It was a “wild” and wonderful night at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for Uptown Consortium, Inc.’s (UCI) annual Innovate | Celebrate Uptown Cincinnati event. The September 11 event recognized some of the Uptown’s most influential and innovative individuals, businesses and organizations. Attendees enjoyed leisurely walks through the Zoo to the Grove where guests mingled and sampled small bites from the Zoo’s three food trucks.
Guests transitioned to the Wings of Wonder pavilion for the formal presentation with opening remarks from UCI’s President and CEO Beth Robinson, University of Cincinnati President Dr. Neville Pinto, Cincinnati Zoo Executive Director Thane Maynard and University Circle Inc. President Chris Ronayne of Cleveland, who was visiting Cincinnati as part of the annual Anchor District Forum.
“It’s the 15-year anniversary since the Uptown Consortium was founded, so we’re happy to mark that milestone this evening,” said Robinson.
Robinson also took a moment to honor Kay Weaks, a long-time Corryville community advocate who recently passed away. The Corryville Community Development Corporation, Corryville Community Council and Short Vine Association announced that they will name their soon-to-open recreation center park area after Weaks and her colleague, Clyde Nowlin, who also passed away. UCI plans to dedicate a tree memorial in the park to Weaks. She was among many influential community members in Uptown who are tirelessly dedicated to their community, with others being recognized during the awards ceremony.
The Innovate | Celebrate Uptown Cincinnati event honors award winners in three categories who are nominated by their peers.
“Innovation in Uptown happens every day at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, UC Health, the Cincinnati Zoo and TriHealth, and it happens at businesses and organizations large and small,” said Dr. Neville Pinto, President, University of Cincinnati.
This year, UCI was pleased to present awards to the following recipients:
Uptown Community Champion—Nominees who demonstrate commitment and exemplary contributions to Uptown Cincinnati and are active as community connectors.
Winner: Kelly Robinson
Finalist: Tom Dwyer and John Whedon
Innovative Small Business or Organization (50 or fewer employees)—Nominees that focus on their mission, encourage sustainable business practices and demonstrate commitment to the Uptown community.
Winner: The Whole Bowl
Finalist: Terrex Development & Construction
Innovative Large Business or Organization (More than 50 employees)—Nominees that focus on their mission, encourage sustainable business practices and demonstrate commitment to the Uptown community.
Winner: UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute
Finalist: Dewey’s Pizza
“Innovate | Celebrate Uptown was a wonderful event and an exciting venue to recognize the economic inclusion and workforce diversity achieved on the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute project, and the impact of the UCGNI building and services to our community,” said Robert Feldbauer, vice president of facilities for UC Health. “We are proud that this new clinical facility has already had such a positive impact upon the community.”
Innovate | Celebrate Uptown Cincinnati was made possible by UCI’s generous Silver Sponsors: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, TriHealth, University of Cincinnati, Terrex Development & Construction, Messer Construction, RSA, Uptown Rental Properties, Queen City Hills LLC, Neyer Properties, Kulkarni Properties and Kingsgate Conference Center.
Scroll through the slideshow for more images from the event:
