4 MORE: George Goldhoff
After a number of unprecedented setbacks during the past year, Hard Rock Casino opened in Cincinnati in October. George Goldhoff talks about that big win.
As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting Cincinnati People stories from throughout 2021.
We checked in with George Goldhoff, the president at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, about casino opening.
When the Rock Shop opened in April we interviewed Goldhoff, and below is a gallery from the grand opening of casino in October.
What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2021?
I never would have predicted the “Big Quit.” The changes in workforce sentiment are staggering, with over 4 million workers quitting their jobs each month for the previous four months in a row. There are many theories about generous government benefits, stagnant pay, uncertainty of businesses, the reshuffling of the population to different locations and industries, the fear of the virus, and employers’ lack of support or indifference to mental health concerns. I assume the historic rise in quitting also seems to be about more than all of this.
The pandemic has changed the way we view our lives and the world. We are reevaluating how we want to spend our precious time, so we as employers have to understand and support these changing values in the workplace.
What’s changed since we last spoke?
I have always said that your brand is what your guests say it is, not what you tell them it is. In a regional market, with fierce competition, we have to “earn it” every day.
This concept of earning our guest’s loyalty was improved after rebranding through more valuable marketing campaigns/offers/events/initiatives, improved guest service, transforming our facility by providing higher-quality food and beverage options, entertainment, world-class memorabilia, cleaner and more organized experience, and a safer environment.
What did you learn about Cincinnati?
One of the greatest things that I have learned about living in Cincinnati is the true sense of community, from sporting events, the love of the arts, multitude of museums, the patronage for the zoo, the collaboration between the non-profits and business, a collection of diverse neighborhoods, a thriving culinary and beverage scene, year-round outdoor recreation options. But most importantly, my family immigrated here in the 1880s, my wife and I moved to Over-The-Rhine as “empty-nesters” in 2019, and we have been overwhelmed by the genuine friendliness of everyone who have welcomed us “back home.”
What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
At Hard Rock Cincinnati we have many new products, training, and technology initiatives scheduled for 2022.
We are investing in the design of a new hotel, new restaurants, sports betting, business intelligence tools, sensational entertainment, DEI initiatives, and team member development.
On Oct. 29 Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati officially opened with an incredible Guitar Smash ceremony led by Pete Rose, Drew Lachey, Tucker Barnhart, Kathy Wade, Phil Castellini, Bootsy Collins, and members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida along with Hard Rock Casino executives.
During the ceremony, Hard Rock Cincinnati CEO George Goldhoff presented a check for $25,000 to Alecia Kintner, CEO of ArtsWave, to fund the organization’s “Lifting as We Learn” diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) commitment.
After the smash and pyrotechnics, Cincinnati Reds Legend Pete Rose placed the inaugural first table game bet.
The other “guitar smashers” were Kent Butts, Jan-Michele Kearney, and Betsy Sundermann.
Photos by Shae Combs
Taking It to the Streets
Local artists are invited to submit their ideas for artwork to wrap the exterior of a Cincinnati Bell Connector for a project in early 20222 as part of a competition developed by The City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bell and ArtsWave.
Get on Board!
Online submissions for the design contest are being accepted from regional artists through Jan. 9, 2022. The winner will be announced publicly at Music Hall during ArtsWave’s annual fundraising campaign kickoff Feb. 2, 2022.
Visit artswave.org/streetcar to apply. The site includes downloadable streetcar design templates with dimensions and a detailed contest timeline.
The public will vote on the top three designs and an evaluation committee will select the winner in mid-January.
The Cincinnati Bell Connector is getting a new look, courtesy of local artists.
The City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bell, and ArtsWave have issues a call to artists for original artwork that will be used to wrap the exterior of a streetcar.
The winning design, which will be chosen in January, will highlight how the arts connects our region. The chosen artist will receive a $2,500 grant from ArtsWave
“As the arts connect us, so does the Cincinnati Bell Connector,” said Travis Jeric, the city’s Streetcar Director. “We’re excited to see the creativity of our local artists and how they reflect the theme.”
The new design and wrap are included as part of Cincinnati Bell’s sponsorship at no cost to the city. The design contest continues the arts-theme that was unveiled on the streetcar’s five-year anniversary.
“We continue to enjoy this creative exercise, which is transforming the look of the streetcar vehicle by vehicle,” said Leigh Fox, President and CEO of Cincinnati Bell, Vice Chair of ArtsWave and a former chair of the annual ArtsWave fundraising campaign. “We love the new look. The arts theme is a natural choice in Cincinnati where the arts play such an important role in driving the overall vibrancy of our community.”
The first streetcar to don a new wrap is specific to Music Hall and reinforces ArtsWave, the nation’s largest united arts fund that supports more than 150 local projects and cultural groups.
“This is an awesome opportunity for our local artists that have been hit harder than almost anyone from the pandemic,” said Alecia Kintner, President and CEO of ArtsWave. “Not only will the winner be awarded a $2,500 grant, they will enjoy unparalleled exposure as their original design wraps the exterior of the streetcar and their own artwork enlivens the inside in celebration of the 2022 ArtsWave Campaign.”
A Real Trailblazer
Another day, another Oscar-winner. Find out more about the latest major motion picture being filmed in Cincinnati, “Shirley,” starring Regina King.
Dustin Hoffman. Jodie Foster. George Clooney. Cate Blanchett.
Oscar-winners are getting to be as ubiquitous in Cincinnati as three-ways and flying pigs.
Now another Oscar winner, Regina King, is in town as both star and produce of the film “Shirley,” which began principal photography in Cincinnati this week.
“Shirley,” written and directed by Oscar-winning writer/director, John Ridley (“American Crime,” “Needle in a Timestack”), tells the story of Shirley Chisholm, America’s first black congresswoman. Royal Ties Productions and Participant will produce along with Ridley.
Photo: Diana L. Ragland
“We are thrilled to help bring this incredible motion picture to Cincinnati because of the jobs and economic impact it has on the region,” said Kristen Schlotman, executive director of Film Cincinnati. “Cincinnati continues to be a world class destination for production.”
“Shirley” follows the dynamic presidential campaign launched in 1972 by Shirley Chisholm. The feature is based on her life story rights through an exclusive agreement with the Chisholm estate, and the movie will provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the ground-breaking political leader during a seminal period in modern American history.
Regina King won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Her directorial feature debut was the critically acclaimed “One Night in Miami.”
Elf Awareness
They're back! The Shillito’s Elves have come out of retirement to bring holiday cheer to Cincinnati once again. See the “Elves on Elder” in action at Findlay Market.
A beloved Cincinnati holiday tradition returns, as Cincinnati Bell and Findlay Market have teamed up to bring back the Shillito’s Elves. The holiday helpers are set up in the old Leader Furniture store so visitors can walk around to view them six days a week during market hours. They will be fully animated on weekends!
In addition to the Shillito’s Elves, the old Leader Furniture Store will be transformed into a robust magical holiday experience, appropriately named Elves on Elder, a Magical Market Experience! Each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Findlay Market and Cincinnati Bell will host family-friendly activities, programming and special events inside of the space. All activities are free for children, though space is limited. Cincinnati Bell will have an entire side called “Imagination Destination.”
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the space will be transformed into a cozy cocktail and musical experience.
Merry and Bright
The 39th PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden brightens the holidays, where you’ll be delighted by animal friends, fantastic displays, and dazzling lights.
It’s that magical time of year! Visit a “Wild Wonderland” at the 39th PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Along with 4 million LED lights, you’ll discover five Fiona fairies, take in a blacklight puppet show, and marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake.
Find more information and buy tickets at cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights.
Live and Let Pie
Volunteers, supporters, and staff of Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY distributed 2,000 pies for their Bust a Crust! fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 20. Bust a Crust! has raised a record $171,000, which will provide for 6,840 meals for area seniors for one week.
More than 200 volunteers joined the staff of Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY to box and distribute 2,000 pies on Saturday, Nov. 20 as part of the Bust a Crust! fundraiser.
To date, Bust a Crust! has raised a record $171,000 through the sales of pies and and corporate support. That funding will provide 6,840 meals and care for area seniors for one week.
In its second year, the Bust A Crust! fundraiser for Meals on Wheels offered Thanksgiving pies for sale from local bakers and bakeries to support seniors. Fifteen area companies purchased pies in bulk and more than 300 volunteers helped Bust A Crust! succeed by volunteering time at the event’s PieK race in September and Saturday’s pie distribution event at Xavier University.
If you ordered a pie and were unable to pick-up your pie on Saturday, pies can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 and 23 at the Meals on Wheels headquarters, 2091 Radcliff Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45204. Pies not picked-up will be donated seniors.
For more information about Bust a Crust!, visit www.BustACrust.org.
Home of the Brave
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) held their 2021 DAV 5K at The Banks on Nov. 6 to give thanks those who served and raise awareness of the issues ill and injured veterans face every day. Along with runners and walkers, the 5K was open go participants in wheelchairs, hand cycles and on motorcycles who wished to show their support.
The DAV 5K took place at The Banks on the Saturday before Veterans Day, with thousands of people showing up to support the non-profit’s work on behalf of disabled veterans and their families.
The event also kicked off the virtual 5K, which continued, fittingly enough, through Nov. 11.
Find out more about DAV at www.dav.org.
Hogging the Spotlight
Piggies and doggies and bees, oh, my! Things looked a little different for the combined Queen Bee Half Marathon and Flying Pig Marathon on Halloween weekend, but the runners, with two or four legs, all had an amazing time.
Photos by Shae Combs
Cincinnati’s combined Flying Pig and Queen Bee weekend kicked off its Saturday events with the Toyota 10K, Tri State Running Company 5K, Queen Bee Medpace 4 Miler and Flying Pig Flying Fur presented by Cuddly.
The total number of weekend participants in 2021 was 15,833, including 1,979 for the full marathon, 5,420 for the Paycor Half Marathon, 1,277 in the Queen Bee Half Marathon, 2,190 for the Toyota 10K, 2,200 in the Tri State Running Company 5K and 1,155 for the Queen Bee Medpace 4 Miler. Other totals include 252 (63 teams) in the City Dash 4-Person Relay, 221 in the Flying Fur and 1,139 for Friday’s Fifty West Mile.
Alex Gold, who came in third in the 2019 Flying Pig Marathon powered by P&G, and Caitlin Keen, who won it in 2018, were the winners in the Marathon division of this year’s combined Flying Pig/Queen Bee weekend.
The 26-year-old Gold, from Cincinnati, won in a time of 2:26:29. Second in the men’s division was 25-year-old J.T. MacKay, also of Cincinnati, in 2:28:31 and third was 33-year-old Steve Matthews of Evansville, Indiana, in 2:29:30.
“It was beautiful out there,” said Gold, “and the fall colors made it even more spectacular. I told Jack (J.T. MacKay) that it’s so cool to be racing at the place where we train every day. I love this city, and this race is what made me fall in love with running in the first place.”
In the women’s division, the 29-year-old Keen, who grew up in Hyde Park and now lives in Fort Worth, took an early lead and never gave it up, winning in 2:43:45, the second fastest time ever, and besting her 2018 winning time of 2:46:39 by nearly three minutes. Second in the women’s division was 34-year-old Amy Manning of Columbus in 3:00:24 and third was 33-year-old Allison Pitt of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, in 3:01:18.
“I hadn’t raced since the Olympic Trials (February 2020), and last year was really hard for me. I think I can speak for a lot of athletes that it was hard,” said Keen. “It took a little bit more motivation, and a lot more time to get back. It’s been a long time coming, but I needed this.”
In the Queen Bee Half, 34-year-old Kelly Fisher from Oregonia won in a time of 1:26:26. Second place was 37-year-old Natalie Leverone from Covington in 1:29:09 and third was 39-year-old Laurah Lukin from Cincinnati in 1:31:48. Leverone finished second and Lukin was third in the 2017 Queen Bee and Lukin finished second in the inaugural 2014 Queen Bee.
Rock This Town
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati officially opened on Friday with a Guitar Smash featuring a star-studded lineup including Pete Rose, Bootsy Collins, and Kathy Wade, with pyrotechnics , and, of course, rock 'n' roll music. See all pix and get ready to rock!
On Oct. 29 Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati officially opened with an incredible Guitar Smash ceremony led by Pete Rose, Drew Lachey, Tucker Barnhart, Kathy Wade, Phil Castellini, Bootsy Collins, and members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida along with Hard Rock Casino executives.
During the ceremony, Hard Rock Cincinnati CEO George Goldhoff presented a check for $25,000 to Alecia Kintner, CEO of ArtsWave, to fund the organization’s “Lifting as We Learn” diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) commitment.
After the smash and pyrotechnics, Cincinnati Reds Legend Pete Rose placed the inaugural first table game bet.
The other “guitar smashers” were Kent Butts, Jan-Michele Kearney, and Betsy Sundermann.
Photos by Shae Combs
Merci Beaucoup
Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel has had a tremendous impact on food – and life – in Cincinnati for more nearly 30 years. To honor his legacy, Seventh Street, at the corner of Seventh and Vine streets where his iconic restaurant Table once stood, was renamed in his honor. See photos from the ceremony!
On Oct. 21, a crowd of grateful diners, delighted food writers, and city enthusiasts assembled to celebrate the 60th birthday of Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel and his place in Cincinnati’s culinary, and cultural, life. The corner of Seventh and Vine streets was renamed in his honor.
Hosted by Steve McGowan of Brave Berlin, using the actual maître d’s stand from The Maisonette as a podium, speakers included a who’s who of Cincinnati civic life.
But the most heartfelt tribute to the work and life of Chef Jean-Robert were the all of the chefs – in their chef’s coats – who had worked with and for him over the past three decades who all gathered to show their support and admiration for a man who changed Cincinnati restaurants and its food scene forever.
Getting the Job Done
Big Boy is cutting edge! See how Frisch's has used Workstream's hiring and texting platform to solve its staffing issues and improve customer experience.
We’re in the middle of a staffing crisis, and it’s complicated.
Restaurants have long struggled with hiring and retaining hourly employees—even before the pandemic. But now we’re reaching all new lows… or highs, rather. Despite a 10% increase in hourly wages, many former restaurant employees have left the industry altogether. The ones that have stayed are turning over at 140%, the highest rate in two decades.
There are many factors that are (and could be) playing into this, which makes the crisis so complicated. But, it doesn’t make the problem any less real for general managers and business owners who are trying to keep lights on.
To keep stores staffed, many are calling upon family and friends to fill shifts. Complicating matters further is that GMs are also currently spending a lot of time covering shifts, which means they aren’t using that time to hire, grow the team, or improve the customer experience.
Many QSRs are staffing at a burnout pace, and it comes at the price of overworking their GMs and team members, overspending on overtime, and under-delivering value to their customers.
Traditional methods of finding and hiring employees no longer work. That’s why NRD Capital’s Fuzzy’s Taco and Frisch’s are taking the path that empowers them to secure interviews in under two hours, according to a recent report from Workstream, a San Francisco-based hiring and texting platform used for the recruitment of hourly workers.
A Better, Faster Way to Hire—For Everyone
“Here’s the thing. Managers have a lot of responsibilities on their plate: four walls, customers, employees, HR, hiring—they have a lot. We make it hard on them, but Workstream makes it easy,” said Kevin Rychel, VP of Operations for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
For Rychel, the pressure placed on GMs to run successful restaurant operations and find good workers during the hiring crisis was becoming overwhelming. With more than 20 years of QSR experience, Rychel knew he couldn’t keep supporting the same hiring practices and processes and expect different results. So, he began looking into new solutions. He vetted 15 different hiring platforms and ultimately chose Workstream, a hiring platform and mobile app that uses automation and SMS text to streamline how QSRs source, screen, and onboard hourly workers.
Fuzzy’s saw success immediately and has since rolled out Workstream to 47 locations. But the rollout didn’t end there.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is owned by NRD Capital, a prominent middle market private equity firm that is known for innovative approaches to equity and venture investing. During a business review between Fuzzy’s and NRD, Rychel informed the board about the success Fuzzy’s was having with Workstream. Intrigued and impressed, NRD Capital’s team investigated further and concluded that it was time to recommend the adoption of Workstream’s cutting-edge platform across its other holdings starting with Frisch’s Restaurants.
The Proof is in the Efficiency
Using Workstream's hiring platform built on text automation, Fuzzy’s Taco is able to engage applicants as soon as they apply—without needing the GM to step away from running the restaurant.
“The ability to talk to candidates almost immediately is incredible,” Rychel said. “Before Workstream, we had a lot of applicants, but by the time we got around to reviewing them, the applicants had already been sitting in the queue for three months. Someone else had hired them. Now, we can talk to applicants so quickly. It’s so fast that our district manager can get someone in for an interview in under two hours.”
And in today’s hiring landscape, it’s all about speed. Why? Because the applicant that applied for a job likely also applied to work at five or six other places too.
“We were losing on hiring because we didn’t respond to applicants fast enough,” said Darrin White, Frisch’s Chief Operating Officer. “GMs don’t have time to sit and respond to email, and when they do, it’s infrequent. Automating communication between us and the applicants increases our chances 10 to 1,” White said.
Workstream takes the friction out of the hiring process for the applicant and the hiring manager. Applicants can apply for a job within a matter of seconds. Through Workstream’s automated SMS Text Messaging, a qualified candidate will then be prompted to schedule an interview and, from there, receive text reminders of their appointment (which minimizes ghosting). The GM, on the other hand, posts the job from their phone and takes interviews that appear on their calendar.
Since implementing Workstream, Fuzzy’s hiring process has evolved, allowing GMs to focus more on running successful restaurants and less on back-and-forth phone calls with candidates and interview no-shows that were previously taking up so much of their valuable time.
“When our GMs found out about Workstream, they kept asking how to get it,” said White. “Workstream gives GMs and district managers 2-3 hours back in their schedules daily.
By engaging applicants faster and minimizing the time managers spend on hiring, Fuzzy’s Taco and Frisch’s are becoming more efficient—and fully staffed.
“All corporate locations are now 90% staffed, and that’s 100% because of Workstream. We were tapping family and friends, the neighbor’s kids. Now, we don't have to.”
Now Is the Time to Lead
With no end in sight to the current hiring crisis, QSRs are discovering that Workstream gives them a meaningful advantage over their competition. While competitors continue to struggle by using traditional hiring methods, NRD’s Fuzzy’s and Frisch’s are taking a giant leap forward in hiring and retaining the best workers in their geographic areas. For NRD Capital, however, implementing Workstream is about more than just getting ahead of today’s QSR hiring crisis.
“Eventually, the staffing crisis will be less impactful than it is now—but we don’t know when that will be. Either way, we’re going to get ahead of the competition and take the lead by being a first adopter with Workstream,” said White.
Traveling On
Randie Adam, who has led marketing and promotion efforts for signature national events like the 2012 World Choir Games and the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, was recently awarded the 2021 Paul Sherlock Legend Award, the Ohio travel industry’s highest honor, recognizing one individual each year who exemplifies professional, personal and career excellence.
Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau colleagues congratulate Randie Adam: Cindi Flick, Kaiya Barrett, Randie Adam (center), Tyler Minton, Ross Czarnik
The Ohio Travel Association announced that Randie Adam is the 2021 recipient of the Paul Sherlock Legend Award.
Adam is the vice president, Marketing & Visitor Experience for the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). The Paul Sherlock Legend in Ohio Travel Award is the Ohio travel industry’s highest honor, recognizing one individual each year who exemplifies professional, personal and career excellence. This year’s award was presented Oct. 6, at the Ohio Travel Industry Leadership Dinner in Newark.
Adam has spent more than two decades as an Ohio tourism and convention advocate, and the past 14 as one of the Cincinnati USA CVB’s top destination marketers. She’s led marketing and promotion efforts for signature national events like the 2012 World Choir Games and the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. She oversaw the creation of the Cincinnati USA CVB’s Certified Tourism Ambassador Program, helping more than 1,300 convention and tourism colleagues formalize their advocacy of Cincinnati as one of the world’s great destinations.
Adam also helped re-establish the Visitor Center on Fountain Square, improving the visitor experience for more than 10,000 travelers each year and reinvigorating a community volunteer base of thousands of residents who run the Center and serve as a passionate welcomers. From overseeing the CVB’s digital properties and awareness-building promotional campaigns to effectively positioning the region among meeting planners and convention decision-makers, Ms. Adam has been instrumental in Cincinnati’s emergence as a top travel destination.
“Randie Adam is a true advocate, cheerleader and strategic business builder for our convention and hospitality industry in the Cincinnati region,” said Julie Calvert, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Much of the growth our regional Cincinnati visitor economy experienced pre-COVID can be credited directly to Randie. And her steady leadership throughout the pandemic has positioned us for strong growth as we continue to emerge from it.”
Additionally, Adam is being recognized for advocating to successfully change Ohio law, allowing counties and municipalities to collect room tax for accommodations of less than five rooms.
“Randie Adam exemplifies the best in our industry,” said Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association. “We are proud to acknowledge her passion for and continual promotion of Ohio as a top destination.”
Adam serves as vice president of the Ohio Travel Association and has an active role with the Board of the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus.
In the Swim of Things
In the ultimate meet cute, Tucker was introduced to Bibi and Fiona this week at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden this week. See how this new hippo bloat is getting along – hint, it's adorable!
We’ve all become (perhaps too) invested in Fiona’s life.
(If you’re thinking “Fiona who?” this is not the story for you.)
We are proudly a city of amateur hippo experts.
From her first days as a tiny, premature hippo to her delightful camera mugging for her legions of fans, we’ve all grown to love her. One of the saddest moments of her young life was when her father, Henry, passed away. Not only was Fiona left without a father, her mother, the brave Bibi, was left without a mate.
Photo by Lisa Hubbard / Cincinnati Zoo
But in September, Bibi met someone! Tucker, all 4,500 pounds of him, arrived at the Zoo as a possible companion to Bibi.
Of course, like any time a single mom makes a new friend, it’s best to wait a little bit before you introduce the kid.
It turns out, Tucker loves Fiona as much as we do!
Cincinnati Zoo
The three hippos are still getting acquainted with one another, but below is proof positive that things are going swimmingly!
Even though the contest referenced above ended Sept. 30, it’s still a great time to see the hippos! The Zoo is having their Fall Membership Sale, with all levels 10% off! Find out more at cincinnatizoo.org/membership-join-the-zoo-family.
Going for a Beer Run
Sometimes the Chicken Dance just isn't enough cardio! See some of the more than 2,000 runners and walkers opened Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Saturday with the Hudepohl 14K/7K, celebrating Cincinnati’s brewing history and benefiting the OTR Brewing Heritage Trail.
They were (Chicken) Dancing in the streets.
More than 2,000 runners and walkers opened Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Saturday with the Hudepohl 14K/7K, celebrating Cincinnati’s brewing history and benefiting the OTR Brewing Heritage Trail.
For the first time, the female lead runner in the Hudy 7K was the overall winner, with 24-year-old Hannah Tobler of Cincinnati finishing in a time of 27:20:3, more than a half minute faster than the top male runner, 29-year-old Stephen Wuest of Renton, Washington, in 28:05:5.
In the female 7K division, 30-year-old Kerri Kramer of Ft. Thomas finished second in a time of 31:50:6, and third was Rachel Petty, 42, of Alexandria in 32:34:9.
Second in the men’s division for the 7K was Steven Wilkinson, 30, of Cincinnati in 28:22:9 and third was Ray Recchia, 25, of Cincinnati in 29:14:6.
In the Hudy 14K, William Cadwell, 23, of Covington, was the fastest male runner in 45:29:5 with Brett Morley, 29, of Taylors, South Carolina in 46:38:5 coming in second and Tristan Tapia, 25, of Beavercreek, third in 48:40:4.
In the women’s division, Jenny Benkert, 33, of Cincinnati won in a time of 57:30.6, with Natalie Leverone, 37, of Covington, second in 59:17:1 and Stacey Fagin, 31, of Cincinnati, third in 1:00:24.8.
In the Hudy 7K, 825 runners and walkers were at the start line, and for the 14K, 1,177 started the event.
The Hudy 14K and 7K is part of the TQL Beer Series that includes the Bockfest 5K during Bockfest weekend and Fifty West Mile during Flying Pig Weekend.
Dogs & Beers
At the USA Today Sports Running of the Wieners, dogs and owners battled it out in the most adorable way to see who would be the big wiener at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
The perfect afternoon in Cincinnati usually consists of dogs and beers – at a baseball game or a festival or a backyard – but it is especially true at Oktoberfest.
At this year’s largest Oktoberfest in the world, everyone took that literally, as the USA Today Sports Running of the Wieners kicked off the German heritage celebration.
The competition was small but mighty, with ultimately Leo was named the new champion, by a nose.
That Rings a Bell
This week, Cincinnati Bell finalized its acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners–valued at nearly $2.9 billion–allowing the company to enhance their fiber network and other services within the community.
It’s never been easier, or faster, to have the world at your fingertips in Cincinnati.
This, week Cincinnati Bell Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V, an Americas-focused unlisted infrastructure fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management. The $2.9 billion transaction will accelerate Cincinnati Bell’s fiber build across its operating footprint, and support strategic investments in the company’s IT Services businesses throughout North America.
Leigh Fox, president and chief executive officer of Cincinnati Bell, said the transaction close marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the company’s nearly 150-year history.
“Our partnership with MIP is tremendous news for Cincinnati Bell’s 4,700 employees, our customers, and the communities we serve,” Fox said. “MIP has deep telecommunications expertise and a strong track record of investing in capital intensive businesses, which will be critical as we deliver on our strategy to drive next generation, integrated communications through an expanded fiber network as well as our IT services platform.”
These changes will have a huge impact on how, and the speed with which, consumers access technology, entertainment, and communications.
Entertainment and Communications
Cincinnati Bell and Hawaiian Telcom are committed to creating digital equity through ongoing investments in fiber, a future-proof technology that enables gigabit Internet. Today, Cincinnati Bell and Hawaiian Telcom cover 60 percent of Greater Cincinnati, and 40 percent of Hawaiʻi, with Fiber-to-the-Premise technology, making those regions among the most fiber-dense metropolitan areas in the United States.
Cincinnati Bell’s partnership with MIP will allow the company to expand the fiber network at an accelerated pace over the next three years and make high-speed Internet available throughout its operating territories. Cincinnati Bell will also continue its commitment to continuous innovation. The company in 2014 became the first Internet Service Provider in Greater Cincinnati to offer 1 gigabit Internet, and earlier this year became the first Internet Service Provider to introduce 2 gigabit speeds in the market.
IT Services and Hardware
Over the past four years, Cincinnati Bell’s IT Services businesses – CBTS – has grown from a regional IT provider into an international organization that supports customers across the globe, with offices located throughout the United States, Canada, India, and Europe. CBTS serves clients in all industries and has partnerships with Fortune 500 clients, large healthcare organizations, multiple universities, and state and local governmental agencies.
The transaction with MIP will provide CBTS with increased flexibility to make strategic investments in its Communications, Cloud, Consulting Services, Security, and Infrastructure practices. The transaction will also support CBTS’ ongoing investments to attract and develop talented IT professionals who are critical in order for the company to continue supporting its existing enterprise customers, and to attract new customers through continuous technology innovation.
Continued Commitment to the Community
Cincinnati Bell has been part of the communities it serves in Greater Cincinnati and Hawaiʻi for nearly 150 years. The company and its employees routinely donate more than $2 million every year toward economic development, health, and education initiatives. To date, Cincinnati Bell and Hawaiian Telcom have connected more than 7,000 students who previously lacked Internet to support remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s Employee Volunteer Program allows employees to volunteer up to 40 hours every year during work hours in their communities. And Cincinnati Bell’s Smart City organization – UniCity – is partnering with local governments and government entities to provide high-speed Internet access to communities, as well as applications that help customers leverage that connectivity to better serve constituents.
Fox said the transaction with MIP will further strengthen Cincinnati Bell’s community engagement efforts.
Community Action
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and Cincinnati Bell partnered at the Great Parks Nature Center at The Summit in Roselawn for Cincinnati Bell’s annual Day in the Community event. See how the nearly 400 Cincinnati Bell volunteers worked on cleaning, painting, clearing, and beautifying this vital and vibrant neighborhood.
On Aug. 20, more than 350 Cincinnati Bell employees took part in their annual Day In The Community. Partnering with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, the volunteers helped with cleaning, painting, clearing, and beautifying the vibrant neighborhood of Roselawn.
Homecoming Queen
The U.S. Women's Soccer Team are heading to Cincinnati! The Olympic Bronze Medalists will play Paraguay in TQL Stadium next month. Get the details from hometown hero Rose Lavelle and her adorable best friend, Wilma.
The U.S. Women’s National Team is coming to Cincinnati!
Let’s get all the details from Wilma, with an assist from Rose Lavelle.
In the first matches after the end of the 2020 Olympics, the USA will take on Paraguay on Tuesday, Sept. 21 with the first-ever USWNT match at FC Cincinnati’s newly opened TQL Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET on FS1 & TUDN)..
Find information about the game and how to get tickets at tqlstadium.com/stadium-news/uswnt-sept21 . (Tell them Wilma sent you.)
Work in Progress
The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce established the 2046 Commission earlier this year. Meet the inaugural board members working to promote economic equity, position Black Businesses as a conduit to foster innovation, and promote their abilities to compete in and outside our region.
The pillars of work for the 2046 Commission will include
Municipality infrastructure and public policy
Supplier Diversity processes within the medical industry, with an emphasis on regional hospitals
Funding and access to Capital
Innovation and competition
Business to Business opportunities in diverse industries. Those industries include hospitality (including regional airports), manufacturing, service, consumer goods and technology
Attracting and retaining diverse talent.
The co-chairs of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) 2046 Commission have announced the inaugural 12 members of the 2046 Commission.
The co-chairs of the 2046 Commission are Stacey Browning, Browning, managing director at CincyTech; Jason Dunn, group vice president, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau and Chair of Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce; Larissa England, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion partner for The E.W. Scripps Company and vice chair on the Board of Directors for the African American Chamber of Commerce; and John A. Moore, president & CEO of Moore Air.
Established in March of 2021 to analyze and develop new policies for economic equity, position Black businesses as a conduit to foster innovation, and promote their abilities to compete in and outside of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.
“The 2046 Commission has assembled an impressive team from top organizations to develop recommendations and comprehensive regional alignment,” said Dunn, AACC Board chair and co-chair of the 2046 Commission.
The inaugural members of the 2046 Commission are:
The 2046 Commission, named to highlight the next 25 years of progress for Black Businesses in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, will explore innovative ways to strengthen the foundation of Black businesses with an eye towards preparing the ecosystem to be competitive and welcoming to the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. The Commission will consist of 15 regional leaders from the economic, financial, purchasing and investing sectors, as well as policy makers.
The 2046 Commission was formed by the AACC Board as result of a groundbreaking study in partnership with UC Economics Center. The study shows the Greater Cincinnati Black businesses included in the analysis support more than $1.4 billion of operations expenditures and are responsible for directly employing 8,680 people with $540 million in earnings throughout the Cincinnati Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
Moving Pictures
Since late Spring, Film Cincinnati has welcomed three film shoots to the area, continuing their strong work bringing Oscar-nominated directors and actors to the area.
If you ask Timothée Chalamet how he spent his summer vacation, he might mention going to Cannes but he has the Reds hat to prove he was in Cincinnati. He is one of the many acclaimed actors and filmmakers who have been in the region since late Spring.
Production recently wrapped on Monica, the latest feature film to shot on location in Greater Cincinnati.
Directed by Andrea Pallaoro, Monica, stars Emily Browning (American Gods), Oscar-nominee Patricia Clarkson (Sharp Objects), Oscar-nominee Adrianna Barraza (Babel) and Trace Lysette (Hustlers) as the title character. Pallaoro is co-writer along with Orlando Tirado, and Christina Dow, Eleonora Granata-Jenkinson, Pallaoro and Gina Resnick are producers.
Crews were filming in several neighborhoods in the area, including East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Carthage and Newtown, among other locations.
“On the heels of Rebel Rebel and Bones and All in Cincinnati this summer, Film Cincinnati is happy to welcome the cast and crew of ‘Monica’ to the area,” said Kristen Schlotman, executive director of Film Cincinnati. “Our office has been busy the last few months keeping in contact with production crews like this one so we would be ready to shoot in Cincinnati as soon as it was safe.”
Monica is the intimate portrait of a woman who returns home to care for her dying mother. A delicate and nuanced story of a fractured family, the story explores universal themes of abandonment, aging, acceptance, and redemption.
Executive producers are Andrei Epifanov, Steve Stanulis, David Schwarz, Julien Bourgon, Dru Davis, Christina Sibul (Thirteen) and BAFTA-winning producer Karen Tenkhoff (The Motorcycle Diaries).
Bones and All, starring Chalamet and Taylor Russel, was directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name.) The film also stars Mark Rylance, André Holland, Jessica Harper, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Gorden-Green, and Francesca Scorsese.
Rebel Rebel, which shot here in May, stars Gareth Koorzen and features Drew Harwood, Chris Taylor, Sidney Edwards and Katie Garland Noble. This is the first project between Harwood and cinematographer Brandan Haskell.