Son joins father in auction business

        David N. Simpkins has joined his father, Gene, in the auction and appraisal business. The partnership is called Gene & Dave Simpkins All American Auctions Ltd.

        In the past 18 months, David Simpkins has graduated from both the Missouri Auction School and Missouri Appraisal School.

        The Norwood company, started in the 1960s by Gene Simpkins, a former Cincinnati policeman, conducts estate and business liquidations as well as auctions for the city of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Police Department, Cincinnati Board of Education, Hamilton County and Delhi Township.

        Information: 731-6070.

Athletes can get help for their feet

        Under-performing sports feet can get attention at Foot Werx Performance Center, LLC. The new business specializes in custom sports orthotics, ski boot fitting, foot pressure measurement and motion analysis.

        Owner Leane Davis is a licensed pedorthist, master ski boot fitter and a certified personal trainer. A former Procter & Gamble employee, she has invented products that conform to the body and reduce aches and pains.

        “Foot Werx was founded on my understanding of body biomechanics and my passion for sports,“ Ms. Davis said.

        The store, at 431 Ohio Pike in the Waycross South Center, Suite 220, in Cherry Grove, is open by appointment.

        Information: 528-5187.

Financial seminar for small business

        A seminar on accounting and financial management for small businesses will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday in Room 461 of the BEP Center at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. The free program is sponsored by the NKU Small Business Development Center and Huntington Bank.

        Focus will be on setting up an accounting system, what records to keep and why, and how to compare your business to the industry in general.

        Reservations are necessary. Information: 859-572-6524.

Business brokers open in Erlanger

        Sunbelt Business Brokers Network has opened an office in Erlanger to serve Northern Kentucky residents planning to sell or purchase a business.

        The national firm has more than 300 offices in 41 states and six countries. Tim Moellering is the president and CEO of the new office.

        According to Mr. Moellering, Sunbelt offers confidential business marketing and expertise in business financing and negotiating.

        “Our brokers also have the reach of the entire Sunbelt network, exposing the business to thousands of prospective buyers worldwide,” he said. “For prospective buyers, Sunbelt offers an array of business opportunities, including franchises and privately owned businesses for sale in any price range.”

        The brokerage is at 3940 Olympic Blvd., suite 400.

        Information: 859-372-6640 or www.sunbeltnetwork.com.

Exec's book coaches managers

        Paul Miller, whose background in broadcasting and banking has exposed him to many management situations, has just published a book for helping good workers become good supervisors.

        The Supervisor's Coach addresses the attitudes and behaviors that help new supervisors succeed.

        “The common practice is to promote the best workers to supervise other workers, even though they may have no training for the job and no previous management experience,” Mr. Miller said. “The purpose of this book is to provide fledgling and veteran supervisors with some quick and helpful assistance when they encounter the most common and troublesome people-problems.”

        Mr. Miller, who resides in Forestville in Anderson Township, formerly managed WCKY radio in Cincinnati, served as regional vice president of the Washington Post's broadcast division, and was senior marketing vice president of a Cleveland savings bank.

        The Supervisor's Coach is available from www.amazon .com, www.bordersbooks .com or from the author.

        Information: 231-1416.

CMC, Sheakley ethics finalists

        Two local companies are finalists for the 2002 Better Business Bureau International Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The two are CMC Properties and the Sheakley Group.

        CMC Properties, located in Blue Ash, is a property management and development firm that specializes in apartments and office space for small entrepreneurial ventures. The Sheakley Group, headquartered in Springdale, is a national consulting company involved in third-party administration and medical management for Ohio Workers' Compensation.

        The companies are among 28 finalists from 18 states. The BBB Torch Award spotlights the long-term value of honest business practices, said Jocile Ehrlich, president of the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau. More than 70 local companies were nominated and all will be recognized at an awards dinner Oct. 23 at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

        “To have two Tristate businesses chosen as finalists is testament to our business community and leaders,” she said.

        Information: 421-3165.

        E-mail jcallison@cinci.rr.com or fax 564-6991 with openings, expansions and other news about neighborhood businesses.

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