FORT MITCHELL - Small business and minority business owners can learn about opportunities to do business with Fifth Third Bank at a presentation Friday.

The monthly "A Chance To Meet . . ." forum features Adriene Zuberi, supplier diversity manager for Fifth Third Bank. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce sponsors the session.

Chamber vice president for business development Nicole Christian explained that the event enables smaller business and minority suppliers to meet the purchasing decision-makers of larger companies in the area. Fifth Third, she said, has expressed specific interest in learning of minority- and woman-owned vendors and suppliers.

Reservations are recommended for Friday's event at 8-9:15 a.m. in the Nor-Com Room at the chamber headquarters, 300 Buttermilk Pike. Cost to attend is $15 for members of the Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati, and African-American chambers, and $30 for non-members. Certified minority business enterprises may also attend at the member rate.

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

Needlecraft shop gets more space

HAMILTON - There is more available for needlecraft fans at a much-enlarged shop downtown.

Lambikin's Hideaway Yarn & Stitchery has relocated from 573 Main St. to 217 S. B St.

"Our new location is over 4,000 square feet, compared to 800 square feet at our previous store," said owner Christina Greene. "Besides the substantial increase in space, our new location is a historic building that boasts much better parking and a perfect atmosphere for our yarn store."

Greene said the store stocks a wide variety of specialty yarns, needles, patterns and books for knitters and cross-stitchers. The new store has a space that is dedicated to classes, which are offered year-round and cater to beginners as well as more advanced knitters.

Information: (513) 895-5648 or www.lambikinshideaway.com

Investment firm expands

DOWNTOWN - An investment firm here is opening an office in Columbus. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. sees the addition as the means to expand its client base as well as its service portfolio.

"This office will be closely integrated with our headquarters in Cincinnati and will complement our existing experts and current growth strategies," said Maribeth S. Rahe, president and CEO of Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. "In addition, it will help us achieve our vision of becoming the premier investment advisory firm in the Tristate area."

The new location is at 41 S. High St., Suite 2495, in the Huntington Center.

Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management services for institutions, corporations, insurance companies, mutual funds, foundations, associations and wealthy individuals. The firm was founded in 1990, and is a member of Western & Southern Financial Group.

Information: (513) 361-7600 or www.fortwashington.com

Cincinnati Bell opens new outlet

COLUMBIA TWP. - There is a new Cincinnati Bell retail store in the Wooster at Walton Creek shopping center.

The store, which opened Sept. 4 in the brand-new retail center, sells all Cincinnati Bell products and services, including wireless, telephone, long distance and high-speed Internet services. Staff can also provide support information and assistance. A selection of pre- and post-paid wireless phones, as well as residential phones, is on display at the store.

Andrew Beckman is the manager of the store, which is at 7435 Wooster Pike.

Information: (513) 271-4143 or www.cincinnatibell.com

Ohio National offers new product

MONTGOMERY - Ohio National Financial Services has added a new universal life insurance product to its portfolio.

Virtus 100 G offers the policyholder a death benefit guarantee to age 100, along with a "catch-up provision" that allows clients to reinstate their death benefit guarantee if temporary financial circumstances cause them to miss a premium payment.

"Some clients want a death benefit guarantee at an affordable price. Virtus 100 G delivers on that promise with a competitive premium structure at our key target ages," said D. Gates Smith, executive vice president for agency and group distribution.

Virtus 100 G is the second addition to the company's insurance product line this year. In May, Ohio National introduced a new variable universal life insurance policy, Growth Perspective VUL.

Ohio National markets its insurance and financial products through more than 30,000 independent agents, firms, banks and wire houses in 47 states. The company, founded in 1909, has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States. is at 1 Financial Way.

Information: (513) 794-6100 or www.ohionational.com

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