DSG assists Divisions Maintenance Group in HQ site selection

In need of a new headquarters for its expanding operations, Divisions Maintenance Group selects downtown Cincinnati's The Foundry adjacent to Fountain Square .

By Doug Moormann:

Development Strategies Group recently worked with Divisions Maintenance Group (DMG) on locating a new headquarters for its expanding operations.  The fast-growing company expects to create 256 full-time positions, generating $25.6 million in new annual payroll and retaining $19.1 in existing payroll. Both sides of the river presented attractive sites and access to the talent needed by the company to help fuel its growth.  The cities of Cincinnati and Newport competed alongside their respective counterparts at JobsOhio and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to attract the DMG headquarters project.

I worked with economic development professionals on both sides of the river to negotiate and create compelling incentive offers featuring real value to the company.  The value of the offers was nearly the same.

Like many location decisions – this came down to place: a place where DMG determined it could reach its ambitious goal of becoming a billion-dollar business.

As a newly renovated office building in the heart of not only the region, but also Cincinnati’s central business district, 3CDC’s The Foundry offered a desirable location for office workers.  It also provides the company with unmatched visibility because of its location across from Fountain Square.  The proximity to public transportation was another factor in this decision-making process.

The combination of access to talent, nearby amenities, a new, open office environment, a competitive business proposition and a high visibility location were a winning combination for Cincinnati. In addition, DMG received a 2.102 percent, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.

There is always some heartburn when a company relocates from one side of the river to the other.  In this case, an important fact to bear in mind is that DMG determined that it CAN access and attract the innovative IT workers and others it will need to reach is growth plans right here is our region.

DMG did not see a need to leave the region and find talent. It didn’t leave to find a more favorable tax structure and it didn’t leave because of concerns about business environment. It IS all about the place – we are blessed to have a pretty darn good one!


Doug Moormann is Vice President of Development Strategies Group, a full service economic development consulting firm. 

Copyright 2021 | Government Strategies LLC

Join Our

Mailing List

Sign up for first access to the latest news, updates, and events.

Charles “Chip” Gerhardt

President & CEO

Chip Gerhardt has made government affairs, economic development, and issue advocacy his life’s work. He’s worked for decades in the public and private sectors, and advocated at the local, state, and federal levels of government. In 2007, he used that experience to found Government Strategies Group, a full-service government relations firm. At GSG, he works directly with clients, helping them navigate the complicated intersection of politics, public policy, and business.

In his many years in public policy, Chip has been involved in significant policies including; creation of tax increment financing districts, the Clean Ohio program, Cincinnati City Center Development Corporation, and most importantly, the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. He has also been at the forefront of some of the biggest developments in Greater Cincinnati, including the Horseshoe (now Hard Rock) Casino, TQL Stadium for FC Cincinnati, parking garage structures at The Banks, and the redevelopment of the @580 building. Rarely is there a public policy endeavor in Cincinnati that does not involve GSG.

Chip received his B.B.A in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame and his Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law. He lives in Anderson Township with his wife Jane. Son Charlie is a local chef and children Hank and Anne have completed their education and started lives of their own.

Focus areas:

  • State and local government relations
  • Economic development
  • Issue advocacy

Driven by:

  • A lifelong interest in the political system has driven Chip to a career in public policy and politics. As a parent of three, one with Down syndrome, has compelled him to promote public policies designed to help others. Whether it is enabling financial independence for people with disabilities, advancing funding for housing families facing homelessness, or assisting with economic development projects, Chip involves himself in things that make a positive difference. 

In the community:

  • Hamilton County Board of Elections member
  • Current Board Member for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, People Working Cooperatively, Corporation for Findlay Market, goVibrant, and the African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Chairman of the Board for the National Down Syndrome Society
  • Former board member of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati Magazine’s 300 of the Region’s Most Powerful Business Leaders, 2021-2022
  • Cincy Magazine Power 100, 2011-2022