Hamburger Mary’s is back, baby
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Video Cincinnati Innovates Featured Entry: xRP and xRP Agented Network
Is manufacturing in Cincinnati dead? Not if the creators of xRP and xRP Agented Network have anything to say about it. With the manufacturing industry down to 12 percent of Gross Domestic Product in the US, local author and innovator Ben Moore sees an opportunity to help reverse that trend.
Program for 700 at-risk youth trains them for jobs in advanced manufacturing, science and technology
Program for 700 at-risk youth trains them for jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, science, technology and moreSome students have the smarts and the drive to get ahead in today’s competitive workplace, but might face barriers in continuing their education to get there.But with the help of nearly $2.4 million in federal stimulus funds, more than 700 Cincinnati youth and young adults will get a chance to make some progress. Hamilton County has identified five education and training service providers to teach valuable work skills to at-risk young people aged 14-to-24 this summer. They’ll be trained in the areas of green industries, health care, construction, education, technology, math, engineering, science and advanced manufacturing. “By making strategic investments in our young people, particularly those that are facing the greatest obstacles, we secure the future of Hamilton County while preventing problems that cost us all,” said Commissioner David Pepper. “This program will foster a strong work ethic, the job skills and experience needed to be successful in life.” Most of the programs will run from June through August. They’ll be led by Easter Seals Work Resource Center, Great Oaks Career Campuses, Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates, Arbor Employment and Training and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati. “Our approach with stimulus dollars is to use them smartly and strategically on our priority needs,” Pepper said. “Here, we are doing just that—creating jobs, and helping create a path to success for the young people who face the greatest obstacles to making it.” Most students will not only get work training, but job placement with local employers. Some will also get computer and financial literacy training, or student aid. They’ll also be paid up to $10 an hour for their work during training, but could go one to make much more with their skills in the future. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Bridget Doherty, Chief of Staff Commissioner David Pepper
College Hill Coffee creates community through innovation
Nestled into a bustling corner of College Hill sits one of Cincinnati's best kept secrets, College Hill Coffee serving up exceptional brew as well as unsurpassed customer service that helps to set the community-based java shop apart from its neighboring corporate franchises. This home-grown gem is branching out beyond its regular service by offering an innovative coffee tasting hosted by College Hill native and Master Roaster, Randall Ely of Seven Hills Coffee. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, or simply enjoy a regular cup of Joe, the independent coffee shop offers up a peek into what actually goes into a cup of high octane caffeine with a guided tour of four outstanding coffees beginning Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the CHCC shop on the corner of Hamilton and North Bend. Exploring the subtle nuances of roasting, as well as the farms and growers who produce these amazing beans, has long been an ambition of the sparky owner and operator, Tina Stoeberl. When you've owned your own business for three and a half years, it's difficult to get to everything you want to do, but a coffee tasting has been a passion for the dedicated owner/operator ever since she opened shop. "I love that customers have asked to know more about the origins of coffee," says Stoeberl who goes on to explain that coffee is an endless combination of complex and subtle flavors that range from earthy to even citrusy essences. Much like wine, Stoeberl insists that patrons of the College Hill coffee palace want to know what they are tasting in their oft-taken-for-granted cups. "What our Master Roaster, Randall Ely can provide is an exploration of the impact of the coffee trade has on the country of origin, as well as the impact the roast, blend and brewing, has on coffees. He can actually trace coffee's journey from seed to mug, and explain the role it's played in global society and finance." College Hill Coffee has been working with Seven Hills as their primary supplier and roaster since they opened largely in part of their progressive attitudes towards purchasing coffee. "All of the coffee that Seven Hills buys is fair trade and they're paying good wages to all the farmers from whom they get their beans. These guys visit their source farms and truly care about the people working on them," says Stoeberl. Innovative ideas such as coffee tastings help to keep the College Hill coffee house successful in a down economy. A recent trip to the coffee bistro saw a lively group of eclectic patrons filling the cozy corner shop on a lazy weekday afternoon. Stoeberl insists attention to detail and unwavering customer service are responsible for their success. "Details matter. People notice when you're sidewalk is swept and the garbage and weeds are picked out of your parking lot. We're in a rough time. There are coffee shops that aren't going to make it out of this and we're lucky we're diversified enough so when something is down the other can cover." Stoeberl's diversification includes her fair trade coffees as well as a varied menu and an array of tastefully displayed coffee and tea accessories. Over 90 percent of all items are actually made from scratch. A seasoned crew of baristas also helps keep the patrons returning, says Stoeberl. "The staff is fantastic – everyone from the sixteen year old gal to Ellen, who has been working here for fourteen years. That success has helped her remain above water. "Right now we're where we need to be – neck and neck with where we were this time last year." Stoeberl began her career as a small business owner following 22 years in the health insurance industry. One day she woke up and decided she did not want to do this anymore. "I said, I'm going to be 40 years old and I'm great at what I do, but I don't want to do it anymore." That's when she saw the opportunity in cashing in everything and opening a coffee shop. In the early days, Stoeberl succeeded because of her ability to listen. "People would say what they wanted and I listened to what they had to say," says Stoeberl. "I had no experience when I first started. Knowing what I know now about the restaurant industry. I never would have done it," says Stoeberl. But if she's worried, she's not telling anyone. "Ask me if I would do it again and I'd tell you, 'absolutely.' I can't imagine doing anything else." A feasibility study showed that the College Hill intersection was the second busiest intersection within Cincinnati's 52 neighborhoods. "We had a million people going by, but none of them have a reason to stop." That is until Stoeberl completely revamped the style, hours and vibe in the shop. And now she's ready to grow with an expansion into the neighboring empty building to which she just leased. "I won't change any of our current offerings, but I would make it more comfortable. We can service tables more efficiently with a larger kitchen," says Stoeberl. The additional 100 square feet of retail will offer more kitchen space; much needed storage and a small office for her. More importantly for Tina, it takes one more vacant building off of the street and will mean eventually hiring more employees. Writer: Jeff Syroney Source: Tina Stoeberl, College Hill Coffee
High-tech start-ups put down roots in new soil
High-tech start-ups are beginning to look elsewhere for the incentives they desire and as a result are starting to pop up in new places. Many Midwestern cities are taking advantage of the pullback in venture lending and offering incentives and low costs of living to the highly desirable high-tech start-up companies out there. One of the most aggressive states and most successful thus far has been Ohio where they are offering strong incentive packages and funding options. Read full article here.
Greater Cincinnati receives more than $4 million in Community Services Block Grant stimulus funds
Greater Cincinnati job services organizations got a $4 million cash infusion over two years through federal stimulus awards.The funds are part of a $38.9 million in additional funding Ohio received as part of the stimulus, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funds come in addition to approximately $27 million Community Services Block Grant Program, targeted toward the low-income, receives in funding annually. The money should be distributed in June.“The services provided through this program will help strengthen Ohio’s communities and families,” said Gov. Ted Strickland. “President Obama’s decision to invest these funds in Ohio’s Community Services Block Grant Program will help more Ohioans get back on their feet during these tough economic times.” Cincinnati/Hamilton County Community Action Agency was awarded just over $2.8 million, Clermont County Community Services received $433,822 and Butler County’s Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF) received $784,870.Community action agencies provide services and activities addressing employment, emergency services, and other anti-poverty programs. “We are encouraging the community action agencies to focus the use of these Community Services Block Grant funds to support employment-related services and activities that create and sustain economic growth,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The funds will also be critical in helping reduce poverty, revitalizing low-income communities, and empowering low-income families and individuals to be self-sufficient.” Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Ohio Department of Development
Video Cincinnati Innovates Featured Entry: xRP and xRP Agented Network
Is manufacturing in Cincinnati dead? Not if the creators of xRP and xRP Agented Network have anything to say about it. With the manufacturing industry down to 12 percent of Gross Domestic Product in the US, local author and innovator Ben Moore sees an opportunity to help reverse that trend.
Program for 700 at-risk youth trains them for jobs in advanced manufacturing, science and technology
Program for 700 at-risk youth trains them for jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, science, technology and moreSome students have the smarts and the drive to get ahead in today’s competitive workplace, but might face barriers in continuing their education to get there.But with the help of nearly $2.4 million in federal stimulus funds, more than 700 Cincinnati youth and young adults will get a chance to make some progress. Hamilton County has identified five education and training service providers to teach valuable work skills to at-risk young people aged 14-to-24 this summer. They’ll be trained in the areas of green industries, health care, construction, education, technology, math, engineering, science and advanced manufacturing. “By making strategic investments in our young people, particularly those that are facing the greatest obstacles, we secure the future of Hamilton County while preventing problems that cost us all,” said Commissioner David Pepper. “This program will foster a strong work ethic, the job skills and experience needed to be successful in life.” Most of the programs will run from June through August. They’ll be led by Easter Seals Work Resource Center, Great Oaks Career Campuses, Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates, Arbor Employment and Training and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati. “Our approach with stimulus dollars is to use them smartly and strategically on our priority needs,” Pepper said. “Here, we are doing just that—creating jobs, and helping create a path to success for the young people who face the greatest obstacles to making it.” Most students will not only get work training, but job placement with local employers. Some will also get computer and financial literacy training, or student aid. They’ll also be paid up to $10 an hour for their work during training, but could go one to make much more with their skills in the future. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Bridget Doherty, Chief of Staff Commissioner David Pepper
College Hill Coffee creates community through innovation
Nestled into a bustling corner of College Hill sits one of Cincinnati's best kept secrets, College Hill Coffee serving up exceptional brew as well as unsurpassed customer service that helps to set the community-based java shop apart from its neighboring corporate franchises. This home-grown gem is branching out beyond its regular service by offering an innovative coffee tasting hosted by College Hill native and Master Roaster, Randall Ely of Seven Hills Coffee. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, or simply enjoy a regular cup of Joe, the independent coffee shop offers up a peek into what actually goes into a cup of high octane caffeine with a guided tour of four outstanding coffees beginning Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the CHCC shop on the corner of Hamilton and North Bend. Exploring the subtle nuances of roasting, as well as the farms and growers who produce these amazing beans, has long been an ambition of the sparky owner and operator, Tina Stoeberl. When you've owned your own business for three and a half years, it's difficult to get to everything you want to do, but a coffee tasting has been a passion for the dedicated owner/operator ever since she opened shop. "I love that customers have asked to know more about the origins of coffee," says Stoeberl who goes on to explain that coffee is an endless combination of complex and subtle flavors that range from earthy to even citrusy essences. Much like wine, Stoeberl insists that patrons of the College Hill coffee palace want to know what they are tasting in their oft-taken-for-granted cups. "What our Master Roaster, Randall Ely can provide is an exploration of the impact of the coffee trade has on the country of origin, as well as the impact the roast, blend and brewing, has on coffees. He can actually trace coffee's journey from seed to mug, and explain the role it's played in global society and finance." College Hill Coffee has been working with Seven Hills as their primary supplier and roaster since they opened largely in part of their progressive attitudes towards purchasing coffee. "All of the coffee that Seven Hills buys is fair trade and they're paying good wages to all the farmers from whom they get their beans. These guys visit their source farms and truly care about the people working on them," says Stoeberl. Innovative ideas such as coffee tastings help to keep the College Hill coffee house successful in a down economy. A recent trip to the coffee bistro saw a lively group of eclectic patrons filling the cozy corner shop on a lazy weekday afternoon. Stoeberl insists attention to detail and unwavering customer service are responsible for their success. "Details matter. People notice when you're sidewalk is swept and the garbage and weeds are picked out of your parking lot. We're in a rough time. There are coffee shops that aren't going to make it out of this and we're lucky we're diversified enough so when something is down the other can cover." Stoeberl's diversification includes her fair trade coffees as well as a varied menu and an array of tastefully displayed coffee and tea accessories. Over 90 percent of all items are actually made from scratch. A seasoned crew of baristas also helps keep the patrons returning, says Stoeberl. "The staff is fantastic – everyone from the sixteen year old gal to Ellen, who has been working here for fourteen years. That success has helped her remain above water. "Right now we're where we need to be – neck and neck with where we were this time last year." Stoeberl began her career as a small business owner following 22 years in the health insurance industry. One day she woke up and decided she did not want to do this anymore. "I said, I'm going to be 40 years old and I'm great at what I do, but I don't want to do it anymore." That's when she saw the opportunity in cashing in everything and opening a coffee shop. In the early days, Stoeberl succeeded because of her ability to listen. "People would say what they wanted and I listened to what they had to say," says Stoeberl. "I had no experience when I first started. Knowing what I know now about the restaurant industry. I never would have done it," says Stoeberl. But if she's worried, she's not telling anyone. "Ask me if I would do it again and I'd tell you, 'absolutely.' I can't imagine doing anything else." A feasibility study showed that the College Hill intersection was the second busiest intersection within Cincinnati's 52 neighborhoods. "We had a million people going by, but none of them have a reason to stop." That is until Stoeberl completely revamped the style, hours and vibe in the shop. And now she's ready to grow with an expansion into the neighboring empty building to which she just leased. "I won't change any of our current offerings, but I would make it more comfortable. We can service tables more efficiently with a larger kitchen," says Stoeberl. The additional 100 square feet of retail will offer more kitchen space; much needed storage and a small office for her. More importantly for Tina, it takes one more vacant building off of the street and will mean eventually hiring more employees. Writer: Jeff Syroney Source: Tina Stoeberl, College Hill Coffee
High-tech start-ups put down roots in new soil
High-tech start-ups are beginning to look elsewhere for the incentives they desire and as a result are starting to pop up in new places. Many Midwestern cities are taking advantage of the pullback in venture lending and offering incentives and low costs of living to the highly desirable high-tech start-up companies out there. One of the most aggressive states and most successful thus far has been Ohio where they are offering strong incentive packages and funding options. Read full article here.
Greater Cincinnati receives more than $4 million in Community Services Block Grant stimulus funds
Greater Cincinnati job services organizations got a $4 million cash infusion over two years through federal stimulus awards.The funds are part of a $38.9 million in additional funding Ohio received as part of the stimulus, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funds come in addition to approximately $27 million Community Services Block Grant Program, targeted toward the low-income, receives in funding annually. The money should be distributed in June.“The services provided through this program will help strengthen Ohio’s communities and families,” said Gov. Ted Strickland. “President Obama’s decision to invest these funds in Ohio’s Community Services Block Grant Program will help more Ohioans get back on their feet during these tough economic times.” Cincinnati/Hamilton County Community Action Agency was awarded just over $2.8 million, Clermont County Community Services received $433,822 and Butler County’s Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF) received $784,870.Community action agencies provide services and activities addressing employment, emergency services, and other anti-poverty programs. “We are encouraging the community action agencies to focus the use of these Community Services Block Grant funds to support employment-related services and activities that create and sustain economic growth,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The funds will also be critical in helping reduce poverty, revitalizing low-income communities, and empowering low-income families and individuals to be self-sufficient.” Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Ohio Department of Development
