Miami symposium for women in business

        OXFORD - “Using Technology to Grow Your Business” is the theme of a symposium for female entrepreneurs to be held April 11 at Miami University.

        The third annual Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) is designed to help entrepreneurs understand how (and which) technology can give them a competitive edge; review technological trends in their areas of business; provide hands-on exposure to business software and provide opportunities to network with representatives of professional organizations and technology providers.

        Speakers include Rita A. Ross of the Ameritech business unit within Convergys Information Management Group and Linda Burzynski, president and CEO of Computer Moms International Corp. of Austin, Texas.

        The symposium takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Miami's Marcum Conference Center. It is presented by the university's Thomas C. Page Center for Entrepreneurship. The cost, which includes lunch, resource materials and a 4:45 p.m. reception, is $45, $25 for students. Advance registration is required.

        Information: (513)529-1221 or www.sba.muohio.edu/pagecenter.
       

Jersey Mike's opens in Whire Oak

        WHITE OAK — Jersey Mike's announces the opening of a new location at 5624 Cheviot Road, next to Scrapbook Sensations. The deli-type sandwich chain now has 19 shops in the Greater Cincinnati area.

        “White Oak is a great location for another store,“ said Jersey Mike's regional director Joe Clark.

        The company began offering its submarine sandwiches in 1956 on the New Jersey shore and now operates 215 locations nationwide. In addition to individual sandwiches, the shops sell two- four- and six-foot subs as well as party trays.

        The new Jersey Mike's is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

        Information: 923-3400.
       

PC training at your home or office

       EVENDALE — A new enterprise offers two kinds of technology help to individuals, nonprofits and small businesses.

        Solutions by Jim Null offers individual PC training using a variety of PC-based products. The training is done at an individual's home or business location.

        “We frequently hear new PC owners saying that they desire to have someone train them on their own PC, versus a formal classroom setting,” explained owner Jim Null.

        The company's other service is developing and maintaining web sites for churches, missionaries and small business operations. Mr. Null explained that the emphasis is on building sites that are affordable and informational.

        “An informational web site is not graphic intense, does not have e-commerce capability nor does it feature entertainment activity,” he said. “This kind of site is simply there to provide information about its owner.”

        Solutions by Jim Null is located at 10633 Knollview Drive.

        Information: 563-6630 or www.jimnull.com.
       

Rustic Comforts expands store

       MILFORD — Rustic Comforts now has twice as much room to display its lake- and lodge-style furniture. The business, which opened in 1998 at 120 Main St., has expanded into adjacent retail space at 122 Main, giving it a total of 3600 square feet.

        Rustic Comforts is the area's only authorized dealer of products from Old Hickory Furniture Co., Marshfield of Wisconsin and the Rustic Cedar Furniture Co. The store carries aspen log furniture, willow garden furniture and casual home accent items, including Woolrich and Pendleton blankets.

        The expanded store holds its grand opening this week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

        Information: 965-8944 orwww.rusticcomforts.com.
       

Home improvement store opens

        WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP — When he was a child, Steve Laux painted a sign over his family's garage door that said “The Laux Fix-It Shop.” Now, after earning an MBA and spending 18 years in the corporate world, Mr. Laux has decided to return to his first love, home repair and renovation.

        West Chester Home Improvements, at 8203 Squirrel Hollow Ridge, offers carpentry, tile and flooring installation, painting and other home repair and maintenance services. The company can work with homes of any age.

        “As the owner, I will personally handle each project from start to finish, to ensure a quality job,“ Mr. Laux said. “No jobs are too small.“

        West Chester Home Improvements is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with evening and weekend appointments available for estimates.
       

IGA store gets Five Star rating

       DILLONVALE — The Dillonvale IGA supermarket has received the Five Star rating from IGA, Inc.

        According to the national company, the rating places a store in the top ten percent of IGA's 1,700 supermarkets nationwide.

        “We're extremely proud that our supermarket and employees earned the Five Star rating,” said Mark Ossege, owner of Dillonvale IGA. “We focus all our efforts on making Dillonvale IGA one of the finest supermarkets in the area and ensuring that our customers have a pleasant shopping experience.”

        The award is part of an initiative to ensure that IGA's independently-owned and operated stores are consistent in their cleanliness and operations, Mr. Ossege explained. An independent consultant evaluates member supermarkets, checking 1,200 areas of operations. To receive a Five Star rating, a store must meet or exceed 92 percent of standards.

        The Dillonvale IGA is at 3950 E. Galbraith Road.

        Information: 984-5249.

Local profits declined in 2001
Chairman ready to be industry leader
Don't let debt collectors intimidate you
Small-business tax deductions require diligence
Bank fraud case stuns town
Gators' sports drink turns 35
Travel agents
Tristate Business Notes
What's the Buzz?