A look into the State of our Region

Area leaders present a peek into how we’re doing

By Chuck Gibson

LOVELAND, OH (January 23, 2026) – Every year around this time the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) hosts the annual “State of the Region” update.

Wednesday, January 21st was that day this year when a group of about 60 people, including city, township, school and chamber leaders came out to the Loveland Event Center to see and hear about just what is happening in and around the City of Loveland, Miami Township and Loveland City Schools. First they heard the annual report from LMRCA President Cee Cee Collins who shared chamber goals, recent accomplishments, and hopes for growth in the future. Among the goals for the future, Collins pointed to advocating for businesses, active participation in community development and a strong focus on giving back to the community.

Collins introduced Emily Barlow, President of the LMRCA Board of Directors, who introduced each member of the board and introduced the speakers beginning with Will Roberts representing the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA). Roberts gave a brief presentation of the services provided by SOCA including helping chambers increase and retain membership. He also spoke of a number of other services they offer to assist small businesses with employee benefits, payroll and other challenges typically faced by business owners. 

Loveland City School District Superintendent Mike Broadwater shared an update on the schools which included a glowing report card of how well the district is doing with rankings for educating our youth – top rankings locally, statewide and nationally.

Broadwater highlighted the “Above Average” results with high test scores and high graduation rates accomplished with “Below Average” cost per student. Cost is key and he had to share the news expenses continue to rise while revenue and funding for schools, not just Loveland, but all schools, remains flat. It is clear the reality of school funding puts another levy request in the future.

His presentation placed a lot of focus on the success of the students and staff providing pathways for their future whether it is enlistment, college or business. Broadwater concluded his presentation with a moving video of the students sharing their Loveland Schools story.

Miami Township administrator and director of public safety Steve Kelly focused his presentation on residential development projects and business development projects. He cited as a key to development in both areas the issue of zoning permits especially for the residential development of the Meadows of Deerfield. Projects along the “Business 28” district highlighted his discussion of business development along with projects on the US 50 corridor. 

Kelly also introduced the Miami Township Trustees and all the staff members who serve the citizens of the township from Public Works to Zoning to Parks & Recreation.

Loveland City Manager David Kennedy wove his way through introductions of members of Loveland City Council including the newest members of council Adam Jeranek, Deidre Hazelbaker and Sherry Hamlin, city council goals and four major plans.

Kennedy placed a focus on the successful planning and development of the Historic Downtown Loveland District creating better traffic flow, more accessible parking, and improvement of Nisbet Park. He offered updates on progress for the Loveland-Madeira Road corridor development along with roads, walkways and other key infrastructure projects. His presentation included the new fire house and a tribute to the 50 years-plus of service by Fire Chief Otto Huber with the naming of the new Fire Station as “Otto Huber Station 63”.

It was not only the fire chief but also noting the good works of Police Chief Michael Gabrielson and the entire Loveland Police Department. The city finance director Mark Medlar was recognized as was assistant city manager Chris Wojnicz. Kennedy made it a point recognize Wojnicz for his work on planning to upgrade the city water system to meet the coming EPA water safety standards. He also hinted at special events coming during this 150-year sesquicentennial celebration for the city.