Entrepreneurs + Innovators
For Jonathan Husni, founder and president of Cleveland-based IT development firm Acendex, It's not enough to sit back and reflect on how his company emerged from the recession relatively unscathed. The fact that Acendex had no layoffs and managed to gain an impressive list of clients over the last few years motivates Husni and his team to set impressive goals for 2011.
"We are focusing on making raving fans of a number of new customers this year," says Husni. "Acendex anticipates double-digit growth in 2011 spurred by the onset of the economic recovery in the region -- particularly in the manufacturing sector -- which is empowering companies to take a second look at the way their information management solutions can be leveraged as competitive assets."
Thanks to "unprecedented demand" for a host solution for cloud computing, Acendex is advancing a new application of what it calls "Get Your Own Cloud!"
Advancements such as these have encouraged Husni to build up his IT team to meet existing and new customer needs. "Our take-no-prisoners approach to the cloud computing solution has won favor from the word go," Husni says, "and we are staffing up to meet customer demand for our outsourcing services."
In 2010, Acendex took on a number of new projects, such as providing an IT infrastructure with VOIP for Flack Steel, a Cleveland steel distributor.
SOURCE: Jonathan Husni
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"We are focusing on making raving fans of a number of new customers this year," says Husni. "Acendex anticipates double-digit growth in 2011 spurred by the onset of the economic recovery in the region -- particularly in the manufacturing sector -- which is empowering companies to take a second look at the way their information management solutions can be leveraged as competitive assets."
Thanks to "unprecedented demand" for a host solution for cloud computing, Acendex is advancing a new application of what it calls "Get Your Own Cloud!"
Advancements such as these have encouraged Husni to build up his IT team to meet existing and new customer needs. "Our take-no-prisoners approach to the cloud computing solution has won favor from the word go," Husni says, "and we are staffing up to meet customer demand for our outsourcing services."
In 2010, Acendex took on a number of new projects, such as providing an IT infrastructure with VOIP for Flack Steel, a Cleveland steel distributor.
SOURCE: Jonathan Husni
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The stately Tudor Arms has been vacant since 2007 when its last tenant, Cleveland Job Corps, moved to a new home. Now, thanks to a $22 million restoration project, the landmark property appears set to reclaim some of its former glory when it reopens this spring as a Double Tree Hotel. The project is the latest in a string of successful urban developments by local firm MRN Ltd.
POTUS is in the house
A recent TIME posting mentions President Obama's upcoming visit to Cleveland. President Obama and members of his cabinet, in association with Cleveland State University and Northeast Ohio organizations JumpStart and NorTech, will hold a "Winning the Future Forum on Small Business" on February 22.
The Forum will present an opportunity for small business owners to communicate their ideas for economic growth and creating jobs directly to the President and his economic team.
"In his State of the Union address, President Obama spoke of the need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build our competitors in order to sustain our leadership and secure prosperity for all Americans."
Read the post here.
The Forum will present an opportunity for small business owners to communicate their ideas for economic growth and creating jobs directly to the President and his economic team.
"In his State of the Union address, President Obama spoke of the need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build our competitors in order to sustain our leadership and secure prosperity for all Americans."
Read the post here.
A new Mediterranean-themed restaurant will open this April in the Tudor Arms, a landmark at East 107th and Carnegie Avenue that is undergoing a $22-million makeover to a Double Tree Hotel.
The restaurant will be operated by Samir Khouri, owner of Somer's restaurants in Cleveland, Bedford and North Ridgeville, and Serge Elias, owner of Cedarland at the Clinic, a popular Middle Eastern Restaurant.
Tentatively called the Canopy, the restaurant will feature a menu offering both Mediterranean and American cuisine. It will serve hotel guests as well as the visiting public. It will also have a coffee bar, a party room, and a lounge that will stay open for late-night revelry.
"In addition to serving hotel guests and providing room service, we're marketing it as a meeting place for people who work in University Circle," says Khouri. "We will have valet service, and we're toying with the idea of offering a shuttle for Clinic employees."
The new restaurant offers a testament to the buying power of the University Circle area. With almost 40,000 full-time positions, the Circle is the second largest employment center in the region. A 2010 study by Real Estate Strategies Inc. showed the area is on track to produce about 10,000 new jobs between 2005 and 2015.
Although Cedarland may eventually close -- the building is slated to be demolished to accommodate the Cleveland Clinic's ever-growing appetite for expansion -- the timeline is uncertain, and Khouri says it will stay open at least another two years.
Source: Samir Khouri
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The restaurant will be operated by Samir Khouri, owner of Somer's restaurants in Cleveland, Bedford and North Ridgeville, and Serge Elias, owner of Cedarland at the Clinic, a popular Middle Eastern Restaurant.
Tentatively called the Canopy, the restaurant will feature a menu offering both Mediterranean and American cuisine. It will serve hotel guests as well as the visiting public. It will also have a coffee bar, a party room, and a lounge that will stay open for late-night revelry.
"In addition to serving hotel guests and providing room service, we're marketing it as a meeting place for people who work in University Circle," says Khouri. "We will have valet service, and we're toying with the idea of offering a shuttle for Clinic employees."
The new restaurant offers a testament to the buying power of the University Circle area. With almost 40,000 full-time positions, the Circle is the second largest employment center in the region. A 2010 study by Real Estate Strategies Inc. showed the area is on track to produce about 10,000 new jobs between 2005 and 2015.
Although Cedarland may eventually close -- the building is slated to be demolished to accommodate the Cleveland Clinic's ever-growing appetite for expansion -- the timeline is uncertain, and Khouri says it will stay open at least another two years.
Source: Samir Khouri
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Artist Nicolette Capuano has spent the past year painstakingly restoring the ornate plaster trim and low relief sculptures in the Tudor Arms building.
Yet she's doing more than simply recreating the past; she has worked closely with building owner Rick Maron and designer Cindy Rae Cohen to create her own masterpieces -- original, hand-painted murals -- that will grace the landmark structure.
"We wanted to highlight the beauty of this historic building while adding a more contemporary touch," says Capuano, who started her company, Beyond the Wall Mural Design, after graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design in 2005.
"Blending the historic and contemporary is definitely a trend in interior design these days," Capuano adds. "We wanted to create something that felt somewhat timeless."
In April, MRN Ltd. will complete a $22 million restoration of the Tudor Arms building, converting it to a new 154-room Double Tree Hotel. The vestibule that Capuano restored will be the hotel's main entrance, while the rejuvenated ballrooms will be used for special events. (See comprehensive Tudor Arms feature in next week's Fresh Water.)
In addition to the mural restoration, Capuano also helped repair the building's one-of-a-kind plaster work where it was damaged or missing pieces. This labor-intensive process required making custom molds, recreating each piece by hand, and patching it in.
When she couldn't find the color she wanted for the trim, Capuano created one from scratch.
"The Tudor umber that we used to glaze the plaster work was hand-mixed," says Capuano. "I went through all of the Sherwin-Williams colors, but I couldn't find exactly what we wanted. I'm a perfectionist, so I kept mixing colors until I got it right."
Source: Nicolette Capuano
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet she's doing more than simply recreating the past; she has worked closely with building owner Rick Maron and designer Cindy Rae Cohen to create her own masterpieces -- original, hand-painted murals -- that will grace the landmark structure.
"We wanted to highlight the beauty of this historic building while adding a more contemporary touch," says Capuano, who started her company, Beyond the Wall Mural Design, after graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design in 2005.
"Blending the historic and contemporary is definitely a trend in interior design these days," Capuano adds. "We wanted to create something that felt somewhat timeless."
In April, MRN Ltd. will complete a $22 million restoration of the Tudor Arms building, converting it to a new 154-room Double Tree Hotel. The vestibule that Capuano restored will be the hotel's main entrance, while the rejuvenated ballrooms will be used for special events. (See comprehensive Tudor Arms feature in next week's Fresh Water.)
In addition to the mural restoration, Capuano also helped repair the building's one-of-a-kind plaster work where it was damaged or missing pieces. This labor-intensive process required making custom molds, recreating each piece by hand, and patching it in.
When she couldn't find the color she wanted for the trim, Capuano created one from scratch.
"The Tudor umber that we used to glaze the plaster work was hand-mixed," says Capuano. "I went through all of the Sherwin-Williams colors, but I couldn't find exactly what we wanted. I'm a perfectionist, so I kept mixing colors until I got it right."
Source: Nicolette Capuano
Writer: Lee Chilcote
GLBC ranks #22 on "top brewers" list
Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio's first and most celebrated craft brewer, ranked #22 out of 25 "Top Brewers" in the latest issue of Beer Advocate, a respected monthly magazine dedicated entirely to beer. Beer Advocate reviewed hundreds of thousands of customer beer reviews for their annual "Best of" issue, which is now on shelves.
Beer Advocate also included two Great Lakes Brewing Company beers, Dortmunder Gold Lager and Eliot Ness Amber Lager, on its list of "Top Lighter Lagers." Both lagers also recently received gold medals at the World Beer Championship.
Great Lakes Brewing Company was the first microbrewery in Ohio and remains the state's most award-winning brewer.
Drink up the good news here.
Beer Advocate also included two Great Lakes Brewing Company beers, Dortmunder Gold Lager and Eliot Ness Amber Lager, on its list of "Top Lighter Lagers." Both lagers also recently received gold medals at the World Beer Championship.
Great Lakes Brewing Company was the first microbrewery in Ohio and remains the state's most award-winning brewer.
Drink up the good news here.
Winners of a new entrepreneurial contest will have the opportunity to develop a novel idea or product that embodies the innovative spirit described in President Obama's State of the Union address. Cleveland's recently launched Manufacturing Mart has announced a competition called "The Export Experiment," a new-product competition designed to grow business for American component manufacturers.
Valerie Mayen may have left Season 8 of Project Runway prematurely, but she won't be leaving Cleveland anytime soon. In addition to headquartering her burgeoning fashion label Yellowcake here, the Corpus Christie native will soon launch an innovative sewing co-op for budding designers. And that is just the beginning.
'creative class' author sees rust belt turn around
A recent article in The Atlantic examines a new study of the migration trends of young adults and college grads across America's 52 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas over the years 2007-2009. Austin topped the list, closely followed by Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Seattle. Big cities like New York, Boston, D.C., Chicago, and LA have also improved their ability to attract young grads.
But the study also indicated that more and more talented young people are choosing to live in Cleveland.
"But perhaps the best news is that a significant number of older Rustbelt metros -- like Buffalo, Cleveland, St. Louis, Hartford, and Milwaukee -- that had been losing young adults and college grads have stemmed those previous losses, while others -- including Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Baltimore, as well as New Orleans -- have begun to turn them into gains."
Examine the data here.
But the study also indicated that more and more talented young people are choosing to live in Cleveland.
"But perhaps the best news is that a significant number of older Rustbelt metros -- like Buffalo, Cleveland, St. Louis, Hartford, and Milwaukee -- that had been losing young adults and college grads have stemmed those previous losses, while others -- including Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Baltimore, as well as New Orleans -- have begun to turn them into gains."
Examine the data here.
Northeast Ohio's ingenuity in polymers and advanced materials is having a
positive impact on the region's production of flexible electronics
products for the global market. FlexMatters, a cluster of businesses,
suppliers, service providers and institutions within the flexible
electronics industry, has attracted a significant amount of capital from
public and private sources in the last several months.
NorTech, which launched FlexMatters to address low-cost manufacturing of electronic devices printed on flexible plastic materials, recently released information on funding for members of the cluster. In all, FlexMatters members garnered $14 million in capital, according to NorTech.
The funds were offered at a variety of stages and for different purposes. Cleveland's Blue Spark Technologies, for example, received a $6 million private equity series B investment, which will be used to accelerate new applications for thin, printed, disposable batteries.
The FlexMatters cluster connects member organizations with funding, revenue and technology partnership opportunities. "We are building a robust innovation cluster in Northeast Ohio that is going to put our region at the forefront of the global flexible electronics industry," says Rebecca Bagley, NorTech president and CEO.
SOURCE: NorTech
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
NorTech, which launched FlexMatters to address low-cost manufacturing of electronic devices printed on flexible plastic materials, recently released information on funding for members of the cluster. In all, FlexMatters members garnered $14 million in capital, according to NorTech.
The funds were offered at a variety of stages and for different purposes. Cleveland's Blue Spark Technologies, for example, received a $6 million private equity series B investment, which will be used to accelerate new applications for thin, printed, disposable batteries.
The FlexMatters cluster connects member organizations with funding, revenue and technology partnership opportunities. "We are building a robust innovation cluster in Northeast Ohio that is going to put our region at the forefront of the global flexible electronics industry," says Rebecca Bagley, NorTech president and CEO.
SOURCE: NorTech
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
dim and den sum one 'top 20' food trux in US
Eater.com, a website that covers the nation's restaurant news, recently featured a list of the Top 20 food trucks in America. Cleveland's Dim and Den Sum, at less than a year old, snagged a spot in the Tasty Top 10.
Chris Hodgson's riotous rig dishes up "American comfort food with Asian flair." Though the menu changes weekly, the signature PBLT (pulled pork, house-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sirachi mayo) is always available.
Most of the other top food trucks singled out are on the West Coast, including Skillet and Maximus Minimus in Seattle, Solar Waffle Works in Portland, and Spencer on the Go! and Sam's Chowdermobile in San Francisco.
Look for Dim and Den Sum to hit the streets in mid-February.
Eat up the entire list here.
Chris Hodgson's riotous rig dishes up "American comfort food with Asian flair." Though the menu changes weekly, the signature PBLT (pulled pork, house-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sirachi mayo) is always available.
Most of the other top food trucks singled out are on the West Coast, including Skillet and Maximus Minimus in Seattle, Solar Waffle Works in Portland, and Spencer on the Go! and Sam's Chowdermobile in San Francisco.
Look for Dim and Den Sum to hit the streets in mid-February.
Eat up the entire list here.
Inspired by one of Mahatma Ghandi's famous mantras -- "we must become the change we wish to see in the world" -- Open Yoga Gallery, a yoga studio with a mission, will launch this weekend at 4736 Lorain Avenue in Ohio City.
"One of our goals is to get people onto the yoga mat for the first time," says April Arotin, the studio's founder. To that end, Open Yoga offers several classes per week that merely suggest a donation. During the opening weekend, the studio will offer free classes on Saturday from 12-6 p.m., as well as a free workshop for beginners on Sunday.
Open Yoga is a labor of love for Arotin, who lived in San Francisco before she moved back to Cleveland last summer. The studio is located in a storefront that was last used as an antique store -- 10 years ago. Arotin and the friends whom she corralled into helping her spent six months renovating the space.
To cut costs and keep with their green business practices, Arotin reused much of the existing space, cleaning the 1940s tile floor, for instance, rather than replacing it with shiny hardwood planks.
"Ninety percent of the furniture in our space is up-cycled," explains Arotin, meaning that it's been reclaimed from other spaces or purchased from thrift stores and refurbished. In addition, the studio has set an ambitious goal to produce zero waste.
To encourage walking, bicycling and carpooling, Open Yoga offers patrons a chance to win free classes if they choose alternative transportation. The 1,000-square-foot studio also functions as an art gallery, with local artists' work adorning the walls.
Although yoga is not often associated with inner city neighborhoods, Arotin wants to change this. "There's a perception that yoga is only for a specific demographic -- women with a lot of disposable income -- but we want to make it accessible," she says.
After all, yoga is not just about staying healthy and flexible; it's also about unlocking the potential for change. "Yoga helps us move our bodies in a way that we never thought possible," says Arotin, "and that can help us realize our true potential."
Source: April Arotin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"One of our goals is to get people onto the yoga mat for the first time," says April Arotin, the studio's founder. To that end, Open Yoga offers several classes per week that merely suggest a donation. During the opening weekend, the studio will offer free classes on Saturday from 12-6 p.m., as well as a free workshop for beginners on Sunday.
Open Yoga is a labor of love for Arotin, who lived in San Francisco before she moved back to Cleveland last summer. The studio is located in a storefront that was last used as an antique store -- 10 years ago. Arotin and the friends whom she corralled into helping her spent six months renovating the space.
To cut costs and keep with their green business practices, Arotin reused much of the existing space, cleaning the 1940s tile floor, for instance, rather than replacing it with shiny hardwood planks.
"Ninety percent of the furniture in our space is up-cycled," explains Arotin, meaning that it's been reclaimed from other spaces or purchased from thrift stores and refurbished. In addition, the studio has set an ambitious goal to produce zero waste.
To encourage walking, bicycling and carpooling, Open Yoga offers patrons a chance to win free classes if they choose alternative transportation. The 1,000-square-foot studio also functions as an art gallery, with local artists' work adorning the walls.
Although yoga is not often associated with inner city neighborhoods, Arotin wants to change this. "There's a perception that yoga is only for a specific demographic -- women with a lot of disposable income -- but we want to make it accessible," she says.
After all, yoga is not just about staying healthy and flexible; it's also about unlocking the potential for change. "Yoga helps us move our bodies in a way that we never thought possible," says Arotin, "and that can help us realize our true potential."
Source: April Arotin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Two weeks ago, we told you about the many jobs likely to develop in the area over the next several years thanks to a wind turbine project on Lake Erie. Lorry Wagner, Ph.D., president of Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo), which is overseeing the project, says that Cleveland's growing expertise in the wind energy industry could reach well beyond the local shores.
The wind turbine pilot project, which is in its infant stages, will be a learning process for those involved, according to Wagner, but will likely establish Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as the source for wind energy expertise.
"As offshore wind develops on the Great Lakes, many of our services can be exported," Wagner says. "Canada, for example, has a huge plan for offshore wind development, but it will only have a 50 percent Canadian content requirement. That gives us tremendous incentive to develop our industry here."
In addition to Canada, Michigan and New York are reviewing opportunities for wind energy along the Great Lakes.
"If Ohio doesn't become the biggest in the world, the fact is we are the first in the region to do this, and if we develop the infrastructure, it will help us to serve the entire Great Lakes region," Wagner says.
To get there, Cleveland needs to leverage the talents and resources it already has and encourage other companies and individuals to join the wave. "We have to develop the expertise so that wherever this alternative energy occurs, we will be able to provide the most cost effective and the technologically best service," Wagner says.
SOURCE: Lorry Wagner
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The wind turbine pilot project, which is in its infant stages, will be a learning process for those involved, according to Wagner, but will likely establish Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as the source for wind energy expertise.
"As offshore wind develops on the Great Lakes, many of our services can be exported," Wagner says. "Canada, for example, has a huge plan for offshore wind development, but it will only have a 50 percent Canadian content requirement. That gives us tremendous incentive to develop our industry here."
In addition to Canada, Michigan and New York are reviewing opportunities for wind energy along the Great Lakes.
"If Ohio doesn't become the biggest in the world, the fact is we are the first in the region to do this, and if we develop the infrastructure, it will help us to serve the entire Great Lakes region," Wagner says.
To get there, Cleveland needs to leverage the talents and resources it already has and encourage other companies and individuals to join the wave. "We have to develop the expertise so that wherever this alternative energy occurs, we will be able to provide the most cost effective and the technologically best service," Wagner says.
SOURCE: Lorry Wagner
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
gilbert's land purchase for casino big news
News of Rock Ohio Caesars Cleveland's recent land purchase of 16 acres adjacent to Tower City Center is making its way across the news ticker. Rock Ohio is the development arm of Dan Gilbert, who is building a $600 million casino in downtown Cleveland.
On Tuesday, as reported in this Columbus Business First article, Rock Ohio Caesars paid Forest City Enterprises $85 million, $11 million of which was paid this week with the balance set to be paid through 2012.
Gilbert's Cleveland casino is slated to open sometime in 2013, which puts it behind the three other Ohio casinos. An agreement to lease space at the nearby Higbee Building could allow for a temporary casino to open in the meantime.
Jeff Linton, a spokesman for Forest City, told Columbus Business First the Higbee lease is still on the table.
"We certainly anticipate they might be in a position to make a decision on that soon," Linton told the reporter.
Read the entire article here.
On Tuesday, as reported in this Columbus Business First article, Rock Ohio Caesars paid Forest City Enterprises $85 million, $11 million of which was paid this week with the balance set to be paid through 2012.
Gilbert's Cleveland casino is slated to open sometime in 2013, which puts it behind the three other Ohio casinos. An agreement to lease space at the nearby Higbee Building could allow for a temporary casino to open in the meantime.
Jeff Linton, a spokesman for Forest City, told Columbus Business First the Higbee lease is still on the table.
"We certainly anticipate they might be in a position to make a decision on that soon," Linton told the reporter.
Read the entire article here.
monster names cleveland one of hottest job markets
Job matching engine Monster.com recently announced the "Top 10 Hottest Markets for Job Seekers." Rankings were determined by the relative number of job openings for a given city's workforce. Cleveland came in at a promising #7, wedged between Minneapolis and Tampa. Topping the list are Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Boston.
Monster also identified some of the hottest occupations within these job markets, noting that most fall within the IT and healthcare industries. Healthcare support jobs such as nursing aides, orderlies, occupational therapist assistants, and dental assistants remain in high demand in Cleveland.
"Healthcare has long been immune to the economic recession, especially given the skills shortage in that industry due to baby boomers' retiring, taking those skills with them in the process," the article finds.
The Monster study also indicates that retail is another hot job market in Cleveland.
Charles Purdy, career expert for Monster.com, encourages job seekers in these hot markets to take advantage of the rise in job openings. "Now is the time for qualified candidates to make their move into a better and more challenging role. This will be quite a luxury for some seekers who have struggled to seek more inspiring work in the past year or two. For them, 2011 will become 'their' year for surpassing the status quo, propelling their career a step or two forward."
Read the full report here.
Monster also identified some of the hottest occupations within these job markets, noting that most fall within the IT and healthcare industries. Healthcare support jobs such as nursing aides, orderlies, occupational therapist assistants, and dental assistants remain in high demand in Cleveland.
"Healthcare has long been immune to the economic recession, especially given the skills shortage in that industry due to baby boomers' retiring, taking those skills with them in the process," the article finds.
The Monster study also indicates that retail is another hot job market in Cleveland.
Charles Purdy, career expert for Monster.com, encourages job seekers in these hot markets to take advantage of the rise in job openings. "Now is the time for qualified candidates to make their move into a better and more challenging role. This will be quite a luxury for some seekers who have struggled to seek more inspiring work in the past year or two. For them, 2011 will become 'their' year for surpassing the status quo, propelling their career a step or two forward."
Read the full report here.
The same day that President Obama unveiled Startup America to boost entrepreneurship in the United States, Jumpstart Inc. came out with its own impressive launch: JumpStart America.
The operating structure for JumpStart America will be set up over the next few months, with Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart Inc., also serving as the leader for this new entity. JumpStart America will be a 501c(3) nonprofit and will act independently of JumpStart Inc. New staff members are not likely to be added to JumpStart Inc. because of this new venture, according to Leach.
JumpStart America's work will be different than that of JumpStart Inc., Leach adds. "JumpStart's programmatic work in Northeast Ohio focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and investing in their companies, and collaborating with other organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
"JumpStart America will be raising and aggregating public, private and philanthropic dollars to fund the development and implementation of plans in regions across the country -- plans that will enable these regions to leverage their existing strengths and fill gaps in their ecosystems that help entrepreneurs grow their companies," Leach explains.
Nevertheless, the success of JumpStart Inc. in helping to grow local companies has cast a positive light on the organization and the region it serves, which in turn lends credibility to the JumpStart America program. "It's the successes of the companies and entrepreneurs with which JumpStart has worked that have helped Northeast Ohio earn national recognition as a growing entrepreneurial hotbed," Leach says.
"JumpStart America is credible in pursuing its mission because policy makers, foundations and investors across the country are learning that Northeast Ohio is one of the best entrepreneurial ecosystems in the country."
SOURCE: Ray Leach
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The operating structure for JumpStart America will be set up over the next few months, with Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart Inc., also serving as the leader for this new entity. JumpStart America will be a 501c(3) nonprofit and will act independently of JumpStart Inc. New staff members are not likely to be added to JumpStart Inc. because of this new venture, according to Leach.
JumpStart America's work will be different than that of JumpStart Inc., Leach adds. "JumpStart's programmatic work in Northeast Ohio focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and investing in their companies, and collaborating with other organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
"JumpStart America will be raising and aggregating public, private and philanthropic dollars to fund the development and implementation of plans in regions across the country -- plans that will enable these regions to leverage their existing strengths and fill gaps in their ecosystems that help entrepreneurs grow their companies," Leach explains.
Nevertheless, the success of JumpStart Inc. in helping to grow local companies has cast a positive light on the organization and the region it serves, which in turn lends credibility to the JumpStart America program. "It's the successes of the companies and entrepreneurs with which JumpStart has worked that have helped Northeast Ohio earn national recognition as a growing entrepreneurial hotbed," Leach says.
"JumpStart America is credible in pursuing its mission because policy makers, foundations and investors across the country are learning that Northeast Ohio is one of the best entrepreneurial ecosystems in the country."
SOURCE: Ray Leach
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Soon celebrating 100 years, the West Side Market continues to offer a bountiful spread of foods, from pierogi to empanadas, and to attract thousands of shoppers each week. The public market is an emblem of Cleveland's rich ethnic heritage and present-day diversity.
The recent opening of Alaturka, a Turkish restaurant at 1917 West 25th Street, is further cementing the area's reputation as a hub for international cuisine.
To the delight of Ohio City residents,Yashar Yildirim, the owner of the popular Anatolia Café in Cleveland Heights, has marched across town and opened shop near the West Side Market. Anatolia originally opened in a South Euclid strip center before moving in 2008 to Lee Road.
"I knew there was potential for a Turkish restaurant here because I had customers from the West Side traveling to Cleveland Heights to visit Anatolia Café," says Yildirim.
Yildirim chose Ohio City's Market District because of the area's reputation for ethnic cuisine, the revitalization taking place, and its proximity to downtown and highways. "The people here are diverse and open-minded," he says.
Yildirim himself has something of an American immigrant success story. Born and raised in Istanbul, he moved to New York City in 1996 to attend college. He migrated to Columbus and then to Cleveland after his friends told him Northeast Ohio lacked a decent Turkish restaurant. "I like it here because it's affordable, but there's a sense of big city," he says.
Of Turkish cuisine, Yildirim says, "Turkey is in the Middle East, but it's very close to Europe, so the region is a mixture of ethnicities. So our food is a well-balanced combination of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean styles."
Although he stops short of offering a money-back guarantee, Yildirim says that if you eat off Alaturka's health-conscious menu, you can cancel your gym membership. "We have a lot of vegetarian options, and all of the food is freshly made," he says.
Source: Yashar Yildirim
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The recent opening of Alaturka, a Turkish restaurant at 1917 West 25th Street, is further cementing the area's reputation as a hub for international cuisine.
To the delight of Ohio City residents,Yashar Yildirim, the owner of the popular Anatolia Café in Cleveland Heights, has marched across town and opened shop near the West Side Market. Anatolia originally opened in a South Euclid strip center before moving in 2008 to Lee Road.
"I knew there was potential for a Turkish restaurant here because I had customers from the West Side traveling to Cleveland Heights to visit Anatolia Café," says Yildirim.
Yildirim chose Ohio City's Market District because of the area's reputation for ethnic cuisine, the revitalization taking place, and its proximity to downtown and highways. "The people here are diverse and open-minded," he says.
Yildirim himself has something of an American immigrant success story. Born and raised in Istanbul, he moved to New York City in 1996 to attend college. He migrated to Columbus and then to Cleveland after his friends told him Northeast Ohio lacked a decent Turkish restaurant. "I like it here because it's affordable, but there's a sense of big city," he says.
Of Turkish cuisine, Yildirim says, "Turkey is in the Middle East, but it's very close to Europe, so the region is a mixture of ethnicities. So our food is a well-balanced combination of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean styles."
Although he stops short of offering a money-back guarantee, Yildirim says that if you eat off Alaturka's health-conscious menu, you can cancel your gym membership. "We have a lot of vegetarian options, and all of the food is freshly made," he says.
Source: Yashar Yildirim
Writer: Lee Chilcote
county claims role in region's economic development
The Cuyahoga County Economic Development Commission met for the first time last week, and while it didn't make any huge promises, it did emphasize a commitment to helping Greater Cleveland attract, nurture and maintain businesses.
To start, new county executive Ed FitzGerald announced $1 million in loans, including $800,000 toward a $27 million hotel in University Circle. On a smaller scale, the commission is also awarding an $85,000 loan to a Cleveland company focused on lowering heating costs. During the meeting, experts spoke on fostering entrepreneurship and building a global presence that will attract more entrepreneurs and businesses to the region.
No specific goals were set during this inaugural event of what's being called the 2011 Jobs Summit. But FitzGerald has previously talked about creating the Fourth Frontier, a $100 million fund for local businesses.
According to Article 7 of the new county charter developed last year, "The county shall have as a primary responsibility in the promotion and enhancement of the economic well-being and prosperity of the county and all of its residents... There shall be a Department of Development... which shall develop, direct and implement programs and activities...."
No word yet on when the commission will again meet.
SOURCE: Cuyahoga County Economic Development Commission
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
To start, new county executive Ed FitzGerald announced $1 million in loans, including $800,000 toward a $27 million hotel in University Circle. On a smaller scale, the commission is also awarding an $85,000 loan to a Cleveland company focused on lowering heating costs. During the meeting, experts spoke on fostering entrepreneurship and building a global presence that will attract more entrepreneurs and businesses to the region.
No specific goals were set during this inaugural event of what's being called the 2011 Jobs Summit. But FitzGerald has previously talked about creating the Fourth Frontier, a $100 million fund for local businesses.
According to Article 7 of the new county charter developed last year, "The county shall have as a primary responsibility in the promotion and enhancement of the economic well-being and prosperity of the county and all of its residents... There shall be a Department of Development... which shall develop, direct and implement programs and activities...."
No word yet on when the commission will again meet.
SOURCE: Cuyahoga County Economic Development Commission
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The Flaming Ice Cube. When this strange moniker debuted on a downtown storefront in July, the phrase alone was buzzworthy.
No, it's not a new superhero or Cirque du Soleil act. It's a restaurant in downtown Cleveland. Located in the Park Building on Public Square, Flaming Ice Cube (aka the Cube), is a tasty new vegan restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yet the Cube didn't just one day appear in a puff of smoke, if you will. The opening was the result of careful planning and plotted enticement by two downtown residents, Robert Carillio and Jesse Howells, whose family owns the Park Building. The pair contacted the café's owners, who opened the original location in Boardman, Ohio, and recruited them to open a second location in Cleveland.
And Howells and Carillio didn't meet by accident either. They're both recent grads of the City Advocates program, an effort by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) to engage young professionals in the revitalization of downtown.
"The Flaming Ice Cube was one of Robert's favorite Youngstown restaurants, and when he met Jesse through the City Advocates program, they contacted the café and sold them on opening a downtown location," explains Laura Kushnick, Development and Community Relations Manager for DCA. So far, more than 40 people have graduated from the program.
Here's how it works. For two years, City Advocates attend monthly meetings and take on a project that will advance downtown. When they emerge from the program, they are skilled community leaders.
Besides recruiting new retailers, DCA's City Advocates have created YouTube marketing videos, are developing a free bus loop to connect entertainment districts in the summer, and are working with the city to create a dog park in the central business district."
Currently, the City Advocate program is seeking new applicants. For information, visit the DCA website or contact Laura Kushnick. The deadline is Feb. 21st.
Source: Laura Kushnick
Writer: Lee Chilcote
No, it's not a new superhero or Cirque du Soleil act. It's a restaurant in downtown Cleveland. Located in the Park Building on Public Square, Flaming Ice Cube (aka the Cube), is a tasty new vegan restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yet the Cube didn't just one day appear in a puff of smoke, if you will. The opening was the result of careful planning and plotted enticement by two downtown residents, Robert Carillio and Jesse Howells, whose family owns the Park Building. The pair contacted the café's owners, who opened the original location in Boardman, Ohio, and recruited them to open a second location in Cleveland.
And Howells and Carillio didn't meet by accident either. They're both recent grads of the City Advocates program, an effort by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) to engage young professionals in the revitalization of downtown.
"The Flaming Ice Cube was one of Robert's favorite Youngstown restaurants, and when he met Jesse through the City Advocates program, they contacted the café and sold them on opening a downtown location," explains Laura Kushnick, Development and Community Relations Manager for DCA. So far, more than 40 people have graduated from the program.
Here's how it works. For two years, City Advocates attend monthly meetings and take on a project that will advance downtown. When they emerge from the program, they are skilled community leaders.
Besides recruiting new retailers, DCA's City Advocates have created YouTube marketing videos, are developing a free bus loop to connect entertainment districts in the summer, and are working with the city to create a dog park in the central business district."
Currently, the City Advocate program is seeking new applicants. For information, visit the DCA website or contact Laura Kushnick. The deadline is Feb. 21st.
Source: Laura Kushnick
Writer: Lee Chilcote