“The city has long rewarded small businesses who invest in themselves by making exterior facing and façade improvements, leading to more attractive properties and additional job growth,” McCandless noted. A qualifying small business could receive a reimbursable grant up to $10,000 for improvements such as painting, new siding, uplighting, and signage. There are many success stories in Sharonville, home to a number of non-chain restaurants such as the Blue Goose Sports Café, Chef’s Café, and Rocafella’s Pizza.Among them is the Third Eye Brewing Company, a 2024 Grand National Champion award winner. McCandless is the first to acknowledge that businesses thriving in the region have partially been a result of the city’s work with key entities. He points to the Northern Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce which has been a valued partner serving the needs of the business community from networking events to a wide array of benefits and member discounts. When it comes to workforce partners, Princeton City Schools and Scarlet Oaks Career Campuses are always top of mind. Other critical economic development partners include Alloy Development Co., Hamilton County, REDI Cincinnati, and the state of Ohio. INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS McCandless points out that the city has been heavily investing in its infrastructure with a special emphasis on beautifying its downtown area. Recent additions in keeping with its Downtown Streetscape Master Plan include Depot Square, a central gathering area with a fountain feature and stage in the heart of The Loop.“The next phase of our streetscape improvements includes new sidewalks, a road diet with additional on-street parking, and other amenities,” Anna Ehlerding, Assistant to the Mayor outlines. The work that the city is putting in to help make downtown a more walkable, community-oriented, and beautiful place for residents to meet and socialize, while taking part in local events is paying off. “We continue to add new events such as Bark & Buy, Loop Quest, and musical performances for 160 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
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