Progress, community and innovation were on full display at the first annual “Innovate | Celebrate Uptown Cincinnati” event—previously known as the Uptown Business Celebration. The June 21 ceremony, held at the newly renovated UC 1819 Innovation Hub, recognized the area’s most influential and future-focused individuals, businesses and organizations in front of hundreds of Uptown Cincinnati residents.
In her opening remarks, Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) President and CEO Beth Robinson highlighted the importance of community and interdisciplinary collaboration in Uptown’s continued success.
“Tonight, we celebrate the Uptown community and all the collaboration and innovation that take place across our five neighborhoods,” said Robinson. “Uptown Cincinnati wouldn’t be where it is without each of you and everyone that lives and works here.”
University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto, PhD, echoed Robinson’s sentiments.
“Innovation lies behind the success of the businesses and individuals we honor this evening,” said Pinto. “At its heart, innovation is about providing new solutions and opportunities to our society. At the same time, it’s about adding value to our community—what each of these individuals and institutions do best.”
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s program manager of community relations John Scott presented the evening’s finalists and winners in three distinct categories:
Community Champion:
Terresa Adams, Avondale Community Council (Finalist)
Steve Gibbs, Mt. Auburn Community Council (Winner)
Innovative Small Business or Organization (50 staff or less):
Church of Our Saviour (Finalist)
Clifton Market (Winner)
Innovative Large Business or Organization:
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Winner)
Target (Finalist)
Following the ceremony, staff provided guided tours of the 1819 Innovation Hub for guests interested in receiving a first-hand look at the Uptown Innovation Corridor’s newest steps toward collaboration.
“The [1819 Innovation Hub] is about connecting the talent we have among this community; it's about educating them to be the idea leaders,” said Pinto. “We hope their experiences at this building will power the Uptown community into the future.”
Uptown Consortium, Inc. hosted “Innovate | Celebrate Uptown Cincinnati” with help from caterers Clifton Market and Conscious Kitchen and from several sponsors, including Messer Construction; Ross Sinclaire and Associates; Terrex Development and Construction; University of Cincinnati; and Uptown Rental Properties.
*Photo gallery courtesy of Shellee Fisher Photography