Open for Business

Ann’s Performing Arts Centre opened Sept. 7 at 2902 S. Campbell, Ste. D in Imperial Plaza. Ann Buehler and Michelle Davidson Bratcher own the 1,600-square-foot dance studio, which offers ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap and lyrical styles. Weekly class sessions range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and cost from $40 to $70 a month. “We want to train children to love dance. They don’t have to be the world’s greatest dancers; they just have to have an appreciation of music and art in all its forms,” Buehler said. The center has about 75 students enrolled and is likely to top 100 by January 2005, she added. Plans include adding Suzuki method instrument instruction in violin and piano before the end of the year, Buehler said. The business has a two-year lease with Michael Ngo; Buehler would not disclose the lease amount. Remodeling ran about $12,000. As the company’s two employees, both Buehler and Bratcher teach classes; Bratcher also is KY3 weekend co-anchor and consumer reporter. Hours are 2-9 p.m. Tuesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1-9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Allchecks Inc. opened April 1 at 2439 S. Wallis Smith. The business sells checkbook systems and business forms to companies such as banks, accounting firms, medical facilities and hospitality enterprises, as well as individuals, said Jim Nelson, owner. He is the company’s sole employee. Plans are to add secretarial help and three sales staff in 2005, he said. Nelson forecasts 2005 revenue of $300,000 to $350,000. He hopes to gross $500,000 after three years. Nelson was previously employed at McBee Systems for 25 years. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

American Executive Keyholder Inc. opened Aug. 18 in 1,000 square feet at 1502 S. Enterprise. The independent business is owned and operated by Calum Pender, Ron Johnson and David Inmon. “We provide alarm verification and keyholding service,” said Pender, director of operations. The service goes to the business or home location of its clients in the event an alarm is sounded. After arrival, the service works with police on the call and later apprises the client of the situation, Pender said. The firm also has locksmith and security consultancy services available. The annual service costs $180 for businesses and about $60 for homeowners. Prospective client interest has been strong, Pender said, but added “those who have actually chosen to put their hands in their pockets have not been quite as I would hope it to be.” He projects 2005 revenues of about $65,000. The business has a one-year lease with Rhett Smillie Real Estate, Pender said, without disclosing the monthly rate. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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