Yoga aficionados can learn from the expert when Lilias Folan hosts a free Yoga and Relaxation class.

Lilias Folan offers free yoga class

The session takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Royal Family Fitness Center, 930 Lila Ave., Milford.

Folan built a national following through her public television yoga series, which began in 1972, and is still recognized as one of the country's leading yoga instructors, Royal Family owner Scott Stapleton said. Participation is limited to 35 people. Information: 831-0006.

Bureau shows way to be hospitable

"Showtime" is coming to the local hospitality industry.

This week, the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau will offer half-day seminars to help front-line hospitality workers better serve visitors.

"The Key To Success: Customer Service In Cincinnati," will be conducted for the CVB by Sasha Corp., based on Sasha's program called "It's Showtime."

"Working with the CVB, our goal is to make Cincinnati one of the most hospitable cities in the world," Sasha president Karl Corbett said. "In customer service, staying in the moment, becoming the most important person in the world to your customer, that's what we teach."

The sessions mark the first phase of the CVB's Hospitality Academy, designed for hotel, restaurant, retail and transportation workers throughout the region. They take place Wednesday at the Cincinnati Convention Center and Thursday at the Sharonville Convention Center. There is a choice of morning (8-11:30 a.m.) or afternoon (1-4:30 p.m.) sessions.

Cost ranges from $59 to $89 and registration is required. Program details are at www.cincyusa.com/members//CustomerService.pdf. A registration form is at www.cincyusa.com/members/HospTrainRSVP.pdf.

Information: 632-5386.

Phil's Music, Books open in Covington

This weekend marks the opening of Phil's Music, Books & More at 4307 Winston Ave. in Covington's Latonia Center.

The new store consolidates the two Phil's Records locations into one 10,000-square-foot space that features new and used CDs of all musical genres, DVDs, audio and video tapes, magazines, posters, used video games and collectible LP records.

It also houses a book store that boasts an eclectic selection of paperback and hardbound books, including some antiquarian volumes.

"As for the 'More' in the store's name - there's also a large sitting and meeting area with soft drinks and coffee and a performance stage where national and local artists will be appearing," bookstore manager Richard Woods said.

Phil Breen is the store's owner. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: (859) 431-7774.

Hair salon caters to every need

A new salon in Pleasant Ridge caters to clients with all kinds of needs.

The goal of Amy's Hair Boutique, at 5935 Ridge Road, Suite 400, is to offer hair styling to customers of all ethnicities and special needs.

"At the request of a customer, we are now providing private hair-care services to women who cannot allow men to see them without scarves covering their hair," co-owner Amy Thompson said.

"We are opening the first Monday of every month to accommodate this customer and her family and friends."

Thompson's husband, David, handles the salon's administrative tasks. A graduate of the Art Academy of Cincinnati, he displays his work in the salon lobby.

Salon hours are noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday and by appointment Wednesday. 531-8000.

Which N. Ky. firms emerging?

Growing Northern Kentucky companies could be designated as 2003 "Emerging 30" businesses. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce invites applications from firms that have moved to the front of the pack in recent years.

"It is important that we recognize and learn from these gazelle firms that have sustained their growth through a very difficult economy," said Adam Davey, chair of the 2003 "Emerging 30" program.

To be eligible for consideration, a company must be based in Boone, Campbell or Kenton counties or be an NKCC member.

It must be privately held, have been in operation for at least three years, and have revenues that have grown an average of 15 percent annually for the past three years, employ fewer than 150 and post revenues exceeding $250,000.

Businesses can apply online at www.nkychamber.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 22. Winners will be announced in September.

Information: (859) 578-6397.

Tax consultant opens own shop

A former tax consulting manager at Deloitte & Touche has joined Old Republic Exchange Co. (Orexco) and has opened an office in Blue Ash to serve the company's Ohio-Michigan-Kentucky-West Virginia region.

"We help individuals and companies to defer or potentially avoid paying tax upon a sale of property," Ronald Hodgeman said, adding that he consults with clients and their tax advisers to ensure that transactions are properly structured to qualify as a tax-deferred, like-kind exchange under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The new office is at 11300 Cornell Park Drive, Suite 100.

Orexco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Old Republic National Title Insurance Co. Hodgeman said it has facilitated numerous tax-deferred exchanges, including exchanges of rental homes, apartment buildings, office buildings, heavy equipment and aircraft.

Hodgeman has a bachelor's degree in accounting from UC and a degree from UC's College of Law. Information: 489-7800 or 888 583-1031.

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