By Jenny Callison
Enquirer contributor

FAIRFIELD - Longtime entrepreneur Robert Kramer has published a book that contains his business philosophy and experience.

Revolutionary Retailing is billed as "The Complete 'Wise Guy' 's Guide to Small Business Management and Marketing."

Kramer, with assistance from Miami University business students Matt Stadelman and Becky Gillespie, documented the experience he gained from building a multistore retail business in the Cincinnati area. In 1972, Kramer purchased Kramer's Sew and Vac from his father and expanded the business. He retired at age 50 but continues as a business and motivational speaker.

The book presents strategies Kramer says will help independent retailers be successful against discount chains and mass merchandisers. He suggests that entrepreneurs learn from the spirit and tactics of Colonial revolutionaries.

Revolutionary Retailing is published by AuthorHouse in Bloomington, Ind.

Information: (800) 2KR-AMER or www.revolutionaryretailing.com.

Hotub Store moves, but not very far away

SHARONVILLE - The Hotub Store is making a short but strategic move.

The business, formerly at 2486 E. Sharon Road, is moving to a new 7,500-square-foot facility at 2656 E. Sharon Road.

Owners Gregg St. Charles and Ron Jackson stock Royal Spas, Softub Portable Spas, Saunagen Saunas and swim spas. They also sell spa accessories, chemicals and parts.

Information: 522-7800.

Dale Carnegie of Ohio now in Cincinnati

BLUE ASH - A Dale Carnegie Training franchise has been purchased by Dale Carnegie of Ohio, making the Cincinnati area part of one of the world's largest Dale Carnegie franchises.

Dale Carnegie of Ohio, headquartered in Cleveland, is the result of the merger of three formerly independent franchises. The organization now encompasses nearly all of Ohio. Ed Grooms, former Cincinnati territory franchisee, remains with the company as a sales representative.

"We're very excited to have the Cincinnati territory in the fold," said Lance Tyson, president and CEO of Dale Carnegie of Ohio. "We view Cincinnati as a critical component to our success."

Tyson, co-owner with Ed Eppley of Dale Carnegie of Ohio, said they hope to log more than $2 million in sales this year - more than double what the current territory did as three separate franchises.

The company is a division of Dale Carnegie Training, a global management training company that provides leadership, sales and management training to more than 400 of the Fortune 500 companies.

Information: 984-4448 or www.dalecarnegie.com.

Purchasing agents to outline procedures

FORT MITCHELL - Small and minority-owned business are invited to expand their contacts with purchasing decision makers of the area's larger companies in a series called "A Chance to Meet ..."

The series, sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will present Greg Fogelman, purchasing agent for Viox Services, at the first session Sept. 17.

Future sessions this fall will feature staff from Fifth Third Bank, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, The Fischer Group and Yum! Brands.

Purchasing agents learn what supplies and services are available locally. Interested suppliers can ask questions relating to the companies' purchasing procedures.

The meeting takes place from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Nor-Com Room at the Chamber Center, 300 Buttermilk Pike, suite 330. Cost is $15 per person for Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati and African-American chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. Minority Business Enterprises certified by the South-Central Ohio Minority Business Council and the Kentuckiana Minority Business Council may also attend at the member rate.

Reservations are recommended as space is limited.

Information (859) 578-8801 or www.nkychamber.com.

New Madeira store offers handbags

MADEIRA - A new boutique offers women a choice of handbags and other accessories.

It's My Bag opened in August at 7754 Camargo Road in the Kroger Plaza. It shares space with another specialty shop, From the Heart.

"I carry a variety of women's accessories, which include several different lines of handbags, beautiful handmade jewelry as well as costume jewelry, floral arrangements, a line of lovely-to-look-at, fragrant, body products, and outerwear such as ponchos, scarves, hats and gloves. I also have many unique gifts," said owner Carla Weeks.

This is Weeks' first foray into business ownership, but she builds on a career in sales.

Information: 271-2246.

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