First Tuesday returned in person this month for the first time in two years and the highlight was a panel of Cincinnati leaders discussing changing systems for a better Greater Cincinnati.

• George Vincent, Managing Partner and Chairman, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP           
• Jill Meyer, President & CEO, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
• Steve Davis, President & CEO, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
• The Rev. KZ Smith, Senior Pastor, Corinthian Baptist Church

United Way CEO Moira Weir opened the event by discussing United Way’s new investment strategy, aimed at changing systems through investment, advocacy and services. She pointed at poverty rates remaining steady for the past 15 years as an indication a new approach was necessary.

The panelists then discussed being a good neighbor, inclusive employment and what to expect from Greater Cincinnati over the next 10 years.

Vincent said the city is pointed in the right direction after great progress over the past decade and that he looks forward to the following ten years from now: transportation improvements with the bus levy, Preschool Promise better preparing children to learn and the Port Authority “changing neighborhoods one house and one property at a time.”

Davis agreed: “I expect we will make more progress over the next 10 years than we did the last 10 years because a great foundation has been laid.”

Meyer expects a larger population with a dynamic business scene, mixing and mingling of a greater diversity of people in every neighborhood, and a capable new generation of leaders focused on big ideas and continued growth.

Smith said United Way is an example of where our community should go.

“We must change to really meet the needs of the people and I believe that is what United Way is doing now,” he said.

First Tuesday is on a summer break, but please join us in September!