The Enquirer

WEST CHESTER - A coach will talk about nurturing a strong business at a free seminar Tuesday.

"Six Steps to Building a Great Business," presented by certified business coach Nick Kontras, is targeted at business owners and entrepreneurs who want to understand business growth and learn techniques for working more efficiently and maximizing profits.

Kontras is with Action International of Greater Cincinnati, a leading business coaching company founded by entrepreneur Brad Sugars. It has offices in the U.S., Australia, Asia, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

Kontras is a lawyer, author and former sales executive and sales manager for three Fortune 500 tech companies.

The session is at the Cincinnati Marriott North, at the Union Centre area just off Interstate 75, from 4-6 p.m. Reservations are requested.

Information: (513) 874-6399 or Nick@CoachNick.biz.

Cafe offers unusual dishes

MADEIRA - Conscious Indulgence Cafe provides takeout with a twist.

The eatery, which opened July 6, features items ranging from spicy Asian chicken wrap to Angus roast beef wrap with blue cheese.

"I like to make things that don't have preservatives, and things for people on special diets such as the Atkins and the L.A. Diet," said chef and owner Mary Ann Burt.

Burt, a West Side native, has studied at the Cordon Bleu culinary institute in Paris.

The cafe, at 7896 Camargo Road, is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

Information: (513) 272-2010.

Xperianz plans to offer expertise in Atlanta

MIAMI TWP. - A company that provides specialized business expertise for companies' short-term and project requirements is establishing an office in Atlanta.

Xperianz, based at 400 TechneCenter Drive, announced that Chris Shuffett would be managing director of the expansion location. Shuffett, a former CFO, has experience with turnarounds, startups and pre-IPO privately-held companies. "We're excited about expanding to Atlanta because our approach to financial and technology professional services is entirely unique to the area," said president and CEO Eric W. Vayo-Smith.

Those services include finance, strategic technology and business systems expertise.

Xperianz, part of Cincinnati-based Kenwood Cooper Co., has offices in the Midwest, Southeast and south-central United States.

Information: (513) 576-1970 or www.Xperianz.com

Pediatric Associates launches new Web site

MOUNT CARMEL - Pediatric Associates of Mount Carmel now has a Web site.

The practice, founded in 1972, comprises nine board-certified pediatric physicians and three offices. The offices are at 3020 Hospital Drive, Suite 250, Batavia; 201 Old Bank Road, Suite 103, Milford; and 4420 Aicholtz Road.

Pediatric Associates serves children from birth through high school.

Information: (513) 752-3650 or www.pedsmtcarmel.com.

Tech-support expert opens new franchise

INDEPENDENCE - Veteran computer specialist John Richardson has officially become a computer problem-solver.

Richardson is the owner of Computer Troubleshooters NKY, a new franchise of Computer Troubleshooters, an international network consisting of more than 300 offices. Two other locations are in Blue Ash and Colerain Township.

Ranked the number-one tech support franchise by Entrepreneur magazine, Computer Troubleshooters provides a range of computer services that includes repair, upgrades, virus removal, software support, data backup and networking to individual residents and small businesses.

Richardson's franchise territory includes Florence and Erlanger.

Information: (859) 359-HELP.

CBS Personnel to buy North Carolina firm

DOWNTOWN - In a move to expand beyond the Ohio Valley and southeastern states, CBS Personnel has agreed to buy Venturi Staffing Partners, Inc. of Charlotte, N.C. The sale is expected to be complete by mid-fourth quarter, 2004.

Venturi Staffing Partners is the commercial staffing unit of Venturi Partners, Inc. It conducts business in 15 states, primarily California, Texas, Illinois, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

"Our acquisition of Venturi Staffing Partners will transform our company into one of national scope and reach," said CBS Personnel CEO Frederick L. Kohnke. He added that the combined company will have more than 135 offices nationwide and will enable the new entity to compete more effectively for customers in many markets.

CBS Personnel will soon increase staff at its 435 Elm St. headquarters to support its expanded network. It anticipates employing 800 corporate and field staff and having 16,000 individuals placed with clients each week.

The company, founded in 1970, offers such services as employee leasing, permanent staffing and temporary-to-permanent placement.

Information: (513) 651-1111.

N.Ky. official joins leadership network

FORT THOMAS - An official at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has been elected to serve on the U.S. Business Leadership Network's executive committee.

Nancy A. Spivey, vice president of workforce and education initiatives at the chamber, is the Midwest representative on the committee. The network identifies and promotes best practices in hiring, retaining, and marketing to people with disabilities. It supports development and expansion of employer-focused business leadership networks all over the country.

Information: (859) 578-6387.

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E-mail jcallison@zoomtown.com or fax 564-6991 with news about neighborhood businesses.