Ohio Works: Innovation, Business & Work

Tucked into the Mt. Carmel area of Clermont County, Mt. Carmel Brewing Company has grown from a small family passion project into one of the region's longest-running craft breweries. Founded in 2005, the brewery started with a simple goal: make great beer and create a welcoming place for neighbors to gather.

Today, the taproom serves as both a production space and a community hub, pairing house-brewed favorites with scratch-made food and regular events that keep locals coming back. The team blends traditional brewing methods with modern equipment and creative recipes, proving that innovation does not always have to mean high tech. Sometimes it just means doing something classic really well.

Mt. Carmel shows how a locally owned business can create jobs, attract visitors, and build a loyal following while staying true to its roots.

What began decades ago as a small roadside produce stand has turned into one of the most recognizable shopping experiences in the region. The Eastgate location of Jungle Jim’s International Market brings a world of food to Clermont County with thousands of international products, specialty groceries, and over-the-top themed displays that feel more like an adventure than your regular grocery trip.

Despite its size, the spirit of the business is still local and hands-on. The store supports regional suppliers, hosts tastings and cooking events, and employs a large team of Clermont County residents. It constantly experiments with new ideas, from global food festivals to specialty departments that you would not expect to find in a neighborhood market.

Jungle Jim’s is a great example of innovation through experience, turning an everyday experience into something memorable and a little magical!

RJ Cinema brings together movies, craft drinks, and casual dining all under one roof. Located in the Eastgate area, this locally operated theater reimagines what a night at the movies can look like. Guests can watch first-run films, order food from the kitchen, and enjoy beer, cocktails, or spirits from the on-site distillery and taproom.

By combining entertainment with hospitality, RJ Cinema has created a space that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a traditional theater. It also supports a range of jobs, from culinary and bartending roles to projection, events, and customer service.

The result is a small business that keeps dollars and talent in the community while offering something you cannot easily stream at home: a shared, in-person experience.