Norwood

Norwood is surrounded on all sides by Cincinnati and has grown beyond its early industrial roots to become an ideal neighborhood for young professionals to purchase their first homes. Adjacent to neighboring Xavier University in Evanston and Hyde Park to the east, Norwood's revamped older homes and tree-lined streets are complemented by beloved family-owned restaurants like Sorrento's and Quatman Cafe and countless small corner taverns to dive in for a drink. Norwood is also home to Alloy Development Co., which is a marketplace where organizations, businesses and communities can find the resources they need to grow.

Copper Mountain debuts new quick-cook steel cut oatmeal

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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June 26, 2012

Just Heat and Enjoy! ™ It's the trademarked motto for Cincinnati's Copper Mountain's Hot2Go instant food and drink products. After the success of its hot lattes and cocoas, Copper Mountain has recently debuted a third product, heat-and-eat steel cut oatmeal. The oatmeal is currently being sold in Cincinnati-area Remke Markets and Indianapolis-area Marsh Supermarkets, with plans to roll out the oatmeal in convenience stores, says Copper Mountain founder Steve Hatch. The oatmeal comes in three varieties—original, maple and brown sugar and apples and cinnamon. The 120-calorie oatmeal is ready to eat after 40 seconds in the microwave, and doesn't require added water. Traditional steel cut oatmeal can take up to 30 minutes to cook. “It's not a dry oatmeal packet,” Hatch says. “We're bringing convenience to a very healthy product.” Hatch says the product, the first of other planned food offerings, should help convenience stores stay competitive with the growing fast-breakfast market. Big brands like McDonald's and Starbucks have recently expanded breakfast offerings, to include oatmeal. “This should allow convenience stores to be competitive. This offers a very convenient, healthy oatmeal at a good price (from $1.79 to $2.29)." Copper Mountain, founded in 2010, is housed in the Hamilton County Business Center. Hatch started the growing company after leaving a job as V.P. of Sales at Tradewinds Beverage Company. “The whole company is built around a formula of delivering quality and convenience,” Hatch says. By Feoshia Henderson Follow Feoshia on Twitter.

Learning Through Art celebrates 20 years with images, music, art

By Newsroom

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Arts + Culture

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June 19, 2012

Kathy Wade knows how to make a lasting impression, n her daily work as co-founder and executive director of Learning Through Art, in her stage performances around town and on television, and now, on Fountain Square. Wade, who launched the annual Cincinnati Snaps photo competition seven years ago, says that showing the "Best of Snaps" exhibit to the public in such larger-than-life way is a great chance to show the power of images. "The beauty of Snaps is that it shows Cincinnati neighborhoods through fresh eyes," Wade says. "Real neighbors submit their best work, and it's always impressive to see familiar places through someone else's lens." As she whisks between meetings and programs, Wade notes that her small but mighty non-profit has programs connects with the World Choir Games next month through an exhibit at the Main Public Library downtown, "What Children Believe," a free international art exhibition featuring children’s global perspectives based on what they believe. "We have always built community and understanding through art, culture and literacy education," says Wade. "We're proud to share this anniversary with the city and the thousands of young people whose lives we have touched." Do Good: • Submit your own Cincinnati Snaps entry for the 2012 juried competition. Submissions will be accepted until Aug. 31. • Visit the main library downtown to see the "What Children Believe International Art Exhibition." • Save the date for the 2012 Crown Jewels of Jazz concert featuring Wade and jazz legend Diane Schur, Nov. 9, in the Music Hall Ballroom. By Elissa Yancey Follow Elissa on Twitter

Allostatix takes aim at chronic illness before symptoms appear

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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June 12, 2012

“I have no medical or scientific background at all,” says Gordon Horwitz, CEO and founder of Allostatix. “My background is entrepreneurial; I’ve built three or four successful companies in my life by looking for a need that needs to be fulfilled.” In this case, that need was his own. Horwitz, who was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 1992 despite an active lifestyle – he’s even a spinning instructor – was feeling “just lousy.” Like many chronic fatigue patients, his blood work and physical exam were normal. Still, day-to-day his energy lagged. With the help of Robert Ludke, a public health expert from the University of Cincinnati, and statistician Ken Rothe, Horwitz fueled the creation of a simple blood test that may predict the development of chronic health issues and malaise in seemingly healthy people. The test involves measuring biomarkers in a blood sample to measure allostatic load. Allostasis is the body’s adaptive response to stressors, and it’s driven by the nervous system. Exposure to constant stress threatens internal balance, and can wear on your body. Allostatix’s tool measures this wear and tear with the hopes of alerting even asymptomatic people that their body is under stress. By delivering a custom report to physicians, the tool helps identify which specific actions, such as meditation or dietary changes, might best address the specific biomarkers measured, lower the allostatic load and prevent trends from turning in to trouble. “We’re trying to drive costs out of the system by intervening early,” Horwitz says. His next goal? To make his company’s allostatic load testing as ubiquitous as cholesterol screenings, especially for people 65 and older, who often receive annual screenings. He also hopes to further partnerships with research universities – the company is already collaborating with scientists at the Ohio State University -- for ongoing product development. By Robin Donovan

Cash Mobs target, bombard Cincinnati businesses

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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May 22, 2012

In a fun take on the Flash Mob public performance phenomenon, groups of friends and strangers are Cash Mobbing local businesses. Instead of meeting in a preplanned spot to dance and/or sing for unknowing crowds in Flash Mob fashion, a Cash Mob (with the OK of the owner) targets local shops, mobbing them with $10 and $20 bills in a fast-paced shopping spree. A New York blogger and engineer organized the first Cash Mob in 2011. The socially organized events made their way to Cincinnati – via Cleveland – this year. The first mob came together in Norwood; the neighborhoods of Deer Park and Silverton followed, and the first Cincy Cash Mob event is set for May 25, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Park + Vine in Over-the-Rhine. Alice Rericha, a stay-at-home mom and serial community volunteer, organized the Norwood Cash Mob after hearing about one in Cleveland. She started Facebook and Twitter pages for the Norwood group and began inviting family and friends to join. "It's a coming together of citizens who want to say, 'We support small businesses. We all come together at the same small, locally owned business and spend our money and time there,' " explains Rericha, who also lives in Norwood. The first Norwood Cash Mob was at Murray Brothers Old Time Store; an "After Mob" event was held at Quatman Cafe. Since the group has held three other Cash Mob and After Mob events at local restaurants. Once the word got out, the other groups sprang up, Rericha says. Mobbers are asked to spend at least $20. The first business was a little surprised when Rericha called to explain the Cash Mob, but once the customers showed up, things went just fine. Some owners have even suggested other businesses to contact, Rericha says. "When you explain what it is, you see when they start to understand and their eyes light up. They always say, 'This sounds good,' " she says. Rericha says Cash Mobs are a great way to support businesses owners, forge friendships and to highlight local businesses. "I moved here in 2007, and have met so many people," she says. "In my planning, I've found so many businesses that I just didn't even see before. Now I know the owners and have relationships with them. When you buy from a small business, you are supporting a neighbor." Written by Feoshia Henderson Follow Feoshia on Twitter.

My Soapbox: Lyden Foust, Xavier University, Campus Solutions

By Becky Johnson

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General

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May 22, 2012

Make way for Lyden Foust, the Xavier University senior who led the effort to host Xavier’s first TEDx event and was the only Xavier undergraduate honored with an Entrepreneurship Black Belt in an award ceremony last month. With two start-ups now under that black belt and work lined up in web development, design and branding after graduation, Foust recently spoke to Soapbox's Becky Johnson to explain his creative approach to business strategies and how he would like to challenge accepted notions about the purpose of profits.

Global 2 Local blends translation, technology

By Evan Wallis

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Development News

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April 24, 2012

A Cincinnati-based interpreting company has been providing translations and interpreting service to companies worldwide, and recently won a contract from the City of Cincinnati to provide interpreter services for all of the Health Department locations in the city. Global 2 Local Language Solutions was founded by Grace Bosworth in 2009, but she didn't really start working on her company full-time until November 2010. G2L specializes in technical document translation, which is possible through its database of more than 300 to 400 interpreters and translators. After helping another woman start a language service business out of a house, and eventually broke off of the company to travel for a year, and upon returning to Cincinnati, she founded G2L. With previous experience starting a similar type of business, Bosworth was able to hit the ground running. G2L provides service including everything from website localizations, meaning the website is designed and programmed in several different languages to technical document translations to in-person interpreting. "Translators and interpreters are special people," Bostworth says. "They have to have a complete grasp of both languages they area working with as well as a background in the specific matter they are translating." Besides the translation and interpreting services, G2L also provides web design, graphics and database administration. This blend of technology and translation is a departure from what many language service businesses offer. One major hurdle G2L faces is finding new clients. Bosworth started 2012 with the goal of gaining 25 new contracts, a large number for a company with only four full time employees. "Finding new clients is one of our biggest challenges," Bosworth says. "Gaining contracts like this one with Cincinnati is a great way for us to bridge the gap to bigger contracts. You can't get experience until someone let's you have it." With the momentum of winning the contract from the City of Cincinnati, G2L is now in the running to win a larger contract to provide interpreter services for all of the hospitals in Dayton. Business will continue to grow for G2L as they obtain more clients and Bosworth believes more people will see the need for providing their services to a non-English speaking customer base. The Ohio Department of Development has a grant right now that gives companies money towards developing their website and marketing materials into other languages in an effort to increase exports from Ohio. "Sometimes people don't think about it, but if you want to get your product out to other languages you need to make marketing materials in other languages as well as get your website available in other languages," Bosworth says. "We are able to do all of that for companies." By Evan Wallis

Global 2 Local blends translation and technology

By Evan Wallis

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Diversity

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April 24, 2012

A Cincinnati-based interpreting company has been providing translations and interpreting service to companies worldwide, and recently won a contract from the City of Cincinnati to provide interpreter services for all of the Health Department locations in the city. Global 2 Local Language Solutions was founded by Grace Bosworth back in 2009, but she didn't really start working on her company full-time until November of 2010. G2L specializes in technical document translation, which is possible through their database of over 300-400 interpreters and translators. After helping another woman start a language service business out of a house, and eventually broke off of the company to travel for a year, and upon returning to Cincinnati, she founded G2L. With previous experience starting a similar type of business, Bosworth was able to hit the ground running. G2L provides service including everything from website localizations, meaning the website is designed and programed in several different languages to technical document translations to in-person interpreting. "Translators and interpreters are special people," Bostworth says. "They have to have a complete grasp of both languages they area working with as well as a background in the specific matter they are translating." Besides the translation and interpreting services, G2L also provides web design, graphics and database administration. This blend of technology and translation is a departure from what many language service businesses offer. One major hurdle G2L faces is finding new clients. Bosworth started 2012 with the goal of gaining 25 new contracts, a large number for a company with only four full time employees. "Finding new clients is one of our biggest challenges," Bosworth says. "Gaining contracts like this one with Cincinnati is a great way for us to bridge the gap to bigger contracts. You can't get experience until someone let's you have it." With the momentum of winning the contract from the City of Cincinnati, G2L is now in the running to win a larger contract to provide interpreter services for all of the hospitals in Dayton. Business will continue to grow for G2L as they obtain more clients and Bosworth believes more people will see the need for providing their services to a non-English speaking customer base. The Ohio Department of Development has a grant right now that gives companies money towards developing their website and marketing materials into other languages in an effort to increase exports from Ohio. "Sometimes people don't think about it, but if you want to get your product out to other languages you need to make marketing materials in other languages as well as get your website available in other languages," Bosworth says. "We are able to do all of that for companies." By Evan Wallis

Bringing clean, haute cuisine to the streets

By Newsroom

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Startup News

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March 20, 2012

Jason Perkins would like to park in your neighborhood. His new truck, which houses EAT! Mobile Dining, is bringing fine dining to Cincinnati roadways. Perkins spent a number of years in working in the flavoring industry, developing those mysterious natural and artificial flavors added to so many foods. There, he says, he cemented his obsession with cleanliness. His website details food storage temperatures and checks, sterilization codes, and even his process for cleaning the basins he uses to wash produce. Along with this upscale attitude toward cleanliness, Perkins leans toward bistro-style appetizers and entrees; his menu lists pan-seared scallops, tamari almonds, grilled-paneer sandwiches, and a must-try, day-after-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. EAT! takes requests, so you can contact Perkins and ask him to come to your office or near a favorite late-night venue. He’s still figuring out his regular schedule, but tends to be downtown Tuesdays and Thursdays, sometimes on Court Street. “I’m still looking at Blue Ash,” he says. “I’m trying to be in markets that are underserved as far as food-service options go, like Reed Hartman Highway.” While training clientele unused to food trucks is a challenge, Perkins points to a handful of already-loyal downtowners with hope. “Downtown’s nice,” he says, “because people get used to seeing you. Food trucks are still very new in this part of the country.” By Robin Donovan

Starfire empowers individuals with disabilities

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Education + Learning

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January 10, 2012

Nikki Booker and Krista Brinkmeyer are using their creativity to send a powerful message about inclusion, friendship and community building. As senior members of Starfire, an organization that works to empower individuals with disabilities, Nikki and Krista are surrounded by people who truly believe in them. “Everyone in the world has gifts. Sharing those gifts makes a vibrant community,” says Executive Director Tim Vogt. “A disability does not define who someone is. Starfire empowers individuals with disabilities to focus on strengths, not labels.” Both Krista and Nikki are working on yearlong capstone projects that build on their personal interests in photography, production and community. Starfire facilitates these for their senior members, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their passions in a way that engages the entire community. With the guidance of supportive staff and the partnership of Public Allies Cincinnati and some dedicated artists and photographers, Krista has merged her love of photography and community to create the Cincy Story Mural Project. Her collection of photographs of the people and places of Cincinnati will be transformed into murals in various areas of the city. Communities can apply for the murals through ArtWorks or by contacting Starfire. Krista’s project has brought people together from many Cincinnati communities, as evidenced by the Mural Launch Party held at The Mound Café in Norwood, Krista’s hometown. “Seeing so many friends has been the most fun thing about this project,” Krista says. Nikki Booker was inspired by the book Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community, a true story about how a man with cerebral palsy rallied an entire community to help him achieve his dream of living independently. With the help and guidance of playwright Catie O’Keefe, designer Jeni Jenkins and Candice Jones Peelman of Starfire, Nikki is realizing her dream of writing and producing a play based on the book. Traveling to Waddie Welcome’s hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Nikki had the opportunity to meet some of Welcome’s supporters firsthand. The community is invited to attend a special reading of the book on Jan. 14. Nikki’s play will be performed at the Emery Theatre on May 12. “I would love to star in the play as well," she says. Starfire works with more than 100 volunteers each month to work with teens and adults, and is actively seeking members. Do Good: • Attend a community reading of Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community, Saturday, Jan. 14 from 11:30 am – 2 pm at Coffee Emporium (Central Parkway), or Avenue Brew in Bellevue, KY. • Submit photos for Krista’s Cincy Story Mural by visiting www.cincystorymural.org. • Become a member of Starfire. Find out how; contact Candice Jones Peelman at Candice@starfirecouncil.org. By Deidra Wiley Necco

CitiLogics software designed to improve urban water supplies

By Feoshia Henderson

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Entrepreneurship

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November 1, 2011

Two local environmental engineers are pouring their skills and passion into a new custom software program that will help city governments and public utilities better manage their water infrastructure. Their effort, CitiLogics, was founded 2009 in by Jim Uber, an environmental engineer at the University of Cincinnati and and Stu Hooper, who has more than 15 years experience in drinking water treatment optimization and distribution system water quality. Together, they have previous experience in systems analysis, and business and software development. CitiLogics is gearing up to launch Polaris, a real-time forecasting platform that uses existing water management data to help utilities better control their water distribution systems. The software will allow utilities to better pinpoint leak sources, and improve water quality in the distribution system, among other things. It will also forecast how a particular part of the infrastructure would hold up in an emergency or a heavy use period. The software then allows departments to share that information easily, Hooper says. "Right now a lot of that data just sits there. It literally goes into a database and one person may see it before it's stored. Right now between 2 and 40 percent of water is lost through leaks; through this modeling the infrastructure can be better maintained. We are convinced if (utilities) have useful information through math modeling and analysis techniques, they can save money, enhance water quality and make work more fun and interesting," Hooper says. CitiLogics is housed in the Hamilton incubation County Business Center, a nationally recognized business incubator. CitiLogics has hired one employee and plans to hire another one by the end of year ahead of a planned initial release of Polaris in the spring of 2012. The company is meeting with municipalities for potential early sales and the software is being tested through a pilot at the Northern Kentucky Water District. By Feoshia Henderson Follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites