By Maggie Downs
Enquirer staff writer

Forbes.com gave Cincinnati a spanking in its annual list of cool places for single people.

Now it's payback time.

A week from today, the area's young professionals can take their own whack at Forbes, in the form of a pinata - a donkey with a Forbes logo, brimming with gift certificates to downtown merchants.

For the past four years, Cincinnati has ranked at or near the bottom of the Forbes.com guide to hottest cities for singles. Out of 40 cities, Cincinnati rated 40 in 2001, 39 in 2002, 39 in 2003 and 39 this year.

"The young professionals of Cincinnati aren't going to let Forbes' oversight belittle the great work and collaboration taking place on both sides of the river in Cincinnati USA," said Sid D'Souza, who serves on the board of trustees of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. "We're striking back."

The beating will take place July 23 at Bold Fusion, the region's first young professionals summit. The event, held in the East Club Lounge in Paul Brown Stadium, is a half-day program that will feature a luncheon keynote address by University of Cincinnati President Nancy Zimpher.

Two interactive panel discussions will be held among the young professionals and community leaders.

The first, moderated by Phil Duncan of Landor Associates, will feature Lisa Blank, Greater Cincinnati Health Council; Ernest Britton, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; Bill Donabedian, MidPoint Music Festival; and Kristen Erwin, Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission.

The second discussion, moderated by chamber president Michael Fisher, will feature Alton Frailey, Cincinnati Public Schools; Stephen Leeper, Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation; Laura Long, Cincinnati Business Committee; and Greg Tulley, city of Newport planning and development coordinator.

Cost to attend is $45. To register, call (513) 579-3111 or visit www.ypcincy.com.

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com