In an effort to raise awareness of small companies in our area, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber has announced the return of Storefronts to the Forefront, a special collaboration with Duke Energy and Huntington National Bank. Since its launch, the program has identified and supported small enterprises in more than 20 local communities.
Storefronts to the Forefront, which is currently in its fourth year, will award seven $5,000 awards to storefront companies that are currently operating in Covington and Falmouth, Kentucky, and East End, Montgomery, Northgate, St. Bernard, and West End, Ohio. The money will be available to recipients for expansion expenditures, marketing assistance, capital upgrades, and other growth-related initiatives.
The seven grantees are as follows:
Falmouth’s Wyatt’s SupermarketWalker Brothers, Ohio’s Walker Brothers Ice CreamOllie’s Trolley, Ohio’s West EndDaylily, Ohio’s East EndOhio’s Dots Fine Shoe Repair, St. BernardCovingtonBike 513, Strasse Dog, Northgate, Ohio
In order to encourage storytelling in every area, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber will spearhead a marketing initiative. Through Cincinnati Chamber publications, social media, email, and other channels, the Cincinnati Chamber, Duke Energy, and Huntington Bank will jointly promote one business district every month, showcasing entrepreneurship and the grant recipient in each neighborhood. Additionally, a lifestyle show on FOX 19, the chamber’s media partner, will highlight one company each month. Falmouth will be the first community to be highlighted.
As stated by Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, “Every day, small businesses like those we recognize in our Storefronts to the Forefront initiative serve their communities and create a vibrant, prosperous region where everyone belongs.” We are appreciative of partners like Duke Energy and The Huntington National Bank, whose daily efforts through this program put the expansion and prosperity of small businesses in our area first.
Being a founding partner of the Storefronts to the Forefront initiative makes us proud. According to Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, “one of the most important aspects of the work we do at Duke Energy is supporting the small businesses in local communities that make our region a great place to live, work, and play.” We are excited to continue doing just that in collaboration with the Chamber and The Huntington National Bank.
Helping businesses succeed is one of Huntington’s fundamental principles, as it leads to their expansion, improved community support, and increased economic impact for our area, stated Tony Johnson, market president for Kentucky. Storefronts to the Forefronts highlights the entrepreneurs who contribute to the success of this industry. We appreciate their contributions and want to watch how they develop and prosper for a very long time to come.
Go to www.storefrontstotheforefront.com to learn more.
Regional Chamber of Cincinnati