Staff/wire reports

HAMILTON - The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates Inc. has awarded its first charter franchise to Sirk Brockman Realty LLC. The newly affiliated firm will be known as Prudential Sirk Brockman.

"We will benefit from the power of the Prudential name and the distinctive 'Rock' logo, which are reinforced by a significant advertising program," said agency owner Bob Sirk. "We welcome the value of the Prudential brand and look forward to reaping the benefits of this strategic move."

Prudential Sirk Brockman has offices at 240 Park Ave.

Information: (513) 856-9999 or www.prudentialsirkbrockman.com.

Italian-themed spa opens in Symmes

SYMMES TOWNSHIP - A new salon and spa aims to bring Italian elegance to its operations.

Tuscany Spa & Salon opens to the public Tuesday.Co-owner Jonathan Alon, who has 15 years of experience as a hair stylist in Cincinnati and beyond, will supervise the staff of stylists in the 5,800-square-foot facility.

"Our business provides individualized, focused and complete customer service," said co-owner Amy Kobs.

Tuscany is at 11355 Montgomery Road at Harper's Point and offers a full range of salon and spa services.

Information: (513) 489-8872 or www.TuscanySpaAndSalon.com.

Business council to give four awards

COVINGTON - Two businesses and two individuals will be presented with awards during the Covington Business Council's annual meeting and awards dinner Wednesday.Winners are:

• Tier 1 Performance Solutions, Outstanding New Business of the Year.

• B B Riverboats, Outstanding Established Business of the Year.

• Marshall Slagle, the Michael Partin Community Leadership Award. Named for a fallen Covington police officer, the award honors a community leader.

• Tom West of KZF Design Inc., the Ralph V. Haile Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award. The award, named for the Covington Business Council's founder, recognizes a board member for lasting contributions to the council.

Niche car seller opens in Hamilton

HAMILTON - A niche used car company has branched out from its West Chester location to open a second office here.

Cars R Us is now at 2098 Fairgrove Ave.

"We specialize in finding specific cars for people and can generally save them money," said owner Paresh Patel. "We also buy cars rather than dealing with trade price at other dealers, again saving customers money."

Information: (513) 737-9905.

Investor purchases moving franchise

WHITE OAK - Mike Lally, a former corporate executive and securities broker has purchased a moving franchise, Two Men and a Truck.

The White Oak-based franchise is the third in Cincinnati, but the first for Lally.

"With this new office, we can respond more quickly to customers on the West Side," Lally says. "If a job is more complicated than expected, we can get additional workers to the site in a matter of minutes, not hours. And because our travel time is less, that means a greater cost savings to customers."

The new business is at 5880 Cheviot Road, in the White Oak Shopping Center.

Information: (513) 245-1900 or www.twomen.com