Downtown
NorTech has announced 14 finalists in its 12th annual Innovation Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, March 22 at LaCentre in Westlake.
The awards, which for the past four years have been co-sponsored with Crain’s Cleveland Business, honors the top innovations in technologies such as advanced energy, advanced materials, bioscience, flexible electronics and instrument controls.
“The NorTech Innovation Awards showcase breakthrough technologies being developed and commercialized in Northeast Ohio,” says Rebecca O. Bagley, NorTech president and CEO. “We believe these innovations will have a positive impact on the region’s economy through job creation, capital attraction and overall business growth. Ultimately, the organizations being recognized this year are laying the foundation for a strong economic future for our region.”
NorTech received more than 40 applications this year. A panel of nine judges will evaluate the finalists on creativity, feasibility and triple bottom line impact. South estimates nine winners will be chosen. The panel of judges is selected to represent a broad range of expertise from academia, venture capital, private industry and economic development from throughout the Northeast Ohio region.
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
The awards, which for the past four years have been co-sponsored with Crain’s Cleveland Business, honors the top innovations in technologies such as advanced energy, advanced materials, bioscience, flexible electronics and instrument controls.
“The NorTech Innovation Awards showcase breakthrough technologies being developed and commercialized in Northeast Ohio,” says Rebecca O. Bagley, NorTech president and CEO. “We believe these innovations will have a positive impact on the region’s economy through job creation, capital attraction and overall business growth. Ultimately, the organizations being recognized this year are laying the foundation for a strong economic future for our region.”
NorTech received more than 40 applications this year. A panel of nine judges will evaluate the finalists on creativity, feasibility and triple bottom line impact. South estimates nine winners will be chosen. The panel of judges is selected to represent a broad range of expertise from academia, venture capital, private industry and economic development from throughout the Northeast Ohio region.
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
cleveland selected for navy week in 2012
Cleveland has been selected as one of 15 cities where America’s Navy will “come home” in 2012, giving area residents an opportunity to meet Sailors and learn about the Navy’s capabilities and relevance to national security.
Navy Weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of Naval service, understand the investment they make in their Navy, and to increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.
Each year, about 20 Navy Weeks are led by the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Cities are selected based on a wide range of criteria with consideration given to aspects such as anchor events, Blue Angels air shows, asset availability, city size, demographic make-up, geographic region, relationship building, relationship sustainment and new outreach opportunities.
Navy Weeks typically are organized around a large anchor event, in this case, the Cleveland National Air Show.
On tap during the festivities: Blue Angels, (Navy Flight Demonstration Team), Leap Frogs (Navy Parachute Team), visiting U.S. Navy Ships, sailors from the USS Cleveland, and the Navy Band.
Navy Week Cleveland will run Aug. 27 through Sept. 4.
Navy Weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of Naval service, understand the investment they make in their Navy, and to increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.
Each year, about 20 Navy Weeks are led by the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Cities are selected based on a wide range of criteria with consideration given to aspects such as anchor events, Blue Angels air shows, asset availability, city size, demographic make-up, geographic region, relationship building, relationship sustainment and new outreach opportunities.
Navy Weeks typically are organized around a large anchor event, in this case, the Cleveland National Air Show.
On tap during the festivities: Blue Angels, (Navy Flight Demonstration Team), Leap Frogs (Navy Parachute Team), visiting U.S. Navy Ships, sailors from the USS Cleveland, and the Navy Band.
Navy Week Cleveland will run Aug. 27 through Sept. 4.
The inaugural Manufacturing EXPO will take place at the Galleria on February 14 and 15, showing off the inner workings of the manufacturing world and promoting the many components that go into creating a product.
“In America, there are 300,000 manufacturers and this will allow the American public to realize the strength of the parts and pieces in manufacturing,” says Mary Kaye Denning, president and founder of the Manufacturing Mart. “It’s these parts and pieces companies that we want to introduce to the American public so they can increase those companies’ growth rates.”
More than 3,000 industry-related professionals from the United States and Canada are expected to attend the event, which will feature more than 175 exhibitors from virtually every type of manufacturing. The point is to illustrate that even if a product is not assembled in America, most likely the many components that make up the product were.
Additionally, the Manufacturing EXPO will feature experts in the industry who will speak on changing trends and challenges in manufacturing.
Attendees must pre-register for the event. Denning encourages the general public to attend and learn more about the manufacturing world.
“Most manufacturing trade shows are usually in space apart from everyday life and are industry specific,” she says. “We have an expo representing all industries that make equipment. Northeast Ohio has all of these extraordinary capabilities and we should make people aware of that.”
Source: Mary Kaye Denning
Writer: Karin Connelly
“In America, there are 300,000 manufacturers and this will allow the American public to realize the strength of the parts and pieces in manufacturing,” says Mary Kaye Denning, president and founder of the Manufacturing Mart. “It’s these parts and pieces companies that we want to introduce to the American public so they can increase those companies’ growth rates.”
More than 3,000 industry-related professionals from the United States and Canada are expected to attend the event, which will feature more than 175 exhibitors from virtually every type of manufacturing. The point is to illustrate that even if a product is not assembled in America, most likely the many components that make up the product were.
Additionally, the Manufacturing EXPO will feature experts in the industry who will speak on changing trends and challenges in manufacturing.
Attendees must pre-register for the event. Denning encourages the general public to attend and learn more about the manufacturing world.
“Most manufacturing trade shows are usually in space apart from everyday life and are industry specific,” she says. “We have an expo representing all industries that make equipment. Northeast Ohio has all of these extraordinary capabilities and we should make people aware of that.”
Source: Mary Kaye Denning
Writer: Karin Connelly
The City of Cleveland has scheduled two meetings to allow public comment on its new lakefront plan, the most ambitious effort in years to redevelop the city's long-dormant downtown shoreline. Portions of the plan, including an event series to be launched this summer, could begin to show progress this year.
The City plans to hire a Harbor Manager in the next few months, who will be responsible for overseeing waterfront activities, including management of the contract for a planned 53-slip marina. Other responsibilities will include property management, overseeing a vending program to allow food trucks and other vendors to sell their wares on the East 9th Street pier, and organizing lakeside concerts and festivals to be added to the city's lineup of summer events.
"The vision is to try to create more activity on the waterfront, and we're in the process of finalizing our strategy," says Ricky Smith, Director of Port Control for the City of Cleveland. Smith added that he expects construction on the marina, which has already been funded and will allow for short-term docking, to begin this year and wrap up in spring of 2013. He expects the same timeline for an iconic, moveable pedestrian bridge that is slated to traverse the North Coast Harbor.
Source: Ricky Smith
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The City plans to hire a Harbor Manager in the next few months, who will be responsible for overseeing waterfront activities, including management of the contract for a planned 53-slip marina. Other responsibilities will include property management, overseeing a vending program to allow food trucks and other vendors to sell their wares on the East 9th Street pier, and organizing lakeside concerts and festivals to be added to the city's lineup of summer events.
"The vision is to try to create more activity on the waterfront, and we're in the process of finalizing our strategy," says Ricky Smith, Director of Port Control for the City of Cleveland. Smith added that he expects construction on the marina, which has already been funded and will allow for short-term docking, to begin this year and wrap up in spring of 2013. He expects the same timeline for an iconic, moveable pedestrian bridge that is slated to traverse the North Coast Harbor.
Source: Ricky Smith
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Explorys, a rapidly growing healthcare database company spun out of the Cleveland Clinic, is celebrating two years in business with a party. They will take over the House of Blues on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. to celebrate the advancements in healthcare from their technology, show off what's next for the company, and offer a place for healthcare and IT professionals to network.
"We're almost two years old and we've been running really hard since we got started," says Explorys president and CTO Charlie Lougheed. "This is our way to say thanks to our employees, customers and partners."
While drinks will flow and CEO Stephen McHale's band will perform, the networking event is designed to present Explorys' developments, promote Cleveland as a great place for technology jobs and attract the top high-tech talent to the company. Lougheed says they will continue to grow their employee base.
"It's a good way to get word out among possible job candidates," says Lougheed. "If you're in technology or data, it's a great time in your career. We really believe Cleveland is a great place to start a company and we don't want to have brain drain. If you have a connection to the tech community we encourage you to come."
Interested people must pre-register for the event.
Source: Charlie Lougheed
Writer: Karin Connelly
"We're almost two years old and we've been running really hard since we got started," says Explorys president and CTO Charlie Lougheed. "This is our way to say thanks to our employees, customers and partners."
While drinks will flow and CEO Stephen McHale's band will perform, the networking event is designed to present Explorys' developments, promote Cleveland as a great place for technology jobs and attract the top high-tech talent to the company. Lougheed says they will continue to grow their employee base.
"It's a good way to get word out among possible job candidates," says Lougheed. "If you're in technology or data, it's a great time in your career. We really believe Cleveland is a great place to start a company and we don't want to have brain drain. If you have a connection to the tech community we encourage you to come."
Interested people must pre-register for the event.
Source: Charlie Lougheed
Writer: Karin Connelly
Photo: Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
reimagine cleveland wins national planning excellence award for sustainability innovation
Defying a Rust Belt reputation may not have been the primary goal of Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland, but winning a National Planning Excellence Award from the American Planning Association proves the local initiative is well on its way.
Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland began in 2008 with a singular goal: bring Cleveland’s neighborhoods back, one vacant lot at a time. Led by the City of Cleveland and urban development organization Neighborhood Progress, the program pairs with Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative to envision innovative uses, including alternative energy generation and ecosystem revitalization, for vacant spaces throughout the city.
The American Planning Association recognized the collaborative effort for its non-traditional approach to greening Cleveland, awarding organizers for engaging the community with city-wide workshops and securing funding for nearly 60 vacant land pilot projects.
Read the rest here.
Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland began in 2008 with a singular goal: bring Cleveland’s neighborhoods back, one vacant lot at a time. Led by the City of Cleveland and urban development organization Neighborhood Progress, the program pairs with Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative to envision innovative uses, including alternative energy generation and ecosystem revitalization, for vacant spaces throughout the city.
The American Planning Association recognized the collaborative effort for its non-traditional approach to greening Cleveland, awarding organizers for engaging the community with city-wide workshops and securing funding for nearly 60 vacant land pilot projects.
Read the rest here.
Fresh Water commissioned local videographer David Wester to take viewers inside the newly opened Greater Cleveland Aquarium. While there, Wester was guided by general manager Tami Brown, who discussed the nature and scope of the watery exhibits. Already off to a swimming start, the attraction aims to lure 500,000 visitors per year.
With his trusty lens in hand, Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski follows the progress of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium from construction through opening day. The $33 million aquarium opened on schedule Saturday, January 21 in the Powerhouse building on the West Bank of the Flats.
Rosetta, an interactive marketing firm, boasts 1,500 team members spread across nine offices in places like New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, among others. But thanks to 450 staffers locally, Cleveland is now Rosetta's largest. That the firm has chosen 2012 to set-up shop in a downtown Cleveland landmark is pure poetry.
It's been a good first year here at Fresh Water, but that doesn't mean for a minute that we plan to slow down. In fact, today we roll out two new content sections: "For Good" and "Fresh Filter," which give us the room to cover the non-profit and arts and culture scenes with more depth.
If you fancy yourself a fan of Cleveland and its offerings, you have doubtless been asked for a recommendation or three. Having lived and worked in town for 20 years, Nina McCollum considers herself an unofficial tour guide, dispensing advice on everything from food and shopping to arts and entertainment. In preparation for a visit from an out-of-town friend, McCollum has devised her dream weekend in Cleveland.
dca seeks applicants for popular city advocates program
The City Advocates program is an effort by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) to engage young professionals in the revitalization of downtown. For two years, City Advocates attend monthly meetings and take on projects that will help advance downtown. Every two years, a new batch of skilled community leaders emerges from the program.
"The program has truly taken off in the past three years," says Gina Morris, DCA's Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "We're entering our fourth year now and have some incredible people with dynamic ideas."
In March, the City Advocates Program will select and announce up to 16 new participants. Those selected must make a two-year commitment to DCA’s program. Participants are chosen through a competitive application process that seeks to assemble a group of diverse individuals who share a passion for Downtown Cleveland and who represent a wide array of interests, professional backgrounds, and relationships to Downtown.
"Qualifications are simple," adds Morris. "Live or work in Downtown, and have a passion to generate change in the civic-realm. We recruit emerging leaders with a vision and guts."
The deadline to apply for the upcoming session is 5 p.m. February 5. More information and application instructions can be found here.
For more info contact Laura Kushnick.
"The program has truly taken off in the past three years," says Gina Morris, DCA's Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "We're entering our fourth year now and have some incredible people with dynamic ideas."
In March, the City Advocates Program will select and announce up to 16 new participants. Those selected must make a two-year commitment to DCA’s program. Participants are chosen through a competitive application process that seeks to assemble a group of diverse individuals who share a passion for Downtown Cleveland and who represent a wide array of interests, professional backgrounds, and relationships to Downtown.
"Qualifications are simple," adds Morris. "Live or work in Downtown, and have a passion to generate change in the civic-realm. We recruit emerging leaders with a vision and guts."
The deadline to apply for the upcoming session is 5 p.m. February 5. More information and application instructions can be found here.
For more info contact Laura Kushnick.
What's the cumulative impact of Cleveland's 200-plus community gardens, 20-plus farmers markets and 60-odd acres of urban land that have been tilled and planted for a future harvest?
That's an as yet unanswered question, says the City of Cleveland's new Sustainability Chief, but one she hopes to glean serious answers to in the coming year. Billed "The Year of Local Food" by Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a grassroots, city-led movement to employ sustainability as an engine to grow the regional economy, 2012 is going to be a momentous year.
"Local food is exciting because it combines entrepreneurship and environmental benefits with making connections in the local community," says Jenita McGowan, who last week succeeded Andrew Watterson as the city's Sustainability Chief. "We're really hoping to better connect Cleveland residents with local food, since many people still don't know what is available and how to access it."
Other plans for 2012 include increasing the number of urban farmers in the city, tying into the West Side Market's centennial celebrations this fall, and garnering commitments from large institutions to buy more food locally.
"The Year of Local Food allows all local groups to co-market their work," says McGowan. "That helps them to tie into a larger movement."
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 will host a kick-off event for the Year of Local Food this Friday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall at 601 Lakeside.
Source: Jenita McGowan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's an as yet unanswered question, says the City of Cleveland's new Sustainability Chief, but one she hopes to glean serious answers to in the coming year. Billed "The Year of Local Food" by Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a grassroots, city-led movement to employ sustainability as an engine to grow the regional economy, 2012 is going to be a momentous year.
"Local food is exciting because it combines entrepreneurship and environmental benefits with making connections in the local community," says Jenita McGowan, who last week succeeded Andrew Watterson as the city's Sustainability Chief. "We're really hoping to better connect Cleveland residents with local food, since many people still don't know what is available and how to access it."
Other plans for 2012 include increasing the number of urban farmers in the city, tying into the West Side Market's centennial celebrations this fall, and garnering commitments from large institutions to buy more food locally.
"The Year of Local Food allows all local groups to co-market their work," says McGowan. "That helps them to tie into a larger movement."
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 will host a kick-off event for the Year of Local Food this Friday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall at 601 Lakeside.
Source: Jenita McGowan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
SparkBase, a leading loyalty program and gift card processor, launched a new way for merchants to reach their customers through smart phones. Paycloud allows customers to sign up for loyalty programs on their phones, eliminating the need for plastic cards and key tags to take advantage of special offers.
“One of the things we heard repeatedly is the cost of cards -- it’s expensive -- and the time it takes to sign up for a loyalty card,” explains Doug Hardman, SparkBase CEO. “With Paycloud you only need five things: Zip code, email address, first and last name. Then you tap in the merchant’s name and go from there.”
Paycloud is designed to improve customer retention and easily attract new customers. “It’s a really great way for merchants to build up customers,” says Hardman. “Merchants can learn more about customers but also give customer discounts.”
SparkBase already launched Paycloud in Chicago with more than 100 businesses reaching thousands of customers. This week, Paycloud launched in Cleveland with high expectations. “We have 50 to 100 merchants in Cleveland and would like to have 200 by the time we go to Columbus in three weeks,” says Hardman.
The launch of Paycloud only adds to SpakBase’s rapid growth. “We’re going to be hiring like gangbusters in the next six weeks,” says Hardman. SparkBase currently has 36 employees and is interviewing for 30 to 50 open sales reps positions.
Source: Doug Hardman
Writer: Karin Connelly
“One of the things we heard repeatedly is the cost of cards -- it’s expensive -- and the time it takes to sign up for a loyalty card,” explains Doug Hardman, SparkBase CEO. “With Paycloud you only need five things: Zip code, email address, first and last name. Then you tap in the merchant’s name and go from there.”
Paycloud is designed to improve customer retention and easily attract new customers. “It’s a really great way for merchants to build up customers,” says Hardman. “Merchants can learn more about customers but also give customer discounts.”
SparkBase already launched Paycloud in Chicago with more than 100 businesses reaching thousands of customers. This week, Paycloud launched in Cleveland with high expectations. “We have 50 to 100 merchants in Cleveland and would like to have 200 by the time we go to Columbus in three weeks,” says Hardman.
The launch of Paycloud only adds to SpakBase’s rapid growth. “We’re going to be hiring like gangbusters in the next six weeks,” says Hardman. SparkBase currently has 36 employees and is interviewing for 30 to 50 open sales reps positions.
Source: Doug Hardman
Writer: Karin Connelly
ArcelorMittal, a leading steel manufacturer, announced last week that it will re-open part of its west side Cleveland mill. A portion of the facility was idled in 2008 because of slow market conditions.
The re-opening means ArcelorMittal will add 150 salaried and hourly employees to the current staff of 1,700. The current staff is performing maintenance work in preparation for the restart. The new hires will mainly be skilled crafts persons and entry-level operators. The company will provide the training and support necessary to ensure that new hires are prepared to work safely, intelligently and effectively.
“The ability to restart steel producing is due in large part to ArcelorMittal Cleveland’s concentrated efforts to remain flexible and efficient, no matter what the market conditions,” says Eric Hague, vice president and general manager of the Cleveland plant. “The flexibility of our workforce, and strong partnership with United Steelworkers Local 979, is the cornerstone of our efforts to safely produce quality steel for our customers.”
No exact date has been set for the opening, but it should be sometime in the spring. All laid-off workers have been rehired and the new hires will be taken from an existing applicant pool. The Cleveland restart has the potential to add 480,000 tons of annual steel supply to its production capability, dependent on market conditions.
Source: Eric Hague
Writer: Karin Connelly
The re-opening means ArcelorMittal will add 150 salaried and hourly employees to the current staff of 1,700. The current staff is performing maintenance work in preparation for the restart. The new hires will mainly be skilled crafts persons and entry-level operators. The company will provide the training and support necessary to ensure that new hires are prepared to work safely, intelligently and effectively.
“The ability to restart steel producing is due in large part to ArcelorMittal Cleveland’s concentrated efforts to remain flexible and efficient, no matter what the market conditions,” says Eric Hague, vice president and general manager of the Cleveland plant. “The flexibility of our workforce, and strong partnership with United Steelworkers Local 979, is the cornerstone of our efforts to safely produce quality steel for our customers.”
No exact date has been set for the opening, but it should be sometime in the spring. All laid-off workers have been rehired and the new hires will be taken from an existing applicant pool. The Cleveland restart has the potential to add 480,000 tons of annual steel supply to its production capability, dependent on market conditions.
Source: Eric Hague
Writer: Karin Connelly
sawyer makes debut as 'iron chef america' challenger
When it comes to food TV, the top of the mountain, most would have to agree, is "Iron Chef America." One need only look to Michael Symon to see how much influence this star-builder of a show can have on a chef's career.
That's why Cleveland chef Jon Sawyer has been smiling ever since he got the invite to compete on the Food Network show. Though taped a few months back in Kitchen Stadium, the episode will finally air this Sunday, January 22. As always, the identity of the secret ingredient is under million-dollar lock and key.
Sawyer, chef and owner of Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat, will compete against Geoffrey Zakarian, who recently secured his Iron Chef status thanks to a win on "The Next Iron Chef." Zakarian is the chef-owner of multiple restaurants, including the Lamb's Club in New York.
This will not be Sawyer's first appearance in the Food Network's famed Kitchen Stadium. He previously served as sous chef for Symon on some of his previous battles.
Sawyer and company will be hosting watch parties/tweetups at Greenhouse and Noodlecat this Sunday during airtime.
Check out additional airtimes here.
That's why Cleveland chef Jon Sawyer has been smiling ever since he got the invite to compete on the Food Network show. Though taped a few months back in Kitchen Stadium, the episode will finally air this Sunday, January 22. As always, the identity of the secret ingredient is under million-dollar lock and key.
Sawyer, chef and owner of Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat, will compete against Geoffrey Zakarian, who recently secured his Iron Chef status thanks to a win on "The Next Iron Chef." Zakarian is the chef-owner of multiple restaurants, including the Lamb's Club in New York.
This will not be Sawyer's first appearance in the Food Network's famed Kitchen Stadium. He previously served as sous chef for Symon on some of his previous battles.
Sawyer and company will be hosting watch parties/tweetups at Greenhouse and Noodlecat this Sunday during airtime.
Check out additional airtimes here.
Bad Girl Ventures, a micro-finance organization focused on educating and financing women-owned startup companies, graduated its first Cleveland class on January 3 and announced the winner of a $25,000 low interest loan. Out of 70 applicants, 10 start-up companies participated in an eight-week program to learn the ins and outs of successfully running a business.
Kimberly McCune Gibson and Ann Marie Larrance of Grass Roots LLC, the parent company for ReHive Ale, The 1815 House, and Hungry Bee Catering won the grand prize. Three other prizes were awarded. The Business of Good foundation awarded a $1,000 grant to Michael's Mobile Oil, and the City of Cleveland gave two $1,000 grants to The Brunch Project and Tonja's Tranquility Inn.
Of Gibson and Larrance, Candace Klein, Bad Girl Ventures founder and CEO says, “These women have the biggest fire in the belly that I’ve seen. It was a very close vote, but I haven’t seen two people who work harder ever.”
About 150 people came to the graduation event, which was held at Rosetta in Cleveland. Food Network filmed the event because Gibson and Larrance are also participating in a reality show for the network. “It was great coverage,” Klein says.
Bad Girl Ventures has educated more than 250 business owners in Cleveland and Cincinnati and funded 24 companies with $650,000. Klein is now accepting applications for spring classes in Cleveland.
Source: Candace Klein
Writer: Karin Connelly
Kimberly McCune Gibson and Ann Marie Larrance of Grass Roots LLC, the parent company for ReHive Ale, The 1815 House, and Hungry Bee Catering won the grand prize. Three other prizes were awarded. The Business of Good foundation awarded a $1,000 grant to Michael's Mobile Oil, and the City of Cleveland gave two $1,000 grants to The Brunch Project and Tonja's Tranquility Inn.
Of Gibson and Larrance, Candace Klein, Bad Girl Ventures founder and CEO says, “These women have the biggest fire in the belly that I’ve seen. It was a very close vote, but I haven’t seen two people who work harder ever.”
About 150 people came to the graduation event, which was held at Rosetta in Cleveland. Food Network filmed the event because Gibson and Larrance are also participating in a reality show for the network. “It was great coverage,” Klein says.
Bad Girl Ventures has educated more than 250 business owners in Cleveland and Cincinnati and funded 24 companies with $650,000. Klein is now accepting applications for spring classes in Cleveland.
Source: Candace Klein
Writer: Karin Connelly
OnShift, the staffing software developer for the healthcare industry, recently received an overall performance score of 92.6 in a survey conducted by KLAS, a research firm the monitors healthcare vendors. The numbers confirm OnShift’s dedication to customer service and providing a quality product.
“We’re very proud to be ranked so highly by our customers,” says Mark Woodka, OnShift CEO. “We put a lot of energy into being responsive to our customers.”
OnShift turned over its entire customer list to KLAS. The company then randomly called customers. The research measures OnShift’s performance in a variety of criteria including functionality and upgrades, implementation and training, service and support, and contracting.
“Your customers will always say good things to you, but when they’re telling a third party you know they mean it,” says Woodka.
The report will help OnShift in its hiring, as the company is still on track to grow their 36 person staff to 55 or 60 by year's end. They currently have six open positions in everything from sales to customer service to development.
“The report helps us from a recruitment standpoint,” says Woodka. “People who want to provide good customer service will want to work for us.”
Source: Mark Woodka
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We’re very proud to be ranked so highly by our customers,” says Mark Woodka, OnShift CEO. “We put a lot of energy into being responsive to our customers.”
OnShift turned over its entire customer list to KLAS. The company then randomly called customers. The research measures OnShift’s performance in a variety of criteria including functionality and upgrades, implementation and training, service and support, and contracting.
“Your customers will always say good things to you, but when they’re telling a third party you know they mean it,” says Woodka.
The report will help OnShift in its hiring, as the company is still on track to grow their 36 person staff to 55 or 60 by year's end. They currently have six open positions in everything from sales to customer service to development.
“The report helps us from a recruitment standpoint,” says Woodka. “People who want to provide good customer service will want to work for us.”
Source: Mark Woodka
Writer: Karin Connelly
cle aquarium makes big splash in usa today
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has yet to open, but it is already generating national buzz.
In a recent article in USA Today titled "8 Big Openings of 2012," the aquarium is featured alongside attractions like The Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor, Egypt, SkyPoint Climb on Australia's Gold Coast, and the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement -- aka the Mob Museum -- in downtown Las Vegas.
"What's new -- or newly reopening -- in 2012?," asks the article. "So much. Here are eight notable attractions."
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
"The Greater Cleveland Aquarium debuts Saturday, Jan. 21, with 40-plus tanks swimming with sand sharks, native brook trout, piranhas, madtom catfish and more. The attraction is in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse on the west bank of the Flats."
See the rest of the list here.
In a recent article in USA Today titled "8 Big Openings of 2012," the aquarium is featured alongside attractions like The Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor, Egypt, SkyPoint Climb on Australia's Gold Coast, and the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement -- aka the Mob Museum -- in downtown Las Vegas.
"What's new -- or newly reopening -- in 2012?," asks the article. "So much. Here are eight notable attractions."
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
"The Greater Cleveland Aquarium debuts Saturday, Jan. 21, with 40-plus tanks swimming with sand sharks, native brook trout, piranhas, madtom catfish and more. The attraction is in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse on the west bank of the Flats."
See the rest of the list here.
Enterprise Community Partners, which helps find affordable housing options, is hosting its first 2012 Enterprise Community Innovation Awards. The award, sponsored through KeyBank, is designed to recognize organizations creating new and lasting community development solutions in Greater Cleveland. The winner will receive a $25,000 grant to support the project.
“We were looking at the future of community development in the area,” says Mark McDermott, Ohio director of Enterprise. “We know there are groups out there doing all sorts of innovative work, and we wanted to highlight that.”
McDermott and his team are looking for organizations that are making a positive impact toward making Cleveland a better place to live. “We’re looking for innovation, but innovation in ways that show new solutions to the challenges in our communities,” says McDermott. “Cleveland is a great place for community development work. We have a set of challenges we haven’t seen for a long time and we have to look at new ways to solve problems.”
Entries are due January 20. Three to five finalists will be chosen who will then present their case to a panel of experts. The winner will be announced in late February or early March at an awards event.
Source: Mark McDermott
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We were looking at the future of community development in the area,” says Mark McDermott, Ohio director of Enterprise. “We know there are groups out there doing all sorts of innovative work, and we wanted to highlight that.”
McDermott and his team are looking for organizations that are making a positive impact toward making Cleveland a better place to live. “We’re looking for innovation, but innovation in ways that show new solutions to the challenges in our communities,” says McDermott. “Cleveland is a great place for community development work. We have a set of challenges we haven’t seen for a long time and we have to look at new ways to solve problems.”
Entries are due January 20. Three to five finalists will be chosen who will then present their case to a panel of experts. The winner will be announced in late February or early March at an awards event.
Source: Mark McDermott
Writer: Karin Connelly