Business

  The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and there is almost as much pre-game hype about what will take place off the field, the commercials.  This year companies will spend a record $4.5 million for 30 seconds of air time.

Many businesses today compete not just with companies in the same city, but with international firms as well. And it’'s not just our economy that has gone global. More and more, what happens in one country impacts events and policies in other countries. The Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council’'s mission is to prepare our region to thrive in today’'s global environment by promoting international understanding, education, engagement, and cooperation. Joining us to discuss the work of the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council are Executive Director Michelle Harpenau, Director of Global Education Katie Krafka, and board member, John Pinney, an attorney with Graydon Head & Ritchey, LLP.

  Bad Girl Ventures supports female-owned small businesses throughout Ohio. Since its launch, BGV has been successful in educating over 520 female entrepreneurs and awarding $565,000 in loans throughout the state. Last month BGV graduated its ninth class of finalists in Cincinnati and announced the program’s winner and runner-up.

As the song says, “"It’'s the most wonderful time of the year,"” but amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's worthwhile to remember this is also a great time of year to take stock of your investments, and see what options you have before January 1 to reduce the taxes you'’ll owe come April 15. Here to explore year-end tax strategies that could allow you to keep more of your money are David Foster, senior vice president at Foster and Motley, and local financial advisor Chris DeSimio. If you have questions about what you can do to reduce your taxes, please let us know.

  The Affordable Care Act has drastically changed the way businesses shop for, fund and provide health insurance to their employees. And both small and large businesses face challenges in meeting the measuring, monitoring and reporting requirements of the ACA.

  While all eyes in the fashion industry were recently focused on New York, London and Milan as each city held its Fashion Week, you don’'t have to look farther than Greater Cincinnati to see a vibrant and growing fashion industry. Over the last decade, local designers and clothing stylists have been finding success selling their lines both here and nationally.

  From companies selling out of storefronts, door-to-door, advertising by word of mouth, direct mail, newsprint, and now through social media and the internet, Cincinnati has a long and solid history as a city of marketers.

  The world of journalism and public relations has changed dramatically during the last two decades, mainly due to the rise of the internet and 24/7 cable news outlets.

  Everyone can agree, the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport plays a critical role in the economic vitality of our region. But how the airport is managed has been open to debate for some time now. Last week, the Kentucky auditor released his report and a proposal to restructure the airport'’s board.

  Several states, including Ohio, have recently passed or are considering legislation to prevent employers from asking if a job seeker has been convicted of a felony on an initial application form. Proponents of such legislation say the question discriminates against the more than 92 million people in the United States who have an arrest record.

  What can Wall Street learn from thriving small businesses on Main Street, and how do these businesses evolve successfully from their start-up roots? Those questions inspired three economists, Paul Oyer, Michael Mazzeo and Scott Schaefer, to take a road trip across America's heartland.

  Greater Cincinnati has become known as a region where new ideas can get noticed, get funding and get help developing into viable projects. And now two local professionals have added a fun new twist to micro-funding innovative ideas, and it involves ice cream.