Business merges, changes location

CAMP WASHINGTON - Valley Building Materials is merging with its sister company, Star Building Materials in Florence. As a result, the Cincinnati company's name has changed to Star Building Materials, and the business has just moved from 2000 State Ave. in South Fairmount to 3411 Spring Grove Ave.

"This will give the company more space and a better location," said owner Hershell Freeman.

Star is a distributor of bricks, plaster and masonry products. The Northern Kentucky location is at 8319 Dixie Highway.

Information: 921-2822.

Counselor opens new practice

CHERRY GROVE - Martha Garner-Holman, a licensed counselor, has opened a counseling and therapy practice at 4030 Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road. She specializes in working with adults and with children 5 and older.

Garner-Holman earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas and is a licensed independent social worker with nearly 30 years of experience as a counselor. She works with individuals as well as couples and families.

Information: 528-4790.

McKinley adds Mason office

MASON - After 10 years in Blue Ash, McKinley Mortgage LLC has opened a second office here to serve Cincinnati's northern suburbs. The firm, named for President William McKinley, is owned by Paul Luck and Jim Malott.

"Being a full-service mortgage broker, McKinley Mortgage can help customers with any of their financial needs, such as refinancing their home, obtaining a home equity loan, purchasing their dream home or even credit problems," Luck said.

The company has just introduced a "one cost fee" program for purchases and refinances. The new office is at 6653 Western Row Road.

Information: 229-5454.

Deli open soon At VOA Center

WEST CHESTER TWP. - A McAlister's Deli - the third in the Cincinnati area - will open April 26 in the VOA Center. The casual dining chain features counter ordering and limited table service.

McAlister's deli-style specialties include sandwiches, a variety of salads and super-stuffed baked potatoes. The new eatery, at 7622 Cox Road, is owned by The Bistro Group, Cincinnati-based restaurateurs. The 4,000-square-foot space will offer inside seating for 150 and outdoor seating for 32, says Phil Shipley, The Bistro Group's director of operations.

The Bistro Group is hiring cooks, servers and managers for the West Chester location, Shipley said.

Information: 755-6888.

Firms merge as AI Software

KENWOOD - A Cincinnati-based software company has merged with a California firm to form AI Software Inc.

The new company is a combination of Hawkeye Online LLC and XE Innovations LLC of Huntington Beach, Calif.

"AI Software separates itself from other technology companies by its unique solutions, namely a package that includes a Web browser-based 'front end' with 'back end' features customized to meet specific business needs," said Ed Buringrud, AI's chief software architect.

The company also offers custom software, Web design and Web hosting, graphic design services and consulting. It is at 8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 700.

Information: 792-2207.

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