But I continued to think about that “invitation.” Approximately four years later, I learned what those meeting had been about. It was the launching point for the Vision 2020 Commission.
When we look back, it seems like such a short time ago. But the idea of creating a Vision, a plan and destination for our city was pretty forward thinking, literally. Keep in mind that in 1999, Hamilton — once a great industrial center, driven by innovation and hard work, had fallen on hard times. Like so many mid-western, rust belt communities, there was a fear that the good times were over, with no hope for recovery.
But when you bring idealists, dreamers, creators and the fearless together, nothing can prevent them from doing great things.
By 1999, many of our historic industries and businesses had closed or moved away. Champion Papers headquarters had moved to Stamford, Connecticut, Hamilton Tool had been sold, Hooven, Owens, Rentschler (and the associated businesses) as well as Niles Tool Works closed, Ohio Casualty moved to Fairfield. What had once been a thriving downtown was struggling. Many storefronts were boarded up. There were very few apartments and certainly none that were appealing to young professionals or empty nesters.
The Vision Commission, led by a diverse volunteer group of citizens, business leaders, nonprofit executives, longtime Hamiltonians and newbies, created an audacious plan. It included a riverfront amphitheater for concerts, a rowing center to encourage river activities, and a long-range vision to make Hamilton a destination. In 2012, the city leaders unveiled a plan that focused on three pillars: Live, Work and Play. Hamilton was on a pathway that very few residents could have imagined when those first focus group meetings were held.
A few of the many accomplishments of the Vision Commission include:
- The Vision Awards that recognized individual who contributed to the city’s renaissance
- Great Miami Valley Rowing, bringing high school students to downtown Hamilton from across the county
- RiversEdge Amphitheater and the incredible summer concert series
Early on the Vision 2020 Commission had a committee structure that allowed small groups to work on a variety of projects. Those committees included:
- Communication – to share the exciting things happening locally
- Beautification – focused on improving the appearance and perception of the city
- Business and economic opportunities – to work on attracting new employers to town and supporting the growth the businesses already here.
The Vision Commission continues to look for ways to support the city and to help others see the great potential of this amazing community. If you would like know more about the Vision Commission, please reach out to Ian MacKenzie Thurley, the current board chair. He can be reached at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
Sonja Kranbuhl is a board member and the secretary of the Vision Commission.
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