Article Archive

John F. Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Awards 2018 - Video Series (Part Two)

In October of 2018, Venue Magazine honored Barbara Hogan, Co-Owner & Vice President of Afidence, Evans Nwankwo, President of Megen Construction and Michael Sutter, President & CEO of BBC Technology Solutions.

How to Design + Build Homes Without Hidden Costs

With over 15 years of experience, Graeme Daley has set out to create truly customized homes while eliminating the surprise costs that are often sprung on clients during construction.

Staying Connected to the Columbus Community

At Nationwide Insurance, the focus is on growing, learning and improving. Steve Farley, Vice President of Software Development Services for Nationwide Insurance, is devoted to helping Nationwide stay connected to the Columbus community in a variety of ways. For starters, they participate in the Central Ohio CIO Council to help collaborate across the local IT Community.

John F. Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Awards 2018 - Video Series (Part One)

In October of 2018, Venue Magazine honored Cynthia Booth, President & CEO of COBCO Enterprises DBA McDonald's, Jeff Ruby, Owner of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment and Jonathan Adams, President of SALIX.

Dance with Your Heart Charity Gala 2018

Top 5 Things in Tech You Need to Know – Friday

Mobile Device & Data Consumption is Exploding but Budgets Don't Have To

Mobility management has evolved into something much more than just analyzing monthly invoices. Mobility Management today must be daily, not monthly, and manual processes must be supplemented – or even replaced – with automation. This translates into managing in real-time versus a month in arrears.

ComSpark Podcast - VP of Client Solutions for Pillar Technology - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Where History Horses & Hospitality Meet

Walt’s Hitching Post is one of the most iconic restaurants in the tri-state area with a rich history that is shared by the flavor of the fare, the ambiance of the rooms, the hospitality of the staff, and even the unique aroma of the walls. It all started back in 1942 when Walt Ballanger and his wife Mary founded the establishment, which they named from cast-iron posts where guests could tie up their horses.

Global Care from Ohio to Oregon to Texas

Locally hosted, hybrid solutions provided by Flexential ensure high speed, secure access to applications and data.

The Network of Executive Women (NEW) Cincinnati Fall Learning Event

The Network of Executive Women (NEW) Cincinnati, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing women, growing business and transforming the workplace through the power of community, is commemorating its 10th anniversary in 2018. To complete the celebration this year, NEW Cincinnati featured keynote speaker Dr. Steve Robbins, the author of “What If? Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue,” and creator of a new video training series called “Inclusion Insights.” Dr. Robbins spoke to more than 700 male and female consumer product and retail leaders at the NEW Cincinnati 2018 Fall Learning Event at JACK Casino on October 25, 2018.

Central Ohio Tech Power Players 2018 Event Gallery 2

Top Things in Tech You Need to Know - Thursday

Focused Growth

The largest ophthalmology organization in the midwest, Cincinnati Eye Institute (CEI) has embarked on a new partnership that has the potential to grow one of the nation’s leading eye care organizations to new heights.

Celebrating Mile Markers on the Road to Success, Sustainable Innovation

Top 5 Things In Tech You Need to Know - Wednesday

Central Ohio Tech Power Players 2018 Event Gallery 1

A Center for Faith

Due to increased resident demand for services and events, Christian Village Communities is building a new, state-of-the-art worship center named for longtime church leaders Sam and Gwen Stone to unite all residents in their faith-filled community.

Angelo Mazzocco Tackles Hi-Tech Trials and Threats

With corporate data breaches and technology privacy concerns regularly making headlines, chief information officers are always on guard. You’d think that they might even lose some sleep at night.

ComSpark Podcast - The CIO of Central Ohio Primary Care - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Columbus Tech Power Player Awards and Comspark Magazine Launch Today

Top 5 Things in Tech You Need to Know – Tuesday

Westerville Recognized as 2019 Global SMART21 Community

ComSpark Podcast - The CIO of Central Ohio Primary Care - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Navigating The Maze Called Open Enrollment

As we approach most employers’ benefits open enrollment season, we are mindful of the many decisions people have when it comes to employee benefits. FSAs, HDHPs, HSAs, life insurance, disability insurance, Roth 401(k)s...the list goes on and on. For some, it can be relatively straightforward. For others, it can be very overwhelming and results in many employees electing benefits they may not understand or even need. In this article, we will summarize some of the key benefits we discuss with our clients as they go through the open enrollment process.

Transforming Clients Through Top Talent Technology

“Our model has been to find the best talent, regardless of where that talent lives, make them a part of the RoundTower Technologies family and then make them available to customers whenever they are needed and wherever they are located,” says Jim Burden, sales manager for RoundTower Columbus. “This model has proven to be very successful and enables us to have the very best talent working on our customers’ projects.”

Telhio Veteran's Event 2018 - Video Series (Part Four)

Telhio Veteran's Event 2018 - Video Series (Part Three)

Telhio Veteran's Event 2018 - Video Series (Part Two)

Telhio Veteran's Event 2018 - Video Series (Part One)

Honoring our Veterans

Man and Machine Working Together to Realize Smart Manufacturing

Manufacturing is at a turning point due to evolving market dynamics and recent technological breakthroughs. Increasing product individualization, shorter product life cycles, and product and market complexities are creating difficult challenges for manufacturers. At the same time increasing automation, digital transformation, and IoT are bringing together the physical and digital environments. Manufacturers are caught between today’s traditional processes/systems and the future of Smart Manufacturing, which many believe will bring about the next industrial revolution, Industry 4.0.

Top 5 Things in Tech You Need to Know - Monday

The Smart Home of Tomorrow Today

Since 1999, locally owned and operated Hanson Audio Video has been equipping families with optimum solutions for Home Theater, Hi-Fi Audio and Smart Home Automation in their homes.

Transforming Clients Through Top Talent, Technology

“Our model has been to find the best talent, regardless of where that talent lives, make them a part of the RoundTower Technologies family and then make them available to customers whenever they are needed and wherever they are located,” says Jim Burden, sales manager for RoundTower Columbus. “This model has proven to be very successful and enables us to have the very best talent working on our customers’ projects.”

Top 5 Things in Tech You Need to Know - Friday

ComSpark Podcast - CIO for State of Ohio - Ohio Attorney General - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Gift Giver's Paradise

There’s something for everyone at Village Junction. Walking in the front door, you’ll immediately notice the store’s cozy atmosphere.

Rapid Innovation Through Collaboration

In 2014, seven diverse Columbus area companies joined forces to create the Columbus Collaboratory. Working together on complex challenges common to member companies, the Collaboratory develops solutions that enhance operational efficiencies and competitiveness for the member companies and have application in the broader market. Now, in 2018, with an impressive track record of accomplishment in the areas of cybersecurity, data analytics and talent development, the Collaboratory plans to extend this unique model to include the Greater Cincinnati technology ecosystem.

Local Woman's Cancer Treatment Signals

It wasn’t the ideal way to start a vacation. In June of 2013, 34-year-old Christina Haywood and her boyfriend had just started a summer getaway when she got the call. She had been diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer.

Jeff Wilkins: The Father of the Commercialization of the Internet

In our current age of instant access to information, it’s easy to forget that the internet hasn’t been around for long. The World Wide Web originally came about in 1990, less than 30 years ago. Amazon was established in 1994, and Google in 1998. But before there was Amazon or eBay, Jeff Wilkins was changing the way we use the internet. Wilkins’ innovation in eCommerce has changed the face of not only American buyers, but consumerism around the world.

Editorial Board Letter

Beginning in 1997, a core group of technology leaders in Central Ohio banded together to create what has come to be known as the Central Ohio CIO Forum. Although at that time in 1997, there were only 8 members, today there are over 160, representing many of Central Ohio’s best companies that total over an estimated $1 trillion in assets. This group worked together to address issues confronting each other and issues facing the community. Some of these have included helping to create a non-profit that solves problems for over 200 health service non-profits in the community, succession planning for the technology community, training for up-and-coming technology executives, and addressing talent shortage.

Why Purchasing Refurbished IT hardware Can Be Good for Business

There are many ways to run a successful company and still save money. In fact, many companies are realizing that purchasing refurbished IT hardware such as computers, servers and other necessary parts can save money and help the environment at the same time. Some companies, however, may associate the word “refurbished” with a negative connotation, assuming that items in this category are not only used, but are also out of date, mistreated and partially broken.

Making Over Mommy: Renewed Confidence and No Regrets

“If I could change anything, it would be how long it took me to make that appointment,” says local mom Jackie about her recent “Mommy Makeover” at Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center. “And now, I feel like myself again,” she adds.

Jeff Wilkins: The Father of the Commercialization of the Internet

In our current age of instant access to information, it’s easy to forget that the internet hasn’t been around for long. The World Wide Web originally came about in 1990, less than 30 years ago. Amazon was established in 1994, and Google in 1998. But before there was Amazon or eBay, Jeff Wilkins was changing the way we use the internet. Wilkins’ innovation in eCommerce has changed the face of not only American buyers, but consumerism around the world.

Northeast Ohio’s Kalman & Pabst Photo Group Aims To Expand Its Statewide Presence

CLEVELAND (November 1, 2018) – Kalman & Pabst Photo Group (KP Photo), an award-winning Cleveland, Ohio commercial photography, digital artistry, video, and CGI studio today announced the opening of a strategic, southern Ohio sales office to focus its efforts on attracting and servicing new business opportunities within the Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton markets.

Fall Venue Release Party at Horter Investments

ComSpark Podcast - Associate VP - IT Strategy & Innovation for Nationwide - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Connect, Inspire & Empower Women In the Community

The practice of law has historically been a male-dominated field. The same was true at KMK Law, but in 1980 the Cincinnati-based firm hired its first female attorney. This year, 60 percent of their new attorneys are women.

Save the date! The Dragonfly Foundation Grand Gala will be held March 2, 2019

The Beauty is in the Details

FOUNDRYno.201 specializes in full-service residential and commercial interior architecture and design. We recently sat down with the Cincinnati-based firm to learn more about their unique approach to design.

ComSpark Podcast - VP of Information Systems for Licking Memorial Health Systems - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Wine, Feasting & Fun

Tony Bassano is the new general manager at the lovely Eddie Merlot’s restaurant in Montgomery, Ohio, the only Cincinnati location. I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with Tony about this esteemed position. Though, it was challenging to have a conversation without several interruptions because Tony is gregarious and well-loved by his staff and patrons.

Register today for Dancing with our Stars hosted by Jewish Family Services

Why Purchasing Refurbished IT hardware Can Be Good for Business

There are many ways to run a successful company and still save money. In fact, many companies are realizing that purchasing refurbished IT hardware such as computers, servers and other necessary parts can save money and help the environment at the same time. Some companies, however, may associate the word “refurbished” with a negative connotation, assuming that items in this category are not only used, but are also out of date, mistreated and partially broken.

State-of-the-Art Treatment

As the region’s only fully-integrated, multidisciplinary program focused on treating patients with benign and malignant tumors of the brain, pituitary gland and skull base, the University of Cincinnati (UC) Brain Tumor Center continues to deliver world-class clinical care via its top-notch technical and surgical expertise, state-of-the-art treatment options and access to the latest clinical trials.

Infusing Hope

Myth: When choosing where to beat your cancer, you can select a facility with preeminent physicians employing groundbreaking treatments or a practice that embraces each case personally and treats patients like family. Myth: You can’t have both. Myth: And if you live in Greater Cincinnati, prepare to travel. These myths are being dispelled every day at OHC.

JDRF Bourbon and BowTie Bash 2018

Conversations on Leadership Readiness

Heritage Bank was founded in 1990 with the specific mission of preserving the concept of local community banking in Northern Kentucky where residents can get advice and service from professionals who live in their communities. Heritage has grown to 20 branches with over 200 employees and $835 million in assets. In the last year, the bank opened its first branch across the river in Mason, Ohio. It will open a Montgomery, Ohio office in February.

ComSpark Podcast - VP and CIO for The Ohio State University - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Executive Coaching & Empowering Millennials

Cory Carlson’s question for business leaders is: The millennials are here – what are you doing about it? How are you investing in the next generation of leaders? Carlson, who left his corporate sales and marketing position two years ago to become an executive coach, reminds his clients that growth depends on empowering younger leaders.

An Urban Transformation

This year’s HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 is a Dutch Colonial house nestled in the vibrant community of Oakley, Ohio. The home is walking distance to shops, restaurants and parks and just a short drive from Cincinnati’s downtown nightlife and attractions. Local firm, Platte Architecture + Design, was selected to lead the architectural design for the project. The project all began with a cryptic phone call from a realtor who was looking for a team to renovate a dilapidated property. Platte was invited to tour the property. When asked what he thought could be done with the property, Kurt Platte remembers saying that the sky is the limit. Platte signed a contract before it was divulged that the client was HGTV. A few weeks later, Platte was sitting in his downtown Cincinnati office with the host of HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 and a project manager.

RSM Receives Plug and Play’s Corporate Innovation Award

RSM US LLP (“RSM”) – the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market – is pleased to announce that it was recently recognized with Plug and Play’s Fintech Corporate Innovation Award. RSM received the award based on its high level of engagement with Plug and Play to bring innovation to the middle market.

ComSpark Podcast - CIO for Worthington Industries - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Incredible Journey

“He was an ordinary man who made extraordinary decisions under extraordinary circumstances.” Verbally summarizing Nelson Mandela’s legacy comes easily for documentary photographer Matthew Willman. But earning the privilege of being commissioned by The Nelson Mandela Foundation to chronicle the last 10 years of the South African president’s life in pictures? That proved to be as professionally and personally challenging as it was rewarding.

Sharing the Warmth, Beauty and Festivities of the Holidays

What interior holiday décor are you dreaming of this year? Have you even had time to think about it? The reality is, the holidays are right around the corner. Whether you’re imagining one Christmas tree or three, a bare-bones mantle with minimal greenery, or a front entry that looks and smells like a full pine forest, Robin Buop, owner and head designer at Botanica, invites you to stop by for an invigoratingly fresh breath of holiday decorating inspiration.

Clot Removal Procedure Offers Hope to Stroke Patients

A sobering statistic from the American Heart Association: A stroke occurs somewhere in the United States roughly once every 40 seconds, killing an estimated 133,000 people annually. The good news? Two Mayfield Brain & Spine vascular neurosurgeons – Andrew Ringer, M.D., and Lincoln Jiménez, M.D. – are expertly trained in performing a breakthrough blood clot retrieval procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, offering hope to those who suffer large-vessel, or ischemic, strokes.

Announcing Keynote Speaker Jeff Wilkins, Chief Executive Officer, Facilities Management Express, LLC

Cultivating Community Partnership

The partnership between Global Business Solutions, Inc. (GBS) and Covington Catholic High School (CCH) began accidentally four years ago at a Robotics Team practice. Serving as CCH’s Robotics Coach, Gaby Batshoun, GBS President/Founder noticed an IT network performance issue. Immediately he knew there was a problem. After further discovery, it led to a meeting with CCH Principal, Bob Rowe. During that first meeting, Principal Rowe and Gaby discussed the school’s technology infrastructure, but more importantly, Mr. Rowe shared his vision of creating a comprehensive STEM program – so began a partnership that has helped transform the school into a leader in STEM education.

ComSpark Podcast - Vice President, Enterprise IT - eCommerce Solutions for Cardinal Health - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Dayton, Kentucky:

Excellent schools. Incredible waterfront living. Luxury lifestyle developments. And a five-minute drive to Downtown Cincinnati. These are but a few key factors in Dayton, Kentucky joining the ranks of OTR and East Walnut Hills as communities experiencing massive revitalization.

Finding Compassion Through Pain

Pain led Natasha Kohorst to her passion. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without having gone through the suffering I’ve experienced.”

John F. Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Awards 2018 Honorees

The 3 Non-Negotiable Keys to Becoming a Disruptive Leader

In both global and local levels, CEOs, executives and businesses are pushing for greater innovation and productivity, diverse corporate cultures and fiscal robustness. Good is no longer good enough. The business environment is turbulent, and the stakes are rising. Jeanne Omlor gives advice to leaders on how to achieve business transformation.

Register Today for the Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards

Introducing one of the 2018 Central Ohio Tech Power Players Chad Meek, CIO for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

Register Today for the Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards

Introducing one of the 2018 Central Ohio Tech Power Players Chad Meek, CIO for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

ComSpark Podcast - CIO for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Transformative Real Estate Development Rolling Along the Riverfront

Manhattan Development, LLC – the catalyst behind what has been dubbed by some as the next great real estate transformation along the banks of the Ohio River – is charging ahead with its estimated $20 million Gateway Flats at Manhattan Harbour apartment project, while plans are approved and moving forward for the developers’ additional estimated $8.5 million in development on the 73-acre mixed-use site in Dayton, Kentucky.

The Better Personal Trainer

“Our agents are giving our customers relationship, accountability, and an ear who is willing to listen to whatever it is they need to talk about. Whatever it is the person needs to keep them on track for their goals, we’re going to give that to them, but we’re doing it all by text message,” says Dan Rye, co-founder and CTO of Kai Coach. Kai, a lifestyle coaching company enabled through text messaging, was founded in 2017.

Dr. Steve Robbins Explores Unconscious Bias at NEW Cincinnati Fall Learning Event on October 25

The Network of Executive Women (NEW) Cincinnati, a non-profit organization focused on advancing women, growing business and transforming the workplace through the power of community, is commemorating its 10th anniversary in 2018.

Freedom's Envoys

Like the abolitionists who pushed for the immediate emancipation of all slaves and the end of racial discrimination and segregation so many years ago, the 31 members of The Ambassadors – the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s support network – are committed to pressing on for freedom for today’s enslaved, here, across the country and around the world.

Register Today for the Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards

Introducing one of the 2018 Central Ohio Tech Power Players Jodie Bare, Deputy Program Manager - Technology at Smart City (Columbus)

Register Today for the Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards

Introducing one of the 2018 Central Ohio Tech Power Players Jodie Bare, Deputy Program Manager - Technology at Smart City (Columbus)

ComSpark Podcast - Deputy Program Manager - Technology for Smart City (Columbus) - Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

Changing the Cannabis Conversation in Skincare

“Cannuka is a medically-inspired, all-natural skincare line. What makes us unique is that we use cannabis (CBD) and Manuka honey as our two primary ingredients,” says Michael Bumgarner, founder of Cannuka. Cannuka, a line of skincare products, focuses on the use of CBD – derived from industrial hemp – and Manuka honey, cultivated in New Zealand.

Insights from Our Rising Star Medical Leaders: Summer 2018

It is no secret that our firm has a huge respect for practitioners working within the medical profession. In fact, many years ago, our very first clients were physicians, surgeons and specialists in ophthalmology. We have great respect for the sacrifices medical professionals make on behalf of their patients, and our community.

Register Today for Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards!

A Shining Legacy

Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) had already established a nearly 100-year-old reputation for excellence in the musical arts when it merged with the University of Cincinnati (UC) in 1962. At the time of this merger, though, theatre was largely in the domain of UC’s College of Arts & Sciences.

ComSpark Podcast - The VP - Delivery and Experience for the Columbus Collaboratory -Central Ohio Tech Power Player Honoree

The Absolute Best Way to Celebrate Your Team

The holiday season is just around the corner and it is that time of the year to commemorate all of those people who have helped make your business great! What better way to express your gratitude and celebrate the year’s success than to hold a fantastic celebration with incredible food and beverage serviced by a team dedicated to making your event a sensation? The team at Oasis Conference Center is dedicated to doing just that.