Consider it bragging rights.
In the November issue of Ohio Magazine, Cambridge will be recognized as one of five best hometowns in the publication’s 13th annual Ohio’s Best Hometowns issue.
Ohio Magazine officials said they selected Cambridge in part because of its friendly residents, vibrant downtown and rich sense of history.
And local business and tourism officials are excited about the honor.
“There is something intangible that we’re always trying to describe about Cambridge,” said Jo Sexton, president and chief executive officer of the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think it’s interesting that we can’t identify ‘THE ONE’ thing that makes Cambridge what it is; otherwise others would replicate it and we wouldn’t be unique! It seems as if being able to trace our roots and tell the incredible stories of our heritage is the foundation. From that foundation came a lot of people and businesses through the years who retained pride in the struggles and successes they incurred to find success and an exceptional quality of life. Sometimes Southeast Ohio folks have felt like the underdog, but deep inside we know, and now it is being announced, that this gem - Cambridge - is worthy of recognition. And this gem has been polished and it shines!”
Debbie Robinson, director of the Visitors and Convention Bureau, said the recognition points out that people in the community work together to promote the area.
“The Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau Board of Directors and staff are delighted to learn that Cambridge has been selected out of a field of excellent candidates as one of the best hometowns in Ohio by Ohio Magazine,” Robinson said. “This is the second time in eight years Cambridge has been honored with this nomination.
“Receiving these accolades validates the work our tourism partners do every day to create memorable experiences for our visitors and to improve the quality of life for our residents. The economic impact tourism has on our county by providing jobs, taxes dollars and income for our businesses to continue to operate is immeasurable. We share this honor with the many volunteers and employees in our tourism industry who give of their time and talents for whom telling our unique story and preserving our history and culture is a true labor of love. Congratulations to all of us. Ohio Magazine’s editor, Jim Vickers, suggests that we celebrate, and celebrate we will!”
In the special collector’s issue of Ohio Magazine, four other communities are recognized as 2018–2019 Ohio’s Best Hometowns: Findlay, Medina, New Albany and Troy. The issue will be on newsstands by Nov. 3. Subscriptions purchased by Oct. 1 will begin with the November issue.
To determine the honorees, Ohio Magazine solicited nominations and conducted site visits across the state. The editors evaluated the nominees in six categories — Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health and Safety, Business Environment and Culture and Heritage — to help finalize their selections.
Each of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns will be featured in the November, January and July issues, showing readers unique places to visit and ways to enjoy each location. The Best Hometowns are encouraged to mark this special honor with celebrations throughout the year.
“Ohio Magazine serves energetic and involved Ohioans by providing award-winning stories and pictures of Ohio’s most interesting people, arts, entertainment, history, homes, dining, family life, festivals and regional travel,” a release announcing the honor said. “We capture the beauty, the adventure and the fun of life in the Buckeye State.”