New speech therapy practice opens

Cincinnati Speech Therapy is a new practice operated by Sharon Dolle Olthaus.

The office serves children and adults with individual speech and language therapy sessions provided by a licensed speech language pathologist. Communication disorders that are assessed and treated include language learning disabilities, developmental delays, disorders affecting articulation (sound production), social skills, feeding/swallowing disorders, stroke-related disorders and stuttering. Patients who need help with written language skills, reading comprehension and study/organization skills can be accommodated.

Olthaus received a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders from University of Cincinnati and a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Miami University. She holds both state and national licenses.

Sessions are by appointment only. The office, at 2123 Auburn Ave., Suite 208, in Mount Auburn, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Payment for services is through private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or individual payment.

Information: 632-5805.

Helicopter pilot lets nonprofits ride

David Simpson, a Bethel police officer and owner of Simpson Security Patrol, has launched a subsidiary that takes fund-raising to new heights.

Simpson, a commercial pilot, has founded Dave Simpson Helicopter, which offers helicopter rides at special events. His goals are to increase aviation awareness and to help nonprofit organizations raise money. There is an instructional session before flights, which includes orientation and safety education.

"We flew for Bethel High School's graduation party and it was a huge success," Simpson said. "Now elementary schools and the Boy Scouts have expressed interest."

The helicopter is available to any nonprofit organization in Butler, Clermont or Hamilton counties and in Northern Kentucky. The organization keeps one-third of the profits.

Simpson is a federal and state police academy graduate. His security company has been in business since 1991. It is at 58 E. Main Street, Suite 200 in Amelia.

Information: 753-6399 or www.simpsonsecuritypatrol.com.

Montgomery store has French twist

Bill and Kim France are, appropriately, the owners of House of France, a Montgomery shop that carries a full line of country French and English furniture and accessories. Inventory includes table lamps, chandeliers, wall art, bedding, hand-painted dishes, hand-blown glassware, country French upholstery and gift items. Interior design services are free to furniture customers.

All prices are below retail, Kim France said.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. House of France is at 10002 Montgomery Road, next door to Closson's.

Information: 985-0098.

TechSolve hosts free breakfasts

"Hot Topics for Entrepreneurs" is a new series of breakfast sessions for owners and managers of small and growing manufacturing businesses. It is sponsored by TechSolve, an organization focused on helping manufacturers operate more efficiently.

"Hot Topics" kicks off Friday with a session on managing health insurance costs, featuring Jim Barone of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Future topics are business valuation, managing human resources, and using online guerilla marketing tactics.

All sessions begin with breakfast and networking from 8-8:30 a.m., program and speakers from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and questions and discussion from 10:30-11 a.m. There is no charge, and non-members of TechSolve are welcome to attend.

TechSolve is at 1111 Edison Drive, off Paddock Road in Carthage.

Information: 948-2010.

Companies merge into Polaxis Group

Five local companies decided they possessed a certain synergy and have joined together under one umbrella.

The Polaxis Group consists of providers of insurance, financial planning, employee benefits, human resources and staffing services. Three of the component companies, MBA Insurance, MBA Benefits Group and MBA Financial Group, joined several years ago. Their two new partners are HumaCare, a human resources consulting and administration company and Star Personnel, a temporary staffing organization.

"Each Polaxis Group company is an authority in a critical aspect of protecting or running privately held companies," said Bill Locke, vice president of MBA Insurance. "We're unique in Cincinnati because we are a one-stop shop."

Polaxis Group is based at 9501 Union Cemetery Road in Loveland.

Information: 605-3500.

Dillonvale IGA wins 5 stars for safety

The Dillonvale IGA earned top marks in its most recent assessment.

Inspection company Steritech Food Safety Management Systems awarded the independent grocery store a five-star rating, the highest level. Annual inspections are mandated for a store's continued membership in the IGA network. Stores are evaluated on the basis of safe food practices, cleanliness, merchandising techniques and workplace safety.

Dillonvale IGA, at 3950 E. Galbraith, is owned by Mark Ossege.

Information: 984-5249.

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