This dynamic panel discussion will provide an in-depth look at the project’s latest developments, with key updates from construction leaders at Messer Construction, O'Rourke Wrecking, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Jostin Construction, as well as insights into the anticipated tourism and business impacts from Visit Cincy. Learn how this iconic renovation will not only modernize the city's convention infrastructure but also drive increased investment, job creation, and revitalization in the heart of downtown. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exclusive insights into one of Cincinnati’s most high-profile projects and its long-term benefits for our community.

Our Moderator:

Andrea Pinho, Director, Site Selection and Real Estate | REDI Cincinnati

Andrea Pinho joined the REDI Cincinnati team in 2019 as the site selection and real estate manager. In 2022 she was promoted to Director. In this role, Andrea assists growing companies in finding their perfect location to thrive in the Cincinnati region. Her greatest ability is to pinpoint ideal real estate options that fit the exact needs of her clients.

Before joining REDI Cincinnati, Andrea worked at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation where she facilitated $4+ million in revenue to businesses in the state. As a senior program manager, Andrea worked to engage key stakeholders in targeted industries. She was able to transform stakeholder’s business gaps into potential qualified partnerships. Andrea takes pride in the cities she calls “home”. She is thrilled to work with REDI Cincinnati to support the region’s thriving community and economy.

As an Alma College alumna, Andrea graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and minors in Communication and Spanish. While in school, she was fortunate enough to play volleyball, develop an appreciation for an active community, and travel to both Nicaragua and Peru.

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys staying competitive at volleyball, finding new restaurants to rave about, and staying social with family and friends. She lives in Loveland with her husband Jason.

Andrea gives back to the community through her work on the Executive Committee for the Ohio Economic Development Association, Programs Board Liaison for Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and participated in the WE Lead Cincinnati Regional Chamber Leadership Program, Class 18.

Our Speakers:

Brian Campbell, Senior Project Executive | Messer

Brian Campbell began his journey with Messer Construction Co.  in 1996 as a co-op student and transitioned to a full-time role after earning his bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati in 2000. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous landmark projects across the city, such as the Cincinnati Children’s Clinical Sciences Pavilion, the Music Hall Renovation, and the Cincinnati Children’s Critical Care Building. He is currently leading construction for the Cincinnati Convention Center renovation. Beyond his professional achievements, Brian actively participates in the community through his involvement with the Great Oaks Advisory Council and serving on the Board for Junior Achievement of OKI Partners. 

Michelle O'Rourke, CEO | O'Rourke Wrecking

As the CEO of O'Rourke Wrecking Company, Michelle oversees the executive management and business operations of one of the largest demolition contractors in the Midwest. With a certified WBE status and a strong reputation for safety and quality, O'Rourke provide full-service, turnkey solutions for our clients nationwide, ranging from structural, selective and interior demolition, to abatement and environmental remediation.

Michelle has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, with a focus on business development, project bidding, contract management, and feasibility studies. She also holds multiple certifications as an asbestos abatement site supervisor and an EPA-approved AHERA asbestos contractor/supervisor. Michelle is passionate about delivering excellence, innovation, and sustainability in every project O'Rourke undertakes, and she is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and accountability within our organization.

Julie Calvert, President & CEO | Visit Cincy

As President and CEO of Visit Cincy, Julie Calvert leads the region's destination marketing and management organization. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach help maximize the size and impact of Cincinnati’s visitor economy and expand the region’s travel, tourism and convention industries. Calvert leads an award-winning team to attract high volume, high impact meetings to Cincinnati, and she works closely with civic, corporate and hospitality industry partners to establish and promote Cincinnati as a world-class tourism and meetings destination.

Prior to her appointment as CEO, Calvert served as Executive Director of Source Cincinnati (Cincinnati Experience), where she led the charge to connect the region with national media and elevate the “Cincinnati Story” into the global spotlight. In that role, she created a coalition of like-minded, visionary funders. She built and engaged a board of directors, and tapped our best regional resources and outside experts to establish Source as the region’s only organization focused solely on global reputation management and strategic growth.

Calvert has spent her career developing and executing strategies that drive awareness, build reputation, mobilize resources and spark economic vitality in the region. She started as a media reporter and editor, worked as a senior advisor at one of Cincinnati’s top communications firms and served as Vice President of Communications and Strategic Development for the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau from 2001-2016 (now Visit Cincy). At that time, she was the driving force behind the CVB’s national marketing and communications strategies and was instrumental in the Bureau’s record-setting results in attracting and hosting some of the world’s most high-profile conventions.

With a profound appreciation of our region's rich diversity, Calvert has a track record of finding ways to celebrate the varied voices, backgrounds and viewpoints that make up our Cincinnati tapestry. She helped build the CVB’s Supplier Diversity Program and multicultural marketing channel. And she made diversity a key part of Source Cincinnati’s strategic vision, from the people it engages to the stories it tells about the region.

In 2015, Julie spearheaded civic communications efforts for the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game hosted in Cincinnati, raising the city's national profile during one of the signature events in all of professional sports. In 2012, she led all civic engagement and communications efforts for the World Choir Games, one of the premier arts and culture events in the world and the largest international event in the history of Cincinnati USA.

Calvert is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati Class 37, and was named one of the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40. She serves the Board of the Cincinnati Music Festival and is a former Cabinet Member for the ArtsWave Annual Community Campaign and former member of on the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls.

Joshua Smitherman, Business Development Manager | Jostin Construction

Josh’s journey with Jostin Construction began early, immersed in both office and field roles that cultivated a deep understanding of the company’s culture and operations. A proud Xavier University graduate, Josh sharpened his marketing and sales expertise at Ford Motor Company before bringing his knowledge back to Jostin in 2022, where he currently serves as the Business Development and Marketing Manager.

In this role, Josh is instrumental in driving the growth of Jostin’s legacy and emerging service lines within targeted growth markets. He leads the company’s strategic initiatives in sales, marketing, brand positioning, and client experience, ensuring that Jostin remains at the forefront of innovation and client satisfaction in the construction industry.

Josh is also deeply committed to community engagement. He serves on the board of Springer School and Center, is a member of the Allied Construction Industries Membership Committee and is a member of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Emerging Philanthropist Council. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to creating opportunities and building relationships that make a lasting impact.

A dedicated car enthusiast, Josh approaches every endeavor with passion, whether it’s refining marketing strategies, engaging in community initiatives, fostering meaningful client relationships, or spending time with his family.

Liz Keating, VP of Government Affairs and Advocacy | Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Former Councilmember Keating is a well-respected, diligent, and effective leader in the public and private sectors. In her three years on Cincinnati City Council, Keating built a track record of bipartisan accomplishment and common-sense policy efforts that focused on growing the City’s economy. Her career has spanned both public and private sector roles; in addition to serving on Council, Keating was the Engagement Strategist at UC Health, and spent the last ten years as Marketing Director for The Jim Stengel Company.

In her role with The Cincinnati Regional Chamber she helps to serve more than 3,000 businesses in the 15-county MSA, advocating for a wide range of pro-business and pro-development policies in City Halls, County offices, State Capitals, and Washington, D.C. Liz leads the team that includes Will Gerhardt, Manager of Government Affairs, and Madison Kutruff, Event & Program Coordinator.

Liz is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

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We'd Like To Thank Our Space Donor, Bricker Graydon:

Please contact us at [email protected] to learn how you can support this or future programs.

CPSM CEU
1 credit hour

Agenda
11:30am - 12:00pm: Check-In and Networking
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Panel Discussion
1:00pm: Adjourn

For any questions on this program or registration, please contact Sam Rossell at [email protected].

Online registration closes at 11:00 am on 11/18/2024.  If you'd like to register for the event following this date and time, please reach out directly to Sam Rossell at [email protected].