Columbia Tusculum

Thousands converge on Ohio for Midwest’s largest Paddlefest

By Newsroom

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May 17, 2011

Whether you want to learn more about the river that serves as the city's iconic postcard image or play a game of poker as you paddle from one stop to another along the Ohio, this year's 10th annual Paddlefest is a reminder of the city's past, present and future."It's our chance to celebrate the Ohio River," says organizer Brewster Rhoads of Ohio River Way, a volunteer-led nonprofit with a mission to promote and protect the waterway that first put Cincinnati on the map.With prior year's attendance at more than 2,000, Rhoads hopes to draw 3,000 paddlers to the river this June 23 through 25. Revelers can spend the weekend learning and sailing through entertainment options, but Sunday it's all about getting more than your feet wet. From an 8.2-mile float trip to the more competitive 11-mile amateur race or the even more competitive 14-mile pro race, Paddlefest accommodates all skill and interest levels, Rhoads says.The trip down the river, starting from Coney Island and finishing at Yeatman's Cove downtown, is just one part of the three-day festival. Thursday, June 23, the festival kicks off with the Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo, which has morning and afternoon education sessions. Thousands of children learn about water safety. They practice putting on and taking off life jackets, learn how to get in and out of a canoe or boat safely. Special displays and guest speakers also help provide an up-close look at the work that happens on the Ohio. This year, young guests can get a rare glimpse into river life when they tour an authentic towboat and learn how and why it operates. Crew members will show students what jobs exist on towboats as well as discuss other river-related professions. Do Good:• Register for a chance to paddle. You can find more information and even reserve your spot online.• Do your part Make an online donation to support the work of Ohio River Way.• Prep for the big swim. Get information about the July 23 event, which is a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race. By Elissa YanceyPhoto courtesy Ohio River Way

New trail connector part of a bigger plan for region

By Soapbox

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Development News

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May 3, 2011

The City of Cincinnati plans to hold a dedication ceremony in late May for one of its most recent infrastructure projects: a 1.1-mile bike and walking path that connects the trail at Lunken Field with Schmidt Playfields and Riverview East Academy. The $2.2 million project converts an abandoned railroad spur into a connector for the growing network of paved trails that planners hope will eventually connect downtown with Anderson Township and points to the north, through a connection with the Little Miami Trail.Two million dollars for a one-mile trail as the city climbs out of a recession; one can hear the budget hawks screaming. But according to officials involved with the project, the connector trail is more than just a luxury for runners and cyclists; it's one piece in a larger plan that is vital to keeping Cincinnati vibrant, healthy and relevant as the nation recovers from the economic downturn."It makes a lot of sense to continue investment during an economic downturn," said Cincinnati Director of Transportation and Engineering Michael Moore. "The people who wait until the economy gets better to start are going to be two, three, four years behind the curve." He added that the lengthy process of creating the trail, from identifying the best path to obtaining rights, to working with state and Federal funding sources to raise the money for the project took about four years; this is a project that was well underway when the economy tanked. In fact, he noted, the project created about 50 construction jobs.The project also creates a much-needed opportunity in the neighborhood, said Tiffaney Hardy, a spokesperson in the Cincinnati City Manager's office. "[Riverview East] doesn't really have any physical education equipment or time allotted for P.E., but with the trail, teachers can take kids on walks. It meets the needs of kids there." In addition to exercise, she noted that the trail provides a safe route to school for children who might otherwise face walks down a busy stretch of Kellogg Avenue.Moore said the city hopes that the trail will provide transportation options for adults as well as children."We as a city and department have been trying to create more transportation options for people," he said. "Particularly in these times, when gas is $4, we're trying to create ways people have alternatives to their cars." The goal, he added, is to create infrastructure that makes it just as easy to hop on a bike for the quick run to the store for a quart of milk as it would be to do the same in a car. He says the need is there."Since the economic downturn, I've seen more people on their bikes to just get around than I've seen in a long time," he said.And that plan for a network of safe, convenient set of alternative routes that let people walk and use bikes for transport is part of a much bigger regional picture. John Heilman, technical services coordinator with the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, noted that the new trail connector helps link a central junction in a planned web of rails that stretches east to New Richmond and north through Warren County. The north-south and east-west routes would converge near Lunken Field. "The city has been making continuous progress," he said, noting that the mile-at-a-time pace is not uncommon as communities build useful urban trail networks. "We have a big grand plan, and we go at it one chunk at a time."When city officials cut the ribbon on the new connector trail, it may - in and of itself - not seem like much. The mile-long stretch will help kids get much-needed fresh air, and could make it easier for Columbia Tusculum residents to run errands, or at least stretch their legs after work. But as the trail network expands and connects more and more communities along the eastern side of the Cincinnati region, the trail traffic may indeed change: commuters, shoppers and people who choose the pedal over the gas pump may soon get a major boost, as the city becomes increasingly friendly to their needs.Writer: Matt Cunningham

Ipsos consolidates offices, moves into new 33,000 sq. ft. space in Columbia Tusculum

By Newsroom

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General

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April 26, 2011

One of the largest research firms in the world has consolidated some of its Cincinnati operations, moving into a custom-designed, open floor-plan building just minutes from downtown.Ipsos, a global market research company, is keeping its location on Fifth Street downtown, but merged its Sharonville and Elsinore Place offices to a new building in Columbia Tusculum. Al. Neyer, Inc., developed the $37 million One Columbia Square project at the corner of Columbia Parkway and Delta Avenue. `The company will house employees on the top two floors of the building, taking 33,000 of the 48,000 square feet available, said Gail Paul, Neyer's business development communication strategist. Gary Palomba, Ipsos's senior vice president of procurement and administration, said the company has 256 local employees. Another 45 people are based in Cincinnati but work from remote locations, often on the road, Palomba said."It's a marvelous building in a great location," Palomba said of the new offices. "We wanted a space in an easily accessible area. We wanted an open, energetic atmosphere that's conducive to the free flow of information and strategies."Ipsos is one of the fastest growing market research companies in the United States and a market leader in Canada. It has more than 1,500 employees in the two countries, offering an array of survey-based services in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media and public affairs research, as well as survey management, forecasting, modeling, and consulting.The company has operations in more than 50 countries and ranks fifth among global research companies. It strives to make survey-based research one of the primary means to understand contemporary society and economy, Palomba said. Its Cincinnati operations include three specialized areas of activity, Palomba said.He described the Cincinnati operations thusly:Ipsos Marketing: This operates under a global structure that brings clients research expertise throughout the innovation and brand development process. It seeks to offer in-depth understanding of the drivers of consumer choice and of the marketing challenges faced by its clients. It provides integrated qualitative and quantitative research solutions.Ipsos ASI: This is the largest provider of advertising pre-testing services in the world. It offers advertising research solutions to help clients make decisions at all stages of the advertising development process, and to maximize the return on their advertising investment. It provides copy testing, as well as leading services in the areas of advertising tracking and brand equity evaluation.Ipsos Observer: This is the survey management, data collection and delivery specialists. Its goal is to work with clients to determine the best solution for their business issues, offering both global strength and local expertise to help determine the best methodology.Writer: Paul A. LongSource: Gary Palomba, Ipsos's senior vice president of procurement and administration

GREENarama highlights sustainable Cincinnati in first home show

By Newsroom

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Architecture + Design

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April 12, 2011

The city's first "green" home show will debut in Columbia Tusculum this June. The show, which will feature the latest housing innovations and environmentally friendly technology, is a collaboration between the City of Cincinnati, the Community and Business Council of Columbia Tusculum, and several local homebuilders. Andy Riffe, President of GREENarama and co-owner of Andrew James Builders said that the collaboration was the byproduct of several competitive builders sharing information and working together."A group of like-minded builders come together every week and talk about the homes and LEED certification. This is a unique metamorphism from being competitors, to sharing all of the green information with each other. It would never had happened if it weren't for this show," Riffe said. The eight homes in the show will feature the latest green building products, utility systems and Energy Star Appliances. Aiming for LEED certification, they will also be equipped with energy efficient windows and plumbing fixtures, low flow and efficient showers, faucets, and toilets, as well as proper insulation and low VOC paint. Each home will be eligible for a 15-year, $500,000 tax abatement. The homes are also located in a highly walkable neighborhood with nearby restaurants, shops, and parks. Four of the eight homes that are part of the show have already been sold. "Columbia Tusculum is one of the highest growing house value neighborhoods in the city because it has a great urban location and a positive community," Mahan said. "This community is very collaborative with a lot of outreach and this is just one more project that will help grow their community in a positive way," said Kelly Mahan, President of Mahan Advertising.The proceeds from Greenerama will go to the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing funding for students seeking an education."CSF is a parallel to this project because we wanted an organization that was strongly rooted in Cincinnati and kept the community strong. It speaks to the fact that it's not just a home show to sell homes, but it's also an education opportunity for residents and visitors," Mahan said. Writer: Lisa Ensminger

Columbia Square transforms Tusculum business district by mixing old and new

By Soapbox

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Architecture + Design

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April 5, 2011

With recent developments in Columbia Tusculum's Columbia Square and Eastern Avenue corridor, this east side neighborhood has seen its business district change dramatically in the last five years.One of the largest developments, Columbia Square, opened in 2010 with corporate tenants like Keller Williams and IPSOS Marketing, which relocated their regional offices from West Chester and Mason to be a part of this vibrant community. But the neighborhood also embraces local entrepreneurial favorites like Green Dog Café, Greener Stock, and Anytime Fitness. Green Dog Café serves high quality, organic foods at an affordable price, while Greener Stock sells eco-friendly, natural building products for homes and businesses. One of the latest additions, Anytime Fitness, serves as a walkable neighborhood fitness center, open 24-hours, that serves residents. With the influx of new tenants in the Square, development has also boomed in the old business district along Eastern Avenue as well. Local salon and fitness center, BeneFit, rehabbed one of the neighborhood's historical buildings while Del Apgar, a florist in Hyde Park, recently opened a new space on Eastern Avenue."I think the retail businesses are focusing on the needs of what we want as a neighborhood. Without having planned it in advance, businesses are focused on being more health-related," Matt Ackermann, President of Columbia Tusculum's Community Council and owner of Tusculum Pizza, said. According to Community Council VP, Arlene Golembiewski, the neighborhood supports local "destination businesses." Instead of having traditional drive-by franchises that don't contribute to the community or add character, the destination businesses add to the streetscape, and provide stability to the community which has attracted an influx of new residents."It's people who enjoy an urban lifestyle and being close to all of the amenities that the city offers," Golembiewski said. Writer: Lisa Ensminger

The Year In Photos

By Soapbox

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Architecture + Design

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December 14, 2010

Managing photographer Scott Beseler takes a look back at the photos from our top stories of 2010, showcasing some of the people, places and things that define our region.

Pinnacle confirms $45M deal for River Downs

By Newsroom

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Cincy In The News

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December 7, 2010

Pinnacle Entertainment plans to purchase Cincinnati's River Downs for 45 million dollars in cash. Pinnacle will revitalize River Downs as a gaming entertainment destination, which will provide new full-time jobs and new tax revenue for the state and local community. Read the full story here.

Terry’s Turf Club to expand

By Newsroom

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Arts + Culture

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September 21, 2010

The new neon sign in front of the old yellow house next door might have passers by wondering if the newly famous burger bar will be opening a hot dog haven to complement the current restaurant. Not the case. Terry's Turf Club owner Terry Carter says the house will be down within the next week and an expansion of the restaurant will be complete by next spring. Plans to further develop the space had been in the works before they were featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" which Carter says increased revenue by around twenty to thirty percent; they serve around 400 guests a night. They are currently meeting with the architects and moving forward with zoning and permits. "We'll have the same motif. It's a honky tonk but it works with the mix of being casually elegant. This is a joint," says Carter.The new space will double the restaurant's size to become roughly 1,000 square feet including 22 more feet of bar space and seating for 40 more guests. The kitchen will be expanded with new grills and fryers. A large outdoor terrace will be also be added with garage-style doors. Terry will be bringing in 100 more signs from his neon collection, including more of the bottle-shaped Bevador coolers that stopped production in 1955 but "work wonderfully," shoe-shaped carnival ride cars and Crack the Whip seats. "Grown ups love it more than the kids. You'll be able to sit in them and have dinner in a little shoe," says Carter. He claims he only works fifteen hours a day, seven days a week so that he can travel the world and fish in Belize and Africa four times a year. His travels inspire new creative menu items that appear every two to three months. New menu items will also be added with the expansion, including numerous items that the restaurant will be the first in the United States to use including Baobab tree fruit from Africa (a thickening agent that helps natives make a living by using the fruit rather than letting it fall and rot). He's also bringing in moose milk cheese from Sweden that sells for $500 a pound and French snail caviar that retails for $225 a tin. But these delicacies won't cost the customer. Terry understands he has people who want foie gras and people who want American cheese on an all-American style burger."Innovation is what we do, in a nutshell. We don't skimp. If it costs I don't care. I want the best product out there and I can't please everyone out there. Most of everything I have doesn't come out of a can- all herbs are fresh and top of the line. The chili is made with filet mignon and it's one of my best sellers," explains Carter. "My business has grown to the point where it's almost unsellable because it's too good, which is a good problem to have," says Carter. "I'd be a fool to sell it." Terry's Turf Club will stay open during renovations although it will be untidy for a few days.Terry's is located at 4618 Eastern Ave and is open Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Kitchen closes at 12:30; Saturday, 12:00 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Kitchen closes at 1:30. Sunday, 12:00 p.m.-1-:00 p.m. Kitchen closes at 9:00 p.m. Writer: Rene BrunellePhotography by Scott Beseler

The Making of a World Class Town

By Alyce Vilines

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Arts + Culture

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August 10, 2010

World class competitions are making their way to Cincinnati and apparently we have the city's failed bid for the 2012 Olympics to thank. Highly visible sporting events like the Western & Southern Open and AVP are growing in popularity each year. With the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky this fall, and the World Choir Games in Cincinnati in 2012, it all adds up to over half a million visitors coming to our region over the next couple of years.

Startup CoupSmart uses technology, buying power to better link consumers and companies

By Newsroom

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General

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August 3, 2010

Coupons have long been a way for companies to inspire customer loyalty and for buyers to get a deal on their favorite products. Everybody is looking for deals nowadays, and technology and targeted marketing is making it easier for buyers and sellers to find each other. Though coupons are a tried and tested marketing tool, the whole process can still be cumbersome and inefficient. Just think about the times you've pledged to use coupons, only to leave them on the kitchen counter while you're shopping. Or how often have you gotten coupons and free samples in the mail or in the newspaper for stuff you have no interest in?A Cincinnati entrepreneur is working to build a virtual network where coupons become a more satisfying link between customers and companies. "Couponing is really inefficient and uses archaic methods to reach people. They go after chunks of consumers based on certain demographics," said Blake Shipley, a former auditor for Kroger who lives in Hyde Park. In July, Shipley launched CoupSmart, an online targeted coupon site he foundd that allows marketers to send you free samples and coupons based on your particular shopping habits."This will enable consumers to receive coupons they will actually use, related to the products they already buy," he said.Shipley created CoupSmart after his own experience using coupons and from observing how he and others used them while he worked at Kroger. He left that job two years ago to devote his efforts to launching CoupSmart. He and Chief Technology Officer Troy Davis created the application. CoupSmart has office space in Columbia Tusculum with tech startups ShareThis and Transactiv. Here's how CoupSmart works: Users sign up for the program online, creating a profile that includes their gender, email and home addresses, and first and last name. Then they download a CoupSmart app for their iPhone (plans are to make apps available for BlackBerries and Android phones soon.) The app allows users to scan the UPC for products they have purchased for home use. CoupSmart stores that information and then provides it to companies, without your identifying info. A third-party distribution company will then sends users free samples and coupons each month based on the products you have purchased in the past. Those samples could be for products you already use, or those that companies think you'd be interested in based on what you've bought in the past.Shipley said CoupSmart is beneficial for both buyers and sellers. Buyers get coupons they are more likely to use. Sellers get access to people who are more likely to be interested in their products.Shipley said CoupSmart will not sell identifying information to marketers, only the UPC information that users supply."It's all anonymous. It's very important to us to protect are users person information. We don’t want people who use our application to spam users," Shipley.Shipley is currently working to add more consumer goods companies to offer products and coupons through the site. As he works at building CoupSmart's offerings, the company is giving out gift cards and free products every month to the first 3,000 users who scan 30 items. Additionally, a drawing is conducted at the end of each month for $2,000 of Visa gift cards. Users earn an entry into the drawing for every 30 items they scan each month.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Blake Shipley, CoupSmart founderYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox