Community Groups Gather to Announce Holiday Events from Banks to Findlay Market

OTR Chamber Releases2021 Economic Impact Report Amid Holiday Programming Highlights

CINCINNATI (November 15, 2021) – Several community groups gathered at Rookwood Pottery & Tile in Over-the-Rhine today to announce the kickoff of FOUND—a collection of creative and engaging holiday events aimed at bringing the community together in Cincinnati’s urban core—and highlight other holiday happenings throughout downtown this winter.

The event featured opening remarks from Mayor John Cranley and Micah Carroll of Rookwood Pottery& Tile. Andrew Salzbrun, with Agar, provided an overview of the FOUND holiday initiative; Christy Samad, with 3CDC, touched on holiday events at Fountain Square, Washington Park, and Memorial Hall; Kelly Lanser discussed Findlay Market’s holiday events; and Kelly Adamson shared details on the OTR Chamber’s 2021 Economic Impact Report, touting the number of new businesses that opened in OTR in 2021 and highlighting those slated to open in 2022. Adamson and others also reiterated the importance that the community shop small this winter, encouraging all patrons to buy their holiday gifts at independent local retailers who truly need the support now more than ever.
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic over the past year, 42 new businesses opened in Over-the-Rhine in 2021, 45% of which are minority-owned and 60% of which are woman-owned. The new businesses created more than 200 new jobs, and while restaurants and retailers were the most common businesses to open, the neighborhood saw consistent growth across all sectors, including non-profits and personal service businesses. The footprint of new businesses that opened also expanded.

“Our data shows OTR businesses are growing both geographically and in diversity of industry, which is great for the whole neighborhood,” Kelly Adamson, Executive Director of the OTR Chamber said. “It’s particularly exciting to see the addresses of new businesses reflecting growth in the North of Liberty area – it’s not just Findlay Market anymore, there’s a whole new community being shaped up there. We encourage everyone to discover our small businesses – both new and old – as they visit the urban core this holiday season for FOUND.”

During the event the OTR Chamber, in partnership with Rookwood Pottery & Tile, released its annual holiday ornament and Rookwood also announced the return of its much-anticipated annual Holiday Open House. Additionally, Findlay Market’s Kelly Lanser was joined by Cincinnati’s Bell’s Larissa Cullen to reveal that the two organizations would be partnering to activate the vacant Leader Furniture building with numerous events and activations throughout the holiday season.
It was also announced that for the first time, FOUND will host a free concert at The Banks on Saturday, Nov. 20 as a lead-in to the month-long celebration. The evening of entertainment will begin at 4:00 p.m. and feature local musicians Arin Ray with Special Guests, The Bright Light Social Hour featuring Mia Carruthers, Speed Walton, The Heavy Hours, and more. Additionally, FOUND will be partnering with Freestore Foodbank, and guests will be given opportunities to support their holiday food drives.

FOUND, which is returning for a second year, features experiential events that celebrate the history of Cincinnati (which was founded in December 1788 and originally called Losantiville), highlight the unique characteristics of each district in the urban core – from The Banks to the Central Business District to Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market – and help support the wide variety of eclectic small businesses and entrepreneurs that add vibrancy throughout our center city.
In addition to the kickoff concert, FOUND pillar events include several art installations and a scavenger hunt. The series begins in late November and continues through early January. Patrons can visit FoundCincinnati.com for a digital map of every holiday experience in the city, as well as additional information on the FOUND pillar events.

The month-long holiday celebration is a partnership between 3CDC, AGAR, The Haile Foundation, P&G, the OTR Chamber of Commerce, Findlay Market, The Banks, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and more.

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