Emerging Technology

‘Ugly Betty’ to attend third Annual Digital Non Conference to talk up new web, TV project

By Newsroom

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August 31, 2010

America Ferrera, the former "Ugly Betty" title character, is just one of the high-profile people coming to this year's Digital Non-Conference in downtown Cincinnati.The "non-conference," geared toward the region's digital marketers, has gained some cache in its third year. The event organized by ADCLUB Cincinnati and the American Marketing Association (AMA Cincinnati) is Sept. 23rd and 24th. Ferrera, along with Drew Buckley, COO of Electus studio, will be talking about a new television show the actress and studio will co-produce for MTV, said conference co-chair William A. Krieger, Client Service Director at R.L. Repass & Partners, Inc.The series "Pedro & Maria" has been described as "the first-ever multicultural, interactive series built for the digital age for MTV." It will air on television and on the web."They'll be talking about digital branding for entertainment," Krieger. "They keynotes this year are nationally recognized and phenomenal."Other scheduled speakers include Pandora founder Tim Wintergreen, The Huffington Post President Greg Coleman and Cincinnati's Jerry Kathman, president of LPK, the world's largest independent design agency. Conference organizers expect a 300-person sellout crowd this year. Cincinnati has its fair share of interested marketers who'll be attending; organizers estimate 400 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky businesses focused on package design, branding, advertising, and marketing communications will take part. But the conference within the last two years also has drawn digital marketers from across the wider Midwest, including Cleveland, Louisville, Indianapolis and Huntington, Krieger said."The whole idea of the conference is to cover all things related to digital marketing. We're covering all the new trends in digital, from geolocation, to mobile marketing to video. The whole premise is to bring all the digital marketers into town to explore these trends."The conference also includes breakout sessions and special conference events including time to take in some tunes during the MidPoint Music Fest, which will be in town Sept. 23-25.There's also a pre-event happy hour set for Sept. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Newport Syndicate.For more information on the conference or to register go here.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Cincinnati Digital Non-Conference Co-Chair William A. KriegerYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

Latest in Emerging Technology

KLH Engineers wins award for early adoption of Building Information Modeling for projects

By Newsroom

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General

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August 17, 2010

KLH Engineers in Fort Thomas, Ky., has won an Autodesk BIM Experience award for its early adoption of Building Information Modeling for more than 35 new construction and renovation projects representing a total construction value of nearly $400 million. The Autodesk Award goes to companies and educators internationally that are using innovative design techniques through the company's building information modeling (BIM). BIM is a software-based sustainable design technique that seeks to streamline building processes by more easily linking architects, engineers, construction professionals, facility managers, and owners. The process allows them all to explore the physical and functional characteristics of a building project digitally.KLH Engineers began using the innovative design program in 2006. "This is really the future of engineering and design, everything is going this way," said KLH Marketing Manager Cynthia Jackson. "This is 3D designing, and it helps eliminate the errors in the designing process ahead of time, as projects are being designed. It eliminates change orders and speeds up the work process."KLH, founded in 1955, is a consulting engineering firm offering mechanical, electrical, communication and information technology, lighting design services, commissioning, and energy solutions. The company employs 95, and also has offices in Columbus and Dayton.KLH works in the healthcare, civic, institutional, retail, education and commercial markets and has completed more than 10,000 projects throughout the Tri-State and nationally. Among its projects were the IT design and renovation of the Otto M. Budig Theater at NKU, the mechanical, electrical and lighting systems for the 500,000 sq. ft. Fifth Third Bank call center in Madisonville, and the mechanical and electrical systems for Newport-on-the-Levee.One of KLH's current projects using BIM is NKU's College of Informatics.The company also has recently been noted for its innovative approach to design by Building Design + Construction Magazine, which named KLH to their 2009 Giants 300 list and named them as one of the Top 75 Retail Design Firms in the U.S. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce named KLH Engineers as one of its Emerging 30 firms in 2009.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: KLH Engineers Marketing Manager Cynthia JacksonYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox

Reformed Cincinnati parking policy increasing rates while upgrading system

By Newsroom

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Development News

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August 10, 2010

Last week, the City of Cincinnati made significant changes to its parking policy that includes increased rates all across the city. In most areas the rate is doubling in an effort to upgrade the city's parking infrastructure, while also becoming more cost competitive with private rates.The changes come following analysis of a 2009 parking report completed by Walker Parking Consultants. The report outlined that Cincinnati's off-street parking facilities, and on-street meters, were priced "well below market rate." The report will help the City in planning for the following.Increase parking needs as the city continues economic development effortsAddress predicted shortage of the city budget's parking fundProvide for increased efficiency in the parking system's administrationThe rate increases will make on-street meters in downtown Cincinnati $2 per hour, while city-owned parking garages will also see varying increases. In six neighborhood business districts, on-street meters will double from 25 cents an hour, to 50 cents an hour.Even with these increases, more may be on the horizon as the 2009 Walker Parking report called for the city to price its parking spaces within 5 percent of the private market. The basis for this recommendation is two-fold as studies indicate that often times public parking spaces are priced artificially low at the detriment of nearby businesses and the immediate environment.Donald Shoup, Professor of Urban Planning at UCLA, has studied this subject matter extensively, and found that higher parking rates actually benefit local businesses by creating higher turnover. At the same time, the higher rates, Shoup contends, deters drivers from circling blocks in search of that cheap parking space. This, in turn, reduces direct emissions and reduces congestion on local roads.City officials report that the increased meter rates are the first increases in more than ten years, and places Cincinnati within the lower range of of comparable cities like Louisville, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cleveland.The increased rates will reportedly help cover maintenance costs associated with parking facilities, and upgraded on-street parking equipment that will include new solar-powered pay/display stations like those currently found on Court Street and Second Street in downtown Cincinnati. City officials say that the new pay/display stations will make parking services more efficient, while also reducing maintenance costs long-term. Writer: Randy A. Simes Photography by Scott Beseler Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Cincinnati Innovates contest lives up to its name with more than 120 ideas submitted to date

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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August 10, 2010

If you're looking for Greater Cincinnati's creative class, hop on over to the ongoing Cincinnati Innovates contest where more than 120 people have submitted a wide variety of innovative concepts for businesses, products and nonprofits.Cincinnati Innovates 2010 is offering Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky entrepreneurs and inventors more chances at start-up prize money this year, with more than $80,000 in awards.The second annual competition is open to anyone now or originally from the 15-county area of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. It has a broad reach and can include innovative products, devices, business processes and more. The top prize of $25,000 is sponsored by CincyTech.This year's competition ups the stakes and opportunities for innovators. There are several new prize categories including a $5,000 web development award sponsored by CoStrategix, a $10,000 award in branding and design services from LPK, and a $10,000 commercialization award to a Kentucky-based company sponsored by The Northern Kentucky eZone, Tri-Ed, Vision 2015, and Biologic.Have an idea to add? You can submit them through Sept. 1. Winners of a total of 10 prizes - including a community choice award picked by online voters - will be announced September 22 at the Cincinnati National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Entries will be judged by investors and other industry experts from a wide variety of backgrounds.So far about 124 entries have been submitted, said Cincinnati Innovates founder and organizer Elizabeth Edwards."This is just a bit less than we saw this time last year, but the quality is much better this year. I think after seeing the caliber of last year's winners, people now know the level of quality the judges are looking for," Edwards said. Following is just a sampling of this year's ideas in the entrants own words. You can browse through them all and vote for your favorite at the Cincinnati Innovates website.FRE Snowboarder Protection System: Fre is a protective system for beginner snowboarders to rent from mountain resorts. This concept uses high-impact, smart materials in areas prone to injury, which are flexible to the touch and harden upon sudden impact. The key areas of protection are the hips, spine and wrists. Combining this with performance textiles creates a protective system in the otherwise male-dominated market of snowboard gear [and] keeps riders both safe and comfortable.Complete composting portable restroom: "Complete's waste tank is located beneath the floor of the restroom instead of under a bench-style seat. This opens up more room within the restroom, resulting in a more comfortable user experience. Sawdust is dumped into the tank after each use of the restroom. The sawdust primes the waste for composting and minimizes odor within the restroom. Periodically, the waste and sawdust are pumped out of the tank and transported to a municipal composting facility. At the composting facility, the waste can be processed and will eventually yield healthy, sterile, fertile planting soil." Doggie Discrimination: "a heart-breaking phenomenon has swept through rescue shelters across the nation; it has been labeled the "Black Dog Syndrome." Unfortunately, a fur color bias has been identified in shelter adoptions - meaning that dark colored dogs, especially large black dogs, seem to be the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. My idea is to spread the word about the "Black Dog Syndrome". I would like to organize a "Black Dog Walk" for the community, where current owners and local shelters can come out and show off their black beauties!" Digital Menus: "My device would basically eliminate the middle man (server) and would directly send over the order to the computer screens in the back by the cooks. All the restaurants are going to need is a few food runners to get the food and drinks to the tables. This menu will also have facilities like refills buttons, or a customer assistance button, in case of additional service assistance."Ergonomic Crutch: "A pateted shock absorption technology device is seamlessly incorporated in the support leg to absorb the weight of the patient and reduce exertion, resulting in decreased impact stress on the supporting shoulders as well as reduced weight load on the injured leg. The end result is a much more comfortable and expedited recovery process and a cost savings of millions of dollars annually to the healthcare providers and insurance companies."Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Elizabeth Edwards, Cincinnati Innovates founderYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox

Why Funding Innovation Is Key For The Queen City

By Jonathan DeHart

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Entrepreneurship

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July 20, 2010

The second annual Cincinnati Innovates competition is giving creative thinkers around town a chance to show what they've got. But ideas need capital to fly. As such, the need for communication between investors and those seeking funds is greater than ever. Yet, many Cincinnati innovators are unable to access the capital on tap in their own backyard. Soapbox's Jonathan DeHart talks with a few local experts on investment and innovation to learn what can be done to change the picture.

Region’s first consumer marketing startup accelerator The Brandery launches

By Newsroom

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Architecture + Design

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July 20, 2010

Dubbed The Brandery, it's the region's first startup company accelerator that will offer funding, mentoring and partnerships around the local consumer marketing businesses. The Brandery's founders are Cincinnati digital marketing executive David Knox, serial entrepreneur J.B. Kropp, and Taft Stettinius & Hollister attorney Rob McDonald."The power of The Brandery is the collaboration between people and companies in our community," said Knox, brand manager of global branded entertainment at Procter & Gamble. "Entrepreneurs will benefit from a wide range of talented people in consumer marketing here as well as globally."The Brandery is looking for consumer-facing businesses such as consumer Internet, media and entertainment companies based on technology platforms.The Brandery will invest in tech-based consumer businesses that rely on the internet, media or entertainment. Companies can begin applying immediately at Brandery.org. Deadline for submissions for this first session is Aug. 11, 2010. Five companies will be selected for the first session which will begin in late August.Each applicant selected for its 12-week accelerated program will receive a $20,000 grant in exchange for equity in the company. Each company also will receive brand identity guidance from leading agencies including LPK, Resource Interactive, Barefoot Proximity, Empower MediaMarketing and Ample. CincyTech, a public-private venture development group, is funding those $20,000 grants through its Imagining Grant funds aimed at growing companies through the investment stage."Our hope is to create a whole new pipeline of startup companies that focus on consumer marketing, to complement our portfolio of companies in information technology, bioscience and advanced manufacturing," said CincyTech President Bob Coy. "Our mission is to grow jobs in thriving industries."In addition to CincyTech and the five creative agencies, support is coming from the Haile/U.S. Bank Foundation and Xavier University’s Williams College of Business, which donated money for operating capital for The Brandery. The Brandery also is endorsed and supported by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Queen City Angels, Hamilton County Development Corp., and other local entrepreneurial organizations.The annoucement of the Brandery follows Gov. Ted Strickland's July 12 designation that the city would be the state's Hub of Innovation and Opportunity in Consumer Marketing. Along with that designation came a $250,000 state grant that will fund a hub director and an incubator that will assist startups and create new business and jobs in the consumer marketing industry.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSources: CincyTech, David Knox, co-founder The BranderyYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox

Blue Kaboom partners with Butler County VB to create first-of-its-kind mobile app in the region

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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June 29, 2010

Local web design and marketing company Blue Kaboom has launched the Butler County mobile app, a first of its kind in the Greater Cincinnati area. The application, developed for the Butler County Visitor's Bureau, features news, events, local attractions around the county (like EnterTRAINment Junction, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum and Wake Nation) and hotels and restaurants.Blue Kaboom, in Clifton, created the app in partnership with Discover Anywhere Mobile, a Canadian-based company that specializes in mobile web applications for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry."When Butler County approached us with this idea we felt they were really on to something. There are a lot of Web apps out there right now, but we knew we had a unique opportunity to set ourselves apart and create a functional one that people would find useful in their everyday lives," said Blue Kaboom president Troy Henson. The Butler County Visitor's Bureau has embraced Web 2.0. Blue Kaboom recently redesigned its website. The BVB also is on Twitter and Facebook."Butler County Visitor's Bureau always looks to reach its visitors and the community in every way possible. They decided one way to do this was to keep abreast of the new communication technologies available, including mobile communications," Henson said.The free app can be downloaded for the iphone at iTunes here. You can browse the application by web or download the Blackberry application here. "This easy to navigate Web app will help residents and visitors easily find the information they need to explore Butler County. Maybe it will even help long time residents discover some hidden gems in Butler County that they never even knew about," Henson said.Blue Kaboom also creates websites that are compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry and Android and other mobile devices.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Troy Henson, President, Blue KaboomYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox

TEDxCincy Gets Passionate About Big (and Small) Ideas

By Soapbox

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Architecture + Design

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June 15, 2010

This October, Cincinnati will welcome TEDxCincy - a locally organized event modeled after the uber-popular TEDTalks - you know the ones all over Youtube that have featured tech giants like Bill Gates and rockstars and activists like Peter Gabriel and Jane Goodall. Soapbox gets the exciting scoop on TEDxCincy from event co-chair Michael Bergman.

Senator Kearney upset over lack of Third Frontier funds for Cincinnati startups

By Newsroom

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Development News

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June 8, 2010

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UC wins $3M in Third Frontier funding

By Newsroom

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Cincy In The News

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June 8, 2010

The Ohio Third Frontier Wright Projects Program gave many local institutions funding for different research projects. The University of Cincinnati was awarded $3 million to research microfluidics technology and $7 million to develop and commercialize energy efficient building system technologies, designs, and best practices. GE Aviation Electrical Power Systems and Children's Hospital also received Third Frontier Funds and will collaborate with other Ohio institutions for research. Read the full story here.