Bellevue

Million-dollar condos with riverfront views. A B&B in an old church with Victorian décor and Jacuzzi tubs. “Casual gourmet” restaurants and hip coffeehouses. A main street with interesting architecture, dotted with benches and flowers and nicely lit storefronts. Businesses that have been operating for generations alongside businesses that have been operating for a mere year or two. This is Bellevue. If you haven’t ventured past Newport on the Levee, you’re missing out on this city, easily reached off I-471. And check out the Bellevue Beach Park, also on the riverfront. Its name acknowledges the city’s old-time swimming spots.

Green Streets promotes sustainability at home, work

By Erin Leitner

●

Education + Learning

●

December 13, 2011

As Ben Haggerty sweeps up from a weekend night’s business at his Bellevue bar, the B-List, he doesn’t act the part of an eco-warrior. But one conversation makes it clear that Haggerty not only knows the ins and outs of water conservation, he has a great appreciation for businesses working to preserve the environment. From the time his father first built a rain barrel with him as a child, Haggerty recognized the importance of water. Today, he promotes those childhood values through his second business, Green Streets, LLC. After getting the B-List up and running, Haggerty looked around the community, driven to make a positive impact on the city. His knack for rain barrels made their production and sale a natural choice for his burgeoning green initiative, a construction company. With its focus on storm water mitigation, Green Streets works with clients who wish to install sustainable options in their homes and businesses. Haggerty works to meet every client at his or her level of commitment to sustainability. He believes every action towards sustainability is a good one. “If I can get 1,000 people to take two steps I think it will have a bigger impact than getting 10 people to take 10 steps,” Haggerty says. From a small installation of a rain barrel to a larger project of a green roof, every individual green decision, big or small, can have an impact for both the user and the environment. A rain barrel attached to the gutter system of a home conserves water for use on a dry day, making it possible to water a lawn and garden without using any new water. A green roof reduces run–off and insulates homes. “There is no limit to what you can do to utilize rain water," Haggerty says. Green Street’s most public project was the installation of a green roof, watering system and rain containment system on City of Cincinnati’s City Hall in 2010. The vision began with Mayor Mark Mallory, who wanted to set to an example of sustainability for the city. Green Streets was subcontracted for the project and City Hall’s roof was transformed into an eye-appealing and water-conserving masterpiece that the public can view from upstairs windows of City Hall. More things changed within City Hall during that project than just the roof’s landscape. Outdated construction codes restricted redirection of water from a downspout to anything other than the sewer. They made it illegal to reorganize the gutters to flow into a rain barrel. City officials amended the rules to allow a more modern sustainable construction method for City Hall and paved the way for future water conservation initiatives. As he started Green Streets, Haggerty saw an opportunity to do even more. So he formed The Sustainability Partnership of Cincinnati (TSPC) to help consumers learn about investing in sustainable options and strengthen the Cincinnati’s “green” business community. “It can be pretty confusing on what is going to be the best use of people’s money, whether it solar, geothermal or new insulation and so on,” Haggerty says. “So we have joined forces with locally owned and operated companies that are invested in the community, and we are able to help people navigate sustainability.” Haggerty praises the growing network of people with similar goals in and for Cincinnati. One of the first green relationships he created was with Libby Hunter, an eco-broker for Comey & Shepherd. At the time she was known as Cincinnati’s only green realtor. “It makes a lot of sense, particularly in this economy, to band like-minded businesses together to draw from their collective experience and resources,” says Hunter. “Working together helps each member of the TSPC continue to grow their own business under the support and guidance of the bigger partnership, as its recognition and reputation expands.” Currently, Green Streets is looking forward to its newest project. Mackey Advisors, a wealth Advocate Services Company in Independence that was named Green Business of the Year of Covington in 2010, hired Green Streets to transform an historic building in Bellevue into its new headquarters. “It will be the first true TSPC project,” Haggerty says. “We will be saving a historic structure in Bellevue Ky., and adding additional office-grade space, all with an eye for sustainable practices.” Successful projects demonstrate Haggerty’s passion about making Cincinnati a sustainable city. “Ben is incredibly knowledgeable,” Hunter says. “It comes from a deep conviction that we need to be re-considering how we live in our homes, how we manage our resources and water usage and waste.” By Erin Leitner Erin Leitner, a new graduate of the University of Cincinnati, completed this story as part of a Journalism Seminar focused on Communicating Sustainability. Look for more stories from this class in Soapbox and around the city.

Committed to Northern Kentucky

By Amy Elliott

●

General

●

September 30, 2011

Education. Transportation. Regional cooperation. Four business leaders speak out about Northern Kentucky's unique opportunities, challenges, and potential for growth.

B-List serves drinks, saves garbage for art

By Newsroom

●

Arts + Culture

●

July 19, 2011

In less than five minutes, Ben Haggerty can explain all the eco-friendly happenings at the B-List, his bar in Bellevue, Kentucky. It has the attention of artists, home brewers and lamp makers. Haggerty, 40, married and father of two, lives in Mount Auburn. He and co-owner Kevin Feldman opened the B-List eight years ago, and Haggerty has been at the helm of its green projects. Between bar duties, he manages Green Streets, a storm water mitigation company. (Soapbox recently profiled the Sustainability Partnership of Cincinnati, with which Green Streets is affiliated. Read that story here.) Behind the bar at least twice a week, Haggerty finds re-uses for what some might consider garbage. Peanuts are free here, he says, and patrons are allowed to throw shells on the floor. It's for a good cause. "The peanut oils help keep dust down on the floor," he says. "We sweep up the shells, box them up and take them to the neighborhood compost. Peanut shells make absolutely wonderful compost." Really, his garbage is gold for others. "For instance, our beer boxes go to a Dayton (Kentucky) pantry for food deliveries," he says. "I was throwing out thousands of pounds of cardboard and glass, but now we look for any way we can to find homes for that stuff."Haggerty doesn't stop there. "We donate all of our liquor bottles to a company that makes oil lamps," he says. "We probably donate 15-20 cases every month or two months."He doesn't ask for names. "This is all very grassroots." Beer bottles are difficult to recycle because they're made of low-quality glass, Haggerty says. "The only folks that have stepped up are folks looking to make home brew. They take pop-top bottles."And those bottle caps aren't wasted."All of our bottle caps are saved for metal recycling, or we save them for artists," he says. "We give them boxes upon boxes." Haggerty says an occasional visitor named Bridget (that's all he knows) ships bottle cap-loaded boxes back to the New York for "some massive art project … I know she's been working on it for a few years." In less mysterious but perhaps equally creative terms, local jewelry designer Abbie Turner is making bottle cap earrings, affectionately called "beerings." "I plan to sell all of these in my Etsy shop and to the lovely locals," she says. "Also thought they may be cool as part of the uniform for the girls at local bars."By Rich Shivener

Cincinnati Innovates competition grows with nearly $90,000 in prizes

By Newsroom

●

General

●

April 29, 2011

The third annual Cincinnati Innovates competition has just started, growing to offer nearly $90,000 in prizes designed to push forward groundbreaking products and services."The goal of Cincinnati Innovates is to connect aspiring entrepreneurs - people with ideas - to all the great resources our region has to offer: incubators, angel investors, banks, mentors, and experts. The grant awards are just the first step," says Elizabeth Edwards, venture capital investor and founder of Cincinnati Innovates.The competition opened April 15 and continues through July 15. As in the past two years, it's open to anyone now or originally from a 15-county area of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. The contest is looking for a broad range of innovative products, devices, business processes and more to highlight, fund and support. This year 12 awards will be given with a $25,000 top cash prize sponsored by CincyTech. For many winners, Cincinnati Innovates is an early step in their path to development, investment and growth. In total, more than $135,000 has been awarded, with winners attracting more than $3 million in additional financing, said competition founder Elizabeth Edwards."There have been lots of new patents filed, a lot of new funding. There has been some really great progress for these startups and that was exactly wanted we wanted to see happen," said Edwards.To enter the contest or get more info, go to the contest website. There you'll enter a short description of your idea and upload pictures, video, or sketches to help explain and showcase it. You can also take a look at past entries and winners. Last year more than 300 people entered and more than 100 attended supporting innovation workshops offered during the competition timeline.This year those workshops will expand and include: Patents and Trademarks, Startup Financing, Individual Health Insurance, Branding, Concept Development, and Licensing.There are 25 Cincinnati Innovates sponsors (including Soapbox); many are offering cash or in-kind service awards including the $25,000 CincyTech award; $10,000 and $5,000 in-kind Taft Patent Awards applied toward the patent process. There are two $10,000 in-kind branding and marketing awards: the Round Pixel Studio Web Development Award and the LPK Design and Branding Award.

B&B’s offering urban alternative to the traditional hotel stay

By Soapbox

●

Architecture + Design

●

April 19, 2011

A weekend at a bed and breakfast conjures images of peace and quiet. It's a place where you can get away from the outside world, enjoy nature and be with your thoughts.That's unless that bed and breakfast is in the city.Not all Bed and Breakfasts cater to the "peace and quiet only" crowd. Greater Cincinnati's urban B&B's attract locals and those in nearby cities that crave excitement, not silence. These travelers prefer a night out on the town instead of a cozy night in. They'd rather catch a symphony than stroll grounds. A number of such B&B's dot Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. They're located in Over-the-Rhine, downtown, and points outward, stretching across the river to Newport, Covington and Bellevue. These B&Bs have the expected creature comforts: big breakfasts, plush quilted beds, and antique furnishings, but they also offer the bonus of the city, just minutes away from art museums, concert venues and playhouses and professional sports teams."People get to feel like they're far away, but they're really close enough to their homes and families," said Weller Haus Bed & Breakfast owner Leanne Saylor. "I think people want to be able to get out to dinner for evening or shop. People say they want to get away from it all, but we're so wired today that we really want access to things we're used to."About 70 percent of Saylor's lodgers come from a 50-mile radius of her B&B's location in Bellevue, with much of the rest coming from Indianapolis, Louisville, Columbus and other nearby cities. She also gets football fans who spend a weekend when catching a Bengals game.Saylor bought the established B&B about seven years ago. Located in a residential neighborhood, it's in two side-by-side renovated Victorian Gothic homes that are listed on the National Register of Historic places. And lest you think it's too big city, the Weller Haus is also known for its secluded backyard gardens.In Over-The-Rhine, one bed and breakfast has proved so successful that it's expanding into an adjoining historic building. The Symphony Hotel & Restaurant, near Cincinnati's Music Hall, attracts guests looking for dinner and a show before retiring to their rooms. Located on 14th Street in a renovated mansion, its six rooms (three more will be added with the expansion) are named after composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. The Hotel will continue its popular food service before CSO concerts at Music Hall during the renovations. Writer: Feoshia Henderson

Livability and commercial activity are hallmarks of Campbell County

By Gabriella Jacobs

●

General

●

March 25, 2011

Campbell County boasts an energizing business climate, two major Riverfront real estate developments, a dynamic University, home-grown wine, dining, and a touch of Hollywood appeal.

Bellevue’s new farmer’s market will connect community + food

By Soapbox

●

Development News

●

March 22, 2011

Bellevue brings local produce to this growing Northern Kentucky community by starting its own farmer's market this April. The market will be centrally located at the Party Source's parking lot on Wednesdays and Saturdays and feature up to 28 local vendors. Market founder, Laine Steelman, brings a unique perspective to the market - he studied for three years in Northern Italy and received a bachelor's degree in Gastronomical Science. Steelman says his degree looks at the food system from a holistic approach and other aspects including sociology, economics, and anthropology."I think it's logical to bring local food to the community," Steelman explained. "We've become really removed from our food, not knowing where it comes from or who is making it. Knowing where our food comes from, I think, is one of the best pleasures in life."Originally from California, Steelman worked in the restaurant business for ten years working for and supporting local farms. Through a family connection, Steelman received an offer from the City of Bellevue to connect local producers with the local consumers in their community."In this period with the economic downturn, it's logical to support a local economy because there are not a lot of hidden costs and more transparency. We are now giving people access to local and sustainable food." Steelman said.Jody Robinson, assistant city administrator of Bellevue, believes the market will help Bellevue residents reconnect with locally sourced food and hopes to eventually grow it into a larger project."Our goal is to really grow into a nonprofit organization to offer more than just a farmer's market. We want to be place that offers education and local healthy food options right off the farm into people's shopping baskets. We want to reconnect people with real food," Robinson said.A farmer's market is not only a place to shop, but also a social gathering place for the community, Robinson explained. It is a place for people to slow down from their fast pace lives and have a conversation and learn about food. Robinson and Steelman hope to host different events and lectures on food education to reinforce the connection between a community and its food."The ultimate goal is to highlight and mend the disconnection in this area between local producers and the consumer," Steelman said. Writer: Lisa Ensminger

NKY Snapshot: Region is poised for growth in 2011

By Wendy Beckman

●

General

●

January 28, 2011

In 2010, Northern Kentucky strengthened its commitment to education, enhanced its high-tech training resources and improved its transportation assets. A look back on last year's gains and developments set to bring success in 2011.

Cincinnatians Making the Most of their Tweets

By Feoshia Henderson

●

Entrepreneurship

●

January 18, 2011

Hundreds of millions of people use social networking sites to connect in the online world. Facebook is about friends. LinkedIn is for business. YouTube is all about videos, and Flickr is a place to share photos. So who is making the most of Twitter in Greater Cincinnati?

Cozy Pups, Bellevue’s first urban dog care center

By Newsroom

●

Development News

●

January 11, 2011

Bellevue's urban renaissance now includes a dog day care center: Cozy Pups Doggy Day Care. Owners Minette and Doug Staab made use of an industrial area in downtown Bellevue for their new business. Jodi Robinson, assistant city administrator of Bellevue, said that the space was vacant for a number of years due to the difficulty of finding a business that could utilize it."Because we found something that works beautifully for the vacant building, it gives all of us in the urban core and suburbs the message that there is hope and opportunity for most vacant structures," Robinson said.Now residents and workers in Northern Kentucky or downtown Cincinnati have a convenient place for dogs to play and interact with other dogs in a spacious indoor and outdoor environment. Cozy Pups focuses on keeping the dogs happy and healthy with exercise and various activities. The Staab's plan to add different themed rooms such as an agility training room, do-it yourself dog bathing room, and grooming salon. Part of the Staab's focus includes partnering with the Bellevue high school tennis team who supply used tennis balls for the daycare. Robinson believes the daycare will promote positive changes in the district by bringing new visitors to the urban core."It provides a needed service and is also locally and independently owned, which every community wants to have," Robinson said. A grand opening was held this Sunday, January 9. Cozy Pups partnered with SAAP (Stray Animal Adoption Program), a non-profit organization for stray and abused animals in the local area to organize a fundraiser and adoption day as well."When you get a new business owner that jumps in to be a part of the community instead of just own a business, there is a big difference there," Robinson said. Cozy Pups is now scheduling evaluation visits during the hours of 8:30am-1:30pm Monday through Friday. Dog owners can call 859-291-2699(COZY) or email: info@cozypups.netWriter: Lisa EnsmingerPhotography by Scott Beseler.