Karin Connelly Rice
Stories by: Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 30 years she has reported on local community members and businesses for publications such as Inside Business, Cleveland Magazine, the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood, and the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water Rice focuses on Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing Cleveland—especially those making positive changes in the city's underserved neighborhoods.
The Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) board recently approved a small grants pilot program for the 2012 funding cycle. The program simplifies the application process for organizations seeking funds up to $5,000.
The CAC's standard Project Support (PS) grant has an upper limit of $50,000 and requires a rigorous application process, including detailed financial and participant data, and a one-to-one cash match for each dollar of CAC funding. This program simplifies the amount of financial data required and allows for 25 percent of the match to be made up in "in kind" professional donations.
"The reason behind creating this program is small community-based non-profits don't have the resources to meet the financial requirements of the larger program," says CAC external affairs director Jonah Weinberg. "This should mean we're able to expand access to these projects throughout Cuyahoga County."
The guidelines for the grants will be available this month. Organizations can begin submitting intent to apply letters June 1. Applications will be reviewed by a public panel, and grants will be awarded at the CAC's November board meeting.
CAC grants are funded by a cigarette tax in Cuyahoga County earmarked for local arts and cultural funding. The CAC has awarded nearly $65 million since the ballot initiative was approved in 2006.
Source: Jonah Weinberg
Writer: Karin Connelly
The CAC's standard Project Support (PS) grant has an upper limit of $50,000 and requires a rigorous application process, including detailed financial and participant data, and a one-to-one cash match for each dollar of CAC funding. This program simplifies the amount of financial data required and allows for 25 percent of the match to be made up in "in kind" professional donations.
"The reason behind creating this program is small community-based non-profits don't have the resources to meet the financial requirements of the larger program," says CAC external affairs director Jonah Weinberg. "This should mean we're able to expand access to these projects throughout Cuyahoga County."
The guidelines for the grants will be available this month. Organizations can begin submitting intent to apply letters June 1. Applications will be reviewed by a public panel, and grants will be awarded at the CAC's November board meeting.
CAC grants are funded by a cigarette tax in Cuyahoga County earmarked for local arts and cultural funding. The CAC has awarded nearly $65 million since the ballot initiative was approved in 2006.
Source: Jonah Weinberg
Writer: Karin Connelly
Shannon Okey enjoys sharing what she knows about knitting. But she didn't like being told what to do by traditional publishers. So, after publishing 12 books the traditional way, Okey launched Cooperative Press in 2006 with The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design, the first-ever business book targeted to the handknit industry.
"I decided to start my own company and take advantage of some of the things that larger publishers were ignoring or underusing, such as digital publications," says Okey. "We now publish in a variety of formats, including print, PDF and e-book reader formats."
Today, Okey runs her business out of the Lake Erie building at Templar Park in Lakewood. She is the only full-time employee, but she hires freelancers for everything from editing to photography to graphic design. Cooperative Press splits profits equally with its authors, and pays a higher percentage on digital publications.
The biggest hurdle Okey has overcome is financing. "Banks are terrified the second they hear the word 'knitting,'" she says. "Never mind that crafts are a billion-dollar-plus industry. Never mind we're totally in the black and doing great numbers. Our bank wouldn't give us a standard loan. Their underwriters offered up a credit card in its place -- not the same thing."
This month she launched a month-long campaign on Kickstarter to raise additional funds. The effort raised $6,500 in the first week of campaigning. It is now nearing $10,000.
"People believe in what we're doing and they want to see us succeed, so they're willing to give us money where traditional sources won't," says Okey. "I'm hoping we'll raise over $20,000 this month, which will allow us a lot more flexibility in terms of where we print and other factors."
Source: Shannon Okey
Writer: Karin Connelly
"I decided to start my own company and take advantage of some of the things that larger publishers were ignoring or underusing, such as digital publications," says Okey. "We now publish in a variety of formats, including print, PDF and e-book reader formats."
Today, Okey runs her business out of the Lake Erie building at Templar Park in Lakewood. She is the only full-time employee, but she hires freelancers for everything from editing to photography to graphic design. Cooperative Press splits profits equally with its authors, and pays a higher percentage on digital publications.
The biggest hurdle Okey has overcome is financing. "Banks are terrified the second they hear the word 'knitting,'" she says. "Never mind that crafts are a billion-dollar-plus industry. Never mind we're totally in the black and doing great numbers. Our bank wouldn't give us a standard loan. Their underwriters offered up a credit card in its place -- not the same thing."
This month she launched a month-long campaign on Kickstarter to raise additional funds. The effort raised $6,500 in the first week of campaigning. It is now nearing $10,000.
"People believe in what we're doing and they want to see us succeed, so they're willing to give us money where traditional sources won't," says Okey. "I'm hoping we'll raise over $20,000 this month, which will allow us a lot more flexibility in terms of where we print and other factors."
Source: Shannon Okey
Writer: Karin Connelly
JumpStart CEO Ray Leach has been named to the board of the National Venture Capital Association. The NVCA serves as the voice of the United States venture capital community and advocates for policies that encourage innovation and reward long-term investment.
While most of the organization's 400 members represent venture capital firms on the East and West coasts, Leach is the only member representing the Midwest. "In order to be successful as a non-profit, we need healthy venture capital nationally," says Leach. "It's a great way to be there, convincing them they have to invest in the Midwest."
Northeast Ohio leads the Midwest in venture capital deal activity, second only to Chicago in the amount of capital raised by companies with $234 million.
Leach is one of six new NVCA members elected to a four-year term. He was nominated by former NVCA board chair David Morgenthaler of Morganthaler Ventures and member Ray Lane with Kleiner Perkins, who thought Leach would be a good advocate for JumpStart's missives.
"I'm excited to play a role in advancing venture capital nationally and to offer my viewpoint from a region that's reinvented itself with the assistance of innovative initiatives like Ohio's state-led Third Frontier," says Leach. "For example, entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio have raised more than $1.1 billion in venture capital in the last five years. By serving on the NVCA's board, I hope to bring greater visibility to our region's activity to increase investments and ultimately job growth."
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
While most of the organization's 400 members represent venture capital firms on the East and West coasts, Leach is the only member representing the Midwest. "In order to be successful as a non-profit, we need healthy venture capital nationally," says Leach. "It's a great way to be there, convincing them they have to invest in the Midwest."
Northeast Ohio leads the Midwest in venture capital deal activity, second only to Chicago in the amount of capital raised by companies with $234 million.
Leach is one of six new NVCA members elected to a four-year term. He was nominated by former NVCA board chair David Morgenthaler of Morganthaler Ventures and member Ray Lane with Kleiner Perkins, who thought Leach would be a good advocate for JumpStart's missives.
"I'm excited to play a role in advancing venture capital nationally and to offer my viewpoint from a region that's reinvented itself with the assistance of innovative initiatives like Ohio's state-led Third Frontier," says Leach. "For example, entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio have raised more than $1.1 billion in venture capital in the last five years. By serving on the NVCA's board, I hope to bring greater visibility to our region's activity to increase investments and ultimately job growth."
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
Five years ago, Deby Cowdin was cleaning up after a party. As she picked up the empty wine and liquor bottles on her porch, her friend and partner, Mindy Bohannon, dared her to do something that would change her life. "She said, 'you're a glass artist, figure out something to do with them.'" So Cowdin did exactly that. She founded Blue Bag, a company that transforms bottles into serving plates, cheese boards and other works of art.
Cowdin started the business out of her home, selling her creations first at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, then at other farmers markets and art shows. The idea took off. "We started out of necessity, as a hobby," she says. "We never really thought it would turn into a manufacturing business."
Blue Bag sales have grown 50 percent each year since 2006. This year sales are up 100 percent. Aside from two additional partners, daughter Brandy Cooney and Jeff Nischwitz, the company has eight employees. Cowdin makes a point of hiring hard-to-place people, including a disabled vet and an employee with mild autism. "We build our company around helping people," Cowdin says.
Everything from the recycling to the distribution is done in house -- these days a studio on W. 14th St. and Berea Road -- and their products are available in more than 300 retail stores nationwide. Everything with the exception of one item is purchased locally.
"We work really hard at keeping everything in Cleveland," Cowdin says. "If we don't support the local economy, who will?"
Source: Deby Cowdin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cowdin started the business out of her home, selling her creations first at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, then at other farmers markets and art shows. The idea took off. "We started out of necessity, as a hobby," she says. "We never really thought it would turn into a manufacturing business."
Blue Bag sales have grown 50 percent each year since 2006. This year sales are up 100 percent. Aside from two additional partners, daughter Brandy Cooney and Jeff Nischwitz, the company has eight employees. Cowdin makes a point of hiring hard-to-place people, including a disabled vet and an employee with mild autism. "We build our company around helping people," Cowdin says.
Everything from the recycling to the distribution is done in house -- these days a studio on W. 14th St. and Berea Road -- and their products are available in more than 300 retail stores nationwide. Everything with the exception of one item is purchased locally.
"We work really hard at keeping everything in Cleveland," Cowdin says. "If we don't support the local economy, who will?"
Source: Deby Cowdin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Thermalin Diabetes, a JumpStart Ventures portfolio company, recently closed $2.85 million in Series A investments, paving the way to the further development of short, medium and long lasting insulin analogs by Case Western Reserve Medical School Dr. Michael A. Weiss.
The announcement includes a second $250,000 investment from JumpStart, and exceeds Thermalin's original target by $1 million. "Having this round closed is great," says Thermalin CEO Rick Berenson. "I'm very excited about the progress. I'm looking forward to being able to report further progress."
The company is now moving immediately into Series B, in which the hope is to raise another $8 million. "With that we should be able to get through [the first] phases of studies."
The patents on existing insulins on the market are due to expire in 2013 and 2014, so the interest in Thermalin's developments is huge worldwide. Weiss' work centers around developing insulins that are more stable and effective on a more timely basis.
Thermalin has developed about 40 different analogs. The funding will allow the company to continue testing to determine which analogs to commercialize.
Insulin is a $14 billion a year market -- the largest volume drug market in the world. Insulin sales are expected to double in the U.S., triple in Europe and increase 12-fold elsewhere in the world as the disease reaches epidemic levels.
Thermalin employs six full time scientists at the Cleveland Clinic's Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center. The investment allows for additional key hires, including a senior scientist.
Source: Rick Berenson
Writer: Karin Connelly
The announcement includes a second $250,000 investment from JumpStart, and exceeds Thermalin's original target by $1 million. "Having this round closed is great," says Thermalin CEO Rick Berenson. "I'm very excited about the progress. I'm looking forward to being able to report further progress."
The company is now moving immediately into Series B, in which the hope is to raise another $8 million. "With that we should be able to get through [the first] phases of studies."
The patents on existing insulins on the market are due to expire in 2013 and 2014, so the interest in Thermalin's developments is huge worldwide. Weiss' work centers around developing insulins that are more stable and effective on a more timely basis.
Thermalin has developed about 40 different analogs. The funding will allow the company to continue testing to determine which analogs to commercialize.
Insulin is a $14 billion a year market -- the largest volume drug market in the world. Insulin sales are expected to double in the U.S., triple in Europe and increase 12-fold elsewhere in the world as the disease reaches epidemic levels.
Thermalin employs six full time scientists at the Cleveland Clinic's Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center. The investment allows for additional key hires, including a senior scientist.
Source: Rick Berenson
Writer: Karin Connelly
April and May bring out the best in design during the inaugural Cleveland Design Month-and-a-Half, which features two events that show off the talents of local design students as well as regional and national designers.
The Cleveland Institute of Art's annual Spring Design Show, a tradition for more than 20 years, kicks off on Tuesday, April 19, while the Cleveland Furniture Fair, hosted by Cleveland's District of Design, begins May 16.
In the spring show student work in industrial, interior and communication design will be on display for the public, as well as national employers in Case Western Reserve's Peter B. Lewis building. "More than 100 students show work and interview for internships," says CIA's head of industrial design, Dan Cuffaro. "It's a big job fair." A free public reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will kick off the event.
Throughout the week, designers hailing from some of the most progressive firms in the world will present a series of free lectures to the public.
The second annual Cleveland Furniture Fair will show off the brightest designers and manufacturers of furniture, lighting, millwork and more. This year's fair has a greater variety of designers from Northeast Ohio, unique seminars tailored specifically for exhibitors and the public, as well as pop-up retail shops and a variety of design-focused events.
Additionally, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cleveland Chapter has a calendar full of lectures, exhibitions, and tours open to the public that will introduce new and exciting architecture and design to Northeast Ohio.
Sources: Dan Cuffaro, Casey Burry
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Cleveland Institute of Art's annual Spring Design Show, a tradition for more than 20 years, kicks off on Tuesday, April 19, while the Cleveland Furniture Fair, hosted by Cleveland's District of Design, begins May 16.
In the spring show student work in industrial, interior and communication design will be on display for the public, as well as national employers in Case Western Reserve's Peter B. Lewis building. "More than 100 students show work and interview for internships," says CIA's head of industrial design, Dan Cuffaro. "It's a big job fair." A free public reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will kick off the event.
Throughout the week, designers hailing from some of the most progressive firms in the world will present a series of free lectures to the public.
The second annual Cleveland Furniture Fair will show off the brightest designers and manufacturers of furniture, lighting, millwork and more. This year's fair has a greater variety of designers from Northeast Ohio, unique seminars tailored specifically for exhibitors and the public, as well as pop-up retail shops and a variety of design-focused events.
Additionally, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cleveland Chapter has a calendar full of lectures, exhibitions, and tours open to the public that will introduce new and exciting architecture and design to Northeast Ohio.
Sources: Dan Cuffaro, Casey Burry
Writer: Karin Connelly
American Greetings has made it possible to send a loved one a greeting card with birthday candles to blow out -- literally. The new line of cards called Ready, Set, Blow features six scenarios in which recipients are prompted to blow on the card. The puff of air prompts the card to come to life with LED lights, a song and sounds.
Users blow on the cards to extinguish birthday candles, toot a horn, or make a wish on a dandelion. The cards are designed to please recipients of all ages, and they can be used again and again.
"Ready, Set, Blow lets people experience the birthday tradition of wishing in an innovative new way," says Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "It's so much fun to see someone receive these cards because you get to watch their surprise as they open it and then their smile unfold as the card comes to life -- and hopefully, their wish granted."
The result is an interactive experience that is the next-best thing to actually being there. American Greetings launched the line in March at retailers nationwide. They sell for $6.99 each.
Source: Carol Miller
Writer: Karin Connelly
Users blow on the cards to extinguish birthday candles, toot a horn, or make a wish on a dandelion. The cards are designed to please recipients of all ages, and they can be used again and again.
"Ready, Set, Blow lets people experience the birthday tradition of wishing in an innovative new way," says Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "It's so much fun to see someone receive these cards because you get to watch their surprise as they open it and then their smile unfold as the card comes to life -- and hopefully, their wish granted."
The result is an interactive experience that is the next-best thing to actually being there. American Greetings launched the line in March at retailers nationwide. They sell for $6.99 each.
Source: Carol Miller
Writer: Karin Connelly