Diversity

Cincinnati workforce network wins national grant

The Greater Cincinnati Workforce Network has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and will participate in the national public-private funders' collaborative.The grant, to be released over a three year period, will be used to develop and strengthen workforce partnerships serving both employers and low-wage workers.The grant will leverage an additional $1.8 million from local funders.Cincinnati joins 10 other regional collaboratives working with the National Fund, including those in Baltimore, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, San Diego, and Washington, DC.Read the full story here.

Soapicks November 11-17

As the days grow shorter and colder, the nights in Cincinnati continue to heat up. This week enjoy a whirlwind Fire & Ice Soiree, secret works of art, a fashion show from afar and a little Jazz for Lease.

Rising Sun over Northern Kentucky

Japan is the largest source of foreign direct investment in greater Cincinnati.  However, it’s not all business.  There is a thriving Japanese community that has grown up around the Toyota-centric northern Kentucky economic base, which has forged strong cultural ties between the Bluegrass State and the Land of the Rising Sun.

Cincinnati businesswoman honored for entrepreneurial excellence

Tillie Hidalgo Lima, president and CEO of Cincinnati's Best Upon Request, has received the Brilliante Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA).Hidalgo Lima was presented the award at the 2008 National Convention in Atlanta.NHSMBA presents these awards annually to individuals who "foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development in order to improve society".Under her leadership, concierge services company Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc. has grown from 16 employees to more than 100, expanded from 5 offices to 40 offices nationwide, and increased its revenue more than 535 percent over the past six years.Read the full release here.

Eisen creates scholarship to assist in industry growth, diversity

In an attempt to grow and diversify their industry, Northern Kentucky's Eisen Management Group has created the EMG Scholarship Fund.The scholarship will assist minority stundents entering college who are pursuing a degree in public relations, communications, or journalism."Our profession can only benefit from increased diversity of both minorities as well as young men, and I am humbled that our firm is in the position that we are able to make a positive impact and begin to address this issue," EMG president Rodger Roeser says in a media release.The scholarship is open to all high school seniors and will be awarded in May 2009.Read the full release here.

Financial strategy helps create a diverse Gateway

More than half of the occupied storefronts in Over-the-Rhine's Gateway Quarter are women- and minority-owned, and it's no accident.3CDC CEO Steve Leeper attributes the tenant mix to financing tools such as federal New Markets Tax Credits, which make it easier for small businesses to locate in the neighborhood.A graduated payment system on rents has also produced a diverse mix, he says.Read the full article here.

The wild, wild east: Cincinnati gets first look at China’s design frontier

To crib Napoleon, China, the once slumbering dragon, has awoken.  And it’s shaking more than just the world’s economy.  Today a thriving, rapidly growing creative class is putting Chinese design on the map and the Cincinnati Art Museum is the first in the US to give a tour through the brave new world of Chinese design.

District A: Collaboration and commerce through the arts

From Cuba with love

Three years ago, professional dancers Cervilio Amador and Gema Diaz made the decision to leave their homes and families and defect to the United States from Cuba. Their decision brought them to the Queen City where dancing for the Cincinnati Ballet has given them a new home.