Cincy Magazine - February/March 2019

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP Batavia Goes Hollywood With WWII Plane

2019’s Most Influential People

Black Leaders Sound Off PAGE 42

PLUS:

LEADING LAWYERS

Congratulations!

GBQ joins Cincy Magazine in congratulating the Tristate’s most influential business, political and community leaders. Perhaps nothing captures your passion for excellence better than the recognition of business achievement the 2019 Power 100 provides.

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Contents

The Magazine for Business Professionals

Fe b r u a r y/M a rc h 20 1 9

Who are the most powerful people in the Tristate?

View 4 Editor’s

BY CORINNE MINARD 6 Contributors 7 Web Exclusives Cincy 8 Inside Finding ways to stay active

Traveler: 31 Midwestern Tennessee

page 44

POWER 100

39 Is Cincinnati Innovative?

during the winter, inside the Heart Mini Marathon and behind the numbers of Hamilton.

11 Scene CINCY LIVE Come to 22 Podcasts Cincinnati

The Volunteer State offers a respite from the long, cold winter months. BY SARA PRCHLIK

35 The Modern Way to Bowl Local universities, startups and more are working together to transform the city into a new hub for innovation. BY LIZ ENGEL

42 Building Community Axis Alley offers plenty of fun things to do for families, friends and businesses.

BY ERIC SPANGLER

Sweetest Mistake 36 The The more than 100-years-old Podcasts aren’t just a national phenomenon—we’re making and listening to them here, too. BY DAVID LYMAN

25 A&E Calendar 2

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Meier’s Wine Cellars found success in an accident.

BY NYKETA GAFFNEY

38 Dining Orchids at Palm Court brings

local ingredients to its fine dining experience. BY JULI HALE

Black leaders are looking to bring change in new ways to Cincinnati. BY LIZ ENGEL

Power 100 List 44 The Who are the most powerful

people in the Tristate in 2019?

BY DAVID HOLTHAUS

COMMUNITY

50 Reflections on Leadership

57 Building a Legacy

LIVE WELL

79 A Very Lonely Illness

St. Vincent de Paul celebrates 150 years of serving the community by expanding its reach.

BY CHRISTIAN MEININGER Three former presidents found more success after they left the White House. BY DAN HURLEY

Local experts say that those who suffer from depression don’t need to do so alone thanks to community resources.

BY DEBORAH RUTLEDGE

Schools: Elder High 58 Best School

to Wealth 87 Guide Management 2019

View 52 Another Hamilton County sees a power

Local advisers offer wealthmanagement advice and tips.

BY GREG SHARPLESS

shift. BY DON MOONEY

53 Guest Column

92 A Holistic Approach Elder brings the wow factor with plans to open a new fitness center later this year. BY JANICE HISLE

BUSINESS

Forest Park Chiropractic and Acupuncture combines multiple types of treatments and services. BY SCOTT UNGER

61 Leading Lawyers The Cincinnati Chamber is working with the community to attract and retain top talent. BY JORDAN VOGEL, VICE PRESIDENT OF TALENT INITIATIVES FOR THE CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER

54 Batavia Goes Hollywood

CINCY HOME

94 Starting at the Bottom Our 15th annual list of the best lawyers in the Tristate, as voted by their peers. BY THE EDITORS

75 Fulfilling a Need

A B-25 bomber at the Tri-State Warbird Museum takes center stage in a George Clooney-directed miniseries. BY PETER BRONSON

Local flooring experts weigh in on upcoming flooring trends.

BY AMY THORNLEY

Executive Transportation helps seniors. BY ERIC SPANGLER

in Business 76 Best Calendar & Directory

96 Love Cincy

Cincy (ISSN-1934-8746) published in February/March; April/ May; June/July; August/September; October; November; December/January for a total of seven issues by Cincy, 30 Garfield Place, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Cincy, 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440, Cincinnati, OH 45202. w w w.

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Editor’s View

A New Kind of Leader T

he annual Power 100 issue of Cincy is in many ways a look at the region’s leadership. Who is pushing the community to be better? Who has a vision of the Tristate that people want to get behind? Who do people want to follow?

Being a leader and being powerful often go hand in hand.

This year, in addition to presenting the list of the 100 most powerful people in the Tristate, we’ve taken a deeper look at leadership itself.

In “Is Cincinnati Innovative?” we introduce the people who are transforming Cincinnati into the innovation-focused city we all know it can be. From the 1819 Innovation Hub to the city of Cincinnati, we talk with leaders who are taking us into the future.

“Building Community” is another story that focuses on ways local people are stepping up to lead. The region’s history of racism reverberates even today, and many African-American leaders are actively working to help communities overcome this. We speak with them about the work they’re doing and their hopes for the coming years.

The people we’ve featured in these stories may not be in the Power 100, but they are nonetheless important leaders who are working to improve the region. We hope you enjoy learning more about them and other influential people in the Tristate in this issue.

Locally, veteran and family owned Editor & Publisher Eric Harmon Managing Editor Corinne Minard Associate Editor Eric Spangler Contributing Writers Jessica Baltzersen, Peter Bronson, Liz Engel, Bill Ferguson Jr., Nkyeta Gaffney, Juli Hale, Janice Hisle, Dan Hurley, David Lyman, Christian Meininger, Don Mooney, Deborah Rutledge, Greg Sharpless, Amy Thornley, Scott Unger Interns Sara Prchlik, Abby Shoyat Creative Director Guy Kelly Art Director Katy Rucker Digital Content Administrator Sara Elliott Associate Publisher Rick Seeney Sales and Operations Manager Anthony Rhoades Custom Sales Manager Brad Hoicowitz Advertising Director Abbey Cummins Account Executives Susan Montgomery, John Specht Inside Sales Ian Altenau, Katelynn Webb Advertising Manager Laura Federle Audience Development Coordinator Alexandra Stacey Events Director Hannah Jones Events Coordinator Alexandra Tepe Production Manager Keith Ohmer Work-study Students Esvin Bernardo Perez, Aliyah White Cincy on the web: www.cincymagazine.com Cincy Co. LLC Cincinnati Club Building 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440 Cincinnati, OH 45202 Contact Cincy: information@cincymagazine.com or call (513) 421-2533.

Go to www.cincymagazine.com to get your complimentary subscription to Cincy.

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Contributors

Jessica Baltzersen holds an M.A. in English from Northern Kentucky University and works as a freelance writer and adjunct English instructor in the Greater Cincinnati area. Her background is in journalism, creative nonfiction and web content development.

Cincy Magazine contributing editor Peter Bronson is an author, editor, publisher and owner of Chilidog Press LLC. He is a former reporter, columnist and editor at The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Tucson Citizen and other newspapers in Arizona and Michigan.

Liz Engel is a business writer, runner and onceupon-a-time volleyballer who found her way back to the Queen City following stints in North Carolina and Tennessee.

She’s spent more than a decade covering topics like health care, transit and entrepreneurship.

Bill Ferguson Jr. is a writer/editor/ communications consultant who has spent 40-plus years as an editor and reporter for six newspapers, beginning at age 14 as a sports reporter for his hometown daily.

Juli Hale is a marketing communications professional with a long history of writing about the people and places of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Janice (Morse) Hisle was a Cincinnati Enquirer reporter for 15 years, mostly covering suburban public safety, and has done freelance work for the Associated Press. She recently finished writing her first true-crime book.

David Holthaus is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years experience in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky covering business, public affairs and writing commentary.

Dan Hurley is a local historian and the president of Applied History Associates, which works with museums and historical societies throughout the Eastern U.S.

Don Mooney is a Cincinnati attorney, a past member of the Cincinnati Planning Commission and active in local politics.

Deborah Rutledge is a freelance feature writer, originally from Northern Ohio, who has lived and worked in Cincinnati for nearly 20 years.

Gregory Sharpless is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in publications serving industries ranging from cryptocurrency and the graphic arts to automotive and outdoor advertising.

Joe Simon is a Cincinnati native but travels back and forth from Cincinnati and Chicago. He’s a freelance photographer and been shooting since 1997. He’s been a regular contributor to Cincy Magazine and The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Amy Thornley is a freelance writer, studio manager, event planner and yoga teacher. She and her family fell in love with Cincinnati eight years ago.

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Web Exclusives

Live Well Issue College Basketball Preview

TOP 5 ONLINE STORIES

St. Rita’s Career Plus Program

1 Best Doctors by the Editors 2 When Conventional and Alternative Meet: Alliance Integrative Medicine

by Liz Engel 3 Dr. Daniel Drake and the Founding of UC

by Dan Hurley 4 Guest Column: A Downtown Holiday

by Mindy Rosen

Best Doctors A Guide to Healthy Living Throughout the Tristate

LIVE

Specialties PLUS:

TOP DENTISTS

5 Cincinnati’s Annual Day of Atonement

by Don Mooney

Who’s says there is nothing do in the Tristate during February and March? Visit Cincy.Live to find fun events this winter including the 2019 Redwood Express Enters the Jungle on March 1, Cincy Chic’s Lady in Red event on Feb. 1 and more.

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Physicians in

DIALOGUE ScooterMedia @ ScooterMedia Our client @PWCCincy’s new Whole Home Innovation Center gives homeowners the opportunity to learn more about home trends, new products, and ideas for making their homes healthier. Check out a preview of the space from our friends at @CincyMagazine: http://bit.ly/2Ap0yHY VonLehman @VonLehman How does VonLehman remain the firm of choice for employees? In addition to the typical flexible schedules, teleworking & generous PTO, our new headquarters provides an inviting & collaborative work environment. Check us out in this @CincyMagazine feature! https://hubs.ly/ H0fH1f00

VIDEO Cincy Magazine has kept busy this winter with its many events. Not able to attend them? Visit YouTube.com/CincyCompany to see a video re-cap of our Best of the North event and to learn about the restaurants that participated in Northern Cincinnati Restaurant Week.

Tri State Centers @tristatesight Our very own Dr. Louis Schott is featured in the December 2018 edition of @CincyMagazine in an article about screening for #glaucoma. Early diagnosis of this disease makes all the difference, so be sure to pick up a copy and read Dr. Schott’s great advice! #EyeHealth w w w.

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InsideCincy

Kick the Winter Blues WE’VE FOUND HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS TO HELP YOU FORGET ABOUT THE SEASON

By Jessica Baltzersen

W

ith the holidays over and the shiny excitement of the New Year dimmed down to a distant glow, the month of February, for most, can be a gloomy realization that winter is still in full effect. Shorter days and darker nights can make a dramatic impact on overall mental and physical well-being.

Luckily, there are lots of local events to kick the winter blues and keep a healthy mindset continuing into 2019.

EAT SMARTER Mood and food are directly connected.

According to Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School, “multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function—and even a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression.” Eating healthy food isn’t just beneficial for weight control, it’s for improving a glum winter mindset as well.

Tablespoon Cooking Co. located in Findlay Kitchen is offering a Healthy Recipe Makeovers course that teaches cooks of all skill levels how to add nutritional value to favorite dishes, simply by swapping out simple ingredients. The class takes place Feb. 5 from 6-9 p.m. Additional seasoninspired cooking classes can be found at tablespooncookingco.com/classes.

BECOME AT ONE WITH NATURE With the New Year pours in improved health resolutions. While many have probably joined gyms, started fitness programs and planned their training schedule for upcoming races, there are other ways to get out and get moving this winter.

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Visiting museums, such as exploring the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s “Mandela: The Journey to Ubuntu,” can help keep away the winter blues. indoors during colder weather, however studies show that walking outdoors has a significant impact on lowering stress, increasing energy and improving mental cognition. More research by the Harvard School of Public Health surprisingly shows that American adults spend less time outdoors than they do inside vehicles—less than 5 percent of their day.

Cincinnati is home to dozens of parks and nature reserves to escape urbanization and become at one with nature.

Great Parks of Hamilton County is hosting the Adventure Hike Series: Fuel Your Hike on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. where participants will hike and learn tips on winter nutrition and hydration. Great Parks also hosts Walk With a Doc, a twice a month walk alongside a local doctor to discuss steps towards bettering one’s health, among other nature-themed events and hikes.

For those keen on staying indoors while still enjoying nature, Krohn Conservatory’s Fabulous Foliage Spring Show is taking place now until Sunday, March

10. The colored foliage and vibrant plants will make you hopeful for spring that is soon to come.

INDULGE IN ART Participating in cultural activities, such as the arts, concerts or live performances, have scientifically shown to increase rates of good health and satisfaction with one’s life and lower rates of anxiety and depression, according to a study performed by Koenraad Cuypers, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Upcoming shows and exhibitions include “Thoughts Made Visceral” at the Weston Art Gallery Feb. 1-March 24, Ingri Fiksdal: “DIORAMA” performance series at the Contemporary Arts Center Feb. 1819, “Winslow Homer to Georgia O’Keeffe: American Paintings from The Phillips Collection” at Taft Museum of Art, Feb. 9-May 19, and “Mandela: The Journey to Ubuntu” at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (now extended through March 1). n

Q&A

Six Questions about the Heart Mini

WITH THE EVENT’S SENIOR DIRECTOR ALEX CARSON

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or decades, Cincinnati’s Heart Mini Marathon & Walk has encouraged people to get out and raise money for the American Heart Association. The Heart Mini, considered to be the region’s largest fundraising event, takes place March 9-10 this year downtown. We spoke with Alex Carson, senior director of the Heart Mini, about the event and what makes it so special.

WHAT IS THE HEART MINI?

The Heart Mini-Marathon & Walk presented by Medpace and Mercy Health is Greater Cincinnati’s largest fundraising event and hometown favorite of over 40 years! Twenty-six-thousand-plus registrants come together to participate in a heart-healthy exercise and raise lifesaving funds to help the American Heart Association fight the No. 1 and No. 5 killers—heart disease and stroke.

This two-day event has something for every activity level and age including the Half Marathon, 15k race, 5k race, 2k kid’s race, 5k heart walk, 1k Steps for Stroke and Health & Fitness Expo, which includes a Kid’s Fun Run.

HOW MANY YEARS HAS CINCINNATI HOSTED THE EVENT?

Forty-two years running! Our namesake— the 15k Heart Mini race—is the 42-year-old event. Varied run/walk events have since been added to the weekend-long celebration to allow greater options for our elite runners as well as those taking their first steps toward heart health.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE FIND AT THE HEART MINI HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO?

There is so much to see and do at the expo on Saturday, March 9! From free health screenings to the inflatable Kid’s Zone to

discounts on running gear, this is truly a family-friendly event. From 9 a.m.-5 p.m., participant race packets can be picked up after visiting the many booths—anything from health coaching to learning the vital skill of hands-only CPR.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PART OR ASPECT OF THE WEEKEND? My favorite part of the weekend is on Sunday at about 9:15 a.m. at Fifth and Sycamore. Our avid runners are trickling back into downtown from their morning runs and the masses are arriving to line up for the 5K run and walk. It is also the start of our 1k Steps for Stroke event, which celebrates our stroke survivors and their families. For me, it’s personal as my mother suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on the day I was born. We all have a personal “why”—a connection to heart disease and stroke.

Watching her walk alongside longtime survivors and those taking their literal first steps in their rehabilitative journey surrounded by family, friends and doctors—it is moving to say the least.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE PARTICIPATE?

Do it for you and your personal “why”— your connection to heart disease and stroke. One small step toward ownership of your heart health can yield years to your life, meaning more moments with friends and family. No step or donation is too small. Over $6 million in AHA funding is currently invested at local research institutions over the lifespan of active grants.

Community advocacy and programming like hands-only CPR in schools, T21, Check.

Change.Control. blood pressure monitoring and more are saving lives right here, right now. Yet, there is so much more work to be done to take the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of all Americans down a notch. Together—

Alex Carson with the masses—your participation and donation will accelerate the mission of AHA: to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

The feeling of being among 26,000-plus heart and stroke heroes running and walking to advance the mission of the AHA is something you’ll never forget.

Greater Cincinnati has heart, and you’ll see why this event is No. 1 locally—and No. 3 nationally—by joining us downtown on March 9 and 10!

HOW CAN SOMEONE GET INVOLVED OR PARTICIPATE?

Visit heartmini.org to register a family, friends or company team—or join/donate to one of the many teams already established. Interested participants can also call our Cincinnati AHA office directly at 513-699-4237 to register or learn more. n w w w.

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By the Numbers

Historical hit ‘Hamilton’ headed for Aronoff

39 $3.3 million 24 2015 16 2,700

The critically acclaimed and popular Broadway musical Hamilton will spring to the stage Feb. 19 to March 10 at the Procter & Gamble Hall in the Aronoff Center for the Arts, downtown. The play is the telling of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, who became a key aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War as well as the country’s first Treasury secretary. The record-setting Hamilton is described as “the story of America then, as told by America now.”

(Research by Bill Ferguson Jr.)

Number of U.S. tour cast members

Amount of Hamilton ticket sales in one week of eight shows in late November 2016, a Broadway box-office record

Performances scheduled at the Aronoff Center

$65-$498.75 Range of ticket prices for Hamilton at the Aronoff (a lottery will occur for each show in which 40 tickets will be released for $10 apiece)

Year that Hamilton made its OffBroadway debut, at The Public Theater in New York

Seating capacity of Procter & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff

SOURCES: CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION; BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI; HAMILTONMUSICAL.COM; NEWS WEBSITES

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Tony Award nominations in 2016 (in 13 categories), the most in the history of the theater award program (also won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama that year)

SCENE

Taste of the World

On Nov. 10, the Tristate chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society held its 15th annual Taste of the World, a celebration of the best local food and drink. Participating restaurants included P.F. Chang’s, Chart House, Mellow Mushroom, Mazunte, Madisono’s, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Current Catering, Dewey’s Pizza, Alfio’s buon cibo, Montoyas Mexican Restaurant, Brio Tuscan Grille, Stone Creek Dining Company, Keystone Bar & Grille, Hofbräuhaus, Frisch’s, Karrikin Spirits and Dave and Buster’s. The event’s title sponsor was Party Source.

1 Doug Saunders explored the event’s bourbon options. 2 TJ Christie and Jay Erisman with the team of Cutting Edge Selections 3 The event was held at the Newport Aquarium. 4 Jen and Mike Kelly 5 Guests were invited to sample food provided by area restaurants. 6 Nicole O’Connell, Molly Wood, Gina Wesley and guest 7 Jeff Morris, Dawn Berryman, Sara Radigan, Cory Haucke and guest

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Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA Annual Gala The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA held its annual gala Nov. 1 at JACK casino.

The evening’s special guest was Jeff Berding, FC Cincinnati president and general manager.

1 A person from each table brought up the event’s centerpieces (balls signed by the FC Cincinnati team) and joined Jeff Berding, president and general manger of FC Cincinnati, for a picture. 2 Jeff Berding, president and GM of FC Cincinnati, and Alfonso Cornejo, president of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA with an FC Cincinnati super fan. 3 The Cincy Mascot (Cincy-Cinco Festival) and two FCC cheerleaders joined the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA team for a photo. 4 Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA Board of Directors from left: Monica Perdomo, George Fee, Daniel Conde, Ruben Contreras, keynote speaker Jeff Berding, Alma Bartos, Alfonso Cornejo, Karla Boldery, Ron Reblando and Michael Beck 5 2018 Scholarship recipients

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Cincinnati Museum Center

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On Nov. 10, Union Terminal celebrated a significant moment in time—the completion of the first restoration in the National Historic Landmark’s 85-year history.

More than 800 guests gathered in the grand Rotunda for a glimpse at refreshed historic spaces, a peek at Cincinnati Museum Center’s newest exhibits and a celebration of iconic proportions as the Art Deco masterpiece’s past is preserved and its future secured.

1 Bob McDonald delivers remarks to more than 800 under the grand Rotunda.

2 Cincinnati Museum Center CEO Elizabeth Pierce helps the crowd celebrate and leads a singing of “Happy Birthday” for John Ruthven. 3 Gala co-chairs Ann Drackett Thomas and Dr. Judith K. Stein 4 Guests were given the opportunity to virtually walk Union Terminal’s original concourse while standing in what remains.

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Scene American Cancer Society’s Striders’ Ball More than 300 people joined together to help make a difference in the fight against cancer at the 23rd annual American Cancer Society’s Striders’ Ball, Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Cincinnati Airport Marriott. The evening’s honorees were cancer survivor Erin Lawry, volunteer Cris Collinsworth of ProScan Fund and Dr. Frank Smith from Medpace. Steve Abbott served as the executive chair for this fun, meaningful derby-themed event that raised $145,000 for the Society’s patient programs and resources and to fund lifesaving research.

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1 Amy Huseman, Heather King and Amy Zepf 2 Diane and Steve Abbott, event chair 3 Diane Kidd, Steve Abbott and Candyce Jefferies 4 Ginny and Michael Ruberg

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Hyde Park Center for Older Adults January Delight Hyde Park Center for Older Adults hosted January Delight - An Evening of Live Art and Music for the community on Jan. 4. Four Bridges String Quartet, which includes current and former Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians Rebecca Culnan, first violin; Dan Culnan, cello; Cherie Benedict, second violin; and Belinda Burge, playing viola, performed.

1 Hyde Park Center for Older Adults members 2 The concert was held in the center’s second f loor lounge. 3 Sue Kitzmiller Blaney’s art was auctioned at the event.

4 Ninet y people attended the event.

5 Sue Kitzmiller Blaney sketched the musicians as they played.

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Scene Archbishop McNicholas High School Distinguished Alumni Awards Archbishop McNicholas High School honored four outstanding alumni at its Distinguished Alumni Awards night on Tuesday, Oct. 9. The awards are presented annually to coincide with the ordination anniversary of Archbishop John T. McNicholas on Oct. 10. This year, McNicholas recognized Sr. Jeannie Masterson ’61 with the Full Stature Special Achievement Award, MiMi Chamberlin ’79 and Dr. Bradley Mathis ’87 with the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Jim Hay ’77 with the Outstanding Service Award.

1 2018 Distinguished Alumni honorees, from left: Dr. Bradley Mathis ’87, MiMi Chamberlin ’79, Sr. Jeannie Masterson ’61 and Jim Hay ’77 2 McNicholas board member and last year’s Distinguished Alumni honoree Mike Clark ’84 with wife Linda ’84 and McNicholas principal David Mueller 3 McNicholas Board President Sarah Frank Fogarty ’78 and Dr. Bradley Mathis ’87

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Northern Cincinnati Restaurant Week The first-ever Northern Cincinnati Restaurant Week was held Nov. 12-18. Particpants were able to enjoy food from restaurants throughout the region north of Ronald Reagan Highway. Participating restaurants included Basil’s on Market, The Brown Dog Cafe, Dingle House Irish Pub, Flip Side, Gracie’s, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Matt the Miller’s Tavern, Meritage Restaurant and Parkers Blue Ash Tavern.

1 Matt the Miller’s Tavern 2 Glazed lamb chops from Meritage Restaurant 3 Meritage Restaurant in Glendale 4 Brie Quesadilla from Brown Dog Café

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Royalmont Academy Graduation Royalmont Academy celebrated the graduation of nine senior students in 2018. The preschool-through-12th grade college preparatory Catholic school is located in Mason and currently has 142 students. The nine graduates were offered a total of $2.8 million in scholarships.

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Greenspace Preserved To Explore Two new “GREAT” park areas now open!

Enhanced Timberman Ridge Area – Forest Run MetroPark 1976 Timberman Road Hamilton, Ohio 45011 New Meadow Ridge Area – Elk Creek MetroPark 55101 Circle Parkway, Middletown OH 45042 YourMetroParks.net | 513-867-5835

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1 Nine students graduated this year.

2 Two recent graduates started attending the school in preschool. 3 Valedictorian Ashton Weber and salutatorian Matt Conner 4 Royalmont’s recent graduates are attending the University of Notre Dame, Benedictine College, Ave Maria University, Marian University, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, Wright State and the Galen College of Nursing. 5 There are 17 students in the current freshmen class, double the size of the recently graduated senior class.

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“St. Rita is the best thing that could have happened to Tegan.

They made learning meaningful for him.” – Francesca

PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE AND OURS Regardless of your income level, you can have a significant impact on St. Rita School for the Deaf by making a donation through your: • Will or Bequest • Direct beneficiary designation of your 401K, 403B or other estate retirement plan • Individual Retirement Account (IRA) • Charitable Gift Annuity • Gifts of Life Insurance • Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust • Gift of Real Estate or personal property

For more information on how you can transform the lives of our students, please contact Hap Durkin at 513-771-7600 ext. 324 or hdurkin@srsdeaf.org.

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Scene YoGoat at Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House Rivertown Brewery & Barrel House hosted YoGoat Cincinnati Dec. 16 at its Monroe location. Seventy guests attended the event, which consisted of two 45-minute sessions with yoga and roaming baby goats. With their ticket, guests also received two aftersession Rivertown beers, a signature pint glass, empty 32-ounce growler, YoGoat headband and pen. The brewery plans to host YoGoat Cincinnati for another event in the spring.

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1 Studies have shown that goat yoga can immediately increase happiness and positive vibes while decreasing blood pressure and positively impacting the immune system. 2 YoGoat Cincinnati led the yoga sessions and brought the goats. 3 The event was hosted at Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House in Monroe. 4 The goats roamed throughout the barrel house during the yoga sessions. 5 The goats were dressed in festive costumes. 6 Seventy people attend the event.

LIVE! PODCASTS page 22

A&E CALENDAR page 25

TENNESSEE page 31

AXIS ALLEY page 35

MEIER’S WINE CELLARS page 36

DINING page 38

Comedian John Crist stops by the Taft Theatre Feb. 28.

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Podcasts Come to Cincinnati PODCASTS AREN’T JUST A NATIONAL PHENOMENON—WE’RE MAKING AND LISTENING TO THEM HERE, TOO

By David Lyman

A live recording of “The Jerry Springer Podcast: Tales, Tunes & Tomfoolery” at the Folk School Coffee Parlor in Ludlow, Ky.

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t’s The Age of the Podcast.

That may not have the ring of “The Age of Enlightenment.” Or even “The Age of Aquarius,” for that matter. But podcasts are in their infancy. The word itself isn’t even 15 years old. Give them a chance. They may just change the world.

The point is that podcasts are one of those ultimate expressions of democracy.

Anyone can do it. You set up a microphone, hit “record,” say what you want and then share it with everyone in the world. Or maybe just a handful of people. You’re free to say what you want and all the rest of us are free to listen. Or not.

Let’s step back for a second. If you are of a certain age, you may be a little uncertain about precisely what constitutes a podcast.

The clinical definition—a digital audio file that can be downloaded from the internet or shared among friends—is pretty dry. It’s not completely clear, either, because that definition could just as easily describe music files, which are not actually regarded as podcasts. Generally speaking, podcasts are dominated by talk. Lots and lots of talk.

Some are stunningly amateurish. Others are masterfully produced. Some have only a handful of listeners, while others are heard by millions of people. The audience 22

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can be intensely local.

Or it can be global. You can download a podcast and listen to it later. Or you can click “play” and listen right now.

Businesses love them because they are ver y inexpensive to produce and, if you know what you are doing, can have incredibly high impact.

Or, like so much else on the internet, they can be a monumental waste of time.

From left: Jackson Short, Janet Chu and Carlos García No one is really sure León from “The Artfuls” how many podcasts are out there. Depending on who’s doing the counting, there are Locally, there is no shortage of combetween 500,000 and 700,000 of them. mercial podcasts. There are loads of The biggest of them are huge. According to sports-related ones, mostly focusing on Podtrac, which tracks such things, NPR— the usual suspects; the Reds (“Redleg National Public Radio—is No. 1 on the list Nation Radio”), Bengals (“Bengals Beat of top podcast publishers, with 19,119,000 Podcast”) and FC Cincinnati (“Cincinnati unique monthly listeners. The New York Soccer Talk”). The Cincinnati Symphony Times is up there, too, as is ESPN. Other Orchestra hosts a podcast, too (“Fanfare names on the list may be less familiar, Cincinnati”), as do the Cincinnati Art things like Wondery, at No. 4. Or Barstool Museum (“Art Palace”) and Great Parks of Hamilton County (“Take it Outdoors”).

Sports, No. 9.

Rachel Moore and her husband, Chuck Moore, produced 350 podcast episodes of “The Charlie Tonic Hour” as Ginny Tonic and Charlie.

But for my money, the very best of the local podcasts are the ones that are less institutional, the ones that ooze character and are filled with the sorts of personalities that give you a sense of just how diverse and quirky this community can be.

Here are a few that are worth listening to.

If one doesn’t suit your taste, just move on to another—there are plenty to pick from.

In no particular order: “Conversations with Kirk Sheppard” (buzzsprout.com/199784) – By day, Sheppard is a clinical counselor. But the rest of the time, he assumes many different roles, from theater critic (The Sappy Critic) to semi-pro wrestler, standup comic, playwright and, now, as a podcaster. When he runs across someone interesting, he offers an invitation to his podcast and off they go. He’s a good interviewer. And he has a great radio voice as he probes the lives of wrestlers, comedians, playwrights, directors and, in my case—yes, I was a one-time guest—journalists.

“The Artfuls” (artfulspodcast.wixsite. com/artfuls) – The stated goal of the podcast is to inform young professionals about arts events in Greater Cincinnati. And since the show’s three principals—executive producer Janet Chu and hosts Carlos García León and Jackson Short—are all graduate students in College-Conservatory of Music’s arts management program, they are solidly informed on the shows and issues they address. But because of their relative youth, they also bring a mix of optimism, naiveté, pompousness and new ideas to the mix. Be aware—some episodes can be very talky.

HereChannelRadio.com (herechannleradio.com) – This is a glorious hodgepodge

of a site, providing a home for homeless podcasts. Click on “archives” and you’ll be introduced to a slew of intriguing offerings, from “Urban Orchards Organics” (hosted

by Damon Lynch IV) and “The Vinyl Hour” (with Joe Morton) to “The Fun & Awesome Show,” hosted by a pair of elementary-age girls—Stacey Fun and Jane Awesome— who tell knock-knock jokes and sing funny songs. For Deadheads, you might want to click on “Dead in Cincinnati,” which has six episodes about Grateful Dead appearances in Cincinnati.

“April Eight” (Aprileight.com) – Why should the grown-ups be the only ones with podcasts? Some adults may want to listen to this one. But really, this is focused on small kids. It is gentle and sweet and heartfelt and invites listeners to play and sing along at any time. April is a local singer/songwriter, educator and artistic will-o’-the-wisp. She has created 44 of these imaginative audio journeys for her listeners so far. You just hope she keeps it up.

“The Charlie Tonic Hour” (charlietonic. com) – Technically, this probably shouldn’t be in the list because it recorded its last episode at the end of December. But podcasts live forever. And in the case of this one, they did 350 episodes before calling it quits, so there are hours and hours of shows that you can still find out there. The two hosts, Ginny Tonic and Charlie, talk and drink and then talk some more. And drink some more. They talk about food and distillers and bars and moonshine and almost anything alcohol-related. It is a credit to the two that even if you’re not particularly interested in alcohol, their discussions are often quite intriguing.

“UC Classics Ancient Worlds Podcast” (classics.uc.edu/index.php/podcasts) – This is one of the more unexpected podcasts out there. But in the spirit of open communication, why not have a podcast about the classics? There are interviews with anthropologists and archaeologists.

There are mini-dramas re-enacting aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls. There are tales about local history. Truly, this podcast occupies a realm all its own. Three cheers to whoever conjured up this podcast.

“The Jerry Springer Podcast: Tales, Tunes and Tomfoolery” (jerryspringer. com) – Yep, this is the same Jerry Springer that had the outrageous TV show. And was one of Cincinnati’s mayors. So why should it surprise you that every week or so he and a couple of pals—professional pundit Jene Galvin and musician Maria Carrelli— should hole up in the back room of the Folk School Coffee Parlor in Ludlow, Kentucky, and start talking and singing and doing whatever suits them. Politics, both local and national, are in there, of course. But the range of subjects is surprisingly broad as three good friends hold court in front of a live, but usually very small, audience.

“Squirrel Stories” (squirrelstories. fm) – Web developer Sean C. Davis’ show is billed as “the opposite of a swan song.”

I’m not really sure what that means. But there is something oddly fascinating about the show, in which Davis’ guests discuss their most embarrassing moments. The result is often as awkward as it is fascinating. Sometimes, in fact, you get the sense that halfway through the recoding people start having regrets about opening up. A terrible thing, to be sure. But it makes for great listening.

There are many, many others out there.

But there really isn’t enough room here in Cincy to hold them all.

A few others worth your consideration are: - “My Brother, My Brother and Me” (maximumfun.org/shows/my-brothermy-brother-and-me) - “The Cinema Guys” (wearethecinemaguys.com) - “King Records” (w v xu.org/term/ king-records#stream/0), which is more a collection of King Records radio segments than strictly a podcast.

- “Unsolved Family Mysteries” (unsolvedfamilymysteries.com) - “Live From Table 1” (livefromtable1. libsyn.com), political and social discussions from Price Hill Chili. n w w w.

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SUNDAY

MONDAY

FEBRUARY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1 [2/1] Trevor Noah, most known for hosting The Daily Show, brings his Loud & Clear comedy tour to the Aronoff.

2 [2/1-2] The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra brings the romance with Prokofiev’s “Romeo & Juliet.”

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8 9 [2/8-10] The CollegeConservatory of Music presents Die Fledermaus.

12 [2/12] The Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative and the America Heart Association team up for a new play, Lovefest.

13 [2/13] Gather your closest friends for a GALentine’s Day at the Cincinnati Zoo.

14 [2/14] R&B acts like Tyrese, Dru Hill and more come together for the Valentine’s Love Jam at U.S. Bank Arena.

15 [2/15] Comedian Tom Segura brings his Take It Down comedy tour to the Aronoff for the night.

17 18 [2/16-24] The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents Disney’s Jungle Book KIDS at the Taft Theatre.

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20 [2/20] Kurt Vile and the Violators bring their eclectic collection of songs to the Taft Theatre.

21 [2/21] Alabama-based rock ‘n’ roll soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones takes over the Taft Theatre for the night.

24 25 [2/24] The Ambassadors of the Cincinnati Boychoir will sing in both English and Spanish during Ambassadors en Concierto.

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27 [2/27] It’s time to say goodbye to Elton John when his Farewell tour stops at U.S. Bank Arena.

28 [2/28] John Crist, know for videos like “Millenial International,” comes to the Taft Theatre.

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4

5

SATURDAY

[2/5] Bonnie Raitt will join James Taylor and his All-Star Band for a concert at U.S. Bank Arena.

10 [2/10] Amy Grant returns to the Cincinnati Pops stage for a night of her favorite songs and biggest hits.

11 [2/8-16] The Musical of Musicals: The Musical takes over the Aronoff for the week.

16 [2/16] Violinist Sandy Cameron joins the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra for a night of Americana classics during American Pie. 22 23 [2/22-23] [2/23] Country artist Magician/ Eric Church will comedian Justin perform songs Willman of from his six albums Netflix’s Magic for at U.S. Bank Arena. Humans performs at Music Hall.

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A&E Calendar

John Crist Comedian John Crist may be most known for his internet videos and posts—from “Millenial International” to Buzzfeed’s “Signs You Grew Up Christian”—but he’s ready to bring his live show to cities throughout the country, including Cincinnati. He’ll be joined by several other comedians, such as Mike Goodwin and Aaron Weber. Feb. 28. 7:30 p.m. $28-$153.

Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown.

513-232-6220, tafttheatre.org.

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Majestic Bruckner 8 Conduc tor Donald Runnicle s—who the Washington Classical Review says creates, “orchestral colors shimmering in an ultra-subtle mist ,”—lead s the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra through a performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8. Come to the show an hour early for Classical Conservations to get an inside look behind the music. Feb. 8-9. 8 p.m. $14-$107. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-theRhine. 513-381-3300, cincinnatisymphony.org.

FREEDOM 55

Remembering Emmett Till with award-winning filmmaker Keith A. Beauchamp

Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a reception and lecture featuring Keith Beauchamp, producer of the upcoming feature film Till.

This program is free and open to the public.

RSVP today at freedomcenter.org.

#MyNURFC #Freedom55 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45202 | 513.333.7739 w w w.

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SUNDAY

MARCH

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY 1

SATURDAY 2 [3/2] Irish band Gaelic Storm brings its newest album, Go Climb a Tree, to the Taft Theatre.

3 [Through 3/8] The Cincinnati Zoo offers animal enrichment and a penguin parade during half-off Penguin Days.

5 4 [3/4] Miami University students will show off their talent during Miami Takes Music Hall.

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8 [3/8] The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra presents Classical Roots – International Women’s Day.

9 [3/9] Magician Michael Carbonaro of TruTV’s The Carbonaro Effect comes to the Taft Theatre.

10 [3/10] Run and walk to help the American Heart Association during the annual Heart Mini.

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16 [3/16] The hit true crime podcast My Favorite Murder comes to the Aronoff Center.

17 18 [3/17] Experience Hendrix brings together a diverse group of artists to celebrate Jimi Hendrix at the Taft Theatre.

19 [3/18-24] Head out to eat during East Side Restaurant Week.

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15 [3/15-16] The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will play Gershwin, Barber and more during American in Paris & Amériques.

22 [3/21-24] The Cincinnati Ballet’s Director’s Cut: Firebird & Rite of Spring brings the music of Igor Stravinky to life.

24/31 [3/24] Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! The Music of Cannonball Adderley brings jazz to the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati.

26 [3/26] Red Green performs his oneman show at the Taft Theatre for what may be the last time.

27 [3/27] Cincinnati Chamber Music presents the Hagen Quartet at Memorial Hall.

28 [2/1-4/28] The Cincinnati Art Museum hosts “Art Academy of Cincinnati at 150: A Celebration in Drawings and Prints.”

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23 [3/23] Kelly Clarkson will sing her hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Miss Independent” at U.S. Bank Arena.

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A&E Calendar

On Your Feet While most people are familiar with the music of Gloria Estefan, many don’t know her story. The Broadway musical On Your Feet follows Gloria and Emilio Estefan from their early years in Cuba through their crossover success to today. March 19-24. Tu-Th 7:30 p.m., F 8 p.m., Sa 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Su 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $31. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown.

513-621-2787, cincinnatiarts.org.

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A&E Calendar Frozen on Ice No matter how many times you and your kids have seen Frozen, you haven’t seen it like this. Elsa, Anna and friends will all be at U.S. Bank Arena for Disney on Ice presents Frozen. More than a retelling of the movie, this show will feature Mickey Mouse, ice skating and special appearances by other Disney characters including Woody from Toy Story. March 7-10. Th-F 7 p.m., Sa 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Su 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. $18.50$86.50. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. 513-421-4111, usbankarena.com.

Don’t see your event? Visit cincymagazine.com to add it to our online calendar for free.

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Midwestern Traveler

Tennessee—America at its Best THE VOLUNTEER STATE OFFERS A RESPITE FROM THE LONG, COLD WINTER MONTHS

By Sara Prchlik

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he winter season can be tough in Ohio. One day it’s 55 degrees with hopes of spring and the next it’s raining ice. Luckily for us Tennessee is only a car ride away. Rather than suffer through the long, cold winter months stuck in Ohio, jump into your car for a long weekend at one of the several exciting cities Tennessee has to offer. There’s no better cure for the winter blues than a weekend away.

MEMPHIS SEVEN HOURS AWAY For decades, Memphis has been known as the home of the blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. With authentic neighborhoods, outstanding barbecue and a rich music history, a visit to Memphis gives visitors a true understanding to the phrase, “Why it all starts with Memphis.” About a sevenhour car ride from Cincinnati, Memphis offers visitors several stimulating destinations, including:

GRACELAND Dive into Elvis Presley’s career at the ultimate rock ’n’ roll destination. As the second-most visited house in the country, Graceland allows visitors the opportunity to unravel the personal and professional sides of Elvis through a variety of his costumes, cars, awards and much more.

“Graceland is a national historical prop-

No trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland, the former home of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. erty,” says David Beckwith, of the Beckwith Co. “Visitors see the personal side of Elvis when they tour the mansion. The new Elvis Presley entertainment and exhibit complex explores the professional side.”

While touring the mansion, visitors are welcomed to participate in an audio tour narrated by John Stamos with commentary from Lisa Marie Presley to listen to exciting and never-before-heard stories and histories of the King himself.

“The many exhibits showcase his career and his influences,” says Beckwith.

The recently added Guest House hotel is “AAA rated, Four Diamond resort decor inspired by the decor of Graceland and Elvis’ taste,” he adds. w w w.

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Midwestern Traveler after year. From all around the world visitors travel to the eastern Tennessee town for vacations, outdoor adventures, family fun and memories to last a lifetime. About five hours by car, Gatlinburg offers several attractions creating a perfect Tennessee travel destination, including:

DOWNTOWN GATLINBURG

Visitors to Graceland get to see the personal side of Elvis Presley.

Other exhibits include Elvis Presley’s themed discovery exhibits that showcase Elvis’ influences, important facets of his incredible life and his role in launching the music and pop-culture revolution. Other discovery exhibits include “Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley,” which features artifacts from Lisa Marie’s childhood, music career and personal life; “Presley Cycles,” which showcases Elv is’ motorcycles and other vehicles; the newly expanded “Private Presley,” which focuses on Elvis’ service in the U.S. Army; and “Icons: The Influence of Elvis Presley,” an exhibit that showcases Elvis’ influence on other artists and more, says Beckwith.

Graceland opened in 1982 and is one of Memphis’ largest tourist destinations bringing in thousands of visitors each year from all around the globe. With something for everyone each visit to Graceland is unique. “Ask 100 fans [their favorite exhibit] and you’ll get 100 different answers,” says Beckwith.

special experiences along the 1.8-mile strip. Visitors are welcomed to nightclubs, including the iconic B.B. King’s Blues Club, numerous dining options like Rum Boogie Cafe and a variety of Memphis original shops such as Memphis Music.

MEMPHIS ROCK ’N’ SOUL MUSEUM Get to know the true depth of Memphis’ rich music history at Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum. With a comprehensive music experience, the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum’s exhibits take visitors from the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, through the explosion of Sun, Stax and Hi Records, inside the musical heyday of the ’70s all the way to Memphis’ global influence today.

The Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum was created by The Smithsonian Institute to tell the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and social economic barriers to create music that shook the world.

BEALE STREET

GATLINBURG FIVE HOURS AWAY

Known as Home of the Blues and America’s most iconic street, the atmosphere of Beale Street is unbeatable. Since the Roaring ’20s, Beale Street has offered visitors countless

As a mountain town offering a wide variety of attractions and the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg has visitors returning year

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Upon entering downtown Gatlinburg, the sheer volume of attractions, food options and nightlife leave visitors amazed that they’re still in Tennessee. Gatlinburg offers tasty cuisine from Mexican to pizza houses to authentic barbecue, including Delauders Smoky Mountain BBQ, Bones BBQ Joint and Hungry Bears BBQ. Popular attractions in downtown Gatlinburg include The Space Needle, where guests are welcome to ride over 400 feet to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains, and Rowdy Bear Mountain, which allows visitors the opportunity to soar high above Gatlinburg in the first-ever mountain glider. Come nighttime visitors are welcomed to enjoy the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre & Music Hall, the city’s only musical comedy entertainment attraction.

RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM OF THE SMOKIES Voted the Best U.S. Aquarium by USA Today and One of the Top 5 Aquariums in the USA & the World by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a destination visitors do not want to miss.

Mary Phillips, sales and marketing director of Ripley’s, says visitors are welcomed to, “explore the amazing aquatic world up close! Marvel at 12-foot sharks, the giant sea turtle, thousands of exotic sea creatures and playful penguins swimming as you enjoy the state-of-the-art clear underwater tunnels throughout.” Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is able to offer visitors the ultimate underwater experience without getting wet, says Phillips.

With a mission to provide a top-quality and world-class marine life facility that fosters environmental education, conservation and research while simultaneously providing entertainment for visitors of all ages, Ripley’s Aquarium offers exhibits including “The Tropical Rainforest,” “Ocean Realm,” “Coral Reef,” “Gallery of the Seas” and “Shark Lagoon,” says Phillips.

The Gatlinburg Mountain Climber allows visitors the opportunity to soar high above Gatlinburg and see the Smoky Mountains from an entirely new perspective.

Since opening in 2000, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has welcomed over 15 million guests and has created memories to last a lifetime with exciting exhibits and interactive experiences with horseshoe crabs, jellyfish and seasonal live mermaids. As one of Gatlinburg’s most visited destina-

tions, Phillips says that Ripley’s is “proud to be part of such an amazing community.”

CHALETS AND CABIN RENTALS While visiting Gatlinburg, visitors are invited to stay the night at one of the luxurious and rustic chalets and cabins

for rent. Either minutes away or within the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg chalet and cabin rentals offers rentals among the breathtaking hikes and views of the most visited national park, as well as access to the fun-filled attractions of downtown Gatlinburg.

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Midwestern Traveler of Schmidt Relations.

With a showcase of a wide variety of music including today’s top hits, classics, bluegrass, Americana and more, the Grand Ole Opry spotlights “different generations and everyone from today’s top artists such as Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood to all-time greats, including The Oak Ridge Boys and the Charlie Daniels Band,” says Schmidt. Beginning as a simple radio broadcast, today the Grand Ole Opry creates one-of-a-kind entertainment for hundreds and thousands of visitors by showcasing a mix of country legends and contemporary chart-toppers that followed in their footsteps through exhibitions and performances.

“Virtually everyone who has ever listened to country music has heard of the Opry and everyone who has ever aspired to be a country singer has dreamed of playing the Opry stage,” says Schmidt.

MARATHON VILLAGE As a neighborhood built out of the buildings that were once used by Marathon Motor Works, Marat hon Village has created a creative community of unique retail, business, entertainment and more among the busy streets of Nashville. As a diverse destination where all walks of life coexist, visitors are invited to spend a day exploring the shops, commercial artists, performing arts and entertainment, food and drink and more offered throughout Marathon Village.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME TOP: Chet Atkins is at the controls in RCA’s Studio B in Nashville as Waylon Jennings looks on.

ABOVE: The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville

NASHVILLE FOUR HOURS AWAY

GRAND OLE OPRY

In a world where music is the universal language, everyone is at home in Nashville.

Only a four-hour car ride from Cincinnati, Nashville offers a countless amount of activities throughout the day and transforms into a city unlike any other at night.

While visiting the Music City there are several locations visitors do not want to miss, including: 34

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Known as the Home of American Music and the Country’s Most Famous Stage, The Grand Ole Opry meets expectations as Nashville’s top tourist destination.

Welcoming guests and artists from around the world several times a week, “The Opry connects some of country’s top artists with its biggest fans via shows airing on its flagship radio station as well as on satellite radio and the internet,” says Jessie Schmidt

The Country Music Hall of Fame is the world’s largest music museum, including over 2.5 million artifacts across two expansive floors featuring permanent and featured exhibits. Currently, the Country Music Hall of Fame is featuring exhibits such as “Emmylou Harris: Songbird’s Flight,” featuring the Country Hall of Fame member, winner of 13 Grammy Awards and Lifetime Achievement award from the Recording Academy; “Ralph Stanley: Voice From on High,” an exhibit that tells the story of the legendary mountain musician; “Little Big Town: The Power of Four,” an exhibit that tells the story of the group’s beginning to their place at the top of country music stardom, and more. n

The Modern Way to Bowl AXIS ALLEY OFFERS PLENTY OF FUN THINGS TO DO FOR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND BUSINESSES

By Eric Spangler

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t’s a new year and Axis Alley, the boutique bowling alley and restaurant at Newport on the Levee, recently rolled out its new menu items, says Stephanie Campbell, director of sales and marketing.

The new menu items available through its full kitchen include craft meatballs, chicken and waffles, crab-cake sliders and new salads, she says. The menu also features hand-tossed pizzas, custom hamburgers, handcrafted sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies.

In addition to the food, Axis Alley also features three full bars, says Campbell. The bars include an extensive craft beer selection along with local bourbon, she says.

And the best part about the food and drinks is that Axis Alley provides full laneside service at each of the 12 main bowling lanes and four private lanes so bowlers can relax and enjoy their game while the food and beverages are delivered right to their lane, she says. “You don’t even have to get up,” says Campbell.

In addition to the 16 lanes available for bowling, Axis Alley also has four pool tables, darts and giant Jenga and Connect Four games, she says. Customers can also download an app on their phone to play an electronic jukebox. “You can download the app and you can purchase songs with

There’s plenty to do at Axis Alley besides bowling, including billiards, darts and giant Jenga and Connect 4 games. your credit card or you can pay cash,” says Campbell.

One of the great features at Axis Alley is the private party options, including business and personal events, corporate team building, business meetings, sales seminars, birt hdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, holiday events, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, baby showers, bachelorette/bachelor parties, fundraisers, children’s parties and more, says Campbell.

Party packages, custom event menus, lane rentals, private lounges and even full-venue rentals are also available, she says. Call 859-652-7251 for private events.

Friday and Saturday nights are popular at Axis Alley with the walk-in crowd, she says.

“It’s always best to make a lane reservation because we book up so fast,” Campbell says.

A game of bowling costs $4.50 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and $10 per person/per hour from 5 p.m. to close on Fridays and Saturdays.

Weeknights at Axis Alley are incredible for those who are looking for some great specials, she says. A game of bowling costs $4.50 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and $5.50 per game from 5 p.m. to close Sundays through Thursdays.

In addition, Happy Hour is 4-7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and all night on Thursday which includes domestic beers for $2, well-drinks for $3 and house wine for $4, says Campbell.

A Happy Hour menu also includes items such as pretzels and fondue, fried mozzarella, quesadilla, pulled pork potato skins, cheeseburger sliders, pepperoni pizza, chicken bites and spinach and artichoke dip for $5 each.

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The Sweetest Mistake THE MORE THAN 100-YEAROLD MEIER’S WINE CELLARS FOUND SUCCESS IN AN ACCIDENT

By Nyketa Gaffney

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ome of the greatest creations known to man have happened by accident—Post-it notes, potato chips, the microwave and Cincinnati’s very own J.C. Meier Juice Company, now known as Meier’s Wine Cellars.

“Where the Kenwood Towne Center is today, that’s where the original Meier farm was—163 acres cultivated in 1890 by John Michael Meier of Bavaria,” says Stephanie Moore, Meier’s Wine Cellars retail store manager. “It was his son, John C. Meier, that was interested in the white Catawba grape. His sister drank from his container before John could finish making his wine, helping him realize this good-tasting sparkling grape juice. Bam! The J.C. Meier Juice Company was born.”

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Meier’s Wine Cellars began as a juice company (LEFT) and now produces 30 signature wines and more than 10 sparkling grape juices (RIGHT).

During Prohibition, the company served its product to churches and became a community staple. When Prohibition ended in

1933, the Meier family was able to officially reorganize its company as Meier’s Wine Cellars, Inc.

A company that withstands the test of time must adapt to the temperament of its industry. Meier’s Wine Cellars has done just that over the last hundred years. While the company is no longer owned by the Meier family, its property still sits on 6 acres in Silverton and distributes wine and juices to 25 states. In 2014, Meier’s Wine Cellars added contract bottling to its portfolio, assisting inventors and businesses that need help storing product, in addition to continuing to craft its own drinks.

Meier’s Wine Cellars has created over 30 signature wines and more than 10 premium sparkling grape juices over its 100-plus years in business.

“We claim to be the oldest and largest winery in the state of Ohio,” says Moore.

“We’re a dessert wine maker, famous for our No. 44 Cream Sherry. It’s a fortified wine, the only one we still age in bourbon barrels! It smells like pancakes, has 18 percent alcohol—a sipping wine, and has a hint of bourbon to it.”

The No. 44 Cream Sherry is even known outside of the Tristate. It’s said to have been shipped to the White House during the Kennedy administration. Meier’s Wine

Stephanie Moore Cellars also has receipts dating back to 1970 that show No. 44 at the annual governor’s ball in the White House.

Wine tastings occur daily at Meier’s Wine Cellars. Events on the company’s

2019 calendar include the fifth annual Taste of Silverton June 22.

Meier’s Wine Cellars. Tu- Th 9 a.m.-5 p.m., F-Sa 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 6955 Plainfield Road, Silverton. 513-891-2900, meierswinecellars.com. n

Kick Off to a Great Time!

The Redwood Express Enters the Jungle Friday March 1, 2019 • 6:30-pm-11pm Featuring The Naked Karate Girls

Redwood is celebrating more than 65 years of serving children and adults with disabilities in the Northern Kentucky region. Please join us at our largest fundraising event of the year! Get your picture taken with Ben-Gal Cheerleaders in the Photo Booth. Enjoy drinks while sitting in Paul Brown Stadium. Meet current and past Bengal Players throughout the venue. Live music will accompany a served dinner and you can dance the night away with a live band. Have fun with live & silent auctions, raffles and games all night long during the event.

Tickets available at Cincy.live

Sponsored by:

®

d and wife duo, Hosted by husban nnon from Q102 JonJon & Toria Ca

71 Orphanage Rd. • Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 • 859.331.0880

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Dining

Executive chef George Zappas

High-end Tastes

ORCHIDS AT PALM COURT BRINGS LOCAL INGREDIENTS TO ITS FINE DINING EXPERIENCE

By Juli Hale

O

rchids at Palm Court, headed by executive chef George Zappas, serves a seasonal menu of made-from-scratch French-inspired New American cuisine. Zappas and his team of culinary artists push the boundaries of familiar flavor profiles and insist on using only the freshest of ingredients—many sourced locally.

It doesn’t get fresher than harvesting honey from rooftop beehives that Zappas and executive sous chef Mallory Myers care for themselves. Additionally, a butchery program, which Zappas reinstated in 2011, provides house-cured ham and salami, dry-aged beef and duck.

“The butchery program puts the craft back in to what we do. We get whole muscles of meat instead of cut steaks. We utilize the whole animal; we respect the whole animal,” says Zappas. “I dare you to go into another restaurant and find a butcher.”

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The menu’s decadence is matched only by the stunning art deco design of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Despite its location in the heart of downtown, the two-story ceilings, rare Brazilian rosewood paneling and detailed frescos take you to a different place and, perhaps, a different era.

“The plan is that in everything we do, the food has to be a reflection of the space we’re in. The food has to be as elegant and timeless as the space. In the kitchen for me and the staff, we take pride in working in the best restaurant in the city and we continue to revise and reevaluate to be the best,” he says.

Zappas isn’t alone in thinking Orchids is the best. The restaurant has been ranked tops in the country by many organizations including the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award and is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Ohio, and one of only 63 in America.

“A misconception is that it has to be

a special occasion to come here,” says Zappas who adds that while the Orchids delivers an exceptional experience, it doesn’t need to be saved for all momentous occasions. “There are steps of service that we accomplish. It isn’t old school or stuffy; you come here for an experience.”

Those wanting a low-key but delicious introduction can enjoy a Taste of Orchids, a three-course meal that includes an appetizer of smoked salmon or goat cheese panna cotta, an entrée of roasted chicken or swordfish and a dessert of chocolate hazelnut cheesecake or lemon and fruit sabayon. Offered Sunday through Thursday, the Taste menu is $45 per person.

A favorite of regulars of the restaurant is chateaubriand for two, presented and carved tableside with bordelaise and béarnaise sauce and potato mousseline.

Su-Th 5:30-9 p.m., F-Sa 5:30-10 p.m. 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown. 513-421-9100, orchidsatpalmcourt.com. n

Is Cincinnati

By Liz Engel

INNOVATIVE? LOCAL UNIVERSITIES, STARTUPS AND MORE ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO TRANSFORM THE CITY INTO A NEW HUB FOR INNOVATION

I

t’s Oct. 5, 2018, and there’s ribbon to be cut at the new 1819 Innovation Hub at the University of Cincinnati.

It’s a monumental day, officials say. A game-changing moment for the region.

A difference maker. A big step forward in terms of innovation efforts in the Queen City.

This four-story, 133,000-square-foot facility, a former Sears located at 2900 Reading Road, includes a makerspace, an accelerator program, huddle rooms and shared offices for high-profile tenants like Kroger, Procter & Gamble and Cincinnati Bell.

It’s a kick-start for a new corridor, a miniature Silicon Valley, if you will.

It’s also just one way Cincinnati is playing catch up.

“Prior to 1819, we haven’t had a place where companies can co-locate to innovate,” says David Adams, UC’s chief innovation officer, who also leads all aspects of the Innovation Hub. “As simple as it sounds, placemaking is really, really important. We’re working to create a place where companies of all sizes—from startups to very large organizations—can access talent and the vast amount of research capability that the university provides.”

Officials say 1819 will not only serve as a front door—a tool for recruiting new talent—the building will also anchor a new innovation district that surrounds the Martin Luther King interchange and Interstate 71. The Uptown Innovation Corridor, as it’s billed, will be modeled after similar spans in Boston (Kendall Square), Atlanta (Tech Square) and Pittsburgh (the

David Adams, UC’s chief innovation officer at the 1819 Innovation Hub

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The 3-D Printing Lab in the new 1819 Innovation Hub at the University of Cincinnati

EcoInnovation District). Cities that all currently “have a competitive advantage” over Cincinnati, Adams says. But he hopes to play catch up. And quick.

“Talent is king. And talent has choices, especially well-educated talent, in terms of where they live,” Adams says. “Why Cincinnati? We have a phenomenal place.

This is a great city. But we’re having a hard time demonstrating this capability. If you look at what’s happening in Pittsburgh, Atlanta or the migration into Austin, these are ecosystems that are highly developed.

Boston has what they call ‘The Most Innovative Square Mile [On Earth].’ That’s how they market it.

“Candidly, we have to make up what other communities have done over 20-30 years,” he adds. “We’re going to continue to push this as aggressively and as smartly as we can.”

Adams says the Corridor will see significant development over the next three years. UC, for one, will lease a “digital futures building,” a new, 180,000-square40

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foot building for interdisciplinary research, near 1819, scheduled for completion in 2021.

But there will also be apartments, eateries, retail and more, he says. More announcements are expected in quarter one.

“We truly want to create an environment where individuals can live and work, but there’s also play opportunities,” Adams says. “You can see what’s happened with Over-the-Rhine and the development there, in terms of working to attract talent and the vibrancy of that [area]. In this developing innovation district, we very much plan to create the kind of environment that supports collaborations between organizations.”

There are other ongoing efforts, of course. Cincinnati’s startup scene is booming. New ideas are spurring change in sectors like health care and government.

At bi3, for one, Bethesda Inc.’s grantmaking initiative, collaboration has been key in at least one initiative—a reduction in infant mortality.

Since 2010, bi3 has invested $36 million

“in innovative ideas that transform health care in Greater Cincinnati.” Or potentially breakthrough ideas, or long-term projects, that go beyond the norm.

“I guess you can say we’re a risk taker,” says Jill Miller, president of bi3. “A lot of funders want to invest in something that’s been proven, where they’re fairly certain they’re going to hit intended outcomes.

But then you lose that innovative spirit.

Of course we do due diligence, but sometimes people just need resources to think differently and try new things. I think that allows teams to be more creative and try new things.” bi3’s biggest success story thus far, hands down, has been StartStrong, an effort to reduce infant mortality in Hamilton County. bi3 provided $3.2 million to launch the three-year effort in 2013, which narrowed its efforts to Avondale. It also brought together two competing health care systems, in an “unprecedented collaboration,” UC Medical Center and TriHealth’s Good Samaritan Hospital, along with Cincinnati

Children’s and Every Child Succeeds, a community-based home visitation program for first-time moms.

The StartStrong team started in the field—hosting community dinners with providers, for example—to build rapport and better to understand the barriers that prevent women from getting prenatal care.

The results? Avondale now has a lower infant mortality rate than Hamilton County as a whole—it used to be 2.5 times higher.

It recorded zero extreme preterm births during the project period.

Today, Cradle Cincinnati plans to expand StartStrong into 12 new neighborhoods over the next three years. Miller says bi3 will contribute $1.5 million to Cradle to aid in that effort, with another $3.7 million approved for Good Sam. Additionally, Miller says other physicians—across the country and globally— are “very interested” in the StartStrong model and are looking to replicate it.

StartStrong also spurred M-HeLP, another grant bi3 awarded to Legal Aid to provide assistance to pregnant women facing health-harming issues like food insecurity, housing or domestic violence. It’s one of very few obstetric/legal collaborations in the country.

“When you talk about Cincinnati being a leader in innovation, I think there’s pockets,” Miller says. “[With StartStrong] we’re doing everything we can to share and spread what’s working in the hopes we can help other people. M-HeLP was created to address legal problems that create and perpetuate poor outcomes.

Danielle and Korri participated in the StartStrong program

M-HeLP Leadership team: Dr. Michael P. Marcotte TriHealth M-HeLP medical director; Barbara Shappie, TriHealth M-HeLP coordinator; Elizabeth Zak, Legal Aid attorney; Elaine E. Fink, Legal Aid managing attorney and M-HeLP program director; Elicia Schultian, Legal Aid M-HeLP project coordinator,; Adrienne Henize, Cincinnati Children’s Child M-HeLP project manager; and Dr. Robert S. Kahn, MPH-CCHMC, M-HeLP medical director “There’s tremendous opportunity for Cincinnati to be a leader in innovation, but it’s up to us to capitalize on that, especially in health,” she adds. “We have leading health care systems here, but ironically, some of the worst health care outcomes.

So there’s a disconnect. We have a high poverty rate, we have a lot of challenges and barriers, but hopefully we can use innovation to help spur ideas to address some of that.”

For the city of Cincinnati, innovation means better, faster and smarter government services. Much of that work today falls under the umbrella of the Office of Performance and Data Analytics.

For Leigh Tami—a lawyer by trade who started as an analyst in the office before being named its chief performance officer in 2016—information is king. She wanted a way to share data beyond PDFs or static Excel spreadsheets.

From that, CincyInsights was born.

With CincyInsights, information is interactive and real time. Users can search data by agency—under parks, for example, citizens can track service requests via a map—or by topic, like public health, where food inspection records are kept. If taking a deeper dive, Tami says information can be used to track crime and blight across neighborhoods. Even the city’s heroin overdose response tracker, launched in 2016, was initially created so internal stakeholders, like the fire department, could better staff paramedics.

“I don’t come from a tech background, so I didn’t want to have to pull this data down and visualize it every time I wanted to know something,” Tami says.

“As far as what [other] cities are doing, we’re at the top,” she adds. “We already had this open data portal, but we’re the only city in the country that has structured data this way. We publish the most and highest quality data sets. We’ve had a lot of other cities—like Chicago and Louisville—approach us, trying to emulate what we’re doing. And when we talk about decision making, administration is now like, ‘What does the data say?’ And I think that’s significant. In most big cities, people are not necessarily asking [that question]. And if they are, they’re getting that information five months later.”

Tami and team—there’s now six total employees—also oversee the city’s Innovation Lab, essentially a dedicated conference room within their office where employees can deep dive and problem solve. The iLab, for short, is already credited with several victories, like cutting the building permitting process time from 10-12 weeks to three to five.

There’s more to come.

“I think Cincinnati has come a really long way,” Tami says. “Part of being innovative is taking risks. I think that’s something that, as a city, collectively, we’ve had an awkward relationship with.

We aren’t sure where we sit. Are we a bigger city? A smaller city? I think the next step is to sit down together and exchange information. We certainly weren’t there two years ago. UC might not have been there two years ago. But I think now, all of us are sort coming of age within our own programs. Maybe that means we can actually contribute something to one another’s work.” n w w w.

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Building COMMUNITY

BLACK LEADERS ARE LOOKING TO BRING CHANGE IN NEW WAYS TO CINCINNATI

D

amon Lynch III is a self-proclaimed movie buff. It’s common for his sermons—preached from the pulpit at New Prospect Baptist Church in Roselawn—to include some kind of quote from a favorite film.

It’s also common for those Sunday speeches to touch on elements of liberation. It’s hard, the pastor says, to separate that from his theology. Especially in the wake of recent events, specifically the exit of Michael Johnson from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati amid racial tension, which has spurred the creation of a new ad hoc group called BlackLed Change.

Lynch isn’t its leader, he says, but does serve as BlackLed’s defacto spokesman.

The issue is top of mind for several other African-American community leaders who are all looking to spark change in a variety of ways.

“Black leaders [like Michael Johnson] come here and say, ‘This city is different,’” Lynch says.

But unlike Johnson, who complained of “subtle threats and a “hostile work environment” in an email to his board, “They sometimes can’t say it openly,” Lynch says.

“They’re still employed or when they leave, they sign [nondisclosure] agreements. But what you hear from the black community is, ‘This is a tough city.’”

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A leader, per Lynch’s definition, is a person who’s not afraid to take risks. Someone willing to speak the truth. In many ways, Johnson, who was United Way Cincinnati’s first black CEO in its 103-year history, met that criteria. And, even if using the most basic of definitions—a leader as someone with followers—Lynch, of course, does, too.

But the storyline in Cincinnati, it seems, remains unchanged.

Johnson’s story “is not a new one in regards to black leadership in our city,” Lynch says.

“Look at recent history,” he says. Former Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig. Gone after less than two years on the job. Jeffrey Blackwell, another former police of chief.

Terminated, too. Michael Johnson lasted three months.

“The list just gets a little too long not to notice,” Lynch adds. “Just to hire an African-American, but not give them the power to do the job, becomes window dressing.”

Meanwhile, black communities, too, stand static. In some ways, Lynch says, they’re worse. He points to an Urban League report from 2015 that chronicles “two Cincinnatis,” one black, one white.

Of the almost 14,000 families living in poverty, 76 percent are African-American, it says. And people living in low-income, predominantly black neighborhoods have shorter average life spans than residents of affluent, predominantly white communities.

If anything, the Michael Johnson situation “pulled the cover off what many black leaders experience” every day, says Renee Mahaffey Harris. After 10-plus years with The Center for Closing the Health Gap, first as its executive director, then as its chief operating officer, Harris is now seguing into the CEO role at the nonprofit. It’s partly the reason why Cincinnati ranks among the top cities for mortality rates for black people, educational obtainment, and level of evictions. All are issues that The Health Gap is working to address.

“Where you live should not affect how long you live,” Harris says. “It’s a tragedy

By Liz Engel

Renee Mahaffey Harris that in this community we have decades and decades of the same data showing us at the bottom of mortality outcomes, infant mortality outcomes, educational obtainment. Health disparities and injustices, and structural and institutional racism continue to be pervasive in our communities.”

That’s why BlackLed is pushing for change.

“At some point you have to say, is there a better way to do this?’” Lynch asks. “The city spends almost 70 percent of its general fund on public safety. And yet you have communities where people don’t feel safe.

For 23 years, I pastored in Over-the-Rhine, and for most of those 23 years, Over-theRhine was the most serviced community in the state of Ohio, which means we had every social service known to man. We had Tender Mercies, City Gospel Mission, drop-in centers, soup kitchens, you name it. But for that same period of time, we were considered one of the worst communities in the state. So let’s not make the same mistake. You can’t service people out of poverty.”

And it’s not just United Way, says Iris Roley, a social activist, Black United Front officer and small business owner (RoSho Awards & Graphics in Bond Hill, an engraving company in which she’s a partner, just celebrated its 18th year in January).

Roley’s largely known in Cincinnati for

JOE SIMON

Damon Lynch III

Ozie Davis III her efforts for police reform—most recently, she’s spent significant time at city hall, meeting with city manager Patrick Duhaney and others in an attempt to push a zero-tolerance policy for police who use racial slurs. Two cops, one black and one white, were suspended for using the “N” word during separate 2018 arrests.

The United Way issue, while seemingly different, goes “hand-in-hand,” she says.

“We’re in the second decade of the 21st century. And we’re having this conversation,” Roley says. “It’s astounding. It’s appalling. It’s backward. And it’s very telling if you are a leader, and you’re of African descent and coming to this city, this county, this state, you better beware. Those are the messages and nuances we hear.”

Roley learned about activism by watching her grandmother, who fought against

the mistreatment of black people across the country. It’s in her DNA, she says. Like Lynch, she’s also a member of BlackLed Change. She won’t say how many there are total. Only that it’s a growing effort.

United Way is uniquely positioned. Not just because of its mission—to help people live their best lives—but because of its board structure.

“United Way has a very corporate board,” Lynch says. Roley says BlackLed is not only asking United Way to conduct an equity audit—a study to ensure its practices, programs, pay and funding structure, or who receives funding, are fair—but, for its board members, that their corporations and organizations do equity audits as well.

“It’s been shown that diversity and inclusion benefit the bottom line, and a lot of folks have been receiving that question, ‘Is your board, is your organization, are your practices equitable?’” says Ozie Davis III, a longtime Avondale community activist and Cincinnati Public Schools board member.

The latter is a relatively new role for Davis, former executive director of the Avondale Comprehensive Development Corporation. After mounting an unsuccessful campaign for Cincinnati city council in 2017, he was tapped in May for a vacant seat on the school board. The seat’s up for election this November; Davis is on the verge of kick-starting his campaign to keep it.

Davis, a United Way volunteer, is among several community members who have met with United Way’s board.

“I don’t think African-American leaders are all that valued,” Davis says. “I don’t necessarily know that it’s just because of race, but more because [Cincinnati is] a longtime traditionally conservative place that doesn’t value different opinions and different ways. Cincinnati is entrenched in itself.”

But Davis is hopeful for change. From his seat on the school board, he wants to use sports and extracurriculars as a means to move the academic needle. It’s also about quality preschool, where there’s a major gap for black kids, he says.

He’s optimistic, even though aforementioned events, like with Cincinnati Police Department, have “shaken” him to the core.

“Are we cool with how it is? I think that’s the first question people have to ask,” Davis says. “Even the Michael Johnson thing has quieted down a lot. I don’t know [what’s going to happen]. But it’s a heavy, heavy lift. Change in this town is going to require a heavy lift. I’ve got some friends that say I’m a fool. But I am hopeful. I’ve got a great faith in Cincinnati people.”

Likewise, Lynch says change will be tough. “Providing services is pretty simple,” he says. “I can open a soup kitchen tomorrow. But building community is a little messier. It takes time.”

So it’s up to him—and others—to stay vigilant. “There has to be a push. And sometimes it has to come from the outside,” Lynch says. “…We have to do things different.” n w w w.

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From business leaders to politicians, those in power know that it is work to get to the top and a struggle to stay there. Challenges from opponents can present themselves at any time and then there’s always the next test, the next task, the next obstacle. Cincy’s 15th annual Power 100 list recognizes those people who hold and use the most clout to benefit the region.

By David Holthaus & The Editors = New to the Top Ten

Carl H. Lindner III

John Cranley

FC Cincinnati, majority owner;

city of Cincinnati, mayor

president & CEO

DAVID SORCHER

Lindner, sometimes known as “C3,” continued his family’s legacy of major contributions to the community when his ownership group secured a Major League Soccer franchise for FC Cincinnati and then broke ground on a new stadium in the heart of the city.

Lindner and his fellow owners pledged to commit up to $350 million for the new stadium.

As co-CEO (with his brother, Craig) of American Financial Group, Lindner runs one of the region’s largest employers and insurers, and a Fortune 500 financial services firm.

Mike Brown

John F. Barrett

Cincinnati Bengals,

Western & Southern

president & principal owner

Financial Group,

DAVID SORCHER

Although the Bengals’ onthe-field futility continued last season, Brown reached a far-reaching deal with Hamilton County officials that will affect the future of the Cincinnati riverfront and The Banks, as well as the county’s finances. Brown agreed to give up a parking lot next to the stadium so the county could build a longsought music venue. The team also agreed to end Hamilton County’s multimillion-dollar annual payments to the club and cap the county’s costs for stadium improvements. It was a new day of cooperation between the county and the club, a plus for taxpayers and another step forward for riverfront development.

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In the first year of his second term as Cincinnati’s top elected official, Cranley continued to work to reduce child poverty, bringing together businesses, notfor-profits and government agencies to commit to longterm goals to bring down the city’s high rate of poverty.

His administration won a grant worth $2.5 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies to help achieve ambitious energy-efficiency goals, significantly increased city spending with African-American owned businesses, broke ground on a new Major League Soccer stadium and championed the effort to obtain the old King Records site for restoration.

DAVID SORCHER

American Financial Group, co-

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chairman, president & CEO

Nearly 30 years into his l e a d e r s h ip of We s te rn & Southern, Barrett has grown the financial services firm into a diversified Fortune 500 giant. He’s been influential in the development of downtown and Over-the-Rhine, including Queen City Square with its skyline-dominating Great American Tower. His latest project is the redevelopment of downtown’s signature Lytle Park to include a hotel and other amenities. Barrett’s influence extends into philanthropy, as he’s made a long-term commitment to expand and further cancer research in Cincinnati.

Robert H. Castellini

Joe Deters

Cincinnati Reds,

Hamilton County prosecutor

principal owner & CEO; Castellini Co., chairman

After a disastrous 2018 season for the Reds, C a s te l l i n i p r o m i s e d a better 2019 and his club took steps to deliver. He pledged the team would have its highest payroll ever, and then the front office consummated a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He continued his chairmanship of the Joint Banks Steering committee, which influences decision-making on the riverfront. The group endorsed a local promoter for the yet-to-be-built music venue and helped hammer out a deal for the property with the Bengals.

As the top law enforcement of ficial in Hamilton County, Deters has been front and center on many of the toughest controversies in the region. The shooting at Fifth Third on Fountain Square, Cincinnati City Council’s Gang of Five dispute, the Kyle Plush investigation and the prosecution of former UC police officer Ray Tensing are just some of the matters in which he played a central role. He is the county’s longest-serving prosecutor, with a total of 20 years leading the office. He’s served in statewide office, came back in 2004 to save the prosecutor’s office for the GOP, and is expected to run again in 2020.

Neville Pinto

Eliot Isaac

University of Cincinnati,

City of Cincinnati,

president

police chief

In his second year as UC’s president, Pinto laid out the strategic direction he envisions for Ohio’s second-largest university, calling for more responsive n ess to th e n e e d s of the community and businesses. The school’s 1819 Innovation Hub, for example, named after the year of UC’s founding, is a place where corporations, faculty and students can work together on new ideas.

He outlined plans for “Co-op 2.0,” to provide students experience in the digital knowledge economy and for a closer relationship with Cincinnati Public Schools.

A 28-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department, Isaac worked his way up through the department from street patrol to criminal investigations commander to internal investigations to district commander and then in 2015 to Cincinnati’s 15th police chief. His low-key leadership style has been effective, as he was a calming presence in the wake of the Fifth Third shooting, serious crime declined significantly year over year and he weathered internal strife and the resignation of City Manager Harry Black.

Tom Williams

Denise Driehaus

North American

Hamilton County Board of

Properties Inc., Reds, co-principal owner/vice chairman

Williams has been a model of civic engagement and leadership for years, with some of his most recent roles being co-chair of the Cincinnati Child Poverty Collaborative and a director of the Center City Development Collaborative (3CDC) and the state’s economic development organization, JobsOhio. He’s also led one of the region’s largest real estate firms for more than 20 years, a company that recently purchased a signature riverfront property, Newport on the Levee.

Commissioners, president

With three Democrats now on the board of Hamilton County Commissioners, Driehaus, as the newly selected president, will be in a position to wield substantial influence over the county government’s $240 million budget, a spending plan that includes the sheriff’s office, emergency services, the courts and elections. A state legislator for eight years, she has deep connections in Columbus, which have helped secure funding for economic development projects in the county. She’s also re-energized the county’s role in fighting the heroin epidemic by bringing together law enforcement, treatment providers, local activists and others to collaborate on the problem.

JOE SIMON

president & CEO; Cincinnati

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Those who didn’t make the top 10 are still important players in town. Below are the remaining 90, sorted by organization type. = New to this year’s list

BUSINESS Stuart Aitken 84.51, CEO Neil Bortz Towne Properties, co-founder & principal Katie Brown Blackburn Cincinnati Bengals, executive vice president Willam P. Butler Corporex Cos., chairman & founder Julie Calvert Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, president & CEO Greg D. Carmichael Fifth Third Bancorp, chairman, president & CEO Phil Castellini Cincinnati Reds, president & chief operating officer Brent Cooper Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, president & CEO Alfonso Cornejo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, president Bill Cunningham WLW Radio Talk Show host W. Stuart Dornette Taft Stettinius & Hollister, partner; Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, board chair Jocile Ehrlich Better Business Bureau, president & CEO Scott D. Farmer Cintas Corp,. chairman & CEO Leigh Fox Cincinnati Bell Inc., president & CEO S. Kay Geiger PNC Bank, Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, president Charles H. Gerhardt III Government Strategies Group, president & founder 46

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George T. Glover Taft/Focused Capitol Solutions, managing director Christopher S. Habel Frost Brown Todd, member-in-charge Cincinnati Gary Heiman Standard Textile Inc., president & CEO Stephen Hightower Hightowers Petroleum Co., president & CEO David L. Joyce GE Aviation, president & CEO Eric Kearney Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African-American Chamber of Commerce, president & CEO Stephen G. Leeper Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), president & CEO Steve Martenet Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Ohio, president Candace McGraw Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, CEO James J. McGraw Jr. Keating Muething & Klekamp, corporate partner; KMK Consulting, CEO Rodney McMullen Kroger Co., chairman & CEO; Cincinnati Business Committee, chair Jill P. Meyer Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, president & CEO Molly North Al. Neyer Inc., president & CEO; Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber chair Julia Poston Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, co-chair; Ernst & Young, managing partner Mike Prescott US Bank, Cincinnati region, president Maribeth S. Rahe Fort Washington Investment Advisors, president & CEO Carl Satterwhite RCF Group, president & co-founder J. Michael Schlotman Kenton County Airport Board, chairman; Kroger Co., executive vice president & CFO

Larry Sheakley Sheakley Group, CEO Jamie Smith Cincinnati Business Courier, publisher Amy B. Spiller Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, president David S. Taylor Procter & Gamble Co., chairman, president & CEO

G OV E R N M E N T & P O L I T I C S Steve Chabot U.S. Representative, Ohio’s 1st District Warren Davidson U.S. Representative, Ohio’s 8th District Patrick Duhaney City of Cincinnati, city manager Kris Knochelmann Kenton County, judge executive

H. Lytle Thomas Heritage Bank, president & CEO

Thomas Massie U.S. Representative, Kentucky’s 4th District

Eddie Tyner USA Today Network, Gannett Midwest regional president (Enquirer Media)

Gwen McFarlin Hamilton County Democratic Party, chair

Matthew D. Van Sant Clermont County Chamber, president & CEO

Luke Messer U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana’s 6th District from Shelbyville

Mike Venerable CincyTech, CEO

Gary Moore Boone County judge executive

George H. Vincent Dinsmore & Shohl, managing partner & chairman

Jim Neil Hamilton County, sheriff

Becky Wilber Union Centre Boulevard Merchants Association, president; CTI Restaurants, owner James Zimmerman Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Cincinnati partner-in-charge

Steve Pendery Campbell County judge executive Mark R. Policinski Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, CEO Rob Portman United States Senator, from Ohio Todd Portune Hamilton County Board of Commissioners

John Graft Butler Tech, Superintendent/CEO

T.C. Rogers Butler County, Board of Commissioners, and OKI Regional Council of Goverments, executive board

The Rev. Michael J. Graham Xavier University, president

Chris Seelbach Cincinnati City Council, member

Laura Mitchell Cincinnati Public Schools, superintendent

P.G. Sittenfeld Cincinnati City Council, member

Monica Posey Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, president

Joshua A. Smith City of Hamilton, city manager

E D U C AT I O N

Harry Snyder Great Oaks Career Campuses, president & CEO Ashish Vaidya Northern Kentucky University, president

Alex Triantafilou Hamilton County Republican Party, chairman Brad Wenstrup U.S. Representative, Ohio’s 2nd District

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Thane Maynard Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, director The Rev. Wendell Mettey Matthew 25 Ministries, president & founder John Pepper Procter & Gamble Co., retired chairman & CEO

NONPROFITS

Barbara Perez YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, president & CEO

Laura N. Brunner The Port (formerly Greater Cincinnati Redevelopment Authority), president & CEO Mark Clement TriHealth, president & CEO

Jorge Perez YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, president & CEO

Garren Colvin St. Elizabeth Healthcare, president & CEO

Elizabeth Pierce Cincinnati Museum Center, president & CEO

Michael Fisher Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, president & CEO

Arturo Polizzi The Christ Hospital, president & CEO Most Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr Archdiocese of Cincinnati, archbishop

Most Rev. Roger J. Foys Diocese of Covington, bishop

Neil F. Tilow Talbert House, president & CEO

Ellen M. Katz Greater Cincinnati Foundation, president & CEO

Brian Tome Crossroads Church, senior pastor

Dr. Richard P. Lofgren UC Health, president & CEO

John Starcher Mercy Health, president & CEO

Timothy J. Maloney Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, president & CEO

Dick Weiland Philanthropist

ONES TO WATCH

They may not be on this year’s Power 100, but here are some people to keep an eye on this year.

Pete Blackshaw, CEO of Centrifuse, returned to Cincinnati after a stint leading digital marketing at Nestle, S.A., to take on his new role with the entrepreneurship-focused organization. He will lead the group backed by some of Cincinnati’s largest corporations with the goal of making Cincinnati the top hub for entrepreneurship in the Midwest.

Tamaya Dennard, Cincinnati City Council member, was raised by a single mother, is a graduate of Aiken High School and was elected to council in the fall of 2017 on her first attempt.

She’s emerged as an outspoken voice for diversity, inclusion and social justice, principles she also practices in her job with a nonprofit social innovation design firm.

David Adams, University of Cincinnati’s chief innovation officer, reports directly to President Neville Pinto and is CEO of the university’s newly christened 1819 Innovation Hub. The Hub is a centerpiece of the budding Uptown Innovation

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Corridor designed to serve as a magnet for breakthrough ideas, innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

Shiloh Turner, executive director of Preschool Promise, was originally part of the Leadership Cincinnati team that developed the Preschool Promise concept in 2012. In 2018 she was named executive director of the $15 million program designed to enroll more children in preschool and upgrade preschool providers.

Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati, was appointed to lead the organization in September after five years as vice president of business development with the group. With years of economic development experience in the city and the suburbs, she’ll engineer strategies for growth for the three-state, 15-county region.

Stephanie Dumas won a spot on the Hamilton County Commission in the 2018 election in a surprise upset, making her the first African American on the commission. With Dumas joining fellow commissioners Denise Driehaus and Todd Portune, all three commissioners will be Democrats for the first time in Hamilton County history, and the majority will be women for the first time as well.

Community

REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP

page 50

ANOTHER VIEW

page 52

JOE SIMON

GUEST COLUMN

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BATAVIA GOES HOLLYWOOD page 54

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL page 57

ELDER HIGH SCHOOL

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Reflections on Leadership

By Dan Hurley

Making the Most of Retirement THREE FORMER PRESIDENTS FOUND MORE SUCCESS AFTER THEY LEFT THE WHITE HOUSE

William Howard Taft oversaw the design and construction of the U.S. Supreme Court building as a symbol of its expanded power as a result of his reorganization efforts.

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good friend recommends that a person shou ld never ret i re “from” something, but always “to” something. But if your resume includes president of the United States, how do you find purpose beyond the most coveted job in America? For many ex-presidents, the status of senior statesman and adviser to those still in the trenches is enough. But three former presidents—John Quincy Adams, William Howard Taft and Jimmy Carter—went far beyond that, forging whole new identities.

On paper, no one has ever been better prepared for the presidency than John Quincy Adams. He began public service before his 13th birthday as a member of the fledgling nation’s first delegation in 1781 to the czar’s court in St. Petersburg, Russia. (The head of the delegation could 50

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not speak French, the language of diplomacy, but Johnny was fluent.) Over the next 44 years, Adams served in multiple diplomatic posts, in the U.S. Senate and as secretary of state. Despite this wealth of experience, his one-term presidency (1825-29) was disappointingly lackluster.

He was simply a “great man in the wrong place at the wrong time,” according to biographer James Traub.

Fortunately for Adams, two years after leaving the White House, the voters of his Massachusetts district elected him to the House of Representatives (the only ex-president to ever return to Congress).

Over the next 16 years Adams gave fellow Americans reason to give him a “sober second thought,” as one newspaper editor wrote.

Seizing on the right of citizens to peti-

tion their government, at the beginning of every congressional session, Adams made the submission of petitions asking for an end to slavery an excuse to put the growing power of Southern slaveholders on notice. Southerners tried to gag him, but because of “sheer cussedness” Adams persisted. Then, in 1841, Adams took the lead in successfully arguing before the Supreme Court for the freedom of the enslaved African men and women who had revolted and seized control of the Amistad.

These dogged efforts to force Americans to stare the nation’s original sin of racism in the eye, provided Adams with a truly rare opportunity for a public servant to transform his legacy.

Cincinnati born William Howard Taft, like Adams, had a mediocre and unsatisfying one-term presidency (1909-13). Taft’s

second great act came in 1921 when President Warren G. Harding granted Taft his career-long dream by nominating him as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. Taft remains the only person in American history to serve as both president and chief justice.

Taft’s success as chief justice, in contrast to his failure as president, was his ability to craft the job to fit his talents and personality. Most historians evaluate a chief justice through the rulings issued by the court during his tenure. The Taft court in the 1920s was solidly pro-business and anti-labor, but no “Taft Doctrine” emerged and court historian Robert Post argues his judicial philosophy misses his real contribution. Although a clumsy electoral politician, Taft was a formidable executive who understood the necessity of rationalizing the federal judiciary.

Traditionally, the court’s docket was clogged by an embarrassingly large backlog of cases generated by the appeals of any litigant unhappy with a lower court ruling. To bring order, Taft persuaded Congress in 1925 to allow the Supreme Court almost complete discretion over which cases it would hear. Since then,

the court accepts only those few cases that are necessary to resolve significant disagreements between circuit courts and/or cases that have constitutional implications. This not only unclogged the docket, but also transformed the court “from a tribunal of last resort into something like the supervisor of the system of federal law,” according to Post.

To express the new status of the Supreme Court, Taft lobbied Congress to authorize the construction of the Supreme Court’s first stand-alone building (it had always met in the Capitol). Taft oversaw the design, but died on March 8, 1930, five years before the new building was completed.

Serving as chief justice was a highlight of Taft’s career. He remarked mid-way through his tenure as chief justice, “I do not remember that I was ever president.”

More recently, Jimmy Carter’s one-term presidency (1977-1981) was fraught with frustration and failures (note the pattern), but unlike Adams and Taft, Carter did not return to government service but carved out a private path.

Most of the many causes taken on by Carter and his wife are organized through the Carter Center, which is devoted to the

advancement of human rights and the alleviation of human suffering in nations around the world.

Concretely, that has meant election monitoring in emerging and wavering democracies and collaborating with the UN to establish the standards for election monitoring. The Center, and Carter personally, has intervened directly with heads of states on behalf of victims of human rights violations, promoted the development of civil society, spearheaded efforts to tackle third-world diseases like Guinea worms and showed up with a hammer and saw at Habitat for Humanity sites.

In combination with his embrace of a simple lifestyle, former President Carter has gained the respect of people around the world.

These three former presidents found ways to retire to something meaningful.

They have long served as inspirations for me as I have contemplated and wrestled with how to turn retirement into a new opportunity for service and relevance. n Dan Hurley is a local historian and president of Applied History Associates, which works with museums in the Eastern U.S.

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Another View

By Don Mooney

Hamilton County Power Shift T

his month’s Cincy lists our town’s Power 100, a carefully curated collection of local movers and shakers.

German sociologist Max Weber defined power (or “Macht” as Max called it), as “the probability within a social relationship of being able to secure one’s own ends, even against opposition.” In more contemporary lingo, those with power “get ‘er done.”

Some of the local usual suspects still have that good old-fashioned “you shall do as I say” power. But November’s elections delivered a monumental shift in who exercises power and how it will be used (or abused) in Hamilton County for decades to come.

Since the Civil War, Hamilton County has been a Republican bastion. We sent one local Republican to the White House (William H. Taft). Big Bill’s son and grandson went to the U.S. Senate. His great grandson became Ohio governor. Local Republicans Salmon P. Chase and Potter Stewart sat on the U.S. Supreme Court, Rob Portman now has the Cincinnati seat in the U.S. Senate, and Nicholas Longworth and John Boehner served as speaker of the U.S. House.

The GOP lost control of Cincinnati city hall in the late 1970s. But it dominated the three-member Hamilton County Commission for more than a century, with only an occasional outlier Democrat like Vince Beckman, elected in 1964 (the LBJ landslide year) serving a single term. The county commission plays an important role in development and tax policy, and sets budgets for county services and officeholders like the sheriff. That’s a whole lot of macht and provided a launch pad for all those Republicans moving up to state and national office.

The GOP’s monopoly began to erode in 2000, when Democrat Todd Portune ousted

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“The 2018 mid-term elections consigned the age of GOP power in Hamilton County to the history books for the foreseeable future. On election night, both parties’ poo-bahs were dumbfounded as former Forest Park Mayor Stephanie Dumas grabbed an early lead over veteran GOP Commissioner Chris Monzel and never let go.”

Republican Bob Bedinghaus, exploiting voter outrage over the lavish stadium lease the GOP commission gifted the Bengals.

Todd’s been there ever since. There were four years of Democratic control after David Pepper defeated then Commissioner Phil Heimlich in 2006. But in 2010, Pepper moved on and the GOP re-gained its majority.

Democrats regained a majority on the commission in 2016, when state representative Denise Driehaus joined Portune on the commission, as the county turned deep blue for Hillary Clinton.

But the 2018 mid-term elections consigned the age of GOP power in Hamilton County to the history books for the foreseeable future. On election night, both parties’ poo-bahs were dumbfounded as former Forest Park Mayor Stephanie Dumas grabbed an early lead over veteran GOP Commissioner Chris Monzel and never let go. Remarkably, she spent only $12,000 to defeat an incumbent with a $390,000 bankroll. Ms. Dumas is the first African

American ever elected to any county administrative office. For the first in county history three Democrats—two of them women—will decide how the county’s $240 million budget will be spent.

Dumas’ unexpected victory was not a one upset wonder. Democratic judicial candidates unseated two incumbent GOP Common Pleas Court judges, and won three of four contested seats on the Ohio Court of Appeals.

While this can be seen as possible reaction to President Trump, demographic changes seem likely to lock in Democrats’ advantage for the next generation. And as the GOP’s long-but-now-gone county reign demonstrated, the acquisition of power can provide advantages in fundraising and bench development that makes it easier to expand that power. n Don Mooney is an attorney, a past member of the Cincinnati Planning Commission and is active in local politics.

Guest Column

By Jordan Vogel, vice president of Talent Initiatives for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Talent is Key

THE CINCINNATI CHAMBER IS WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP TALENT

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usiness leaders tell us that finding skilled talent is their single biggest growth opportunity. The Cincinnati Chamber has developed an array of specialized initiatives to help our region win the battle for talent.

We attract talent to the region through programs and initiatives that expose people to all that the Cincinnati region has to offer.

The Cincinnati Chamber launched the Hello Cincy Ambassadors—a super-group of diverse professionals who are passionate about helping recruit potential new talent to the region and its organizations.

They are available to talk, email, text and even chaperone visiting candidates, with a focus on selling the region.

We’re also ensuring that people new to our region are quickly acclimated and connected. In November, the Chamber “busted cliques” by connecting 300 newcomers to Cincinnati’s neighborhoods, YP organizations and community engagement opportunities at the Hello Cincy Welcome Event. Additionally, we offer Hello Cincy Day, a customized immersion experience that happens throughout each year, helping Cincinnati newcomers plug in quickly.

College and university students will choose Cincinnati to start their careers when they develop connections to the region and are able to envision success in their chosen field. That’s why we offer events like The Big College Event, a life fair that invites thousands of regional college and university students to connect in this community. And the Cincinnati Intern Network Connection (CINC) is a series of free summer events that expose interns and co-op students to all that Cincinnati has to offer.

In 2018, CINC connected 1,440 interns and co-ops from 236 different Greater Cincinnati companies, representing 192 universities, 44 states, and 58 countries!

And we’ve partnered with Kroger Technology to attract more tech talent through CincyisIT.com, which builds the case to tech talent everywhere that the Cincinnati

Hello Cincy region is a place with fantastic quality of life and limitless career opportunities.

We develop and retain talent through best-in-class leadership programs that connect leaders to each other and the region. Thousands of leaders have graduated from the Chamber’s premier development program, Leadership CincinnatiUSA, and many others have enjoyed programs for young professionals (C-Change and Cincy Next) and women (WE Lead and WE Succeed) that empower and advance talented women leaders.

In 2018, the Chamber partnered with 84.51° to create the Power Squad. Now available to all organizations, this unique program focuses on a group of diverse, high-achieving women within a company—women the organization wants to retain and whose talents and perspectives they want to leverage in a deliberate way.

And if you’re looking to expand your network while learning from other top leaders, t he Cha mber’s Leadersh ip Roundtables connect you to peer-learning opportunities.

We connect talent to our region’s businesses by building and growing pipelines of talent that f low directly into their organizations.

The Chamber recently collaborated with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) to launch work-based learning for students who know they want to enter the work world immediately after graduation.

Students benefit from paid, on-the-job learning at regional partner businesses while continuing high school studies.

As it scales, the initiative will serve hundreds of students in multiple districts and industries.

Learn more at CincinnatiChamber.com, or contact me directly at jvogel@cincinnatichamber.com or 513-579-3153. We’re proud to engage in this work on behalf of our region’s companies and industries as they drive our economy and make Cincinnati the hottest city in America! n Jordan Vogel leads the chamber’s effort to expand the talent base in the region, connecting our businesses to the resources that drive growth, in his current role as vice president of Talent Initiatives with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

He has an eclectic resume, ranging from working as a professional classical flutist to founding two small businesses, and later bringing that entrepreneurial sprit to Cintrifuse. w w w.

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PHOTOS BY JOE SIMON

Mike Durkee and David O’Maley with the “Axis Nightmare,” which will be featured in a new miniseries on Hulu

Batavia Goes Hollywood A B-25 BOMBER AT THE TRISTATE WARBIRD MUSEUM TAKES CENTER STAGE IN A GEORGE CLOONEY-DIRECTED MINISERIES

By Peter Bronson

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omewhere over the North Atlantic, with frigid water stretching beyond the horizons in every direction, it occurred to Mike Durkee, restoration and maintenance manager for the Tri-State Warbird Museum, that he was trusting his life to a 73-year-old airplane, suspended a few thousand feet above the deep ocean by two Wright 2600 Cyclone engines that were cutting-edge technology in 1935.

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left the land behind and we were out over the ocean, it hit me: This is a real thing.”

The “Axis Nightmare,” one of only about a dozen B-25 bombers from World War II that still fly, had taken off from the Tri-State Warbird Museum in Batavia on a lovely day in May. But at 9,000 feet over the Atlantic, in the unpressurized, unheated airplane, it was 25 degrees.

The twin radial engines were making a combined 28 cylinders of ear-blasting noise, burning two gallons of oil an hour.

Each detonation of those giant pistons felt like a sonic body blow through the thin fuselage, pounding the crew relentlessly, leaving them worn out and exhausted when their feet finally touched the ground again. “And we weren’t being shot at,” Durkee says, comparing their experience to the pilots who flew B-25s in combat.

Stuffed into the cramped airplane with Durkee were pilot Paul Redlich, co-pilot Dan Gleason and their flight attendant, a dashboard hula girl in a grass skirt, who can be seen on flight video shimmying to the pounding drums of the props.

When carbon monoxide and the smell of oil and fuel made him queasy, Durkee could crawl through a narrow tunnel into the greenhouse nose. “When you’re sitting up there with all that glass and nothing but ocean under you, you think, ‘What if something happens? What do you do?’”

The pilot’s answer, Durkee says, “Start throwing everything out of the airplane to get lighter.”

They were on their way to Sardinia, Italy, via Vermont, then Greenland, Iceland, Scotland and France, following the same route that was used to ferry B-25s and other

aircraft to Europe during World War II. It turns out that 31 hours and 5,000 miles from Batavia to Sardinia is the shortest route to Hollywood.

“It began with a random phone call,” says Tri-State Warbird Museum President David O’Maley Jr. “They asked, ‘Would you like to work with Paramount Television and fly your B-25 to Italy for a movie?’”

That was in January 2018. The old airplane finally landed back home in July.

“It was a wild six months,” O’Maley says.

He describes the film as a remake of Catch 22 directed and produced by George Clooney. It will be a six-part miniseries airing sometime in 2019 on the streaming Hulu network. Parts will be played by Clooney, Hugh Laurie and Kyle Chandler, with Christopher Abbott as the protagonist, Yossarian.

The original 1970 movie, starring Alan Arkin, Orson Welles and Bob Newhart, was based on the classic book by Joseph Heller, who flew as a B-25 bombardier in Italy during the war. The title became a catchphrase for a bureaucratic paradox. In the book, pilots who tried to avoid more missions by claiming insanity were automatically judged sane because anyone who wanted to fly would have to be crazy—a Catch 22.

“The original movie used 17 B-25s for 1,500 to 2,500 hours of flight film,” O’Maley says. “For this one we had two airplanes and filmed 35 hours in the air. The selling point was that they were going to make it as accurate as possible, including filming on location.”

The Tri-State Warbird Museum team spent months getting their 1945 model B25J Mitchell named “Axis Nightmare” in top condition for the trans-Atlantic flight.

They packed 600 pounds of spare parts, 25 gallons of oil, a topped-off auxiliary fuel tank in the bomb bay, cold-water survival suits and an inflatable life raft.

The interior of the airplane is as tight as a carnival ride, with sharp edges, levers, buttons, fire extinguishers and random pieces of essential gear and equipment on every flat surface.

“About 95 percent of the flight was over the ocean,” O’Maley says. “They went for three hours and 45 minutes at one stretch without seeing land. It was pretty nerve wracking.

“On the way back they had two cylinders acting up, causing a power loss, but it was not noticeable. Paul [Redlich] had already lost an engine once in that plane so he knew how to fly it that way if he had to.”

Jared Barrow flew as crew chief on the return flight. “There was no heat. It was

The “Axis Nightmare” is one of about a dozen B-25 bombers from World War II that still fly. Above, the greenhouse nose section.

miserable,” he says. “You were always either too cold or too hot. You had to love it to be there. But when we came over the Cliffs of Dover, the clouds parted and it was just beautiful. That was a very moving experience.”

Barrow was invited to be in the miniseries in various walk-on parts. “They said I looked the part.”

When they landed in Italy, a crew hired by the production company cleaned and

repainted the entire aircraft in one day, O’Maley says. “I asked Paul how it looked when he got there. We knew it would have oil all over it, and it might look good from a hundred feet away. But after the paint job he said, ‘It looks magnificent. Ten times more authentic.’

“And when it rolled up the ramp after it came home and landed at the museum, I was just amazed. It really looks like it’s been in a war.” w w w.

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The “Axis Nightmare” will be featured in a George Clooney-directed miniseries on Hulu based on the classic novel Catch 22.

Hollywood magic made the B-25 look like a grizzled combat veteran. The bottom of the airplane is still splashed with Italian mud that was carefully applied by hand, then hosed and dripped into place.

Careful application of silver paint was used to create the impression of raw metal exposed by repeated takeoffs and combat in the hot, dry climate of Southern Italy.

Paramount paid the bills for $10,000 of oil in Iceland, at $400 a gallon ($12 per gallon in Ohio), and a fuel bill of $50,000 in each direction.

O’Maley was required by the U.S. Department of Defense to get International Traffic in Arms Registration as a “defense article exporter,” although the military technology of the B-25 “defense article” is more than 70 years old. “They told us we had to account for the manual for the aircraft at all times. I could have told them anyone can buy the exact same manual for $32 at the Smithsonian.

“The contract from Paramount was 45 pages long,” O’Maley says.

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When he got that first call out of the blue, “The first thing I asked is what are you paying us. I can’t disclose the compensation, but I can say the museum has never been in a better position financially. And if I was asked to do it again, I absolutely would.”

That means the B-25 brought home a victory for the other elderly warbirds at the museum, including a P-51 Mustang, a P-40 Warhawk, a TBF Avenger, an F4U Corsair and even a German Focke Wulf fighter that is undergoing restoration, along with others.

Redlich, the ace pilot who flew them all, retired in October. “He always said that next to the P-51, the B-25 was his favorite,” O’Maley says.

Video of the flight to Italy shows the airplane landing in Greenland on a runway that seems to disappear into deep blue water dotted with ice floes. “The old girl is running great,” Redlich says after they touch down.

With all that Hollywood makeup, the B-25 looks the part of a World War II

veteran. But there may be more airplane talent waiting for an audition in the Batavia hangar.

“We heard whispers about a Steven Spielberg movie that may be in the works about World War II,” O’Maley said. “We think there’s a good chance we will have some opportunities in the future.”

It’s easy to see why. Unlike actors, these old airplanes speak to us about the World War II years because they were there. Every machine from the past is an encyclopedia of its time, with stories to tell about the people who made them and used them.

And there are no machines more graceful, appealing and thrilling than the warplanes of World War II. For now, anyone can visit the Tri-State Warbird Museum collection at 4021 Borman Drive, Batavia. The museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. Admission is $12; students and veterans $7; World War II veterans and any veterans in uniform are admitted free. n

Building a Legacy

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY BY EXPANDING ITS REACH

By Christian Meininger

A rendering of St. Vincent de Paul’s new Outreach Center

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he Cincinnati Reds isn’t the only organization celebrating 150 years in 2019. “They have a bigger budget, but our bullpen is better,” says Skip Tate, St. Vincent de Paul’s director of community relations Tate was only joking when comparing St. Vincent de Paul to the Cincinnati Reds, but his passion for the many programs that St. Vincent de Paul supports is evident.

St. Vincent de Paul is best known for its food pantry, charitable pharmacy and thrift stores, but some might not be aware

St. Vincent de Paul food pantry

of the full scope of its programs and impact on the community, which includes a bed program, a homelessness prevention program and a car donation program. St. Vincent de Paul works as a “safety net,” Tate says, to help Cincinnati residents stay above the poverty line. The organization supports and encourages individuals to gain full employment.

“We couldn’t do it without volunteers,” Tate says. Besides running a food pantry, charitable pharmacy and seven thrift stores, St. Vincent de Paul has “operations in 56 churches” across the city of Cincinnati. The church groups are known as “conferences,” and are run by “Vincentians.” The church groups are led by and comprised of volunteers. Tate says that volunteers are always welcome and in demand at St. Vincent de Paul’s church groups, and also at its food pantry and other programs.

For example, a week before Christmas, 140 volunteers gathered at St. Vincent de Paul on Bank Street as part of the organization’s Christmas toy distribution program.

St. Vincent de Paul also distributed 1,300 hams and other food for Christmas meals.

“We are dependent upon volunteers,” Tate says. Tate says that volunteers are crucial in helping St. Vincent de Paul maintain its mission to “help our neighbors in need.”

The church groups are key in finding people in many neighborhoods across Cincinnati who need services. Tate points to the fact that poverty in Cincinnati has “spread out” over time, where it used to be more centrally located in areas such as Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati has “one of the highest poverty rates in the country,” Tate says. “We also have a lot of generous people who help meet the needs.”

In 2019, St. Vincent de Paul will open a new building. The building will give the organization the capacity to keep its food pantry and pharmacy open six days a week.

Currently, the food pantry and pharmacy are only open a few days per week. The new building will help streamline the process and reduce travel time.

St. Vincent de Paul’s charitable pharmacy is evidence of the fact that the organization has evolved over time. Tate says that the demand at the pharmacy is high largely because of the rising cost of medication. “As the needs of society have changed, we’ve changed along with it,” Tate says.

March 26, 2019, is St. Vincent de Paul’s official 150th anniversary date. “It will be a yearlong celebration,” Tate says. “We’ve been here for 150 years, and we’ll be around for another 150 years.” n w w w.

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Best Schools

The Wow Factor

ELDER HIGH SCHOOL PLANS TO OPEN NEW FITNESS CENTER LATER THIS YEAR

By Janice Hisle

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lder High School’s athletic programs have grown so much, they’re “bursting at the seams,” Athletic Director Kevin Espelage says, forcing coaches and athletes to improvise in outdated and overcrowded conditions.

That’s about to change—big-time.

Thanks to the largesse of Elder alumni, including three grads who went on to play for the National Football League, a new fitness center is being built. A grand opening is expected in May or June for the center, the first new construction on the Elder campus since the basketball field house was built almost 40 years ago.

Besides adding a “wow factor” to the school’s Price Hill campus, the $2 million center will provide much-needed space: 19,500 square feet with special flooring and about $1 million in equipment, Espelage says.

The first floor of the two-story center will provide nearly 6,000 square feet for weight training. That’s double the area of the existing facility, the Donohoe Center, where as many as 100 young athletes, representing 14 varsity teams, are crammed into space designed for about 60 people.

As a result, athletes often must wait to use equipment, prolonging their training sessions unnecessarily.

Because the Donohoe Center is so crowded and also lacks air-conditioning, non-athletes “don’t bother” trying to use the facility to stay fit, Espelage says; perhaps those students will feel comfortable trying the new center.

The current center also has no area available for student-athletes to run speed-andagility drills—activities now performed in the high school’s second-floor hallway. The new center will provide a better surface and improved safety for such workouts, Espelage says.

Construction on the new center began in October, about four years after Elder alumnus Kyle Rudolph signed a contract extension with his NFL team, the Minne58

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ABOVE: A rendering of Elder High School’s new fitness center LEFT:: Elder alumnus and Minnesota Viking Kyle Rudolph, who donated to the school so that a new fitness center could be built

sota Vikings, and resolved to help improve weight-training facilities at his high school alma mater.

“I want to give these kids that are walking the halls of Elder now every resource and every opportunity they have to be successful, because that is what Elder did for me,” Rudolph said in a statement Elder released. He hopes the new center inspires athletes to excel. “When they see this facility and how incredible it is…maybe it will light that fire and make them work a little harder,” he said.

Rudolph said he’s honored to contribute to a legacy that he has watched since he was

old enough to walk: “The Elder Man that works hard and has that tough mentality… they’re coming in [the weight room] each and every day and leaving it all in [there].

Exactly how the saying goes: ‘What I had, I gave; what I saved, I lost forever.’”

Significant financial contributions for the center came from Rudolph and from two other NFL football pros who graduated from Elder: Jacob McQuaide of the Los Angeles Rams and Eric Wood, who recently retired from the Buffalo Bills.

Additional funds are still needed to complete the second phase of the project, including a second-floor multipurpose room. The Donohoe Center will continue to house the school’s Spirit Shop and will also likely be used for meeting space.

Jakob James, a junior offensive lineman and co-captain of next year’s Panther football squad, says he and his teammates feel privileged to help inaugurate the new building: “We will be the first senior class to use the Fitness Center, so leadership will be a key role to us. We will be able to continue the hard-working legacy in the new Fitness Center that became so wellknown in our current one.” n

Business LEADING LAWYERS

page 61

EXECUTIVE TRANSPORTATION

page 75

BUSINESS CALENDAR page 76

BEST IN BUSINESS DIRECTORY

page 77

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Calfee is honored to have eleven attorneys named 2019 Cincy Leading Lawyers • David T. Bules – Litigation • Jennifer W. Colvin – Labor and Employment • Michael B. Hurley – Corporate and Capital Markets • Charlie Luken – Government Relations • John A. Mongelluzzo – Corporate and Capital Markets • Jamie M. Ramsey – Litigation • Andrew M. Simon – Corporate and Capital Markets • James A. Singler – Estate and Succession Planning • Sean S. Suder – Real Estate, Zoning • Donald L. Warner, III – Zoning, Public Finance Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP is a full-service, corporate law firm with attorneys located in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Washington, D.C. As a founding member of Lex Mundi, we also offer international representation through a network of independent law firms with 21,000 attorneys in more than 100 countries.

Cincinnati | Cleveland | Columbus | Washington, D.C. | Calfee.com John A. Mongelluzzo, Partner-in-Charge, Cincinnati | jmongelluzzo@calfee.com | 513.693.4868

©2019 Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP. All Rights Reserved.

2800 First Financial Center, 255 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

• Mark R. Hull – Intellectual Property

Cincy

LEADING LAWYERS

2019

SONYA JINDAL TORK Taft, Stettinius & Hollister Tax

DEEPAK K. DESAI Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller Civil Litigation

JAMIE M. RAMSEY Calfee, Halter & Griswold Civil Litigation, Business Litigation

If you have to hire a lawyer, you want to make sure you have a good one when you do. For 14 years, registered lawyers in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana have been invited by Cincy to submit ballots nominating the best among their colleagues. Results are fact-checked and approved by an advisory board. Self-nominated lawyers are not included. Votes from lawyers in the same firm carry less weight. Three awardees are profiled below and this year’s 288 Leading Lawyers are listed alphabetically by specialty.

– The Editors

According to Sonya Jindal Tork, she knew tax law was the right focus for her because of its ever-changing complexities. “Tax law requires a great deal of critical thinking and creative problem solving. I find it intellectually challenging and rewarding,” she says.

Tork has experience in all aspects of tax law, which includes advising on tax and non-tax business structuring issues and representing clients in criminal tax investigations. She also represents nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and foundations in all aspects of their operations.

In addition to practicing law, Tork serves as the co-chair of Taft’s Gender Advancement Committee. “[It’s] given me the opportunity to create and implement policies and initiatives that champion the advancement of all attorneys at Taft, regardless of gender,” she says. Because of this work, she recently received the Taft Legacy Award, which is given to Taft employees who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the firm.

Deepak Desai, a Cincinnati native, practices small business, employment, municipal, zoning and real estate law for the firm of Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller in Montgomery.

Desai enjoys the many aspects of his practice. “Municipal law requires proficiency in several legal areas in addition to the ability to draft legislation, such as real estate, business and employment,” he says. Currently, he is working on cases that center on employment defense, hillside property matters and special prosecution work for municipalities.

Desai says that he first became interested in law because he wanted to help people and make a positive difference in the world. Those desires still drive him today. “I cannot see myself ever retiring because I enjoy practicing law too much!” he says.

Jamie Ramsey works with both small and large businesses, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, and individuals to assist them in litigation matters at the state and federal levels.

“For the past 20 years, my focus has been on all aspects of business litigation, with some additional experience in wrongful death, traumatic brain injury and other significant personal injury cases pending around the country,” he says. “With respect to business litigation, I have represented companies, both large and small, and individuals in virtually every type of business dispute imaginable.”

When Ramsey entered law school, he had no plans to be involved with litigation, but fate had different plans as he spent each summer working in litigation.

“Surprisingly, I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed representing individuals and companies who found themselves in unfortunate situations. I enjoyed developing factual and legal arguments that helped resolve disputes that were affecting the lives of individuals. I liked being an advocate. I was hooked, and I never looked back,” he says. w w w.

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Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019 [ Alphabetical by Specialty ] ANTITRUST & TRADE REGULATION

Eric K. Combs Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Michael D. Eagen Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

W.B. (Bill) Markovits Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC

Grant S. Cowan Frost Brown Todd LLC

Alphonse A. Gerhardstein Gerhardstein & Branch

Mark L. Silbersack Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Colleen M. Devanney Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

Brian D. Goldwasser Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis LLP

ANTITRUST LAW & APPELLATE LITIGATION

Renee Filiatraut AK Steel Corp.

James D. Houston Ulmer & Berne LLP

Matthew C. Blickensderfer Frost Brown Todd LLC

Jack F. Fuchs Thompson Hine LLP

David P. Kamp White, Getgey & Meyer Co., LPA

BANKING

Louis F. Gilligan Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

J. Robert Linneman Santen & Hughes

Mark T. Hayden Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Jesse R. Lipcius Ulmer & Berne LLP

Robert P. Johnson Thompson Hine LLP

Jeffrey C. Mando Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing PLLC

Reuel D. Ash Ulmer & Berne LLP James A. Dressman III Dressman Benzinger LaVelle Lynn M. Schulte Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Jeffrey S. Schloemer Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP COMMERCIAL FINANCE Hani R. Kallas Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Steven C. Coffaro Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL COMMERCIAL, SECURITIES Matthew S. Parrish FisherBroyles, LLP COMMERICAL Kevin Feazell Cors & Bassett LLC Adam M. Vernick Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

BANKRUPTCY

Scott A. Kane Squire Patton Boggs, LLP

Philomena Saldanha Ashdown Strauss & Troy LPA

Nathaniel Lampley Jr. Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

Richard Boydston Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP

Jacob D. Mahle Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

J. Michael Debbeler Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Deborah P. Majoras Proctor & Gamble

Eric Goering Law Office of Goering & Goering

Christopher Markus DBL Law

Timothy J. Hurley Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Beth Schneider Naylor Frost Brown Todd LLC

Kevin E. Irwin Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

John J. Reister Millikin & Fitton Law Firm

Donald L. Stepner Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing PLLC

Stephen D. Lerner Squire Patton Boggs, LLP

Eric W. Richardson Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

Richard S. Wayne Strauss & Troy LPA

Kim Martin Lewis Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Russell S. Sayre Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

CIVIL LITIGATION, BUSINESS LITIGATION

Douglas L. Lutz Frost Brown Todd LLC

Phillip Smith GE Aviation

Jamie M. Ramsey Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Robert G Sanker Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Christina M. Sprecher Frost Brown Todd LLC

CIVIL LITIGATION, EMPLOYMENT

Mark H. Klusmeier Mark H. Klusmeier Attorney

Alan J. Statman Statman, Harris & Eyrich LLC

Mark A. Vander Laan Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Robert W. Hojnoski Reminger, Co. LPA

Leonard A. Weakley Jr. Jedson Engineering

BIOTECH

Victor A. Walton Jr. Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

Paul B. Martins Helmer, Martins, Rice & Popham LPA James F. McCarthy Katz Teller Robert A. Pitcairn Jr. Katz Teller Michael Scheier Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL Joseph W. Shea III SheaHartmann LLP

CIVIL LITIGATION, FALSE CLAIMS ACT

COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA Susan Grogan Faller Frost Brown Todd LLC Stephen E. Gillen Wood Herron & Evans LLP COMPUTER, INTERNET & E-COMMERCE Alan J. Hartman Ulmer & Berne LLP COMPUTER, INTERNET & E-COMMERCE, CONSTRUCTION Steven W. Weeks Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP CONSTRUCTION Joseph A. Cleves Jr. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP D. Scott Gurney Frost Brown Todd LLC

COPYRIGHT Karen K. Gaunt Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

BUSINESS, GENERAL

James B. Helmer Helmer, Martins, Rice & Popham LPA

David E. Jefferies Wood Herron & Evans LLP

Stephen S. Holmes Cors & Bassett LLC

CIVIL LITIGATION, GENERAL PRACTICE

Louis K. Ebling Thompson Hine LLP

Joseph P. Thomas Ulmer & Berne LLP

Jonathan D. Sams Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Todd V. McMurtry Hemmer DeFrank Wessels, PLLC

Kenneth B. Germain Wood Herron & Evans LLP

BUSINESS

Michael T. Sutton Raines, Dusing & Sutton PLLC

CIVIL LITIGATION, MALPRACTICE, PRODUCT LIABILITY

Lori E. Krafte Wood Herron & Evans LLP

Randall S. Jackson Jr. Wood Herron & Evans LLP

W. Ashley Hess BakerHostetler BUSINESS & EMERGING COMPANIES

George H. Vincent Dinsmore & Shohl LLP CIVIL LITIGATION

Patrick Nesbitt Patrick Nesbitt, Attorney

Mark G. Arnzen Arnzen, Storm & Turner PSC

BUSINESS LITIGATION

Paul Raymond Boggs III Wallace Boggs

Kent Britt Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP Daniel J. Buckley Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP James E. Burke Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

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Beth A. Bryan Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP David T. Bules Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Deepak K. Desai Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller

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Brian Hurley Schroeder, Maundrell, Barbiere & Powers CLASS ACTION/PRODUCT LIABILITY Tiffany Reece Clark The David J. Joseph Company Frank C. Woodside III Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Michael J. Suffern Ulmer & Berne LLP COMMERCIAL & CONTRACT Charles C. Bissinger Jr. Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK

Margaret A. Lawson Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Michael A. Marrero Ulmer & Berne LLP R. Guy Taft Strauss & Troy LPA CORPORATE Andrew R. Berger Katz Teller David DeVita Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Peter A. Draugelis Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Ultimate Workshop

TAX, Succession, and Estate mistakes made by Business Owners and how to avoid them Presented By: NKY Chamber of Commerce

William E. Hesch, Esq., CPA, PFS • Amy E. Pennekamp, Esq.

Thursday, February 14, 2019, 8:00 am – 11:30 am Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017

Register at www.nkychamber.com/events Members: $30, Non Members: $45

Benefits of Attending the Workshop: • Identify action steps for your business which become your 2019 road map for success!

• Protect the value of your business and its long-term success.

• Avoid major business problems that would arise if you died or became disabled.

• Get answers to your CPA and legal questions. Forward your questions to Bill prior to the workshop!

• All attendees receive a one-hour complimentary follow-up consultation with Bill.

8:00 am • Session 1: Top 10 Tax Planning Mistakes • Choice of Entity-Sole Proprietor, S or C Corporation • Maximize retirement plan deductions • Maximize your tax deductions • Avoid IRS audit problems

9:15 am • Session 2: Top 10 Succession Planning Mistakes • How to Plan for: *Death, *Disability, *Retirement • Secrets For a Successful Business Succession Plan • Planning for disability of owner

10:30 am • Session 3: Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes • How to use a Trust and buy-sell agreement in estate plan • How to protect family and value of business if owner dies or becomes disabled

William E.Hesch Law Firm, LLC

Personalized • Experienced • Service-oriented After you meet with your attorney, CPA and Financial Planner, contact Bill on his cell phone at (513) 509-7829 to get a second opinion and see what he can do for you.

3047 Madison Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati, OH 45209 | 513-731-6601 | www.heschlaw.com This is an advertisement | Legal work may be performed by others within the firm.

Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019 Neil Ganulin Frost Brown Todd LLC

CORPORATE LENDING, REAL ESTATE

Brian C. Judkins Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Stephen M. Griffith Jr. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Michael J. Moeddel Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

CORPORATE, TAX & WEALTH PLANNING

Peter A. Solimine Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Ben F. Wells Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Susan B. Zaunbrecher Fifth Third Bancorp CORPORATE & BANKRUPTCY Louis F. Solimine Thompson Hine LLP CORPORATE & BUSINESS LITIGATION Breck Weigel GE Aviation

CORPORATE/SECURITIES Bridget C. Hoffman FHLB Cincinnati CORPORATION Peter A. Draugelis Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Stephen Ewald Medpace, Inc.

Mark J. Jahnke Katz Teller CRIMINAL Kathleen M. Brinkman Porter Wright Morris & Arthur

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Gregory S. French Law Office of Gregory S. French

Perry Leslie Ancona Perry L. Ancona Co. LPA

Janet E. Pecquet Law Offices of Burke & Pecquet, LLC.

Martin S. Pinales Pinales Stachler Young Burrell & Crouse Co LPA

George D. Molinsky Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Peter Rosenwald Peter Rosenwald Attorney at Law

David J. Willbrand Thompson Hine LLP

CRIMINAL LAW

James M. Zimmerman Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

CORPORATE FINANCE

Maggie A. Muething Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

R. Scott Croswell III Croswell & Adams Co. LPA

CORPORATE FINANCE, REAL ESTATE

CORPORATION, COMMERICAL

Robert S. Fischer Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

CORPORATE LAW

CORPORATION/PARTNERSHIP

Karen J. Renz Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Tom Bosse The Law Offices of Thomas W. Bosse, PLLC

Jeffrey L. Rohr Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Calvin D. Buford Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Matthew L. Darpel Darpel Elder Law Services

Charles M. Rittgers Rittgers & Rittgers

Tracey A. Puthoff Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

John A. Mongelluzzo Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

ELDER LAW Jennifer Anstaett Wood & Lamping LLP

Jonathan N. Fox Lyons & Lyons

Lev K. Martyniuk Porter Wright Morris & Arthur

Edward D. Diller Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

ELDER Ralph Conrad Conrad Law Office

EMERGING COMPANIES/ VENTURE CAPITAL Robert W. McDonald Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

DUI Steven R. Adams The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC Robert H. Lyons Lyons & Lyons Joseph B. Suhre IV Suhre & Associates LLC

EMERGING COMPANIES

EMPLOYMENT Jennifer W. Colvin Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Curtis Cornett Cors & Bassett LLC Caroline M. DiMauro Jackson Lewis PC

PHYLLIS G. BOSSIN

P

hyllis Bossin is a well-known and highly respected family law attorney, skilled in both litigation and negotiation. She handles high-asset cases, which often involve complex business valuations and complicated tax and estate issues. Phyllis and her firm handle all aspects of family law cases.

Phyllis is a Diplomate in the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer for eight years and has been listed in Best Lawyers of America for over 25 years. She has been named a Super Lawyer in Ohio since its inception in 2004. In 2019, she was named by Ohio Super Lawyers as one of the top 100 lawyers in Ohio and one of the top 50 lawyers in Cincinnati as well as a Super Lawyer in Family Law.

Phyllis G. Bossin & Associates, A Legal Professional Association 201 E. Fifth St., Suite 1910 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-421-4420 bossinlaw.com

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Practice Area Litigation Negotiation Mediation Collaborative practice

David G. Holcombe BakerHostetler

EMPLOYMENT, CIVIL LITGATION Robert Maxwell Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

August T. Janszen Janszen Law Firm

Mary Ellen Malas Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

GENERAL LITIGATION Paige L. Ellerman Mount St. Joseph University

ENVIRONMENTAL

Trista Portales Goldberg Beth Silverman & Associates

Samantha A. Koeninger Rittgers Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Robert A. Bilott Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Adrienne J. Roach Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Michael A. Laing Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Kim K. Burke Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Jeffrey M. Rollman Rollman, Handorf & Conyers, LLC

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR

William D. Hayes Frost Brown Todd LLC

Timothy B. Theissen Strauss & Troy LPA

Thomas T. Terp Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

FINANCE & BANKRUPTCY

GOVERNMENTAL

Michael J. O’Grady Frost Brown Todd LLC

Charlie Luken Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

FIRST AMENDMENT

Donald L. Warner Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

David T. Croall Porter Wright Morris & Arthur Randolph H. Freking Freking Myers & Reul, LLC

FAMILY

Michael S. Glassman Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Randal S. Bloch Wagner & Bloch

Mark D. Guilfoyle Dressman Benzinger LaVelle

Sallee M. Fry Santen & Hughes

Michael W. Hawkins Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Zachary D. Smith ZDS Law

Marc Mezibov Mezibov Butler Charles M. Roesch Dinsmore & Shohl LLP C.J. Schmidt III Wood & Lamping LLP EMPLOYMENT LAW & ESTATE PLANNING Eric G. Bruestle Roetzel & Andress LPA

Daniel E. Izenson Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL Theresa L. Nelson Strauss & Troy LPA GENERAL PRACTICE George Zamary Zamary Law Firm

Christopher P. Finney Finney Law Firm

GOVERNMENTAL, EMPLOYMENT

John C. Greiner Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Anthony Springer US Attorney’s Office

FAMILY/DOMESTIC RELATIONS

FIRST AMENDMENT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

GOVERNMENTAL/PUBLIC FINANCE

Gregory L. Adams Croswell & Adams Co. LPA

Monica Dias Frost Brown Todd LLC

Bradley N. Ruwe Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Phyllis G. Bossin Phyllis G. Bossin & Associates LPA

FIRST AMENDMENT/CRIMINAL LAW

Stephanie A. Dietz Dietz & Overmann PLLC

H. Louis Sirkin Santen & Hughes

Barbara J. Howard Barbara J. Howard Co. LPA

GENERAL BUSINESS LAW

William M. Freedman Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Charles M. Meyer Santen & Hughes

Thomas W. Kahle BakerHostetler

Wijdan Jreisat Katz Teller

HEALTH CARE Adam D. Colvin Squire Patton Boggs, LLP

WILLIAM A. POSEY

B

ill Posey is a nationally known and respected trial attorney representing both plaintiffs and defendants in high value, significant litigation. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as both a plaintiff and defense lawyer. He is further consistently recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Form, Litigation Counsel of America and Ohio’s Super Lawyers. Bill has represented injury victims and their families throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Initial consultations are without charge.

He has represented businesses in product liability and tort defense cases in more than 35 states.

Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL 1 E. Fourth St., Suite 1400 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-579-6535 kmklaw.com

Practice Area Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Malpractice, Product Liability and Tort Defense

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Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019 HEALTH LIFE SCIENCES Mark A. McAndrew Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

LITIGATION, CONSTRUCTION LAW

Gerald Greenberg Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Shannah J. Morris GE Aviation

Michael A. Hirschfeld Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

MALPRACTICE

Edward E. Steiner Squire Patton Boggs, LLP

IMMIGRATION

John F. Bennett Ulmer & Berne LLP

Neil Fleischer Fleischer Law Firm LLC

Paul J. Linden Wood Herron & Evans LLP

Antonia Mitroussia Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

INTERNATIONAL

Roger N. Braden Braden Humfleet & Devine, PLC

Paul Allaer Thompson Hine LLP

William A. Posey Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Toshio Nakao Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

MEDIATION

Christopher T. Musillo Musillo Unkenholt IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION Richard I. Fleischer Fleischer Law Firm LLC

Michael R. Oestreicher Thompson Hine LLP LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW

MERGERS, COMMERICAL Michael B. Hurley Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION Carl J. Stitch Jr. White, Getgey & Meyer Co., LPA

Gregory Parker Rogers Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

INSURANCE

Daniel E. Burke Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

John D. Holschuh Jr. Santen & Hughes

LITIGATION

MERGERS

Daniel J. Donnellon Sebaly, Shillito & Dyer

Melvin A. Bedree Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP

Susanne Cetrulo Cetrulo, Mowery & Hicks

MERGERS, BANKRUPTCY Andrew Simon Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Steven R. Jaeger Jaeger Firm

Michael J. Zavatsky Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Robert Cetrulo Cetrulo, Mowery & Hicks

David A. Zimmerman Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

NONPROFIT/TAX EXEMPT David W. Burleigh Buechner Haffer Meyers & Koenig Co., LPA

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Ronald C. Christian Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP PATENT

Pamela Morgan Hodge Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Jack B. Harrison Cors & Bassett LLC

D. Brock Denton Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

W. Scott Gaines Wood Herron & Evans LLP

Brian S. Sullivan Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Kyle E. Hern University of Cincinnati

James C. Kennedy Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

Mark R. Hull Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Thomas A. Sweeney The Sweeney Law Group

Lynne Longtin CT Law

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Vance V. VanDrake III Ulmer & Berne LLP

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Julia B. Meister Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Gregory F. Ahrens Wood Herron & Evans LLP

B. Scott Boster Ulmer & Berne LLP Frank D. Chaiken Thompson Hine LLP

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Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019 PATENT & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Glenn D. Bellamy Wood Herron & Evans LLP David H. Brinkman Wood Herron & Evans LLP

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS

Monica Gearding Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

W. Stuart Dornette Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

David E. Gerner Gerner & Kearns

TAX

Stephen R. Hunt Aronoff, Rosen & Hunt LPA

David M. Lafkas Eureka Ranch!

Scott P. Kadish Ulmer & Berne LLP

J. Dwight Poffenberger Jr. Wood Herron & Evans LLP

Stephen M. King Thompson Hine LLP

Kevin G. Rooney Dorton & Willis PATENT, COPYRIGHT

Monica Donath Kohnen Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Steven J. Goldstein Frost Brown Todd LLC

Tamara Miano Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

PERSONAL INJURY

Samuel M. Scoggins SMS Law

Justin Lee Lawrence Lawrence & Associates Blake R. Maislin Law Offices of Blake R. Maislin, LLC PERSONAL INJURY & BUSINESS LITIGATION

PROBATE, ESTATE PLANNING Mark S. Reckman Wood & Lamping LLP PRODUCT LIABILITY, PERSONAL INJURY

WHITE COLLAR CRIME

Patrick J. Mitchell Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP J. Shane Starkey Thompson Hine LLP

TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING William J. Baechtold Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP Kenneth P. Coyne Graf Coyne

Arthur F. McMahon III Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

William R. Graf Graf Coyne William E. Hesch William E. Hesch Law Firm

Robert Cetrulo

Larry Hicks

We represent individuals, businesses and insurance companies without the expense and overhead of larger firms. Each of the

Jeanne Cors Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Ralph W. Kohnen Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Chad Ziepfel Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

TRUST

SECURITIES

CETRULO, MOWERY & HICKS, P.S.C.

WEALTH PLANNING & TAX LAW

Howard S. Levy Voorhees & Levy LLC

James A. Singler Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Diane Schneiderman Episcopal Retirement Homes

TRUST, BUSINESS, GENERAL Susan E. Wheatley Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP William F. Russo Katz Teller

REAL ESTATE, ZONING Sean S. Suder Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Kara H. Lyons Lyons & Lyons

Sonya S. Jindal Tork Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Mary L. Rust Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Peter L. Ney Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis LLP

Susanne M. Cetrulo

Jennifer M. Gatherwright Gatherwright Freeman & Associates

Thomas M. Tepe Jr. Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

RETIREMENT

T. Lawrence Hicks Cetrulo, Mowery & Hicks

Henry G. Alexander Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

Daniel J. Hoffheimer Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Brian C. Thomas Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP C. Jeffrey Waite Jeffrey Waite & Associates Co. LPA ZONING Thomas W. Breidenstein Stites & Harbison

See full list online at cincymagazine.com

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, March 23, 2019 JACK Cincinnati Casino

named partners has 33 years of legal experience in Ohio and Kentucky courts. Over the past two decades, Bob and Susanne Cetrulo have both been ranked among the most prolific trial attorneys in Kentucky by the Trial Court Review. Larry has been a Leading Lawyer since 2008. In 2015, Lindsay Rump also joined the firm as a partner. We handle business litigation, insurance defense, and product liability and medical malpractice claims.

Susanne, Bob, and Larry are each proud to be recognized as Cincy’s Leading Lawyers.

130 Dudley Road, Suite 200 • Edgewood, Kentucky 41017 (859) 331-4900 68

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Go to www.bit.do/ToolBeltBall to learn how you can get involved and support ToolBelt Ball to assist our low-income neighbors with disabilities.

The 3rd Annual ToolBelt Ball beneifts People Working Cooperatively’s Modifications for Mobility porgram.

Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019

2019 CINCY MAGAZINE LEADING LAWYER PROFILES

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GREGORY F. AHRENS Gregory F. Ahrens is in his 32nd year of practicing intellectual property law and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. His expertise is concentrated on intellectual property litigation, although he oversees others in all phases of the firm’s intellectual property practice, particularly in the chemical arts. In his litigation practice, Gregory has handled dozens of cases, many through jury trials and appeals, in numerous federal courts across the country, including the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, as well as in various state courts in Ohio. Greg is currently a member of the Executive Committee of Wood Herron & Evans, which manage the firm’s operations.

CULTURE

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Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 gahrens@whe-law.com Practice Area Intellectual Property

GLENN BELLAMY

PAUL R. BOGGS III

DAVID H. BRINKMAN

Glenn Bellamy is a Partner with Wood Herron & Evans LLP. Glenn has 30 years of intellectual property litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, and U.S. Customs enforcement experience. He counsels clients on strategic plans for IP protection of everything from video games to firearms and has litigated cases in federal courts and before the International Trade Commission. Glenn has a B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology, from the University of Cincinnati, 1984 and J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, 1987.

Mr. Boggs, a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky, is in his 36th year of private practice and is licensed in both Kentucky and Ohio. He is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Northern Kentucky Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association. While his firm is a general practice firm, Mr. Boggs concentrates his practice in all facets of business representation, commercial/business litigation, employment law, workers’ compensation and estate/ succession planning. He regularly is invited to speak to groups about various business, employment and estate planning issues. He and his wife are residents of Florence, Kentucky, and are members of Seven Hills Church.

Mr. Boggs is actively involved in the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International and regularly volunteers with local charitable organizations. Leisure activities include skiing, golf, reading, hiking and mountain biking.

David H. Brinkman is a partner with Wood Herron & Evans LLP and is involved in all phases of the firm’s intellectual property practice. Admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1994, Mr. Brinkman is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and his expertise is concentrated in the areas of electronic, mechanical and electrical technologies. He has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America.

Wallace Boggs PLLC 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 100 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 859-647-9100 wallaceboggs.com

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 dbrinkman@whe-law.com

Practice Area Business, Business Litigation, Workers’ Compensation, Employment Law

Practice Area Patent & Intellectual Property Law

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 gbellamy@whe-law.com Practice Area Intellectual Property Law

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KATHLEEN BRINKMAN

DAVID CROALL

RICHARD I. FLEISCHER

Kathy represents corporations and individuals who face investigation or charges by federal authorities, or whose property the government seeks to forfeit. She has recently defended clients in environmental, immigration, public corruption, gambling, fraud, and false statements criminal investigations and forfeitures.

She has experience in health care fraud matters, including False Claims Act cases. Kathy is a recognized authority in asset forfeiture and has taught the subject throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Dave has been representing employers in a wide variety of employment law matters for more than 30 years.

Recently, his practice has been focused on employment discrimination, wrongful discharge and wage-hour litigation and preventive employment law counseling and training.

Richard is a 1970 graduate of the University of Kentucky Law School.

For over 46 years, he has been a pioneer for immigration law and is reportedly the first attorney in Ohio to concentrate in this area of law. He will humbly admit to bringing thousands of individuals, families and businesses successfully through the immigration process.

Richard is the founder of The Fleischer Law Firm. Since 2000, when his son, Neil, also an immigration attorney, joined the firm, Richard and the firm’s staff have continued to offer compassion, diligence and integrity to anyone with immigration law requirements.

Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 250 E. Fifth St., Suite 2200 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-369-4258 kbrinkman@porterwright.com Practice Area White collar criminal and regulatory Defense Corporate internal investigations Asset forfeiture

He has achieved positive outcomes for clients in state and federal courts, representing a variety of employers, including hospitals, manufacturers, a major airline, a university, retailers and service providers.

Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 250 E, Fifth St., Suite 2200 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-369-4240 dcroall@porterwright.com Practice Area Labor & Employment

The Fleischer Law Firm LLC 810 Sycamore St., Second Floor Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-246-1212immigrate2usa.com Practice Area Immigration Law

JONATHAN FOX

W. SCOTT GAINES

KENNETH GERMAIN

Jonathan Fox graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1988 (J.D.). Prior to law school, he was a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and a police officer for the City of Monroe. Mr. Fox was an assistant prosecutor for Franklin Municipal Court, a Butler County assistant prosecuting attorney, and an assistant law director/prosecuting attorney for the City of Hamilton. He has been an acting judge in all three Butler County Area Courts for the past 10 years. Currently, Mr. Fox serves as magistrate in Trenton Mayor’s Court. Mr. Fox’s primary areas of practice include Traffic/Criminal, with a concentration on DUI defense, Criminal Defense, Juvenile, and Personal Injury.

W. Scott Gaines is an associate at Wood Herron & Evans, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering.

Scott’s practice focuses primarily on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for electronic devices and circuits, digital and analog communication systems, semiconductor devices and processing, and software-implemented inventions. He also has more than 12 years of practical engineering experience, mainly in wireless communications and radio frequency electronics, with particular experience involving cellular telecommunication networks, aerospace electronics and defense electronics.

Germain has more than 40 years of varied experience in the trademark/ unfair competition field.

He focuses his practice on trademark counseling, consulting and litigation.

He is often retained as an expert witness working on cases involving some of the nation’s largest companies in high-stakes, cutting-edge cases. He is also available for Early Neutral Evaluation. In addition to his involvement at WHE, he recently taught Intellectual Property/Trademark courses at the NKU Chase School of Law and at the University of Dayton Law School’s Program in Law and Technology. Germain has a J.D. from New York University School of Law, 1969, and an A.B., magna cum laude, from Rutgers College, 1966.

Lyons & Lyons Attorneys at Law 8310 Princeton-Glendale Road West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 777-2222 or (513) 844-8888 jfox@lyonsandlyonslaw.com Practice Areas Criminal/Traffic DUI/OVI Defense Personal Injury Juvenile

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 gbellamy@whe-law.com Practice Area Intellectual Property Law

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 kgermain@whe-law.com Practice Area Trademark Law

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Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019 STEPHEN E. GILLEN

WILLIAM E. HESCH

DANIEL J. HOFFHEIMER

Prior to entering private practice in 1994, Stephen Gillen served as house counsel for an education publishing company. He has written and spoken nationally on various publishing and copyright topics. Steve’s practice emphasizes publishing and entertainment transactions and disputes, Internet issues, advertising law, computer law, copyrights, technology transfer, trade secrets and related matters. His clients include publishers, authors, artists, photographers, videographers, independent producers, Internet service providers, multimedia developers and software programmers. Mr. Gillen has a B.S.B.A from Miami University, 1975, and a J.D. from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, 1980.

William E. Hesch founded his law firm and CPA firm in 1993, with an emphasis in estate and tax planning.

As one of the few attorneys in the Cincinnati area who is also a CPA and Personal Financial Specialist, Mr. Hesch provides creative, practical solutions to complex legal, tax and retirement planning for business owners and individuals. His videos at www.heschlaw.com identify the Top 10 Mistakes Business Owners make in Tax, Succession and Estate Planning.

A former president of both the Cincinnati Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, Cincinnati chapter, Dan Hoffheimer is a partner with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where his law practice is concentrated in nonprofit and charitable organization law, estate planning, trust and probate law, family businesses, and related issues. Dan is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is board certified as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the Ohio State Bar Association Specialty Board. He has also been named one of the Best Lawyers in America, a Leading Lawyer by Cincy Magazine, one of the top 100 SuperLawyers in Ohio and one of the top 50 SuperLawyers in Cincinnati by Law and Politics Magazine.

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 sgillen@whe-law.com Practice Area Copyright & Intellectual Property Law

Practice Areas Purchase/Sale of Business Interests Estate Planning and Administration Succession Planning & Business Law Tax Planning for Business Owners Retirement Planning for Baby Boomers Elder Law Medicaid Planning

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 425 Walnut St., Suite 1800 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-357-9328. hoffheimer@taftlaw.com Practice Areas Trust & Estate Planning

RANDALL S. JACKSON, JR.

STEVEN R. JAEGER

DAVID E. JEFFERIES

Randy Jackson is a partner with Wood Herron & Evans LLP and is in the firm’s Chemical/Materials Sciences and Biotech Practice Groups. While involved in all phases of intellectual property representation, Randy’s expertise is heavily concentrated in the chemical and biotechnology areas. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1998, the Kentucky Bar in 1999, and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also is admitted before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court.

Steven R. Jaeger, Esq., served as a circuit and district judge on the Kentucky State Court of Justice from 1987 until 2010. He returned to private practice and mediates disputes in Kentucky in personal injury, civil litigation and family law cases. He is respected for his fair, committed and neutral approach to achieve issue resolution and his demeanor and compassion when working with parties to achieve practical solutions to mediated issues. For more information visit thejaegerfirm.com

David E. Jefferies is a partner with Wood Herron & Evans LLP and is involved in all phases of the firm’s intellectual property practice. Admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1998 and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio in 1999, Mr. Jefferies is also registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He joined Wood Herron & Evans in 1998 and his expertise is concentrated in patent prosecution and infringement evaluation in the areas of biology, biotech, pharmaceuticals and biomedical devices.

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 rjackson@whe-law.com

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The Jaeger Firm PLLC 23 Erlanger Road Erlanger, KY 41018 859-342-4500 thejaegerfirm.com Practice Area Mediation, State and Federal Appeals, Estate and Probate

Practice Areas Chemical & Biotech Patent Law

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William E. Hesch Law Firm, LLC 3047 Madison Road, Suite 205 Cincinnati, OH 45209 (513) 731-6601 www.heschlaw.com

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Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 djefferies@whe-law.com Practice Areas Biotech & Pharmaceutical Patent Law

LORI KRAFTE

PAUL LINDEN

ROBERT H. LYONS

Lori Krafte is a Partner with Wood Herron & Evans LLP. Lori counsels clients in all areas of advertising and media law, privacy, trademarks, copyrights, and domain name disputes and other internet law matters.

Krafte has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America in the fields of advertising law, trademarks, copyrights, and IP litigation; and she has been named to Ohio Super Lawyers for a number of years, including as one of the top 25 women lawyers in Cincinnati four times, and one of the top 50 women lawyers in Ohio in 2010. She is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US). Krafte has a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, 1998, a Doctor of Philosophy from The Claremont Graduate School, 1989, and a B.A. from Indiana University, 1977.

Paul Linden is a partner and registered patent attorney with Wood Herron & Evans LLP. During his more than 10 years in practice, Paul has developed expertise in three primary areas of intellectual property law: federal court litigation at both the trial and appellate levels involving patents, trademarks and trade secrets; contested proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office involving patents and trademarks; and preparing legal opinions regarding a range of intellectual property issues, such as patentability and freedom to operate. Paul currently serves as co-chair of the Cincinnati Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Litigation Committee, where he presents annually on recent development in intellectual property law. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law where he teaches a course on intellectual property practice.

Robert H. Lyons has been successfully defending the rights of those charged with DUI in Southwest Ohio for more than 35 years.

He has established a reputation of providing an aggressive defense, leaving no stone unturned, while obtaining the best possible outcome for his clients. With vast experience in DUI, Mr. Lyons is very active in teaching DUI defense to other attorneys and has been an instructor at Chase College of Law and Miami University. Mr. Lyons is also the former chairman of the Ohio State Bar Association Traffic Law Committee.

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 lkrafte@whe-law.com

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 plinden@whe-law.com

Practice Area Media & Intellectual Property Law

Practice Areas Intellectual property practice

KARA H. LYONS After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Chase College of Law in 2015, Kara H. Lyons, following her late grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, joined the family firm of Lyons & Lyons as a third-generation attorney. With a primary focus on wills, trusts, estate planning and probate law, Ms. Lyons has made it her mission to simplify the traditionally overly complicated estate planning process, by creating personalized plans based upon each client’s individual needs.

Lyons & Lyons Attorneys at Law 8310 Princeton Glendale Road West Chester, Ohio 45069 513-777-222 klyons@lyonsandlyonslaw.com Practice Areas Trust & Estate Planning Probate Business Law

Lyons & Lyons Attorneys at Law 8310 Princeton-Glendale Road West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 777-2222 rlyons@lyonsandlyonslaw.com Practice Areas Traffic/Criminal Personal Injury Estate Planning DUI/OVI Defense

LEV MARTYNIUK Lev represents clients in corporate and general business matters involving divestitures, structuring and reorganization, ownership succession planning and other contractual transactions to help companies and business owners exit on their own terms.

He advises privately held, middle market companies aiming to sell to a third party in reorganization strategies, and international private company clients about inbound domestic transactions.

Additionally, he is a legal advocate for troubled borrowers, working with distressed business owners to improve their financial and operational viability.

Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 250 E. Fifth St., Suite 2200 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-369-4211 lmartyniuk@porterwright.com Practice Area Banking & Finance Business Growth & Operation Intellectual Property International Business & Trade Mergers & Acquisitions

TODD V. MCMURTRY Todd V. McMurtry has extensive experience in both personal and business litigation matters.

He has handled and tried cases throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Super Lawyers recently recognized Todd as 2019 Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyer. Martindale Hubbelll has rated him as AV Preeminent. Todd combines his business litigation and mediation training to help business owners resolve conflicts. Todd has written extensively on the topics of business divorce and is available for consultation with individuals or fellow attorneys. Todd also represents individuals damaged by legal malpractice. Todd has been married for 32 years to Dr. Maria C. Garriga. Together, they have three adult children.

Hemmer DeFrank Wessels, PLLC 250 Grandview Drive, Suite 500 Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 859-344-1188 tmcmurtry@hemmerlaw.com Practice Areas Legal Malpractice, Business Divorce, Business Litigation, Mediation

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Cincy LEADING LAWYERS 2019 JULIA B. MEISTER

ANTONIA MITROUSSIA

MATTHEW S. PARRISH

Julia is an experienced, respected litigator who has prevailed in jury and bench trials and arbitrations as well as administrative proceedings on behalf of individual, corporate, health care, and fiduciary clients. She has been received as an expert and appointed counsel by courts. Julia is an elected fellow of the selective American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is recognized in several categories by Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers. She frequently is invited to speak to groups of attorneys and judicial personnel and has chaired drafting committees to submit new legislation for the state of Ohio. She serves as a trustee at the Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati Legal Aid Society and has been appointed to several committees at the Cincinnati Bar Association, which honored her with its Warrington Community Service award. She serves on the Taft Ethics committee and as a mentor for junior lawyers through the Ohio Supreme Court. Julia is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati Class 41. She is passionate about the arts in greater Cincinnati, Girls on the Run, and assisting and protecting older adults as a volunteer guardian and advocate.

Antonia Mitroussia’s Immigration practice focuses on counseling domestic and multi-national employers on foreign recruitment strategies and immigration compliance—including how to best manage their foreign labor force, transfer employees from abroad and hire new foreign professionals in the U.S. She represents clients on complex employment-based and related family-based immigration transactions through multiple federal adjudicative stages including the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Departments of Labor and Homeland Security. Ms. Mitroussia is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and serves on the International Advisory Council of the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She has also served as past secretary of the Board of Directors of the European-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Cincinnati Chapter, and as chair of the International Law Committee of the Cincinnati Bar Association. She attended the University of Athens, Greece, and received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Cincinnati and her J.D. degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Matthew S. Parrish is a partner in the Cincinnati office of FisherBroyles, LLP. His practice focuses primarily on helping clients find ways to finance, capitalize, buy and sell their businesses. Matt serves as an adviser to publicly traded and privately held clients ranging from global financial service companies to middle market and early-stage high-growth companies that operate primarily in the manufacturing, consumer products, technology and entertainment industries. In 2019, Matt was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Securities and Capital Markets Law.

PARTNER, TAFT STETTINIUS & HOLLISTER CINCINNATI OFFICE 425 Walnut Street #1800 Cincinnati, OH 45202-3957 513 357-9330 Meister@taftlaw.com Practice Areas General Litigation, Estate, Trust & Fiduciary Litigation, and Health Care

Taft Stettinius & Hollister 425 Walnut St., Suite 1800 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 357-9665 mitroussia@taftlaw.com Practice Area Immigration

FisherBroyles, LLP 201 E. Fifth St., Suite 1900 Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-399-8212 matthew.parrish@fisherbroyles.com Practice Area Commercial Securities

J. DWIGHT POFFENBERGER, JR.

KEVIN G. ROONEY

GEORGE J. ZAMARY

Dwight Poffenberger is a partner with Wood Herron & Evans LLP and is involved in all phases of the firm’s intellectual property practice. Admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1994, Mr. Poffenberger is also registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He joined Wood Herron & Evans in 1995, following prior experience at the USPTO where he was a patent examiner. He received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1987 and his Juris Doctor degree from the George Mason University School of Law in 1993.

As a partner with Dorton & Willis, Kevin G. Rooney is involved in all facets of the firm’s practice. He focuses on patent and trademark procurement, enforcement, counseling and strategic planning. He partners with clients in protecting a wide variety of innovations. With over 26 years as a practicing patent and trademark attorney, and five years as a U.S. Patent Examiner, he remains passionate about helping clients protect their most valuable technologies and brands.

George Zamary started the Zamary Law Firm in 2016 with the intent of providing high quality, personalized legal services while building long-term relationships with clients. Mr. Zamary practices in the areas of business law, litigation, estate planning, construction and employment law. Due to the Zamary Law Firm’s smaller size, it is able to act quickly and innovatively to client’s issues. Our goal is to be an integral part of our clients’ businesses and an advocate for matters of a more personal nature. We combine a common sense approach to achieve practical results.

Wood Herron & Evans LLP 2700 Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 241-2324 dpoffenberger@whe-law.com

Dorton & Willis LLP 10260 Alliance Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-847-2320 dortonwillis.com linkedin.com/in/kevin-rooney-30474a112/

Zamary Law Firm, LLC 455 Delta Ave., Suite 204 Cincinnati, OH 45226 513-448-4150 gzamary@zamarylaw.com

Practice Area Intellectual Property

Practice Area Intellectual Property Law

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Practice Area Business, Litigation, Construction, Employment, Estate Planning

Fulfilling a Need

Drivers with the Express Mobile Transportation are extensively trained, including in the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and how to onboard and offboard passengers in wheelchairs.

EXECUTIVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES INC. HELPS GET SENIOR CITIZENS TO DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS AND MORE

calling 859-655-4600, she says.

The Express Mobile Transportation service started small so that the company was not overwhelmed in the beginning, says Bravo. That small start, however, may not last.

“We were only two weeks in and we were getting phone calls,” she says. “Word of mouth spreads fast.” The company is already considering buying two more vehicles for its Express Mobile Transportation service, says Bravo.

The new service is just one of the many types of transportation needs Executive Transportation Services fulfills. The company has the shuttle contract with the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and is also contracted to transport airline crews.

Most of the company’s work, about 95 percent, involves transporting corporate clients, says Bravo. “We do board of directors meetings and transportation for some of the larger corporations in the city,” she says.

Executive Transportation Ser vices uses luxury sedans, sport utility vehicles, airport executive shuttles, motorcoaches, buses and minicoaches to service the transportation needs of the Tristate, says Bravo. n

By Eric Spangler

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dult children who are taking care of their aging parents are finding it increasingly difficult to get their parents to doctor’s appointments while juggling a career at the same time, says Tammy Bravo, president/finance manager of Executive Transportation Services Inc. Bravo would know. She’s experienced it firsthand. Both her in-laws became ill at the same time and each was placed in a different facility, says Bravo. She found herself running each back and forth to doctor’s appointments and her workday “was like zero,” she says.

Then one day she was at her father-inlaw’s rehabilitation facility and noticed a wheelchair transportation service going in and out of the facility, taking patients to their doctor’s offices. She even hired them herself.

That’s when it struck her. Bravo realized there was a new business opportunity just waiting for her company. “I was like, ‘Oh,

I’m so missing the boat!’”

Executive Transportation Ser vices recently started its Express Mobile Transportation service that focuses on the senior citizen market. “There’s a lot of stress in how I’m going to get mom or dad to the doctor’s appointment or to this event or that event so we’re kind of catering to that,” says Bravo.

Executive Transportation Services Inc.’s Express Mobile Transportation can not only take senior citizens to doctor’s appointments it can also take them to places like the grocery store or family events, she says.

The Express Mobile Transportation service currently has two vehicles that can transport people not only in wheelchairs but it can also carry senior citizens who use canes or walkers, she says.

All of its drivers are extensively trained, including in the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and how to onboard and offboard passengers in wheelchairs, says Bravo.

Right now the Express Mobile Transportation service is providing transportation to several private nursing and assisted living facilities in the Northern Kentucky region, says Bravo. However, anyone is welcome to make a reservation simply by

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Business Calendar

FEBRUARY Groundhog Economic Outlook Breakfast Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

Feb. 1

State Senator Steve Wilson will talk with attendees about the region’s economic outlook at this annual breakfast hosted by the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Access Business Finance, Inc. 7:30-9 a.m. Members $25, non-members $30.

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Hamilton. hamilton-ohio.com.

WE Speak: Women of Confidence Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Feb. 5

Barbara Turner, president and CEO of Ohio National Finance Services, and Michelle Norcross, executive director of Avon Care, will discuss their careers during this WE Speak event. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Gold members free, members $35, non-members $60. Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, 3 E. Fourth St., Suite 200, Downtown. 513-579-3111, cincinnatichamber.com.

Annual Meeting & SBDC Business Excellence Awards Clermont Chamber of Commerce

Feb. 8

Power 100 2019 Legislative Luncheon – Columbus Update Clermont Chamber of Commerce

Feb. 15

State Senator Joe Uecker and state representatives Doug Green and John Becker will discuss the coming legislative year and its possible effects on the region.

11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Members $35, non-members $50. RSVP Event Center, 453 Wards Corner Road, Loveland. clermontchamber.com.

The Ohio Small Business Development Center and the Clermont Chamber of Commerce will honor Bite Restaurant, Tata Consultancy Services, the Tri-State Warbird Museum and other Clermont County businesses for their customer service, innovation and more. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Members $60, non-members $75. Holiday Inn & Suites Cincinnati East, 4501 Eastgate Blvd., Eastgate. clermontchamber.com.

Power 100 Cincy Magazine

Eggs ‘N Issues: Community Check Up Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Feb. 12

2019 Annual Dinner, Legacy & Promise: A Celebration of Leadership Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

Attendees will learn more about Northern Kentucky’s health concerns, particularly around mental and heart health, from Garren Colvin, CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. 7:30-9 a.m. Members $25, non-members $50. Receptions Banquet and Conference Center – South, 1379 Donaldson Road, Erlanger, Ky. nkychamber.com.

Alva Jean Crawford, John J. Frank, Jr., Joseph H. Head, Jr., and Sister Ann Rose Fleming will be inducted as the newest class of Great Living Cincinnatians during this premier annual event. 5:15-8:30 p.m. $175.

Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. cincinnatichamber.com.

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Feb. 21

Local CEOs, government officials and more will discuss the region’s current innovation and entrepreneurship infrastructure, and what it can do to make the city even more of an asset to innovators. 7:15-9:30 a.m. More info to come. Cincinnati Club, 30 Garfield Place, Downtown. cincy.live.

Feb. 28

MARCH International Affairs: DHL’s Exporting Class Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

March 5

Learn about how to export your products during this exclusive class. Alan Majchrzak, DHL’s director of import compliance, will walk attendees through the steps and what they need to know before they start.

8:30-11:30 a.m. Members $20, non-members $35. Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 330, Ft. Mitchell, Ky. nkychamber.com.

CONNECT ERG Leaders Summit Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

March 13

ERG/BRG members are invited to network, share ideas and more during this annual meeting. 8-10:30 a.m. Free. Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, 3 E. Fourth St., Suite 200, Downtown. 513-579-3111, cincinnatichamber.com.

Don’t see your event?

Visit cincymagazine.com to add it to our online calendar for free.

Best in Business Directory

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hose who run or manage businesses know that sometimes you need some help. As the Tristate’s magazine for business professionals, we are in a unique position that enables us to meet and interact with some of the best business service providers in the region. This list gives you a taste of the region’s best business services, and serves as a resource for those looking for assistance. Make sure to visit CincyMagazine.com to see exclusive online Best in Business content.

CHAMBERS

INSURANCE BROKERAGE

African American Chamber of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky 513-751-9900 african-americanchamber.com

Oswald Companies 513-725-0306 oswaldcompanies.com

ACCOUNTING

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber 513-579-3100 cincinnatichamber.com

GBQ 513-871-3033 gbq.com VonLehman 800-887-0437 vlcpa.com

Blue Ash Business Association babusiness.org The Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe & Trenton 513-422-4551 thechamberofcommerce.org

Clermont Chamber of Commerce 513-576-5000 clermontchamber.com

AIR TRAVEL

Lebanon Chamber of Commerce 513-932-1100 lebanonchamber.org

CVG 859-767-3151 cvgairport.com

Milford Miami Township Chamber 513-831-2411 milfordmiamitownship.com

AUDIO VISUAL

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 859-578-8800 nkychamber.com

ITA Audio Visual Solutions 800-899-8877 ita.com

CONSTRUCTION

LAW FIRMS Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP 513-693-4880 calfee.com Lyons & Lyons 513-777-2222 lyonsandlyonslaw.com Taft Stettinius & Hollister 513-381-2838 taftlaw.com Wood Herron & Evans 513-241-2324 whe-law.com PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Gateway Community & Technical College 859-441-4500 gateway.kctcs.edu Great Oaks Campuses 513-771-8840 greatoaks.com The Haile/US Bank College of Business at Northern Kentucky University 859-572-5165 nku.edu/academics/cob

SpotOn Productions 513-779-4223 spoton.productions

EGC Construction 859-442-6500 egcconst.com

BANKING

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Indiana Wesleyan University 866-468-6498 indwes.edu

Commerce Bank 800-453-2265 commercebank.com

Charles Schwab Fort Mitchell 859-308-1425 schwab.com/fortmitchell

Union Institute & University 800-861-6400 myunion.edu

Commonwealth Bank 859-746-9000 cbandt.com

Horter Investment Management, LLC 513-984-9933 horterinvestment.com

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

BUSINESS LAW

PNC Financial Advisors/W Mgmt.

513-651-8714 pnc.com

William E. Hesch Law Firm 513-731-6601 heschlaw.com BUSINESS RESOURCES Cincinnati Better Business Bureau 513-421-3015 bbb.org/cincinnati/

Raymond James 513-287-6777 raymondjames.com Western & Southern 866-832-7719 westernsouthern.com

Corporex 859-292-5500 corporex.com TELECOMMUNICATIONS AT&T att.com ATC 513-234-4778 4atc.com

HEALTH Superior Dental 937-438-0283 superiordental.com Interested in having your company included? Please contact Publisher Eric Harmon at publisher@cincymagazine.com or 513-297-6205. w w w.

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MENTAL HEALTH

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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FOREST PARK CHIROPRACTIC

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HEALTH PROFILE

trihealth.com • 513-569-1900

A

lready providing the Cincinnati region’s leading heart and vascular programs, TriHealth focuses on providing the least invasive option for each patient for optimal outcomes with the least recovery time.

With 10 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, our cardiologists are convenient and close to home.

TriHealth is taking a major step toward the creation of the TriHealth Heart Hospital, the region’s destination cardiac surgery center of excellence, by concentrating cardiac surgeries at Bethesda North Hospital. TriHealth performs the most heart surgeries in the region.

We remain strongly committed to maintaining our two nationally recognized teaching hospitals. TriHealth will continue to provide interventional and general cardiology services including electrophysiology, emergent and elective angioplasty and cardiac catheterization procedures at Good Samaritan Hospital to meet community needs. Plans are in motion to expand cardiology presence throughout the West Side community, including additional cardiology services at Good Samaritan Western Ridge.

When it comes to heart health, TriHealth is: - Home to experts in cardiology, heart surgery and vascular surgery: TriHealth’s highly regarded cardiologists and surgeons perform Cincinnati’s widest range of cardiac procedures at multiple locations across the region.

- A top provider of acute heart attack care and consistently beat national benchmarks for time to treatment.

- A leader in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia, and offer a full range of options for treatment of atrial fibrillation.

- The regional leader in cardiac research and clinical trials, offering our patients access to treatment options not available elsewhere.

TriHealth is also known for its minimally invasive heart surgery. It was the first to perform the BASILICA pro-

cedure in Cincinnati, a breakthrough procedure making heart valve replacement safer in patients at high risk for complications; the first to perform robotic cardiac surgeries in Cincinnati, where TriHealth is the most experienced in minimally invasive heart and vascular procedures and surgeries; one of the first hospitals in the U.S. to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a minimally invasive alternative to heart valve replacement; and the first in Cincinnati to repair aortic aneurysms with custom-built stents.

TriHealth remains the regional leader in robotic-assisted, surgery and valve replacement.

TriHealth Reminds Women Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. And yet, women are more likely to dismiss symptoms and delay getting immediate assistance.

Many times, women don’t feel any chest pressure. Instead, sometimes flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath are experienced.

Other possible warning signs in women include: - Discomfort in the lower chest - Discomfort in the upper abdomen - Pressure in the upper back - Extreme fatigue - Breaking out in a cold sweat - Lightheadedness - Jaw pain

Live Well Cincy

A Very Lonely Illness LOCAL EXPERTS SAY THAT THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION DON’T NEED TO DO SO ALONE THANKS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES

By Deborah Rutledge

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n irony of depression is how isolating the condition can feel, even though there are plenty of sufferers.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported 8.1 percent of American adults aged 20 and over had depression in a given two-week period during 2013–2016.

Still, “depression often is a very lonely illness,” rendering those going through it with a frustratingly limited ability to understand or explain it to loved ones, says Dr. Zachary Pettibone, staff psychiatrist at the Harry and Linda Fath Young Adult North inpatient unit at the Lindner Center for Hope.

“It’s difficult to communicate with family members when you’re feeling depressed,” says Dr. Justin McCutcheon, psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati. “The exact emotional state is hard to put into words; often it is sufficient to simply let your family know that you are struggling, or that you are going through a lot of emotional pain.”

Likewise, loved ones experience a diw w w.

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Live Well Cincy minishing level of companionship from the depressed friend or family member as social withdrawal is a common symptom of depression. For those people, Pettibone recommends resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help with their situation.

But sometimes friends and colleagues don’t pick up on the signs, perhaps because the sufferer is trying to carry on as best they can, unwilling to talk about it for fear of embarrassment, shame or appearing weak, Pettibone says.

Practitioners have a common, emphatic response dispelling those concerns.

“There is no shame in seeking out help for this, just as you would for any other medical condition, like chest pain or shortness of breath,” Pettibone says.

“Depression is not a sign of weakness or that you are a bad person,” McCutcheon adds. “I would also like people to know that there is hope for them, and that very effective treatments exist for depression.”

Medication may be prescribed, most commonly Selective Serotonin Reuptake

“There is no shame in seeking out help for this, just as you would for any other medical condition, like chest pain or shortness of breath.”

— Dr. Zachary Pettibone, staff psychiatrist at the Linder Center for Hope

Inhibitors, or SSRIs. “These medications can help reduce some symptoms of depression within a span of four to six weeks,” McCutcheon says. “Usually they do not ‘cure’ depression, and the people who do best are the ones who combine appropriate medication

New Directions 7315 Dixie Highway Florence, KY 41042 Phone: (859) 282-0119 Fax: (859) 282-8018

The Counseling & Diagnostic Center has been providing quality mental health services in the No. KY/ Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years. The practice is staffed by a variety of independently licensed providers. New Directions is a licensed behavioral health service recently added to the practice to address the substance abuse epidemic

Services Provided: • Men’s Issues

• Relationship Problems

• Work - Related Stress

• Adoption Evaluations

• Depression & Anxiety

• Bi - Polar Disorder

• Christian Concerns

• ADHD/Learning Disorder

• Substance Abuse Assessment

• Impulse Control Problems • Parent - Child Conflict

• Substance Abuse Treatment

• Sexual Addictions

• Post-Traumatic Stress

• Anger Management

• Women’s Issues

• Career Assessment/ Guidance Counseling

7315 Dixie Highway Florence, KY 41042 (859) 282-0119 • cdc.nky.com 82

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management with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.”

He says the most common psychotherapy provided by far is some form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. “Usually a therapist meets with a patient six to 12 times for about an hour each,

and the sessions usually focus on trying to connect situations in that person’s life with the different emotions and thoughts they are having,” he says.

Although symptoms of depression vary greatly, they usually include a down or depressed mood, fatigue, a lack of enjoyment in things, perhaps a short fuse or irritability with others, sleeping too much or too little, weight changes, and feeling in a “fog,” or trouble concentrating.

When the depressive symptoms are long lasting, continuing for two weeks or more, they are considered to be outside of our natural, adaptive mourning response that we get to sorrow-inducing situations, Pettibone says. Most primary care doctors can be the first line of contact, as they are well trained to spot the difference and manage non-complicated major depressive disorder, he says.

Since depression symptoms vary by individual, Pettibone asks his patients how they are experiencing depression, so they can report whether they’re eating too much or too little, having sleep changes and so

on. Things like showering and dressing can feel like monumental tasks, he says.

Underlying factors for the condition could include a biological predisposition for it, a conducive psychological makeup, or social aspects including stressors in work, relationships or medical issues that cause stress or disability, says Pettibone.

Coronary artery disease, other cardiac illness, diabetes and a history of stroke can all contribute to the development of depression, he adds.

Another possible factor for depression

could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, when a decrease in sunlight has an adverse effect on some people.

At the Lindner Center’s Harr y and Linda Fath Adult North inpatient unit, a patient’s situation is treated holistically, Pettibone says.

“We take all pieces of life into consideration” to treat depression, he says.

For friends and family, there are several ways to be helpful to someone with depression, according to McCutcheon.

“My primary recommendations to fam-

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Live Well Cincy ily are to be understanding, and to avoid invalidating or telling the patient to ‘get over it,’” he says. “At the same time, people with depression often need encouragement before they will engage in enjoyed activities.

“Offering gentle nudges from family can help be the catalyst to break depression’s vicious cycles,” he says.

McCutcheon advises rejecting the idea that you need to “fix” your loved one’s emotional pain.

“Simply being present with them and loving them is enough when they are in pain,” he says.

It helps to be mindful of anniversaries of losses, deaths or transitions, which can bring up symptoms, Pettibone adds.

If the sufferer feels confident enough to share that they have suicidal thoughts, the confidante should not worry that just talking about it with them will hasten a tragedy.

“Talking about suicidality often is a relief [for the sufferer], sharing something they may have kept hidden for so long,”

“Usually [medicines] do not ‘cure’ depression, and the people who do best are the ones who combine appropriate medication management with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.”

— Dr. Justin McCutcheon, psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati

he explains.

He advises taking the person to a safe, secure environment like an emergency room, UC’s psychiatric emergency department or the intake department at the Lindner Center if they share suicidal plans or intentions. The person can meet with physicians to receive walk-in assess-

ments at those centers. Despite an initial hesitancy to come into a hospital, patients often at the end of a treatment are able to see that it wasn’t as bad as they thought it would be, Pettibone says.

If the person doesn’t want treatment or is imminent danger, Pettibone advises calling 911. n

HEALTH PROFILE

Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren & Clinton Counties 212 Cook Road, Lebanon, OH 45036 513-695-1695 • mhrsonline.org Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren & Clinton Counties is the local board of alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services, Established in 1969, MHRS plans, funds, monitors and evaluates the system of behavioral health services and programs available to residents of our two-county service area. We contract with several nonprofit organizations to deliver counseling, prevention and recovery services and programs to help people in treatment live productive, healthy lives.

We strive to remove barriers to treatment, which includes financial assistance for residents who may have limited means to pay for treatment. We also work with schools and community groups on prevention efforts, including substance use prevention and suicide prevention programs and coalitions. We work to eliminate barriers to treatment through a sliding fee scale to help pay for services when clients have limited means.

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LIVE CincyLive is the home of all Cincy and NKY Magazine events, as well as our partners. From food and community events to professional and nonprofit ones, all can be found on CincyLive.

Power 100 Leadership Forum

Feb. 21, The Cincinnati Club A special leadership forum and networking event featuring discussions with some of the Tristate’s most influential leaders.

GM Heritage Center Tour Mar. 22, GM Heritage Center

Cincy Motorsports Journal has arranged access to the GM Heritage Center. The Heritage Center chronicles GM’s history of innovation with displays of Cars, Trucks, Prototypes, Signs and Archives. Find the “Build Sheet” for vehicles and other archival materials, see the original configuration of everything GM.

2019 Redwood Express Enters the Jungle

March 1, Paul Brown Stadium Please join us at our largest fundraising event of the year! Get your picture taken with Ben-Gal Cheerleaders in the Photo Booth. Enjoy drinks while sitting in Paul Brown Stadium. Live music by the Naked Karate Girls will accompany dinner. Have fun with the Live & Silent auctions, raffles and games during the event.

Ohio Success Awards

March 15, The Ohio Statehouse The Ohio Success Awards will honor annually the most successful and consistent of these organizations and leaders across our state.

George Burns - Dinner & Show

Mar. 22, Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant

Dinner & A Show Duffy Hudson, an Amazing Performer, performs as George Burns. Duffy Hudson is an Amazing Performer that has had a wonderful response each time he has performed at the winery. We are pleased to welcome him back for a fun evening of comedy, wine, good food, and laughter.

EAST SIDE CINCINNATI

East Side Restaurant Week

March 18-24, Eastern Cincinnati Introducing the East Side Cincinnati Restaurant Week! Take a culinary tour of the East Side of Cincinnati during March 18-24, 2019.

Most participating restaurants offer a 3 course meal.

Are you a nonprofit looking for a no upfront cost promotion for an upcoming event?

Contact: Eric Harmon, President & Publisher • eharmon@cincymagazine.com • 513-297-6205

Wealth Management Guide 2019

Managing Your Wealth in 2019

LOCAL ADVISERS OFFER WEALTHMANAGEMENT ADVICE AND TIPS

By Gregory Sharpless

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n the classic 1979 film, Being There, Chance the gardener—mistaken as an economic and political guru—is referring to the task of gardening when he tells the president that “growth has its seasons—first comes spring and summer, then fall and winter, and then we get spring and summer again.” The president and his trusted adviser, however, believe that Chance is speaking allegorically—that we should welcome the inevitable changing “seasons of the economy,” much as we welcome the changing seasons throughout the year. “There will be growth in the spring,” says Chance, and the president is overjoyed to hear such an optimistic economic viewpoint.

Will 2019 offer “growth in the spring”— or will it point to a more autumnal-like cycle? And what actions can you and your advisers take to ensure a good harvest?

We talked to several wealth-management advisers with Cincinnati-area firms to get their take on what’s in store for portfolios— and the U.S. economy in general—in the coming year.

AT THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEVEL Most of the advisers we spoke to immediately pointed to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017 as one of the primary

“Ohio’s 529 College Savings Plan has become even more attractive.

It now allows for a deduction from taxable income of up to $4,000 per child each year— double its previous $2,000 per beneficiary.”

—Kyle Pohlman, Bartlett Wealth Management

influencers on investors and consumers on a federal level. Among other effects, the act serves to increase the standard deduction and reduce the number of itemized deduction benefits—making it less beneficial to itemize deductions.

“Approximately nine out of 10 households will be taking the standard deduction this coming year,” says Jon Hoelscher, senior wealth advisor with Gries Financial Partners, in Montgomery. “That’s up 28 percent from the previous year.”

Those who actively give to charities may not be able to receive their usual tax benefits, says Rob Herman, Gries CIO and managing partner: “As a result, one strat-

egy we’ve been talking to clients about, especially this year and going forward, is a ‘bunching’ strategy—grouping their deductions into a single year, allowing them to surpass the itemization threshold.”

At Total Wealth Planning in Blue Ash, CIO and principal David Wilder reports that his firm is also advising clients to pursue charitable bunching. “One of the other avenues becoming more prevalent for taxpayers who have reached age 70-1/2 is allowing the client to use an IRA distribution to make charitable contributions—it comes off the front page of the tax return, it’s excluded from taxpayer’s income. We see a lot of clients taking advantage of this.” w w w.

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Wealth Management Guide 2019 At the state level, says Kyle Pohlman, wealth adv iser w ith Bartlett Wealth Management downtown, one of the more intriguing changes for 2018 is that “Ohio’s 529 College Savings Plan has become even more attractive. It now allows for a deduction from taxable income of up to $4,000 per child each year—double its previous $2,000 per beneficiary.”

Also important, says Hoelscher, is that the Ohio 529 savings plans “can now be used for private-school elementary and secondary school expenses, up to $10,000 per beneficiary per year, tax free without any withdraw penalties.”

HIGHLIGHTING KEY GROWTH AREAS What are some key areas of market growth for the U.S. economy in the coming year?

At Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel, Vice President and portfolio manager Kevin Gade says they “have been focusing on what parts of the economy and which industries are set up to garner really good cash flow generation and to distribute

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“We take the view that cryptocurrency doesn’t have enough governmental validation, and too many risks, to even consider adopting it as a piece of our portfolio.”

—Kevin Gade, Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel

dividends to shareholders.” His firm is playing close attention to three specific company types: - Large banks: As the federal government has relaxed bank regulations “there’s a lot more room to deliver more cash to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks. If you measure industries immediately after the great financial crisis to today, banks are much healthier than other industries and markets.”

- Consumer staples and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies: “There’s been a proliferation of national CPG companies. Kroger is just one example that has taken advantage of private labeling.”

- Mature technology companies going in a different direction: “Microsoft, for instance, has [become a] pillar of growth due to its Azure cloud-computing services, moving it from tech legacy to high growth. Another example is Cisco, which

Wealth Management Guide 2019 has become increasingly more software oriented.”

For 2019, “We see technology being on the top of the heap,” says Herman, adding that he also sees “a bounce back in energy as the supply-and-demand equation stabilizes.”

“In the U.S. market, it’s been interesting to watch technology and health care— they’ve been strong for 2017 and into the beginning of 2018. But things can change very quickly. Areas that have been underperforming for the past two years—energy and financials, for instance—might be poised for growth in 2019,” says Wilder.

What about some of the more “niche” markets that have been in the news of late—Bitcoin (and other cryptocurrencies) and cannabis, for instance?

Says Wilder, “Bitcoin is very speculative because it has no proven track record. It’s had a huge run up, but when that happens it typically doesn’t end well. We have had a few clients asking about cannabis, but a lot of companies don’t have the management expertise or capital that’s necessary to succeed—you also have the overlay of other dynamics, such as Philip Morris jumping into the market.” Philip Morris parent company Altria took a 45-percent stake in Cronos Group, the Canadian medical and recreational marijuana company, in early December.

“We take the view that cryptocurrency doesn’t have enough governmental validation, and too many risks, to even consider adopting it as a piece of our portfolio,” says Bahl & Gaynor’s Gade. “We avoid over-extended risks at all costs, and this would be an example of that—it’s more of a boom-and-bust example. I should note, however, that blockchain technolog y [the technology behind Bitcoin and other digital currencies] has a lot of application across industries we cover, namely financials and within any industry that uses complex supply chains. Most major tech and finance companies are investing significantly in blockchain.”

Hoelscher agrees: “We don’t think of cryptocurrency as a valid, thoughtful investment strategy. Blockchain technology [however] has the potential to be revolutionary—it can be a paradigm shift in terms of security and efficiency.

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as a public-policy standpoint, and it’s very difficult to find an attractive return—the risk is pretty significant.”

A RETURN TO VOLATILITY IN 2019?

“Volatile” was a key description for how 2019 might shake out, according to two of the wealth managers interviewed here.

For 2019, says Pohlman, “We expect to see more volatility in the investment markets. The Federal Reserve has provided a very stabilizing environment for the past 10 years, and as they unwind that policy to become more neutral, this will come back to normal, [resulting in] more volatility in the market.”

Wilder mirrors that outlook: “2017 was unbelievable low volatility, something we had not seen in decades. 2018 has been more normal, 2019 will be more normal.

I think we’ll have a positive year again.”

Hoelscher projects 2019 to be strong, “but we may be peaking. The growth was, in part, stimulated by tax reform leading to robust earnings. Some things are worrisome—interest rates, the Fed, other factors such as elevated valuations and trade tension. We believe international has the potential to outperform U.S.” In looking at 2019, says Gade, “corporations are absolutely still growing—the economy might slow down, but it’s important to recognize that 70 percent of GDP is derived from the U.S. consumer and the U.S. consumer remains very strong, as a result of tax reform and low inflation.”

ADAPTING ON THE FLY With more market volatility possibly in the mix, how often should a portfolio be analyzed and/or adjusted?

“The more you look at it, the more volatile it is [appears],” says Wilder. “A lot of it goes

back to whether you’re invested appropriately. We remain diversified on a global basis, so our portfolio withstands volatility—in that type of environment, there may be gyrations, but within the course of a year there are opportunities to re-balance.

[Generally, however], we suggest reviewing at least quarterly, not necessarily taking action but ensuring your targets are where they need to be. Inter-quarterly, look for opportunities to re-balance and harvest tax losses as well (especially at year end, to reduce tax liability). Stay the course, don’t get over-weighted in one area versus another, and don’t let your allocations get out of whack—or make emotionally based decisions.”

There’s no one single answer, says Herman. “We look at the asset allocation, risk tolerance, etc., and we look to see if the portfolio sways from its target or if we were out of line with risk targets. On the micro side, we meet several times weekly to evaluate portfolios—the volatility of the market will dictate changes, and technology allows us to be more adaptive on the fly.”

Pohlman suggests, “At a minimum, evaluate the entire portfolio if your risk appetite changes, or if other factors come into play—if, for instance, you’re going to retire at 62 instead 65. We take a good hard look once or twice each year for most clients in any case.”

“It depends on the client, but generally as little as possible,” says Gade. “We sit down with the client at day one, and develop a strategy for life goals at that initial meeting, so the client can be assured we’re helping them meet those goals. Given the market’s recent bout of volatility and uncertainty, now’s an important time to evaluate if your goals are still on track.” n

“Some things are worrisome— interest rates, the Fed, other factors such as elevated valuations and trade tension.

We believe international has the potential to outperform U.S.” —Jon Hoelscher, Gries Financial Partners

Ask the Expert Charles Schwab schwab.com/fortmitchell What is the most important strategy for building wealth?

Crystal Mann Independent Branch Leader

It’s difficult to make sound financial decisions without a plan. Charles Schwab’s Modern Wealth Index shows having a written financial plan can lead to better daily money behaviors: those with a written financial plan are more likely to be regular savers, feel financially stable and effectively manage their debt. They are also more likely to stay engaged with their investments, be aware of the fees they are paying, and have confidence about reaching their goals.

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. fortwashington.com With volatility returning to the market, how does this affect my retirement planning?

Matthew A. Bell, CFA, CAIA Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Market volatility is natural. Diversification of both assets and sources of income as well as “bucketing” can help to efficiently manage time horizon and cash flow risks. If you are retiring in the near future, be sure to address sequence of returns risk and consider structured solutions to protect assets as appropriate. The goal is that you plan in a way that allows you to live your best life through the market’s inevitable ups and downs.

S

avor ...

THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF GEORGETOWN.

PURE SMALL TOWN CHARM. – Family Activities – • International Kite & Cultural Fest - April • Horsey Hundred Bicycling Event - May

– Equine Activities – • Minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Three-Day Event - April

• Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm • Whispering Woods Riding Stables

– Picturesque Downtown – • Specialty Shops • Antiques • Scott County Arts and Cultural Center • Cafes and One-of-a-kind Restaurants • Georgetown and Scott County Museum

– Unbridled Fun – • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, KY, Inc. Tour • Country Boy Brewing • Bourbon 30 Spirits • Golf • Elkhorn Creek • Geocaching Trails • Yuko-en on the Elkhorn • Ward Hall • Close proximity to the Ark Encounter

INTERSTATE

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Live Well Cincy

A Holistic Approach

FOREST PARK CHIROPRACTIC AND ACUPUNCTURE COMBINES MULTIPLE TYPES OF TREATMENTS AND SERVICES

By Scott Unger

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y combining chiropractic and acupunctural therapies with a wealth of other services, Dr. Reed Moeller and his team treat patients with a holistic approach to wellness.

Forest Park Chiropractic and Acupuncture also offers physiotherapy, pulsed electromagnetic field adjustment, essential oils treatment, stress management and wellness and nutritional planning to help patients recover from myriad traumas.

Although most patients come for back, neck and joint pain, the office also treats many autoimmune diseases, depression, headaches and allergies.

The office at 1250 W. Kemper Road includes three chiropractic adjustment tables, a decompression cha i r a nd table, aqua beds, X-ray services, custom orthopedics and Braintap meditation machines.

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Moeller added acupuncture in 2009 because he says the services work well together as they both affect the body’s energy and life force.

The stimulation of the spinal cord helps to reboot and rebalance the brain while acupuncture balances energy in the body.

Along with the primary treatments, PEMF relieves inflammation and stimulates cellular restoration, soft tissue therapy can help recovery from whiplash and stop muscle spasms and essential oils can heal skin conditions and improve digestion, among other benefits.

Often patients have become frustrated with traditional medical treatment for chronic pain and joint issues and turn to Moeller’s team to provide a solution to the problem.

“We’re their last resort. They’ve been everywhere, they’re tired of taking pain medicine, they’re tired of taking drugs that are not working,” Moeller says. “So then we go to work on them and get results and get them off all their medicines and back to healthy living.”

W it h a backg rou nd i n pha r mac y, Moeller appreciates traditional painkillers and medication but says they often only provide a temporary solution and his rehabilitation treatment, along with

Dr. Reed Moeller

healthy lifestyle changes, can often provide a permanent solution.

“Medication is good for symptom care… but if you want to fix the problem and get to the root causes, this is what you need,” Moeller says of his practice. “There’s a reason for that pain and if you don’t correct it properly, it’s just going to continue.”

Most patients come to the office between 12 and 25 times while implementing changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle to cure what ails them.

“Every time we do a treatment we stimulate healing in your body but you’ve got to make those lifestyle changes,” he says. n

Home

FLOORING

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A light flooring installed in a Cincinnati home by Amy Youngblood Interiors

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Cincy Home

Starting at the Bottom

LOCAL FLOORING EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON UPCOMING FLOORING TRENDS

By Amy Thornley

Natural, light-colored floors are a growing trend, says Jeff Rose of Mansion Hill Custom Floors.

U

pgrading the f looring in your home can be a big undertaking, but the finished result will be well worth the effort. “You can definitely make a space more ‘wow’ with great flooring,” says interior designer Amy Youngblood, owner of Amy Youngblood Interiors in Over-the-Rhine.

Youngblood is most excited about the wow factor of a relatively new product called Luxury Vinyl Tile, or LVT. This is not your mother’s linoleum. LVT flooring offers the look of more luxurious flooring products, such as hardwood or stone, but with the durability of vinyl and a lower price point. She’s been using LVT to create unique and beautiful flooring patterns, such as the multi-colored inlaid planks in her office in OTR, without the upkeep or price tag of natural materials.

Those with a larger budget and a yen for the unique will want to head over to Mansion Hill in Kentucky. “People come to us to create something special,” says Jeff 94

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Rose, co-founder of Mansion Hill Custom Floors in Newport, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee. Rose and his partner, Bill Walz, are at the cutting edge of innovation with their hardwood flooring products and installation. They are the only providers in the Midwest for many of their exclusive products. As such, Mansion Hill has been involved with some of the most captivating hardwood installations around town, including the new Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Theatre and Taft Ale House in Over-the-Rhine, and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Bar and Restaurant in Nashville.

One of those unique products, called Bolefloor and coming from Europe, features curved plank hardwood, suitable for either flooring or wall installation. As the company points out, life is not a straight line.

Both our designer and our hardwood specialist agree that the growing trend in flooring for 2019 is light-colored floors. “We have been doing a lot of white and grey in Nashville, so I expect we will be seeing

more of that in Cincinnati this year,” says Rose. The overall trend in home design is leaning towards Scandinavian contemporary, with lots of clean lines and white and grey color palettes.

Youngblood agrees, adding “I would love to see more light floors out there.” n

A light-colored floor installed by Mansion Hill Custom Floors

Mansion Hill Custom Floors does both floor and wall installations.

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