Jobs

Blackbook EMG adds more connectivity and experience with recent hires

By Newsroom

●

September 28, 2010

In a 21st century hi-tech reinvention of yesteryear's "little black book," a Cincinnati startup company is providing the corporate community with connectivity and sense of belonging vital to successful onboarding and retention of today's employees.Blackbook EMG's innovative solution to this universal corporate challenge comes in the form of the company's multi-tiered software and services. The company's Compass online platform identifies an individual's or family's personal needs and outside interests and helps connect them to places to eat, shop or catch a live show.Now an integral resource in the workplace of such clients as Macy's, Procter & Gamble, Ethicon, TriHealth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, KAO Brands, Givaudan Flavors and LPK, Blackbook is proving to be an invaluable tool for retaining top talent.Attracting top talent of their own, Blackbook's management team - led by founder and CEO Chris Ostoich and Sr. VP of Operations Carla Messer- was recently joined by two area professionals whose background experience and community connections make them the perfect fit for the Cincinnati startup.Myrita Craig, whose eight-year tenure at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber included roles as executive director of Agenda 360 and vice president of small business and programs, comes aboard as president of Blackbook EMG, while marketing and business development specialist Stephen Samuels will round out the executive team as vice president of client experience. "Myrita has spent most of her career taking opportunity and organizations to the next level," says Ostoich, who believes the company's dynamic incoming president has "the vision, networking, and big-picture thinking to take Blackbook to the next market."Samuels' new role at Blackbook, believes Ostoich, "falls right in line with his personal mission." Founder and president of Bridging Broadway, an advocacy group connecting people and places to create a dynamic entertainment district in downtown Cincinnati, Samuels' background also includes urban planning, extensive travel experience, and work as a community advocate, all of which, says Ostoich, "are in perfect sync with what Blackbook is all about." Practicing what they preach and what they provide in their own workplace and in their active community involvement, the Blackbook team continues its mission to keep corporate talent "happily ever after" right here in Cincinnati.Writer: Alyce VilinesSource: Chris Ostoich, BlackBook EMG founder and CEO

Latest in Jobs

Pinky Sue’s Smoke House opens in downtown Newport

By Newsroom

●

Development News

●

September 21, 2010

James Remley and Shawn Flynn met while working at a factory more than 15 years ago. Now the friends have embarked on a new restaurant venture they hope will take them into the next phase of their professional lives.The new restaurant is Pinky Sue's Smoke House which they opened at 527 York Street in downtown Newport. Since opening Remley says that their lunches have been exceptionally busy and that they are now considering adding breakfast hours with an expanded menu."We decided we wanted to give this a shot to see if it might work out, and we're really hoping it will last," Remley explained.The long-time friends are both Northern Kentucky residents and Remley says that they stumbled upon the space, formerly occupied by NuVo and Mokka, when driving past one day. After finding out that the lease financially worked for them, they moved forward with this central location.Pinky Sue's Smoke House, named for the partners' respective wives, seats about 40 people inside with room for another 20 to 30 people outside on their patio. Remley says that first-time customers should try the ribs, but that many people have been going after the slow-smoked pulled pork which can be ordered in a sandwich deal for around $6.The restaurant also offers a variety of other menu items like briskets, chicken, and a bevvy of side dishes including broccoli salad, baked beans, homemade potato salad, french fries and more.The restaurant is currently open 11:30am to 8pm Monday through Thursday, and 11:30am to 9pm Friday through Sunday. Dine in and carryout are available, and Remley says that catering orders can also be placed by calling (859) 491-9700 or fax at (859) 491-9888.Writer: Randy A. SimesPhotography by Scott BeselerStay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

$440k first-phase of Clifton Heights streetscaping project nears completion

By Newsroom

●

Development News

●

September 21, 2010

Significant progress has been made on the first-phase of streetscaping improvements throughout the Clifton Heights business district. Over the past two months work has been taking place along W. McMillan Street to rebuild sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs, replant street trees, and install new street lamps. The roughly half-million dollar project will also include new parking meters, trash cans, and decorative brick pavers.This stretch of W. McMillan Street had long been plagued by buckled sidewalks due to root invasion from the street trees there and water that subsequently collected. The rebuilt sidewalks not only feature safe and pleasant surfaces for pedestrians, but they also feature uniquely designed brick work at cross walk locations.The improvement work has been championed by area businesses and the Clifton Heights Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) whose director, Matt Bourgeois, said that “the business community is very excited about the progress being made.” While the work has posed a minor inconvenience for businesses the consensus seems to be that it is worth the trouble."The business district faught long and hard to get the city funds for the project so we're very excited about the improvements and we think it's a great thing," said McNeil Ryan, owner of the popular Mac's Pizza Pub. "It's a very short-term pain for a very long-term gain, and we were very fortunate they were able to schedule the majority of the work during the summer."Some of that progress that has been prior to the streetscaping work has been quite noticeable and included several facade improvement projects; business expansions and renovations by DuBois Bookstore, Plaza Artist Materials, and Mac’s Pizza Pub; and the addition of several new businesses to the district.The first phase of streetscaping improvements, nearing their expected completion in October 2010, were funded through the Cincinnati Neighborhood Business Districts United (CNBDU) and the City of Cincinnati. The later two phases will continue the streetscaping work throughout the district over the next two years depending on funding.Ryan concluded that, "when the project is completely finished after they plant the trees, it will be very nice and I know I'm looking forward to it." Writer: Randy A. Simes Photography by Jake Mecklenborg Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

$8.3M Saengerhalle development to spark Race Street transformation through OTR

By Newsroom

●

Architecture + Design

●

September 21, 2010

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) has focused their attention along Vine Street and parts of Main Street through Over-the-Rhine for the better part of the last five years. Their goals have been to target some of the most troubled areas of the neighborhood and turn them around. Now, the development corporation has shifted its focus west to Race Street and will move its offices into a new $8.3 million project taking shape along Race Street just north of Washington Park.The Saengerhalle development, named for the "Saenger Halle" music venue that preceded Music Hall, is to 14th and Race streets as the Duncanson Lofts development was to 12th and Vine streets years ago. Following the completion of Duncanson, a handful of projects immediately followed suit which have led to hundreds of new residents, dozens of new businesses, dramatic declines in criminal activity, and a heartbeat to a part of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood which has not been felt in a generation.3CDC has tapped NorthPointe Group to oversee the redevelopment project that will introduce more than 32,000 square feet of office space to the neighborhood by spring 2011. But like Duncanson, once Saengerhalle is complete, several other projects will fall in line. Four such projects will create even more residential units and retail space, redevelop and expand the historic Washington Park, redevelop a historic church, and introduce a new underground parking garage underneath the northern most section of the park."We wanted to bring business into the area and make the area vibrant during the day outside of the park," said Christy Samad, Communications Assistant, 3CDC. "The Saengerhalle project is in the heart of the redevelopment taking place in the area and it will be great to be there with the merchants and new Washington Park."3CDC plans to relocate their offices to the street-level office space in the redeveloped structures along with NorthPointe Group."We're hoping that the first premier commercial space in this part of the neighborhood will serve as a catalyst for other investment nearby," Samad explained. "We're taking the first-floor space so that the two upper floors are preserved for tenants looking to take advantage of the great views of Washington Park."While 3CDC will be occupying approximately one-third of the total commercial space, there will also be room for a restaurant at the corner of 14th and Race that will include outdoor seating.According to 3CDC officials, the $8.3 million project was funded through an innovative partnership with Fifth Third Bank that helped secure $4.2 million in tax credits and $4.1 million from the Cincinnati Equity Fund."We believe in the renaissance taking place in our urban core. The positive results are evident," said Catherine Cawthon, president of Fifth Third Bank Community Development Corporation. "People are coming back to the central business district and Over-the-Rhine for entertainment, to buy homes and to start businesses. Along with construction jobs, the Saengerhalle project is projected to bring at least 100 permanent jobs to Over-the-Rhine, and we're proud to offer our support."Writer: Randy A. SimesRendering ProvidedStay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Developers get started on $50M Incline Square project in East Price Hill

By Newsroom

●

Architecture + Design

●

September 14, 2010

Developers have been working since 2005 to make the proposed $50 million Incline Square development a reality. Over those five years developers have scaled back plans, modifying the phasing of the proposed development, and even adjusting specific elements of the project. But as the economy slowly recovers, the development team believes that now is the time to move forward.To commemorate that news, the development team celebrated an official ground breaking for the project on Monday, September 13 at the nearly eight-acre project site in East Price Hill. One of the primary members of the team is former Cincinnati City Councilman John Cranley who believes that this success will breed success for future phases of the development."The $50 million project will be a long-term endeavor over the next decade, but we hope that momentum of the new restaurant and office building will help drive demand," Cranley explained.Cranley described the initial $3 million work, that will include a restaurant with biergarten and 15 apartments ranging from $900-1,000 per month, as phase 1a. The hope is to begin work on phase 1b - a development that includes at least 20,000 square feet of medical office space - by late 2011. Once the two-part phase 1 effort concludes, Cranley expects there to be another medical office building and additional restaurant and retail space in later phases.According to Cranley, the extended nature of the project can be explained by a variety of economic realities the project has faced including an ongoing lawsuit between the Greater Cincinnati Associated Physicians (GCAP) and the Health Alliance.Even with the challenges, developers believe that the progress being made now is not only encouraging for Cincinnati, but specifically for the Price Hill community which doesn't ordinarily see this kind of investment."It's been a very, very challenging environment to say the least," said Cranley. "But for us to be able to get a project done in Price Hill is very encouraging given that most people thought we would never get it done."Cranley went on to speak to the project's viability by saying that this area of East Price Hill is facing the same challenges that Mt. Adams, Covington, and Newport have faced over the past 20 to 30 years, and that the views and close proximity to downtown are "very underutilized" at this point."Price Hill has astounding parks like Dunham and Mt. Echo, great proximity to downtown, unbelievable architecture, and a really great size and affordability of homes. We need to keep anchors like Price Hill Chili, Elder and Seton high schools, and Kroger in the neighborhood while establishing new anchors like Incline Square. East Price Hill today has more potential and signs of improvement than it has in 30 years thanks to the trend towards urban living."Writer: Randy A. SimesRendering ProvidedStay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

The Brandery Builds Brands, Brings Businesses to Cincinnati

By Val Prevish

●

Architecture + Design

●

September 14, 2010

In the life of business start-ups, the great idea is only the first small step. So five lucky start-ups are getting the chance to learn from Cincinnati's master brand strategists and market research gurus as they take part in the first ever 12-week program at The Brandery, a new business accelerator that is luring promising young companies to Southwest Ohio.

NKY Chamber job board sees uptick, nonprofit, sales and marketing growing fast

By Newsroom

●

General

●

September 14, 2010

Looking for a job? Northern Kentucky might have what you're looking for. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's online job board has recently seen an uptick in postings.In August, there were more than 70 postings, with several employers looking to hire for multiple positions. The sectors seeing some of the largest growth are nonprofit, sales and marketing. Currently there are just over a dozen nonprofit postings including listings from Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and the American Red Cross. There are at least eight marketing and 14 sales listings.The job board has been around since 2002, and has served as a place where Chamber members, and other area employers, can post jobs for free, said Nancy Spivey, the Chamber's senior vice president, Workforce, Education & Health Care Solutions."We have been averaging about five new job postings daily, although I spoke with an employer (recently) who is sending me a posting and that employer needs several hundred workers," Spivey said.There are nearly two dozen job categories on the board, ranging from education and construction to manufacturing and administrative work. There are also part time listings.The Chamber job board is more than just an online classified department. There's also a student section with internship and co-op postings, information from local employers who offer education assistance, job fair notices and more.Another handy service the Chamber offers through the site is a resume blast. The Chamber has a relationship with dozens of regional companies who have signed up to receive resumes from potential employees on a regular basis. Job seekers send their resumes to the Chamber, which in turn, sends them along to the companies. This service is also free."We find this especially helpful for individuals who may be moving to our region, for those who are seeking a general opportunity (in customer service, retail, etc.), and for employers who hire for various positions on a regular basis," Spivey said.Both job seekers and employers who want to be included on Resume Email distribution should contact resume@nkychamber.com. You can see the most recent list of interested employers here.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Nancy Spivey, NKY Chamber senior vice president, Workforce, Education & Health Care SolutionsYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

Developers break ground on $12M condominium project in Mariemont

By Newsroom

●

Architecture + Design

●

September 7, 2010

Greiwe Development Group and North American Properties broke ground on the $12 million Emery Park condominium project in Mariemont last week. The development is the second phase of a larger project that will eventually create 121 new condominiums built according to the village's historic master plan and well-known Tudor Revival design."Mary Emery hired a great town planner named John Nolan to design Mariemont," explained Rick Greiwe. "Nolan's plans show a very dense village center with retail surrounded by walkable residential areas. Our projects are following that original plan that was finished in 1921."Greiwe says that due to a number of factors, much of the plan was not fully realized. As a result, his development team has been working to acquire land, tear down aging properties, and replace them with dense residential developments that adhere to the principles set out for Mariemont roughly 90 years go.The 29-unit Jordan Park development was the first-phase of this effort, with Emery Park being the second. Greiwe says that the development team decided to move forward with this second phase even before a single condo had been pre-sold."We are very confident in this location and the price point of these units," Greiwe said. "You're only 15 minutes from downtown, you have a great retail district, good schools, and a park nearby. As a result, we have already sold three units as of our groundbreaking last week."This second phase of development is expected to be complete by fall 2011; at that time they hope to start work on the next phase of development, Nolan Park, named after Mariemont's original town planner John Nolan. Greiwe says that in order for work to move forward on that phase, they must pre-sell at-least half of the total 35 units.The development team hopes to then come up with a more definitive plan for the fourth and final phase of the total development, but they do have a vision for exactly the kind of end result they want."We have noticed that people appreciate walkable communities, and Mariemont is one of the most walkable communities in the nation. We like to do infill projects close to healthy retail centers in walkable communities, and that is exactly why we're so bullish on Mariemont."Tours of Jordan Park and Emery Park condominiums can be scheduled with Sibcy Cline at the Mariemont Lifestyle Sales Center (map) from 1pm to 4pm on Sundays.Writer: Randy A. SimesRendering ProvidedStay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

Fresh Table to open sustainably focused takeout at Findlay Market late September

By Newsroom

●

Development News

●

September 7, 2010

A new vendor offering sustainably focused take-out food will open at Findlay Market in late September. Fresh Table will be located inside the historic market house near the far eastern entrance by Race Street in stand 102. According to Fresh Table co-owner Meredith Trombly, the location is perfect given the focus of the business."Historically Findlay has been raw food stuff, and we're hoping to advance the options down here and really open up the possibilities," stated Trombly. "We didn't really consider any other neighborhood to open Fresh Table. We concentrated on Findlay because we knew that's where we wanted to be, that where our customer base is, and the market offers instant name recognition with built-in marketing power."According to Trombly, the menu at Fresh Table will change regularly based on the seasons and the chefs' whims, but she says that vegan and vegetarian options will always be available. Customers will also be able to choose from a mixture of soups, salads, starters, entrees, and sweets. All of which will be available for curb-side pickup or delivery to Over-the-Rhine, Downtown, and Uptown neighborhoods."We're going to use sustainable, local, organic, or natural foods for everything we do. If I can make a French pate out of locally sourced meat, I'm gonna do it."Inside the market house, customers will be treated to a bit of a theatre production as two flat-screen televisions will display the action taking place in the exhibition kitchen. Trombly says that when action is not taking place back in the kitchen, unique menu items and the businesses many green partnerships with local vendors will be highlighted."Our passion for the environment fits with Findlay Market’s mission to reduce carbon footprints," explained Trombly. "We are participating with Findlay’s recycling program, which includes composting all kitchen scraps. Our chefs will also be wearing organic cotton chef's coats, pants, hats and even aprons."Fresh Table is the fourth new vendor to join Findlay Market since May, but Trombly says that a $20,000 grant from the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce and a $35,000 microloan from the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI) helped to make it all possible.Fresh Table will be open during regular Findlay Market (map) hours on Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm year-round. Curb side pickup and delivery orders will be able to be placed online or by calling (513) 381-3774. Trombly says that a series of opening parties are planned in mid to late September, so stay tuned by becoming a fan on Facebook.Writer: Randy A. SimesPhotography by Scott BeselerStay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy

UC Clermont, Clermont Chamber sponsor first business plan competition

By Newsroom

●

Entrepreneurship

●

August 31, 2010

Do you live, work or go to school in Clermont County, and have dreams for a new business or product line?The University of Cincinnati Clermont and the Clermont Chamber of Commerce could help make that dream a reality, and give you a little cash to boot.The institutions have teamed up for their first-ever business plan competition. The contest is open to both students and members of the community who have an idea for a business, or are in the startup stages of development, said Dr. Jeffrey Bauer, associate professor of management and marketing chair of the college's Business, Law, and Technology Department.More established companies looking to launch a new product can also enter, Bauer said.The contest was launched to help spur entrepreneurism in Clermont County and to let aspiring business owners know more about the resources available to support them along the way, organizers said."We are looking for ways to extend the reach of college and chamber and engage in community partnerships," Bauer said. "And this is part of the economic development plan for the county."There are two categories of competition, entrepreneur and student. Participants have until Oct. 15 to submit plans, which will be evaluated by a team comprised of members of the chamber's Small Business Development Center, UC Clermont faculty and competition sponsors.The competition is open to any type of business idea. Students who enter must either live or attend school in Clermont County. Awards will be as follows: Entrepreneur Category -First Place $5000, Second Place $2500, Third Place $1000 and in the Student Category - First Place $1000, Second Place $500 and Third Place $250."It's open to whatever interesting ideas people come up with. It's expected that those who receive the awards would use it for a business within the county," Bauer said.The college also will be offering a series of free, but optional, business planning classes leading up to the competition deadline. To register for classes, which will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Batavia campus, call (513)732-5257.Plans must be submitted to the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. You can get complete contest information here. Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Jeffrey Bauer, UC Clermont chair of the college's Business, Law, and Technology DepartmentYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites