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A self-proclaimed grazer, Blue Ash resident Jim Sullivan readily admits to his routine "commercial break raids of the kitchen pantry," yet it was the last place he expected to find inspiration for his new business.

In recognizing the need for a "gentle reprimand" to avoid falling prey to this diet sabotaging habit, Sullivan put his inventive skills to work and six months of product development later, the Record-O-Clip was born.  

The "talking" chip clip allows users to record their own "Back away from the chips!" message which plays each time the clip is opened, but the usefulness of the device is proving to go well beyond its worth as a diet aid.

"Market response has been great," says Sullivan who credits his creative customers with "revealing multiple uses" for the clever product.  Handily backed with a refrigerator magnet, the Record-O-Clip is also finding value as a convenient way to leave personalized greetings or reminders for family members, to assist the sight-impaired in identifying package contents, and even to simply play favorite musical sound bites.

Being spotlighted in the upcoming November issue of Family Circle Magazine and recently heralded by Joe Haley of the Advertising Specialty Institute as a hot new product, the clever Record-O-Clip is quickly finding its way into American homes, hearts and even into its schools.

The Spirit Clip, cousin to the Record-O-Clip and the flagship product of Sullivan's School Spirit Fundraisers online business, is a modified version of the bag clip that the Cincinnati solopreneur has designed specifically for use as a revenue generator for schools.  

Pre-programmed with a school's fight song, fan cheer, or other school message, and customized with school colors and logos, Sullivan's hope is that his Spirit Clip will do its part to help offset some of the budget cuts being faced by area schools.  

Whether serving as pantry accountability partner or team cheerleader, it appears the Record-O-Clip has a lifetime of speaking engagements ahead.

Writer: Alyce Vilines
Source: Jim Sullivan, founder of SchoolSpiritFundraisers.com and RecordOClip.com

Northern Kentucky University has received nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation to attract and keep students who major in the critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (or STEM) programs.

It's one of several recent grants the university has received for STEM programs, whose grads are needed if the region wants to keep and create high-paying, high-tech and creative jobs.

"We have a dearth of people with science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees but we have a lot of companies here who tell us that want more of these majors. This grant is going to help us recruit and retain those students," said Dr. Bethany Bowling, assistant professor of Biology, who helped write the grant proposal.  

NKU was one of 22 schools that received the grant out of 186 proposals submitted.

The NSF grant will be paid out over five years. It will be used to develop programs and a campus community that engages, supports and connects STEM students across disciplines, Bowling said. The university is calling the initiative Focus on Occupations, Recruiting, Role Models, Community and Engagement (or FORCE).

Ten NKU student STEM ambassadors have been chosen to assist with FORCE. Two students from each STEM program  - biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics - will hold study sessions, help with recruitment efforts and more. Each ambassador will be paid a $3,000 stipend for the year. Plans also include offering summer research opportunities. There are also about a dozen STEM-related clubs students will be encouraged to join.

Many students come to campus excited about a STEM program, but often lose enthusiasm as courses get tough or individual students don't have friends to connect to in their programs. This grant will help NKU foster a STEM community, which should give students a better shot at success, Bowling said.

"We want students to meet with people in their own disciplines or in STEM-related disciplines. Maybe they'll meet up with someone in the medical field and decide engineering isn't for them, but maybe they want to be a chemistry or biology major instead. We want to help them makes those connections," she said.

The FORCE program will kickoff Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 4-6 p.m. on the fourth floor of NKU's Dorothy Westerman Herrmann Natural Science Center.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Dr. Bethany Bowling, NKU assistant professors of Biology


You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

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 Henderson
Source: Jeffrey Bauer, UC Clermont chair of the college's Business, Law, and Technology Department

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

Chatfield College, a small, liberal arts college with locations in Over-the-Rhine and in Brown County, has grown more than 70 percent over last fall.

The private, Catholic college offers two-year degrees in business, early childhood education, human services, and liberal arts.  Students can also complete a third year of study toward a bachelor's degree at another Ohio college.
 
The college, which offers classes in a building at Findlay Market, has an open enrollment and is geared toward non- traditional, urban living students - many of which are single mothers. Today the school has 188 students at its OTR campus and 161 at its St. Martin campus in northern Brown County.

To accommodate the increase the school has added extra fall classes and recruited additional faculty.

"Right now, Chatfield is the fastest growing college in the tri-state," says Curt Cotter, college Director of Admissions.  "People are coming back to school because of the economy, and nearly all colleges nationwide are seeing an increase as a result.  But, more and more people are choosing Chatfield because they want an education that includes values and ethics, and encourages a love of learning.  They want a liberal arts education."

Chatfield is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago.

The college also recently hired its first ever social media and special events coordinator, Britney Grimmelsman, who recently graduated from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a focus in Public Relations. Grimmelsman's responsibilities include managing Chatfield's social media campaign, planning, marketing and managing college events in addition to more traditional work including press release writing and pitching.

Chatfield College is on Facebook and is working on a You Tube channel.

"With the growing trend of social media changing the way public relations works, having a strong online presence is essential," says Pam Spencer, Director of Marketing Communications.  "We are excited to have Britney's social media experience on the Chatfield team."

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Britney Grimmelsman, Chatfield College communications

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

City Lights Neon, near Eden Park, is way beyond your basic flashing OPEN window sign and has made neon sign design into an art form. For more than 25 years the company has made creative, sometimes quirky signs, for large corporations, restaurants and small businesses.  

The company, founded in 1983 and operated by husband and wife Dennis Dix and Dana Burton, started in a third-floor studio in Over-the-Rhine. The pair was inspired to study the art of neon sign making while living in Washington D.C. and seeing an NEA support exhibit called NEONFRONTS.

"The work transformed many otherwise vacant public streetscapes and empty storefronts with color, light, shape, and concept. Dennis and I became intrigued with neon as an artistic medium," said Burton, whose background is in film.

Burton and Dix began researching schools where they could learn more about the nuts and bolts of neon sign making, which can be dangerous and involves working with temps around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Eventually they settled on Northern Advertising in Wisconsin.

"The learning environment was focused on a student's ability to learn a trade for employment at sign companies after an intensive session. We found a school that accepted our interest as an artistic curiosity rather than a vocational pursuit. One must possess knowledge and skill related to the process, as well as overcome the intellectual tendency toward fear, both in terms of the flames, as well as the high voltage electric," Burton said.

Burton and Dix, who originally lived in the Cincinnati area returned here to start their company. They named their company City Lights Neon in homage to Paris, the "City of Lights."

"The origin of the name speaks to our philosophy: innovation, aesthetics and intellect. Although environmental graphics and signage are often what comes to mind when one thinks of neon, we did not endeavor to become a sign company. We viewed neon as a medium with which to draw with light, graphically," Burton said.

Over the years, the company has made custom signs and artwork for several Procter & Gamble brands including Tide, as well as Playhouse in the Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum, Clear Channel, Teri Studios and Pomodori's Pizza. The pair frequently work with LEDs that allow for unlimited color mixing, changing, and modulating effects, Burton said.

In 2004, they worked on a project for Claire Fontaine, a Paris-based collective artist, on a neo-conceptual piece that was powered by energy collected from solar panels and stored in a 12 volt DC battery.

"As designers, we work with recycled content eco-resins, bamboo, stainless steel, powder coated metal. Each project is viewed individually, holistically, whether the project revolves around visual merchandising for retail, an exhibit display, special effects for a concept event, a cutting edge interior, custom signage," Burton said.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson

Source: Dana Burton, co-owner City Lights Neon

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

Former print salesman turned local actor Michael Baker likes to keep things moving. One of Baker's latest projects, Cincy Entertainment, highlights up-and-coming regional talent in a 60-minute variety show format. The program, also known as Cincy E runs the gamut, featuring (sometimes a little risqué) comedians, musicians and independent filmmakers.

The show broadcasts studio performances, interviews and short films. It's an all-volunteer effort, and most of the show is shot at community access studios Waycross Community Media in Forest Park and ICRC in Sharonville. The show has five hosts who serve on a rotating basis with new shows debuting each month.

"I started it two years ago for my actor friends, then I decided to broaden the scope of the show," said Baker who has his own production company Fade to Gray Films.

Baker, 56, got into the entertainment industry about eight years ago. He'd always wanted to get into the industry and got his chance when a person scheduled to do voiceover work didn't show up for a client of the printing company where he worked.  Baker was asked to do it, and jumped at the chance. From there he went on to do other commercials, print work, billboards and independent films. Baker still works in independent films and has written and produced some of his own. He's also done volunteer work for public television in Cincinnati and Dayton. Cincy Entertainment is a way for him to give back to the community that has given him so much, Baker said.

"We are trying to highlight the richness of talent, the events and the entertainment that people didn’t even know existed right in the their own backyard," Baker said.

Cincy E can be seen on Time Warner on Monday and Saturday nights at 10 p.m. on Channel 8 or 15, or on 24 at noon. The shows can also been seen online as well as on Vimeo, Youtube, itunes, BlipTv, and other web sites. The show also has a Facebook page.

Cincy E continues to expand in the what it features and will cover more entertainment venues and restaurants in the near future. Baker said the show will also do more on site production and get out of the studio. The show has some sponsors including The Web Extreme Entertainment in West Chester, and is currently seeking more.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Michael Baker, founder Cincy Entertainment

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is one of six Ys across the nation that will implement a new Mentoring Program that will replicate the successful Building Futures program at the San Francisco Y.

"Nationally recognized within the YMCA movement as a key leader in urban youth and community development, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati responded quickly to the mentoring opportunity.  Cincinnati’s selection fits perfectly with the Y’s strategic plan, leadership of the CincyAfterSchool Network, and engagement with Strive’s education initiatives,"  said Rebecca Kelley, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati district vice president.

The San Francisco Program is geared toward at-risk kids aged 6-18. It's an intensive, hands-on program that pairs mentees and mentors one-to-one for an average of two hours a week for one year. The program helps children cope with issues like low self-esteem, peer and family conflict, academic problems and decision-making skills. Mentees are referred from schools and other YMCA programs.

"We are thrilled to be bringing such a strong life changing program to Hamilton County. Lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our youth and our neighbors. This is a great opportunity for caring adults to give back by inspiring young people to grow and thrive," said Jennifer Pugh, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati regional mentoring director.

Mentors will undergo 15 hours of training over four weeks in understanding cultural/social development, youth culture and risk factors. Mentors will also have ongoing support by a YMCA mentoring coordinator and the YMCA Mentoring Resource Center and have access to other support through optional monthly mentor support meetings. YMCA mentors will meet with their mentees weekly for a year either at their local YMCA branch (they will have free use of the branches during their visits) or at the student’s school.

Students who will be involved in the YMCA Mentoring Program attend a CincyAfterSchool site managed by the YMCA (for Westwood Elementary, Mt. Airy Elementary, Riverview East or the Skyline Community Center) or participate in the YMCA Black & Latino Achievers college readiness program at Hughes High School, Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies or Withrow International.

The backbone of the program consists of helping students complete a 'goal plan' including career exploration and participating alongside them in service learning projects.

YMCA Mentoring is funded by a federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Oakland, Phoenix, Nashville and Baltimore are among other cities implementing the program.

If you're interested in being a mentor, call 513-246-3230.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Lisa Desatnik, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

University professors and researchers can be creative types who make breakthroughs, but more often than not they labor in anonymity. A new initiative at the University of Cincinnati aims to give researchers and faculty more recognition for groundbreaking work.

UC's research department has just launched its chapter of the National Academy of Inventors. The University of South Florida started the academy to recognize inventors who have a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and to increase their visibility.

"I know the vice president of research at South Florida, and we were at a meeting talking about the academy. I thought this was perfect for UC. One of the things we often hear from faculty is there are no rewards for being entrepreneurial or getting patents," said Dr. Sandra J. Degen, UC vice president for research.

"We wanted to reward those who already have patents and our affiliates, which includes Children's Hospital. We had a reception with a national speaker where we recognized all our patent holders," Degen said.

UC inducted 123 patent-holding faculty into the academy during the formal ceremony. You can find detailed information about them here.  The academy is in its early stages and its full scope and benefits are still being worked out, Degen said.

"We are still organizing it. There might be more financial rewards along the way in the area of venture capital. There might be outside people who will want to work with this group. The future is undefined, but there is a lot of potential," she said.

Launching the academy is just one early step in removing a barrier in encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurialism at UC, Degen added.

"When (former UC president) Nancy Zimpher was here, part of her strategic planning process involved removing barriers to doing research. Some of the barriers involved lack of recognition for being entrepreneurial. It's taken a while, but this is one way to start to recognize our entrepreneurs," she said.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Dr. Sandra J. Degen, UC vice president for research

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

"Home Sweet Home" is now within the grasp of every house-hunting Cincinnatian thanks to an innovative mobile search tool designed to place dream dwellings right in the palm of your hand.  

Recently released by Comey & Shepherd Realtors, and the first of its kind locally, the residence search tool was created to ease the time consuming and often frustrating pursuit of a new home, particularly for house hunters on-the-go.

Scott Nelson, CEO of Mariemont-headquartered Comey & Shepherd, believes that the convenience of the tool will make it a popular option for property seekers.  

"Today's mobile client is accustomed to advanced technology, and we wanted to meet their expectations with a search tool that was easy to use and free."

Designed to work on any mobile device, the search tool is not an application and does not require a download, attributes which make it universally accessible, explained Nolan.  

By simply typing comey.com into the browser of their mobile device, on-the-go property seekers are now able to retrieve information about available homes while driving through neighborhoods in which they are interested.

Users are taken directly to an optimized site - essentially a smaller version of Comey & Shepherd's full website - where they can customize specific search criteria to match their price and location needs.  Equipped with GPS attributes and the ability to track Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data with real time stats, comey.com then does a fast and thorough search for houses which fit the prospective home-buyer's needs.  

Comey.com users are also able to view video clips and take virtual tours of homes before arranging an in-person walk-through with their realtor.  Recognizing the fact that the search for a dream home typically takes more than one outing, search criteria is also conveniently stored for subsequent house-hunting expeditions.

With Comey.com at the side of on-the-go house hunters, the pursuit of property will no longer mean driving around in circles, dealing with the predictably-empty flyer box, or missing out on the domicile of your dreams.  

In fact, if comey.com has anything to say about it, there's a good chance that dream home is just around the corner.  

Writer: Alyce Vilines
Source: Scott Nelson, CEO- Comey & Shepherd Realtors

Xavier University's undergrad program was named in the Princeton Review's "Best in the Midwest" section of its recent web feature "2011 Best Colleges: Region by Region." (registration required to view)

Only schools that let The Princeton Review independently survey their students are eligible for the listing.

"We're pleased to recommend Xavier to users of our site as one of the best schools to earn their undergrad degree. We chose it and the other terrific institutions we name as 'regional best' colleges mainly for their excellent academic programs.  From several hundred schools in each region, we winnowed our list based on institutional data we collected directly from the schools, our visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of our staff, plus college counselors and advisors whose recommendations we invite," said Robert Franek, Princeton Review's Senior VP of Publishing.

Xavier's master's degree program isn't too shabby either - earlier U.S. News & World Report ranked it third among master’s-level universities in the Midwest.

Xavier is also included in the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review's "The Best 373 Colleges." It's the seventh year in a row the University has been included in the prestigious college guidebook.

Approximately 15 percent of the country's 2,500 four-year colleges and two Canadian colleges are profiled in the book, which includes a detailed profile of the university and ranks the top 20 schools in 62 categories based on The Princeton Review's college student surveys.

The 152 colleges that The Princeton Review chose for its "Best in the Midwest" list are located in twelve states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Collectively, the 623 colleges named "regional best(s)" make up about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

"Xavier University is very focused on academic excellence and valuable outside the classroom experiences. This not only helps our students succeed, but also helps instill in them a sense of community and social conscience," said Debora Del Valle, Director of Public Relations. "So to have students says that Xavier excels at these things is a great indication that the University is fulfilling its mission."

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source:  Debora Del Valle, Xavier University Director of Public Relations

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

Procter & Gamble has teamed up with Changents.com for its new 'Clean Water Blogivation' contest asking female bloggers to offer stories on why they'd like to go to Africa on a clean water expedition with P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water Program.

The contest was unveiled at the 2010 BlogHer women bloggers' conference in New York City earlier this month. Bloggers can sign up and tell their stories about why they support the cause of bringing clean water to struggling areas here.

The contest runs through Aug. 27, and bloggers can rally supporters to vote for their blog as the best. For each vote cast, P&G will donate a day's worth of drinking water (2 liters) to a person in need in a developing country. As expected, the contest has a heavy social media component that makes it easy for bloggers to share their stories through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and email to drive votes.

The blogger who gets the most votes will get to take a weeklong trip to Africa in the Fall of 2010 with P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water Program and program director Dr. Greg Allgood. The prize includes round-trip coach flight from the major airport nearest the winner's home and accommodations and round-trip ground transportation.

"P&G is committed to touching and improving lives of people around the globe, and providing clean drinking water to as many people as possible. I'm proud that we can build on the success of P&G's Children's Safe Drinking Water program to connect real women who care about water issues with the tools and resources they need to become change agents for clean water," Dr. Allgood said.

In addition to the trip, P&G will also make a $15,000 donation in the winner's name to her favorite nonprofit drinking water charity.

"Through the stories of our real world partners, like Alie Eleveld of the Safe Water Aids Project (SWAP) in Kenya, we hope to inspire and enable other women to share their stories and improve lives," Dr. Allgood said.

There are several compelling stories posted on the site, including one from Stephanie Weaver, who at 22 started her own clean water nonprofit "A Drink for Tomorrow."

Weaver writes: "After reading the article on CNN.com, I immediately started researching the issue further and learned that $30 can bring clean water for life to someone who is suffering greatly - meaning that $60 I might spend on a few drinks and a dinner could instead provide a lifetime of health and life to TWO people in great need. Upon realizing this, I became frustrated and disappointed in myself for going 22 years without realizing the scope and urgency of this issue and for using my good fortune to further benefit myself rather than those less fortunate than me. I became inspired to start using what I had to help those who had not, and to encourage others to join me."

You can read other stories or tell your own HERE.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Procter & Gamble

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites 

The University of Cincinnati's McMicken College of Arts and Sciences is $1 million closer to its $15 million goal for the Center for Jewish Culture and Ideas.

The Center recently received a $1 million gift from Cincinnati's Kim and Gary Heiman Family Foundation. Ms. Heiman is an executive committee member of Rockwern Academy and Yad Vashem, and has served as president of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and campaign chair for Israel Bonds of Cincinnati. It's the Center's first donation.

Mr. Heiman lived in Israel for 17 years, serving in the Israeli special forces during and after the "Yom Kippur War." He's the president and CEO of Standard Textile Co., Inc., and the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati. He has been a member of UC's Board of Trustees since 2004.

"My professional success has been driven by my first-hand knowledge of diverse cultures, my ability to speak several foreign languages, my striving to unite people of diverse historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds to work toward our common goals, and my ability to forge meaningful and cordial relationships with leaders all over the world," Mr. Heiman said. "Our strong support of UC's Judaic Studies Department is formal recognition of a shared goal to educate all students about the power of international partnership and exchange."

Though their are plans eventually for a physical center, for now it will be housed in the Department of Judaic Studies as network of interconnected projects that allows students, faculty and the community at-large to explore various aspects of the Jewish culture through local and international partnerships. The center's aim is to "serve as a unique hub for enhancing the Judaic Studies program at UC, forging valuable community-wide partnerships and extending the university's international reach."

The gift will help the Judaic Studies program expand its reach by offering several new learning experiences, including hosting visiting scholars from countries like Israel, increasing study aboard opportunities and helping fund Endowed departmental chairs, including Jewish Law, Jewish Christian Relations, Israel and the Jewish People and Jews in American Popular Culture.

"In the world of higher education, and especially through the eyes of Judaic Studies, learning has a transformative power," said Department Head for Judaic Studies Dr. Gila Safran Naveh. "By equipping our students with the knowledge they need to better understand their own culture and embrace other cultures, we are investing in a brighter future for people across the globe.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Laura Kaster, University of Cincinnati

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox

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 Henderson
Source: KLH Engineers Marketing Manager Cynthia Jackson

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiasoapbox

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has added the first two Hispanic-owned portfolio companies to its Minority Business Accelerator (MBA).

The MBA, the Chamber's flagship economic inclusion initiative, was founded in 2003 as a way to grow minority businesses and increase demand for the services and goods of minority-owned firms. Originally, the MBA was opened only to black-owned businesses but was recently opened to Hispanic-owned as well based on a Chamber-commissioned study that showed there was a large disparity in the number of Hispanic-owned firms in the region. The Minority Business Accelerator now has 34 portfolio companies, with a goal of 50.

The first new portfolio company, Best Upon Request, is an onsite concierge service provider. The company is led by CEO and president Tillie Hidalgo Lima and was founded in 1989 as BurCorp. It's a privately-held, certified minority- and women-owned firm that serves the business and healthcare industries. The company has grown 500 percent since 2003, making it one of the region's fastest growing companies. The company ranked 47th on Hispanic Business magazine's annual list of the nation's 100 fastest-growing Hispanic companies.

Best Upon Request was a Cincinnati BBB Torch Award finalist in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2008, the company was chosen and the officially endorsed concierge service provider by AHA Solutions, Inc. a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association. The company works with more than 10,000 vendors nationally and takes request by email, fax, voicemail, web or phone.

The second new portfolio company, Vivian Llambi and Associates, Inc. (VLA), specializes in environmental design, landscape architecture, urban design and civil engineering. Founded in 1984, the company's clients include corporations, universities, municipalities, health care providers, parks and recreation departments and government agencies.

Vivian Llambi, founder and CEO, was named one of the Career Women of Achievement by the Cincinnati YWCA in 2002, and is a 1999 Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman of the Year.

"Our mission is to accelerate the growth of sizable minority businesses and expand the minority entrepreneurial community. Both firms have displayed the characteristics we look for in our portfolio firms and an ongoing quest to improve and grow. And through their entrepreneurial spirit, they help drive our goal of creating overall wealth for the regional economy," said Crystal German, vice president of economic inclusion at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

In 2009, the MBA secured commitments by 24 local corporations to spend $405 million in goods and services with local MBEs. The MBA's annual spend goal has been met or exceeded every year since its inception in 2004.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

You can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites