Ink-cartridge refill store opens in mall

SPRINGDALE - A company that extends the usefulness of ink-jet cartridges has opened its first Cincinnati location in Tri-County Mall.

Island Ink-Jet Systems operates a "drop and shop" cartridge refill service, similar to a one-hour photo service, company officials say.

"You can drop off empty printer cartridges while you shop, and pick them up within the hour," explained Carey Porcher, CEO of the British Columbia-based company.

Island Ink-Jet says that, with proper care, most cartridges can be refilled from five to 15 times. It can prepare more than 100 different formulations of ink.

The company, which is expanding rapidly in North America, plans to open 28 locations in southern Ohio over the next four years. Hank Rosen is the local area representative and owner of the mall franchise.

Information: 671-1590.

Animal hospital features pet salon

MOUNT WASHINGTON - Pet owners whose animals need a mid-winter pick-me-up have a new resource. A new full-service pet salon has opened on the premises of Beechmont Animal Hospital.

Cindy Parker is the owner of Beechmont Pet Grooming, which began catering to dogs and cats in December. She has six years' experience as a groomer.

Beechmont Pet Grooming is at 1627 Burney Lane.

Information: 232-0300.

Computer repair firm relocates here

WESTWOOD - A computer-consulting firm has relocated its offices here from Lumberton, N.C.

Weber Consulting provides computer repair, networking, custom programming services and other computer-related functions.

Said company owner Duffy Weber: "It is our intention to continue our excellent track record by serving the businesses, industries, and corporations of Cincinnati and northern Kentucky, offering affordable, competitive prices, and the expertise and top-notch service that's long been expected by and delivered to our clients back in North Carolina."

Weber said that his company's work is done at the customer's location. The firm's hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment.

Information: 708-5740 or www.DuffyWeber.com.

New Kumon branch offers resources

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP - An educational resource company has opened a new location here, at 3187 Western Row Road, Suite 116. Zakia Hyder is the owner of Kumon Math & Reading Center of Kings.

More than 3 million students are enrolled in Kumon after-school education programs around the world. The company prepares students for success in higher math and reading comprehension by giving them a strong foundation in the basics. It works with children from preschool to beginning college levels.

"Deerfield Township . . . parents participate in their children's education, and the Kings Local Schools has introduced wonderful programs to encourage reading among its younger students," Hyder said. "We are excited to be here as a provider of supplemental education. We will focus on students needing extra help, as well as those seeking enrichment."

Information: 737-READ or kingskumon@aol.com.

Webby Dance takes bigger location

FAIRFIELD - Webby Dance Company has relocated its Fairfield teaching facility to 6975B Dixie Highway, in the White Linen Building. The new location houses two studios with state-of-the-art dance floors, parent viewing areas and ample parking.

Webby offers non-competitive instruction in a variety of dance forms including tap, ballet, tumbling, jazz and hip-hop. Students range in age from preschool through adult. The company also teaches dance to more than 600 students in area preschools and schools. Webby franchises exist in Ohio, Florida and California.

Information: 942-0100

Small business nominees sought

DOWNTOWN - The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for outstanding small businesses in the region. Small Business Excellence Awards will be presented in several categories: Emerging Business of the Year (a company in business for five years or less), Minority Business of the Year (nominees must be certified MBEs), Nonprofit of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.

The latter category is divided into small businesses that employ 50 or fewer people and small businesses that employ between 51 and 250.

All nominees must be chamber members and have fewer than 250 employees. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 26. A panel of business owners and advisers will choose winners; criteria include a demonstrated commitment to the business community.

Awards will be presented May 5 at the annual Small Business Excellence Awards program.

Nomination forms are available at mjustice@gccc.com or 686-2946. Information is at www.cincinnatichamber.com.

Montgomery bike store in new home

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - Montgomery Cyclery's store here wheeled into a new location in December.

The bike store, formerly at 8020 Beechmont Ave., is now at 8483 Beechmont Ave. This move gives the business more space and a permanent home, explained staffer Ben Frietsch.

"We purchased a new building; we were leasing the other space," he said. "In addition to a larger store, we now have a bigger test ride area outside."

Montgomery Cyclery is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Information: 474-5888.

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