Chris Ostoich

A creative thinker, passionate individual, and all-around positive idea-guy, Chris Ostoich is the founder and CEO of Blackbook EMG.

Blackbook is a Cincinnati-based start-up and recent portfolio company of CincyTech USA. In an entirely new way, Blackbook helps companies attract and retain their most valuable asset - their people. Blackbook has developed a revolutionary approach to creating stronger connections between employees, their organization, and their community. Their unique products have assisted organizations, large and small, in eliminating the pain of turnover and the hassles of transition. Blackbook is quickly becoming a "must-have" solution for some of the world's most successful companies.

Admittedly a man that blends work and life together, Chris is a transplant to Cincinnati from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, however, he proudly refers to himself as a Cincinnatian. Chris is a self-proclaimed cheerleader and avid supporter of the Greater Cincinnati region, and is committed to the continued improvement of the city’s brand - particularly in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. Much of his time is devoted to promoting start-ups and positioning Cincinnati as a viable and exciting place to bring new ventures to market.

A proud Bearcat from the University of Cincinnati, Chris is an avid supporter of the Arts, involved with several Chamber initiatives, and serves on advisory boards for a number of Cincinnati based start-up companies. Most recently, Chris has worked to bring the global "Ignite" event series to Cincinnati, scheduled for January 20, 2010.

Between his downtown lifestyle, spending time with his dog, Bentley, his love of cooking and good food, and working out a few times a week, Chris is a busy guy.  At the end of the day, however, Chris's mission is to be a "force for good."