Park, University Commerce Park, and Miami University-Hamilton.

The total project cost is estimated to be $29 million. In addition to the $6.2 million from OKI, SHX has received $10 million in funding from the State of Ohio, $500,000 from the Butler County TID, $100,000 from the Butler County Engineer's Office, and funds from the railroad. The City of Hamilton anticipates contributing approximately half of the cost of the project. The City of Hamilton began right-of-way acquisition for the project in February 2014 and construction is anticipated to start March 2016. The project is expected to be complete in mid-2018. There are records of plans for South Hamilton Crossing dating back to 1911. For more information, read WCPO's article about the award here.

City of Hamilton & CenterGrid launch high-speed internet partnership
The partnership provides high-speed internet to local businesses

The City of Hamilton and CenterGrid have entered into an agreement to utilize Hamilton's fiber optic network to provide internet/data transport services to local businesses. CenterGrid is a Hamilton-based hosting company engaged in providing, among other services, internet access, managed hosting, and colocation. In addition to providing high-speed internet, the fiber will also provide businesses access to an expanded list of hosting, network and cloud-computing services. For businesses interested in the service, please contact Terri Hemmer at CenterGrid at (513) 642-0008. For more information, visit CenterGrid's website

Historic Developers and City of Hamilton receive National Smart Growth Achievement Award
Hamilton is one of three cities the EPA recognized in 2015

Historic Developers and the City of Hamilton were recognized by the US EPA for their public-private partnership that resulted in three downtown projects - the renovations of the Historic Mercantile Lofts, former Journal-News building, and Robinson-Schwenn building. The projects' collective $17.2 million investment has spurred an additional $15 million in investment in surrounding buildings and has help to create a walkable, vibrant downtown community. Watch the EPA video about Hamilton here.
Jackson's Market & Deli celebrates grand opening
Local couple open downtown Hamilton's first grocery store
 
Jackson's Market & Deli opened this August in the former Elder Beerman building downtown. They are the building's second tenant. The store sells a variety of things, including fresh produce. grocery items, pre-made and made-to-order sandwiches and salads. The addition of a small grocery store assists in building the residential community in downtown Hamilton. STARTEK's office is above the grocery store, providing consistent work day traffic as well. For more information, read the Journal-News article here or "like" their Facebook page here.
Made to Love celebrates grand opening
Retail store profits support Haitian artists and school scholarships for Haitian children

Made to Love, a non-profit that is 5 years old, opened its first retail store in downtown Hamilton this summer. The store sells a variety of items, including metalwork, jewelry, and purses. Made to Love sends half of the money the store makes from each sale to Haitian artists while another portion provides school scholarships to Haitian children. For more information, read the Journal-News article here and "like" their Facebook page here.
Two more startups join The Hamilton Mill
Davis Medical and Glance Software join the business incubator

The Hamilton Mill continues to play an important role in the development of startups and the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Southwestern Ohio.  In the third quarter of 2015, two new startups joined The Hamilton Mill program. Davis Medical and Glance Software both joined The Hamilton Mill in July 2015 and they are working to build their respective companies and solutions. Davis Medical is an early stage, patented medical device company developing technology to create aseptic fields for catheter ports. Davis Medical's disposable barrier devices protect the sterility of Central Venous Catheter (CVC) ports to preserve and improve the health of patients.
 
Glance Software is developing RoundSpark which is a healthcare satisfaction management application. RoundSpark works on any device with a web browser, and requires no additional installations or downloads. RoundSpark is HIPAA compliant, and supports on-site deployment/installation at the hospital's' facilities. This product was developed in collaboration with UC Health/West Chester Hospital. The founders of this company and solution come from the local SAGE (Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship) program and have other solutions in the works. 

Butler County Small Business Development Center is number one in the state
SBDC ranked number one in the third quarter of 2015 for new business starts and in capital infusion

The Butler County Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at The Hamilton Mill, is number one in the State as of the third quarter.  According to the latest Ohio Development Services Agency economic impact report, The Butler County SBDC is on track to rank first in new business starts and first in capital infusion through the third quarter of 2015.  These are statewide results that compare data from 27 other centers. The SBDC's results are strong, especially considering that other SBDCs in larger communities have up to 9 employees. The Mill has 2 counselors, David Riggs and Mark Lankford.
Municipal Brew Works slated to start construction in October
The brewery plans to have a first quarter 2016 grand opening

Municipal Brew Works, the startup brewery opening in The Hamilton Mill, is looking to start construction of their space in October. Additionally, equipment is on order and they are fine tuning their brand marketing and label design in anticipation of a first quarter 2016 grand opening. Once fully operational, they intend to produce approximately 600 barrels in their first year with a goal of 1500 barrels per year in year 5. 

Mobile pay option added to 248 parking meters downtown 
The City of Hamilton has partnered with Passport for the service

On August 17th, the City launched a mobile pay option for most of downtown Hamilton's metered parking spaces. The City has partnered with Passport, the largest provider of mobile payments in North America, to provide the option for drivers to pay for parking from their mobile phones. This technology will allow parkers to pay by credit card through the PassportParking app on any iPhone or Android smartphone.  Passport signage will be located on the meters with information on how to complete these transactions. For frequent customers, Passport's Prepaid Wallet provides the ability to add and store prepaid funds. However, all of the mobile pay meters will still accept coins as a method of payment. For more information, read the Journal-News article about the meters here.

Hamilton Economic Development launches new website

Website refresh provides an improved user experience

 

The Hamilton Economic Development Department has launched a new website in an effort to improve the user experience as well as modernize the look and feel of the site. The website is many businesses' first interaction with the City of Hamilton. The new website is an effort to ensure their impression is a positive one. Review the new website here.

McDulin Garage gets lighting upgrade
The city garage's new lights offer improved energy efficiency and safety
 
The City of Hamilton is nearing completion of a lighting improvement project at the McDulin Parking Garage that was initiated earlier this year in an effort to improve the parking facility for new downtown businesses and increase safety for customers. The project involved updating all parking levels (1-5), elevator bays, stairwells, roof top pole lamps, exit signs, and the area of Market Street under the parking garage with light-emitting diode (LED) lights.
  
LED technology offers a substantial reduction in energy consumption along with improved service. LED lights consume significantly less energy than incandescent lights and last three to four times longer, reducing maintenance costs and improving service. Furthermore, LED technology offers improved lighting quality - colors are more easily distinguished and greater light distribution uniformity results in fewer hotspots and dark areas, and improved driver safety. As a result of the project, the City of Hamilton is expected to save 275,000 kilo-watt hours (kWh) of energy annually, and approximately $21,999 in avoided energy costs per year. Additionally, an Efficiency Smart rebate reduced the net project cost by $14,300.


Utility improvements completed along Bilstein Boulevard & in Enterprise Park
These major business hubs received infrastructure updates and LED streetlights
 
Work has commenced on two improvements designed to help retain and attract jobs to Hamilton while improving vehicle and pedestrian safety. Overhead electric distribution lines are being placed underground in two of the City's commercial/industrial development areas: Bilstein Boulevard south of Symmes Road and Hamilton Enterprise Park between Hamilton-Mason and Tylersville Roads. Underground conduit for fiber optic and streetlight cables are also being installed as part of the improvements, along with light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights. 
 
Along Bilstein Boulevard, conduit installation is substantially complete and primary electric junction boxes have been installed. At Hamilton Enterprise Park, conduit installation is complete and streetlight junction boxes are being installed. Both projects are expected to be complete in September 2015. 

CORE Fund makes progress on Main Street

Demolition of dilapidated structures makes way for new patio space and parking access for historic buildings

 

The CORE Fund, which acquired the 6 building complex that was formerly Porcellana, made its first step on Main Street by demolishing two newer buildings that were in poor physical condition. One of the buildings had been quarantined due to excessive mold issues. The CORE Fund demolished the properties in partnership with Butler County. The buildings will be replaced by patio space for the adjoining properties and an access stairway to a public parking lot. The next step for these properties will be to  renovate the exterior and seek developers and new tenants for the buildings. For more information on CORE Fund properties, check out their website here.

Fall events in Hamilton

Many activities are planned for the end of 2015


 

Operation Pumpkin

Operation Pumpkin is a fall festival that closes down High Street from October 2nd to the 4th. More information on their website and Facebook page. 


  

Alive After 5

Alive After 5 is an event in downtown Hamilton the first Thursday of every month from 5 pm to 9 pm. Keep track of each month's event here.

  • October 1st - Zombies vs. Vampires
  • November 5th - Alive After 5 Gives Back
  • December 3rd - Island of Misfit Toys

Fitton Center for Creative Arts

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts has a number of events going on in the fall, such as nLIVEn and the new WintersEdge. Check out all they have to offer.


 

Music on Main
On Friday, November 20th from 6 pm to 9 pm Main Street businesses will host live music. Plan to stroll Main Street and check it out.


 

Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays

The annual tree lighting takes place on Saturday, November 21st at 5:30 pm on High Street. Horse carriage rides and visits with Santa will be available. More information can be found on the Facebook page.
 

Christkindlmarkt

Christkindlmarkt is an authentic German Christmas Market that takes place at the Marriott December 4th to the 6th. More information on their Facebook page.
 

German Village Christmas Walk

The annual tradition of touring the historic homes of German Village takes place on Sunday, December 6th from noon to 5 pm. 

Program highlight: Design Assistance Program

Program changes went into effect August 1st


The Design Assistance Program will be amended effective August 1, 2015. The most significant change is that instead of a $2,500 grant, the grant amount will cover the cost of professional architectural/technical services up to 5% of the total project investment. For more information, check out the program description here or visit the web page here.

Property highlight: CORE Fund Residential Program

CORE Fund looking for interested homeowners

 

The CORE Fund is looking for urban pioneers interested in living in Hamilton's historic neighborhoods. The CORE Fund will work with an interested homeowner to rehabilitate the property. The CORE Fund has the ability to pay for the construction costs, allowing the homeowner to utilize traditional financing at the end of the project and avoid having to get a construction loan. For more information, check out the CORE Fund properties here or contact Mark Murray at [email protected].

Need assistance from the City?

Contact the Business Development Team

 

The City established the Business Development Team to make investing in Hamilton easier for current and future business owners. The Team focuses on assisting retail and commercial development. It is a single point of contact that coordinates between all necessary departments to help businesses from the first inquiry until the issuance of final occupancy. To contact the Business Development Team, call 513-785-7070 or email [email protected].

 

Contact: Jody Gunderson, Director of Economic Development  
345 High Street, Hamilton, Ohio    
                      Website
                                      513-785-7070 
Like us on Facebook     View our profile on LinkedIn     Follow us on Twitter