Page 999 – Soapbox

OTR’s Drop Inn Center object of local Green Building Council redevelopment contest

By Newsroom

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June 16, 2009

Students and young professionals will vie for top design honors during the 2009 Natural Talent Design Competition sponsored by the Cincinnati chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Designers will submit a plan for redeveloping the Drop Inn Center homeless shelter, at the corner of 12th and Elm Streets in Over-the-Rhine, in accordance with the LEED Green Building Rating System. “We’ve growing rapidly over the last year, getting emerging green builders. This (contest) has helped. People are attracted to design competitions, we draw from Cincinnati State, University of Cincinnati and Miami University, and we’re starting to getting them interested in being in our group,” said Heather Wehby, the Cincinnati chapter’s board of directors secretary. There are no plans for the winning designed to be used, but potentially it could serve as a starting point if the Drop Inn center is redeveloped, said Wehby. The project must include: Outdoor Courtyard/ Athletic Space: for gathering and recreation; connected to dorm space, easily accessible Men’s Dorm Facility (24 hour emergency shelter): 300 beds Women’s Dorm Facility (24 hour emergency shelter): 100 beds Group Restrooms (Men’s and Women’s): connected to Dorm space Residential Recovery Unit w/ 20 private rooms w/ individuals restrooms: Adjacent to dorm facility (recovering residents act as role model for dorm residents.) Parking “The existing facility is not large enough for the center’s needs. Capacity for men’s and women’s dorm space must be expanded. An exterior courtyard is urgently needed. … The project will utilize LEED for New Construction strategies to create a unique and integrated urban design aesthetic and strive for a LEED Platinum rating,” the contest rules said. Contestants work in teams of up to five people and must be in college or a college grad who has been in the workforce five years or less. The Cincinnati contest will be just one of more than two dozen taking place across the country from New York City to Los Angeles. There are currently 11 Cincinnati teams in the contest. “One of the emphasis is on social sustainability, as well as environmental sustainability. That’s one of the reasons we host the program, to present sustainability in a broad context and the impact is has on people. It’s really resonating,” Wehby said. The deadline for submissions is July 13, and contests can register online at www.usgbc.orgegb. Complete contest rules are here. Winner will receive cash prizes of $1,000 for 1st Place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place. Fourth and Fifth places will receive honorable mentions. Judging will be held at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s main campus on July 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The award ceremony will follow. The finalists will compete with other designers in a national contest at USGBC’s Annual Green Building Conference and Expo in Phoenix. The local chapter is also seeking out sponsors for the contest. Funds donated will go directly to student awards. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Jill Isaacs, O'Keeffe Communications, Inc.

Cincinnati Empower MediaMarketing lands Rust-Oleum Corporation media planning job

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General

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June 16, 2009

Cincinnati’s Empower MediaMarketing will take over media planning responsibilities for paint and coating company Rust-Oleum Corporation. Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. “Empower brings a very creative element to the media planning process,” said Lisa Bialecki, director, integrated communications for Rust-Oleum, based in Vernon Hills, Ill. “We are excited about implementing their many great ideas.” Cincinnati-based Empower is an advertising company that specializes in across-the-board media planning. Empower will plan digital, national television and print media planning for Rust-Oleum, the company said. Minneapolis-based Periscope previously handled Media planning for Rust-Oleum, and will continue to handle the creative side of marketing. “Rust-Oleum is a category leader and we look forward to helping them expand market share through the implementation of a highly strategic and creative media plan,” said Cathy Shaffer, Empower MediaMarketing vice president of client strategy. Other Empower clients include U.S. Bank, Meijer, Stanley Steemer, Marzetti Company, Godiva Chocolatier, Long John Silvers, Bush Brothers & Co., Ashley Furniture, Biltmore, Cincinnati Bell, Clopay Building Products, Humana, Michaels Arts & Crafts Stores, 1-800-CONTACTS, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Kevin Dugan, Director of Marketing at Empower MediaMarketing

New Ohio Ambassador program launches in Cincinnati

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Diversity

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June 16, 2009

Turns out Ohio produces some of the best sales people for the state, many of whom don't even know they're bringing talent to our cities. Officials are banking on a new program that will hopefully expand this home-grown sales force of up to 50,000 marketing the state's assets."Research tells us that when people have an association with Ohio, they generally have a positive view of the state," says Ed Burghard, Executive Director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "Conversely, when they have no experience with the state, that's when all the negative cliché's come to bear."In short, the state needs to be experienced to be understood and appreciated. If an experience can't be had, the next best thing is a convincing conversation from someone already in the know – specifically, one of Ohio's own. This insight provides rich possibilities for state leaders. People looking to relocate their business or family tend to put a lot of faith into peer conversations about an area. With many Ohioans living across the country as well as abroad, what if a portion of them were equipped to talk about the advantages of an Ohio relocation?"Ohioans all over the world," says Burghard. "There are Ohio clubs as far away as Tokyo." Thus was the impetus for the Ohio Ambassadors program which will launch here in Cincinnati at the end of June. The program essentially connects enthusiastic Ohioans to each other while equipping them with hard data that could help persuade new talent to stake a claim in the Buckeye State.In its first year, the program hopes to reach 50,000 participants both in and out of Ohio. Ambassadorships will benefit not only the state, but local municipalities as well. After all, you can't talk about the great things happening in Ohio without mentioning what's going on in your own backyard. The hope is that ambassadors will prove to be positive influencers as well as a watch dog of sorts to negative perceptions of Ohio. "By providing guidance and facts, we hope to take people's enthusiasm about Ohio and turn it to our advantage," says Burghard. "The next time someone sees a disparaging comment on a blog, they'll have information to back up their retort."The program will be administered by the Association of Ohio Commodores, a support organization dedicated to economic growth and development of the State of Ohio.And who are they targeting? "We're looking for anyone with a positive attitude and who loves Ohio," says Burghard.The kick off to the program will be here in Cincinnati later this month. Soapbox will publish the details as soon as they are released.Writer: Jeff SyroneySource: Ed Burghard, Ohio Business Development Coalition

Definity Partners offers scholarship for Lean Certification Program to non-profit

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General

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June 16, 2009

Definity Partners, a Cincinnati area business improvement firm, is offering a valuable scholarship to a non-profit looking to become leaner and more efficient during these tough economic times. The winner will get into the Definity University Lean Certification Program, a $12,500 value, for free. If you’re interested you have until 3 p.m., July 3 to apply. You can download an application from the Definity University web site and send it to the attention of Tara Amis at tamis@definitypartners.com. The program, often used by for-profit businesses, has applications in the non-profit arena as well, where resources are often scarce and efficiency is essential to survival. The certification program lasts for up to 12 weeks, and includes two weeks of interactive classroom learning in August and November. Those who most recently graduated from the Lean Certification program saved their companies an average of $185,000, according to Definity Partners. “During the first week of the program, attendees participate in interactive classroom learning and live facility tours. After the week is up, each participant returns to his or her organization to independently execute a Lean Improvement Project for eight to 10 weeks,” said Amis, Education Coordinator for Definity Partners. “The program closes with a final week of classroom learning, where attendees reflect on improvement efforts and ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to independently implement future lean initiatives.” Definity was founded in 1996; it’s headquartered in Mason and has offices in Atlanta, Cleveland and Columbus. Its goal is to help companies become more efficient and thus more profitable. Definity works with the manufacturing/distribution, healthcare, business services and not-for-profit sectors. “In today’s challenging economic times, we are looking to assist Cincinnati’s charitable community by helping them address marketplace demands and develop more efficient operational systems,” Amis said. “As a community partner, we strive to become the resource for local not-for-profit organizations on how to best serve their constituents.” Definity University offers a wide range of business improvement and training courses. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Bridget Weber, Justice & Young Marketing and Public Relations

Cincinnati crime stats show surprising trend

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Cincy In The News

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June 16, 2009

Across the city of Cincinnati crime is down 7 percent and even more in the neighborhoods more traditionally known as being unsafe neighborhoods. Weekly meetings where police break down crime numbers and try to crack down on an area before it becomes a crime hot spot are a part of the changes the department has made in its policing, and is what is credited in part for the decrease in crime. What has been seen is a slight increase in crime in some of the city's safest neighborhoods. The majority of these crimes are property crimes and include car break-ins which can be prevented. Read full article here.

Cincinnati unveils new logo

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Architecture + Design

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June 16, 2009

The city of Cincinnati has introduced a new logo designed by local firm LPK Leadership Brands. The new logo design work came at a $75,000 cost that was covered by locally based Macy's Inc. The logo emphasizes a capital C in shades of blue and green. Various aspects of the design are meant to show that the city is inviting, approachable and moving forward. The new logo will be incorporated as needed over time and will eventually reflect an overall rebranding of the city known as the "cradle of brands." Read full article here.

BB Riverboats’ Belle of Cincinnati to go on Summer Cruise Tour

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Arts + Culture

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June 16, 2009

From July 14 through July 25, the Belle of Cincinnati will take passengers on a special Summer Cruise Tour that will make stops at five river cities. The BB Riverboat cruise will offer lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises throughout the tour as well, and will make a special half-day trip during the cruise. Several days will be spent in Charleston, WV with stops also being made in Gallipolis, OH; Huntington, WV; Ironton, OH; and Maysville, KY. Read full article here.

Cincinnati gears up for Civil Rights festivities

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Cincy In The News

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June 16, 2009

On June 20, the Cincinnati Reds will play host to the Chicago White Sox at what will be the first Civil Rights Game held at a major league stadium during the regular season. The game will showcase Cincinnati and the efforts Major League Baseball has made to create a level playing field for players and fans of all races and backgrounds. The game will be complimented by a host of other civil rights related events taking place throughout the weekend which will include people like Hank Aaron, Tony Perez, Oscar Robertson, Harold Reynolds, Bud Selig, Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali, Bill Cosby, Bob Gibson, Soledad O'Brien, BeBe Winans,Eric Davis and Bill Clinton. Read full article here.

Revitalizing Over-the-Rhine: Neighborhood Assets

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Architecture + Design

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June 16, 2009

Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is in the midst of a major transformation. The neighborhood that saw serious decline over the past several decades is finally starting to rebound. With this revitalization comes new challenges and opportunities. In part two of his discussion, Kaid Benfield looks at the neighborhood and its current assets that can be built on. Assets like Findlay Market, Music Hall and Washington Park top the list. Kaid Benfield is the director of the Smart Growth Program with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington D.C. Read full article here.

Cincinnati Fine Arts Fund distributes $10.2 million

By Newsroom

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Arts + Culture

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June 16, 2009

The Fine Arts Fund raised $11 million this year which fell just short of its $12 million goal. $10.2 million of that money was distributed this past week to 18 Cincinnati-area arts organizations. The fund supports local organizations like the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Opera and many more including about 70 smaller nonprofit arts organizations and programs. The Fine Arts Fund was founded in 1927 and ha raised more than $200 million for its member organizations over the years. Read full article here.