New Queen City Angels fund invests $3 million in Ohio Startups

The http://www.qca.com/about.html Queen City Angels’ new First Fund III hasn’t wasted time investing, putting $3 million into three varied Ohio tech startups this year. The Angels’ First Fund III, and co-investors have put funds into: * http://www.collaborent.org/home.asp Collaborent Group, Ltd., in Cleveland, which creates and manages group purchasing plans for government agencies. It recently expanded to serving private sector customers. * http://www.crunchbase.com/company/transactiv Transactiv, in Cincinnati, which is developing an online business-to-business purchasing solution that leverages social network systems to improve and streamline purchasing decisions. * http://www.crunchbase.com/company/neuros-medical Neuros, in Cleveland, which has developed a pain-blocking therapy targeted to veterans and others who suffer ‘phantom pain’ from amputated limbs. “Companies with innovative technologies and business ideas have the best chance of becoming high-growth companies that will create lots of jobs in Ohio and be good investments for those who get in early,” said John Habbert, co-manager of the QCA Fund. The Angels’ First Fund III, managed by the Queen City Angels investment group, is a $4 million fund. It allows them to expand their technology into the marketplace, finish and test business plans and grow. Queen City Angles is a group of experienced, accredited investors that funds young start up tech companies in the Greater Cincinnati area.  Sponsors include Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, BioStart, Hamilton County Business Center and more. “Transactiv is at the forefront of a profound shift in how businesses conduct Internet commerce using leading social networks,” said Karl Perron, CEO of Transactive. “The highly experienced and successful members of the Queen City Angels recognized this opportunity, and have provided their invaluable expertise to our business by helping us refine our vision, realize our business plan, and raise new funds in the Midwest.” The QCA First Funds I, II and III have invested in 22 companies total. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSources: Jim Cunningham, Queen City Angels/C-Cap and Kevin Wilson, Kevin Wilson PR

Worldwide Graphics breaks it down with new earth friendly signs

Cincinnati State builds solar-electric car for Parks Department, forwards city’s green agenda

Cincinnati is going green.  And Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is helping this transformation along.Under the supervision of Cincinnati State faculty and students, a team of around 20 eager students from Clark Montessori High School are assembling a solar/electric car.Once complete, the Cincinnati Parks Department will use this car for maintenance and other rounds."Time Warner donated this electric car kit to the Cincinnati Parks," says Larry Feist, project leaders and head of the renewable energy program at Cincinnati State.  "The Cinci Parks in-turn asked Clark Montesorri School to assemble it.  They in-turn asked me to help.  So I got some of my Renewable Energy students to help out."And thus the Cincinnati Parks Department has an eco-friendly car for use.  This car runs entirely on electric, which is recharged via solar panel.Ultimately, this project is representative of the city's push to step up its green efforts.Mayor Mallory's Green Cincinnati Plan and steering committee, of which Feist is a member himself, are two clear examples of this commitment in action.Those interested in joining the green dialog can plan on attending a Green Energy Ohio event on April 25 at Cincinnati State.  Writer:  Jonathan DeHartSource:  Robert White, Larry Feist

Alternative Motive t-shirt company speaks ‘Nati

http://www.alternativemotive.com Alternative Motive is a home-grown t-shirt company that fans know for their quirky 'Nati designs, and for being super soft. "The greatest compliment is when I meet someone that bought one of the first designs made, and they still wear the shirt every week because of the message and the softness of the fabric," said founder and designer Logan C. Wallace, of Mt. Washington. Wallace and his wife Christie Reinshagen-Wallace, who owns the Mustard Seed Boutique in Clifton, launched the Alternative Motive brand in 2006. Wallace has been in wine sales for the past seven years, and is a 2003 graduate of Xavier University, with an Organizational Communications major and an Art minor. "I've always found myself landing sales jobs. Sales is something that has always come naturally to me, so I try to use creative and clever ways to get my sales message across," Wallace said. The company sells about a dozen shirts with messages like "Nati's Little Girl,""Who's Your Nati?" and best-seller "Hooter" a breast cancer awareness shirt that features a bright pink owl. Prices range from about $19 to $30 and include short- and long-sleeved t-shirts and hoodies made of cotton (the environmental line is made of organic cotton). Wallace also designs and prints custom shirts for special occasions. "Alternative Motive uses high quality t-shirts and apparel with each design. The customer knows that the product they are buying is typically made in the USA and will last for an extremely long time," Wallace said. Shirts can be purchased online or at www.mustardseedboutique.com  The Mustard Seed Boutique (full line), Kismet (women's sizes only), www.contemporaryartscenter.org The CAC (men's and women's sizes), www.redtreegallery.net  The Red Tree Gallery (all designs and sizes), www.parkandvine.com Park + Vine (Natiland + Environment designs), www.littlelizajanes.com Little Liza Janes (kid's designs). Ten percent of the company's profits go toward supporting non-profit organizations. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Alternative Motive founder Logan C. Wallace

Soapdish: Over the (green) Rhine

Tucked into a corner of OTR on Stark Street works a tireless 4th generation Cincinista and OTR booster by the name of Bryan Vielhauer whose vision to convert gas guzzlers into electric vehicles is a beautiful reality. Soapdish columnist Casey Coston takes an inside look at the folks behind the Over-the-Rhine Electric Motor Car Company. 

The Greenest Neighborhood in America

Who has the greenest neighborhood in America? The answer might surprise you. With an estimated 500 vacant historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine the opportunity to create America's oldest and largest green neighborhood exists right here. An innovative study compiled by local architects, historic preservationists, developers, and environmental experts reveals that 19th century design intuition melded with 21st century innovation might give Cincinnati the leg up and make other cities green with envy.

Soapicks December 15-21

The Holidays are right around the corner so take a break and relax with the Soapbox staff at our second annual Bubbles & Holly Holiday Spectacular. Catch Duck Variations and I'm Herbert at the Clifton Performance Theatre, stop by the CAC for a chat with Multitouch Barcelona's Pol Pla i Conesa. You can complete your holiday experience with the Steve Schmidt Organ trio's annual holiday show at the Comet, or listen to Nick Clooney's reflections on journalism and the occasional holiday story at the Fitton Center.

The Greenest Neighborhood in America

Who has the greenest neighborhood in America? The answer might surprise you. With an estimated 500 vacant historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine the opportunity to create America's oldest and largest green neighborhood exists right here. An innovative study compiled by local architects, historic preservationists, developers, and environmental experts reveals that 19th century design intuition melded with 21st century innovation might give Cincinnati the leg up and make other cities green with envy.

The Draw of Northern Kentucky: Strange, Interesting, Quirky … Amazing

Every area has its own identity, fueled by its history, local arts, attractions and favorite hangouts. But it's hard to imagine as diverse a tapestry of influences as Northern Kentucky boasts.