The growth of an economy is the growth of opportunity and hope.
Welcome to the 2024 City of Hamilton Economic Development Annual Report. This year’s report highlights the ongoing growth, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape Hamilton as a thriving economic hub. Our community’s dynamic businesses, forwardthinking entrepreneurs, and committed public and private sector partners are driving an exciting transformation, one that positions Hamilton for success in the years to come.
In this report, we showcase key achievements, emerging opportunities, and the strategic initiatives that are fueling our city’s economic momentum. Thank you for exploring this snapshot of Hamilton’s economic journey—we look forward to continuing this important work together as we move into another year of growth and opportunity.
Meet Team 2024
Our Economic Development team is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation by supporting local businesses, attracting new investments, and creating vibrant, thriving communities through strategic planning and collaboration.
Jody Gunderson
Director of Economic Development
We Are Hamilton
Stacey Dietrich Dudas
Assistant Director of Economic Development
Hamilton, Ohio, situated in the heart of the Cincinnati-Dayton metroplex, is a vibrant city known for its rich industrial heritage and lively cultural scene. As the 10th largest city in Ohio, Hamilton boasts a population of over 63,000 residents. It is a place where innovation, art, and community come together. The city features five urban core districts and 17 diverse neighborhoods. Additionally, Hamilton is home to Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill, the largest indoor sports complex in America, and is set for further growth with $1 billion in development projects currently underway.
Small Business Development Specialist
Our Mission
Small Business Development Specialist
The City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Department leads activities that retain and create jobs, increase the tax base, and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Hamilton. We work across departmental and organizational lines to help businesses succeed in our community and to promote Hamilton as a place to live, work, and play.
Cassandra Maslin
Taylor Stone-Welch
Letter from the Director
Hamilton’s businesses & residents are increasingly convinced that our city is on an upward trajectory with our best days ahead of us.
We embrace and celebrate our past while recognizing that our community is undergoing rapid changes driven by advancing technologies. Hamilton has and will continue to adapt to these evolving workforce demands and place itself as the preferred choice for growing businesses.
Over the past two decades, businesses and residents have experienced a renaissance that’s been recognized throughout the state of Ohio. The city’s leadership has made a strategic move to diversify our local economy, enabling Hamilton to be more resilient against fluctuations caused by national and global factors.
Today, Hamilton’s local economy is stronger than ever, marked by increased tax revenue, high productivity, and low unemployment. But as we continue to grow our local economy, it is important that we do not forget that we are competing to attract a welleducated and skilled workforce regionally, nationally, and globally.
In August, a partnership involving Miami University, Butler Tech, Butler County, and the city was formally announced. The Knightsbridge Advanced Manufacturing Hub is a multi-million dollar investment that has been described as “the premier educational institution for jobs of the future.”
This cuttting-edge partnership aims to develop an educated workforce and will serve as a catalyst for educated workforce and will serve as a catalyst for community economic growth. Students will have access to a variety of distinctive pathways to meet all levels of need in the manufacturing sector — from associate degrees, industry-recognized credentials and Microcredentials, to degrees in robotics, electro-mechanical engineering, and more.
Economic Development is now a practice that’s defined by not only a city’s job growth, but what a city does to attract and retain its skilled workforce. Hamilton’s team is doubling our focus on new businesses, community amenities, and the continued revitalization of the city’s 17 neighborhoods. While Hamilton has seen significant investment in its core districts in recent years, there is now a renewed interest in neighborhoods located just outside our central business district. Collaborating with Hamilton’s economic development partners will be important to ensure this positive momentum continues.
I truly believe that this city is stronger than it has been in decades. I am eager to see what will come in 2025, because Hamilton is on an upward trajectory that we’re only just beginning to witness.
Jody Gunderson Director of Economic Development
2024 wrapped | introduction
______
Ohio cities are ahead of the rest.
Hamilton ranked 28th best city to start a business.*
Hamilton is among the top 100 cities to start a business, thanks to strong entrepreneurial opportunities, a rapidly growing economy, and a low cost of living. Affordable living reduces overhead, while solid infrastructure and access to key markets support new businesses. With a vibrant entrepreneurial community, Hamilton is an excellent place to launch a business.
$1 Billion 50% increase since 2021 worth of development in the pipeline*
largest city in Ohio with a population of over 63,000* 10th #1
Home to America’s largest indoor sports complex, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill
Voted 7th best city for remote work in the country*
Hamilton boasts 40 public sculptures, 37 vibrant murals, and a thriving art scene
Vinylmax
Vinylmax Windows, a 40-year-old window and patio door manufacturer, has experienced significant growth since relocating from Sharonville to Hamilton in 2007.
In 2024, the company expanded its footprint from 150,000 square feet to 306,000 square feet at its McBride Court facility in Enterprise Park, reflecting significant growth in the industry. When Vinylmax first moved to Hamilton, it employed approximately 65 people. Today, the company has over 300 employees, with plans to hire an additional 150 in the coming years. Vinylmax President Laura Doerger-Roberts emphasized that the company’s decision to remain in Hamilton was driven by the city’s supportive environment, which has enabled its continued expansion and success.
Wulco
Wulco Inc. has also announced plans to expand into a vacant space, creating 55 new jobs in Hamilton. Specializing in aerospace, Wulco’s divisions include Jet Machine and Manufacturing in West Chester and Cincinnati, CIMA Packaging on Eaton Avenue in Hamilton, and NextGen Armor in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.156%, seven-year tax credit for Wulco to create 55 fulltime equivalent jobs with $2.780 million in new annual payroll.
Image Credit: Archiable Jeff, TV Hamilton
Image Credit: Graham, Nick, Journal News.
Darana Hybrid
Darana Hybrid, a Native American-owned business, does the design work, manufacturing and installation of conveyor systems, such as for fulfillment centers and bottling companies, and has done work for several large businesses, including Amazon, FedEx, Coca-Cola and KraftHeinz. In 2024, they announced plans to construct a new 100,000-square-foot building on Belle Avenue that will provide space for the company’s three divisions. Darana Hybrid will take up 65,000 square feet for warehouse and training, and DESCO, the company’s electrical manufacturer, will take up 25,000 square feet. The remaining 10,000 square feet will be office space for Darana Hybrid, DESCO, and Darana’s administrative staffing division.
Coolants Plus
In 2024, Coolants Plus received a tax abatement and jobs creation credit from the city along with approval to expand from their leased facility in Lindenwald to a new 104,000-square-foot location on Symmes Road. This $10 million project will allow Coolants Plus to retain 39 full-time employees and create six additional jobs, resulting in a total of 45 jobs and an annual payroll exceeding $4.2 million. This new construction will support their ongoing growth and enable them to remain one of Hamilton’s key employers.
Industry Highlight
“This is what we needed as a company to grow.”
Meyer Brothers and Sons relocated to a newly renovated building in the Jefferson neighborhood in 2024, marking a significant investment in the area. Co-owner Meyer invested over $1 million to transform the historic 18,000-square-foot former freight house train depot, purchased by the city for just $1. This renovation, a key element of the city’s vision for revitalizing the Maple Avenue corridor, has already had a dramatic visual impact, eliminating blight and replacing the
former eyesore with a beautifully restored landmark. The project, which preserves the unique architectural character of the late 1800s structure while meeting modern construction codes, is expected to help drive further development in the area. While the entire space is not yet fully occupied, about 6,500 square feet remains available for lease to potential tenants, further contributing to the neighborhood’s revitalization.
Meyer Brothers and Sons
Brothers
Image Credit: Pitman, Michael. Journal News.
Image Credit: Tepe, Mark. Meyer Brothers and Sons.
2024 wrapped | areas of focus
Areas of Focus
Focus
As we transition into a new economy, where advanced manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and information technologies have created a growing demand for a highly skilled and highly educated workforce, we must adapt to those needs. Through “Restore the Core” we aim to: 1. Create safe, livable neighborhoods for our residents. 2. Rebuild and restore by infilling vacant lots and reactivating vacant homes to create residential capacity. 3. Establish a talent pipeline for workers. 4. Form partnerships with Butler Tech and Miami University to support education, training, and innovation.
Events
In 2024, Hamilton’s diverse events, such as the Hispanic Festival, Operation Pumpkin, the inaugural Hollow Earth Festival, Hamilton Ohio Pride, and Holly Jolly Hamilton activities like SantaCon and the Santa Paws Pet Parade, significantly contributed to economic development.
Events like these attracted visitors, supported local businesses, and strengthened community ties, aligning with City Manager Craig Buchheit’s strategy to be peoplecentered, neighborhood-focused, and development-driven. Their success not only boosted the economy but also enhanced Hamilton’s reputation as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
Image Credit: Deep Focus Photography
Placemaking & Public Art
Placemaking in Hamilton, Ohio has become a cornerstone of the city’s revitalization efforts, bringing art, community, and culture into the public sphere to create a vibrant and engaging environment. One of the key initiatives driving this transformation is StreetSpark, a public art program launched in 2016 in partnership with the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, the City of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Community Foundation.
StreetSpark has elevated Hamilton’s visual identity through murals and the beautification of public spaces. In 2024, the program reached new heights with a collaboration involving the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) and Hamilton Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 20. Together, they wrapped a BCRTA bus with the “Charge the Line” mural, transforming it into mobile public art. Streetspark’s second mural of 2024 was their second-largest project to date, titled ‘ Tourism Series: Hamilton’.
City of Sculpture Hamilton
boasts public sculptures vibrant murals, and a thriving art scene.
Image Credit: StreetSpark
2024 wrapped | areas of focus
Placemaking Highlight
Our City, Our Canvas.
Located along the Great Miami River Recreational Trail, the mural spans 250 feet on the Miami Conservancy District’s floodwall in Hamilton. This larger-than-life work of art is the result of a creative collaboration between Street Spark, Often Seen Rarely Spoken, the City of Hamilton, and the Miami Conservancy District. The mural’s name is “Tourism Series: Hamilton” and the design draws inspiration from the river and how it connects us to nature, to recreation, to our economy, and to our local history and heritage.
Canvas.
In 2024, StreetSpark unveiled the program’s second-largest to date, titled ‘Tourism Series: Hamilton’.
Image Credit: StreetSpark
New Development Small Business
In 2024, Hamilton’s small business sector saw a dynamic year of growth and transformation, with numerous new businesses opening, existing ones expanding, and many enhancing their operations.
This surge in entrepreneurial activity underscores the critical role small businesses play in our city’s economic vitality. While large industrial success remains important, it is the thriving small business ecosystem that truly fuels Hamilton’s prosperity.
This year, we’ve seen exciting additions to the local business landscape, including unique ventures like a doggie daycare and childcare services; innovations that reflect the evolving needs of our community. Hamilton is becoming a place where businesses of all sizes thrive, and we look forward to welcoming even more in 2025.
Ciao Vino
Ciao Vino opened at 218 High Street, bringing a delightful new experience to our Central Business District. Owned by Hamilton local Jana Emmons, this cozy spot offers a carefully curated selection of imported wines. Alongside the wines, guests can enjoy a limited selection of beer, bourbon, mixed drinks, nonalcoholic options, and a variety of bites to complement the drinks. Ciao Vino is a welcoming haven for wine lovers and anyone looking to relax and enjoy the warmth of Hamilton’s vibrant downtown.
2024 Business Openings
Agave & Rye
Aglamesis Bros’
Meyer Brothers & Sons
Good Times Barbers
Ciao Vino
Frannie & Joe Bridal
Bark Hamilton
Arius & Phos
Lock & Key Boutique
Tater Tots Childcare & Learning Center
Esteem MedSpa
Stone Tavern
The 513 Hamilton
Shooters Sports Bar & Grill
Stone Tavern
Owned by Jim Pickup, an England native, the Stone Tavern is his “gift to Hamilton,” transforming a once-vacant space into a welcoming neighborhood pub.
Washington Event Center
Polished Hamilton
Little Chicago Grooming Salon
Confident&True
New Announcements
COhatch
Carmagnola
The Grey
The Well House Hotel
The Lucky Well
Hampton Inn
Home 2 Suites
The Mueller Hotel
Garcias Expansion
The Municipal Hotel
VA Clinic
Image Credit: Travel Butler County
Image Credit: Pitman, Michael. Journal News.
2024 wrapped | new development
New Development
Bark Hamilton
Kelly Ruckh opened Bark Hamilton in September, 2024 inside the Third+Dayton building because she sympathizes with pet owners trying to find a place to take their dogs for the day or board them.
Ruckh is a life-long Hamiltonian and said she loves everything happening in the city, and this nearly two-year process of finding a location and opening had been made easier with the city’s help, as well as other small businesses.
“It’s a great community. All the small businesses help each other out, and I’ve been received with open arms.”
- Kelly Ruckh
Polished Hamilton
Polished Hamilton, a nail salon located in the back of Scripted Studio, on Main Street opening in the summer of 2024. A licensed manicurist and graduate of the Small Business Management program at Miami Hamilton, Abby O’Neal expressed her gratitude for the strong support from the growing business district of Main Street, which she believes is ideal for new ventures.
Image Credit: Pitman, Michael. Journal News.
Aglamesis Bros. Small Business Highlight
Aglamesis Bros. Ice Cream & Chocolates is opened their first new location in 54 years right in the heart of Hamilton. When Randy Young and his daughter, Kristi Weissman, vice president of Aglamesis Bros., saw the facility at the corner of Main and D streets, which used to be the former Village Parlor ice cream shop, they knew they found their 3rd shop. Now their historic recipes can be found at Main and D streets in Hamilton’s urban core.
Image Credit: Graham, Nick. Journal News.
Small
Business Highlight
Agave & Rye
On October 14th, 2024, Agave & Rye opened at 339 Main Street, formerly Ritzi’s Service Station, bringing a bold dining experience to Hamilton. This unique Tequila and Bourbon Hall offers epic tacos and creative street food, inviting diners to savor every bite.
The location features an “urban grunge” aesthetic with vibrant decor and rustic wood accents. Their menu highlights made-from-scratch dishes and signature craft cocktails, showcasing a commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavors.
Housed in the fully-renovated former Ritzi Body Shop on Main, Agave and Rye opened its doors on October 14, 2024.
New Development
Tourism & Hospitality
A major focus has been placed on positioning Hamilton as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers. This initiative emphasizes the development of a diverse range of lodging and hotel options to meet the varying needs of visitors.
2024 saw the renovation of the former Anthony Wayne building is a $16 million renovation project, converting it from an apartment building to the Well House Hamilton; a seven-story, 54-room boutique hotel and restaurant. The hotel is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Our city is experiencing a lively renaissance in its restaurant and nightlife scene. This revitalization is not only enhancing the local culture but also attracting more people to explore and celebrate everything Hamilton has to offer.
Craft breweries and taprooms like Municipal Brew Works, Pour House, and Third Eye Brewing pair local brews with gourmet pub fare, while sleek cocktail and wine bars like Ciao Vino, Immortal Vibes, and the 513 Hamilton offer craft cocktails and live music, attracting a younger crowd. With the addition of seasonal downtown events, markets, and concerts at RiversEdge, Hamilton is becoming an exciting destination for the best in food, drinks, and entertainment.
Image Credit: Graham, Nick. Journal News.
Highlighting Hamilton’s
DORA District
Our DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) program, which entered its third year in 2024, is a powerful economic development tool for Hamilton. By designating specific areas where patrons can consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces, the program encourages social activity, boosts local business revenue, and enhances the vitality of our urban areas. Our DORA continues to grow exponetially year after year.
7
31
100k businesses participating over cups sold neighborhoods
2024 wrapped | new development
Nightlife Highlight
RiversEdge
The 2024 summer season at RiversEdge was a resounding success, marked by a series of standout events that captivated both locals and visitors alike. August’s Big River Get Down set the tone for a memorable close to the season, drawing thousands of music enthusiasts to Hamilton for performances by the city’s own David Shaw, along with national
acts like Zach Top, whose fan base spans across the country. The season culminated on September 14th with a spectacular performance by Signs of Life, the acclaimed tribute band to Pink Floyd, providing an unforgettable finale to an exciting and vibrant summer of music and entertainment at RiversEdge.
Expansion Underway
The City of Hamilton plans to redevelop and expand RiversEdge, which has drawn nearly 200,000 people to over 120 events since 2017, generating an estimated $6.25 million in economic impact.
Voted ‘Best Concert Venue’ in Butler County for 2nd year in a row! over 120
$6.25 events since 2017* million in economic impact*
In Summer of 2024, phase one began and includes Phase 1 redesign ncludes a bigger roof, fencing around the complex and concrete work. More upgrades will be considered as we near phase two in 2025. Page 26
Image credit: Rayman, Joshua. RiversEdge
2024 wrapped | new development
New Development
Workforce Development
The Knightsbridge Advanced Manufacturing Hub is poised to be a transformative investment for Hamilton, with leaders drawing parallels to the success of the Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill project. That project, which repurposed an old paper mill into the country’s largest indoor sports facility, brought thousands of visitors and economic growth to the city.
“This partnership will ensure that as the industry expands, our workforce is prepared to meet its needs.”
- Ande Durojaiye
The Hub, a collaboration between Miami University, Butler Tech, and the city of Hamilton, represents a multi-million dollar commitment to preparing the workforce for the future of advanced manufacturing. Leaders see it as a crucial step in meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in Ohio’s expanding manufacturing sector.
Miami University Hamilton Dean Ande Durojaiye highlighted the Hub’s potential to create a direct pathway for students to gain industry-specific training, while simultaneously addressing workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing. “We’re creating opportunities for employers, students, and the community to grow alongside the sector,” Durojaiye explained. “This partnership will ensure that as the industry expands, our workforce is prepared to meet its needs.”
A collaboration that aims to develop an educated workforce that will serve as a catalyst for community economic growth.
The project is being seen as a strategic response to one of Ohio’s fastest-growing industries, with the potential to not only bridge the skills gap but also drive long-term economic development in the region.
Residential
Housing has been a focus for Hamilton in recent years, and it will be for the next few years. It’s also been a concerted effort in the city for the past few years with developers either renovating old buildings, like Third+Dayton, or constructing new apartments, like Rossville Flats and the Marcum Apartments.
In 2024, the owner of the former Shuler and Benninghofen Woolen Mill has received $3.5 million in Ohio historic tax credits to redevelop the industrial building into an apartment complex and retail space in Hamilton.
This announcement moves a very important project closer to reality — one that will add 100 housing units to help address our city’s housing shortage and spur revitalization in a key corridor.
Living in Hamilton
We surveyed residents in Hamilton to better understand how they feel about where our city is headed. Here were the top three ranked responses:
2 3 1
Fun Things To Do Safe
Looking Ahead to
Hamilton is dedicated to revitalizing our neighborhoods and strengthening our economy through City Manager Craig Bucheit’s “Restore the Core” initiative. This transformative program focuses on rebuilding our historic areas, creating safe and vibrant communities, restoring vacant properties, and nurturing a skilled workforce for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. In partnership with intitutions like Hamilton Community Schools, Butler Tech, and Miami University, we are committed to enhancing educational opportunities for all residents.
Hamilton’s people-centered approach continues to drive our success. By investing in our residents and workforce, fostering community pride, and enhancing our city’s reputation as a hub for innovation, we are positioning Hamilton for a future that is vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable. The work we do today will not only benefit the generations to come but will help ensure that Hamilton remains a dynamic, thriving community for years to come.
2025 & Beyond
By investing in our residents and workforce, we are positioning Hamilton for a future that is vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.
