Regional Economy
Northeast Ohio's convention and visitors bureau wants to change the conversation about Cleveland. The multifaceted branding enterprise is designed to bridge a communications gap that ideally will be crossed by millions of business and leisure visitors over the next few years.
latest report shows that cle is gaining, not losing, jobs
Despite the disheartening news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) monthly jobs reports, the latest news is that Cleveland actually is gaining jobs and moving forward.
The BLS’ monthly jobs report shows that Cleveland lost 2,100 jobs since May 2012, more than any other metropolitan area in the country. However, the latest BLS report, the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), released last week, shows that Cleveland in fact gained 7,669 jobs in the third quarter of 2013. While this report takes a little longer to come out than the monthly report, it is much more accurate. Cleveland had an average of 992,570 employed between May and September of 2013.
The difference, says Team NEO CEO Tom Waltermire, is that the monthly Current Employment Statistics (CES) report is based on data from only six percent of the country’s business community, while the QCEW is based on data from 98 percent of businesses.
“The CES data is very premature and should never have been released,” says Waltermire. “The numbers are so preliminary they’re inaccurate. What it means for Cleveland is we have been subjected to nine months of regular and increasingly inflammatory headlines that report we’re the worst big city region from a jobs perspective. That is not the case.”
The latest QCEW report marks the 13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year job growth in Northeast Ohio.
Team NEO is now working to reverse the impressions created by the monthly reports. The organization has teamed up with Cleveland State’s Levin College of Urban Affairs and the Cleveland Federal Reserve to better analyze the data. Team NEO also is working with the Greater Cleveland Partnership in lobbying Ohio’s congressional representatives about the way employment data is released.
“People should think of the economy in Cleveland as gradually growing,” says Waltermire. “Every month has shown a higher number of jobs than the year before. We’re on a winning streak here.”
Source: Tom Waltermire
Writer: Karin Connelly
The BLS’ monthly jobs report shows that Cleveland lost 2,100 jobs since May 2012, more than any other metropolitan area in the country. However, the latest BLS report, the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), released last week, shows that Cleveland in fact gained 7,669 jobs in the third quarter of 2013. While this report takes a little longer to come out than the monthly report, it is much more accurate. Cleveland had an average of 992,570 employed between May and September of 2013.
The difference, says Team NEO CEO Tom Waltermire, is that the monthly Current Employment Statistics (CES) report is based on data from only six percent of the country’s business community, while the QCEW is based on data from 98 percent of businesses.
“The CES data is very premature and should never have been released,” says Waltermire. “The numbers are so preliminary they’re inaccurate. What it means for Cleveland is we have been subjected to nine months of regular and increasingly inflammatory headlines that report we’re the worst big city region from a jobs perspective. That is not the case.”
The latest QCEW report marks the 13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year job growth in Northeast Ohio.
Team NEO is now working to reverse the impressions created by the monthly reports. The organization has teamed up with Cleveland State’s Levin College of Urban Affairs and the Cleveland Federal Reserve to better analyze the data. Team NEO also is working with the Greater Cleveland Partnership in lobbying Ohio’s congressional representatives about the way employment data is released.
“People should think of the economy in Cleveland as gradually growing,” says Waltermire. “Every month has shown a higher number of jobs than the year before. We’re on a winning streak here.”
Source: Tom Waltermire
Writer: Karin Connelly
#thisiscle promo video goes viral in 3- 2- 1...
On Wednesday, Positively Cleveland, the convention and visitors bureau for Cleveland, announced a new destination brand, presented new plans for its destination development initiatives, unveiled a local social media movement and highlighted a series of organizational accomplishments.
But without question, the most buzzed about element of the package was the following video, "A Cleveland Anthem," which promotes the theme: "Cleveland doesn’t follow anyone’s rules – it makes its own."
But without question, the most buzzed about element of the package was the following video, "A Cleveland Anthem," which promotes the theme: "Cleveland doesn’t follow anyone’s rules – it makes its own."
toledo blade previews cleveland international film festival
In an article in the Toledo Blade titled, "Cleveland to heat up for film lovers," Kirk Baird previews the Cleveland International Film Festival, which he labels as Ohio’s biggest such event.
"The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) line-up of more than 350 independent films isn’t for everyone, particularly those who prefer movies with celebrity names in the credits," Baird writes. "But for those open to the concept of film as true art rather than commercial enterprise, the long-running festival has much to satisfy the soul and mind."
Baird goes on to offer a rundown of the offerings, noting the staggering growth of the decades-old event.
"Now in its 38th year, CIFF is a prominent regional -- and certainly Ohio’s biggest -- film festival, with a combined audience of 95,000 film lovers and filmmakers from around the world expected to attend -- a staggering growth in audience from its first year in 1977 when only eight friends watched a few weekend films at the festival’s first home, Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights."
Read the entire article here.
"The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) line-up of more than 350 independent films isn’t for everyone, particularly those who prefer movies with celebrity names in the credits," Baird writes. "But for those open to the concept of film as true art rather than commercial enterprise, the long-running festival has much to satisfy the soul and mind."
Baird goes on to offer a rundown of the offerings, noting the staggering growth of the decades-old event.
"Now in its 38th year, CIFF is a prominent regional -- and certainly Ohio’s biggest -- film festival, with a combined audience of 95,000 film lovers and filmmakers from around the world expected to attend -- a staggering growth in audience from its first year in 1977 when only eight friends watched a few weekend films at the festival’s first home, Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights."
Read the entire article here.
Those among us that emerge to the forefront of their professions and community have been honing their leadership skills for some time. Here are a few young African-Americans making waves around town through advocacy, talent and so much more.
northeast ohio entrepreneur expo focuses on making connections
JumpStart’s 2014 Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur Expo is slated to be the largest one yet with 1,000 attendees and 100 exhibitors expected for its seventh year. The event on Monday, April 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art is slated to be chock-full of resources and events for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
This year’s theme is “Connections Matter,” with a focus on helping entrepreneurs make the connections that will help their business succeed and move forward.
New this year is a speed advising session, during which entrepreneurs will be paired with investors, support organizations, service providers and the media to get quick tips on improving their pitches and selling their businesses. “All of last year’s attendees liked the energy and the people who were there, but they wanted more interaction,” says JumpStart’s Samantha Fryberger of the decision to add the speed advising. “This way we have more interaction.”
The session is followed by an investor panel discussion, “Attracting Capital Between the Coasts,” which will focus on raising money in Ohio. “Obviously, raising capital in Boston or the Silicon Valley is very different than in the Midwest,” notes Fryberger.
Returning this year is the Charter One Foundation Student Business Idea Competition. Six teams will be chosen by a judging panel and public vote, based on their business plans and a video. Three teams will be chosen to receive $400, $600 and $1,500 prizes.
The day will be capped off with a networking happy hour. The event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and is free to the general public. The cost is $85 for entrepreneurs, who have until Monday to register.
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
This year’s theme is “Connections Matter,” with a focus on helping entrepreneurs make the connections that will help their business succeed and move forward.
New this year is a speed advising session, during which entrepreneurs will be paired with investors, support organizations, service providers and the media to get quick tips on improving their pitches and selling their businesses. “All of last year’s attendees liked the energy and the people who were there, but they wanted more interaction,” says JumpStart’s Samantha Fryberger of the decision to add the speed advising. “This way we have more interaction.”
The session is followed by an investor panel discussion, “Attracting Capital Between the Coasts,” which will focus on raising money in Ohio. “Obviously, raising capital in Boston or the Silicon Valley is very different than in the Midwest,” notes Fryberger.
Returning this year is the Charter One Foundation Student Business Idea Competition. Six teams will be chosen by a judging panel and public vote, based on their business plans and a video. Three teams will be chosen to receive $400, $600 and $1,500 prizes.
The day will be capped off with a networking happy hour. The event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and is free to the general public. The cost is $85 for entrepreneurs, who have until Monday to register.
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
To say the Cleveland International Film Festival -- now in its 38th year -- has staying power is an understatement. In order to get a street level view of the event, Fresh Water sat down with some true insiders to get the skinny on what makes the CIFF tick and how to make the most of it.
Fresh Water Cleveland is one of 22 publications run by Issue Media Group. Week in and week out, our sister sites cover all the latest news in urban innovation and development. This is the first in a new monthly series that will aggregate top news stories from around our network and profile "What’s Next" for cities.
publication takes a winter road trip to cleveland
Writing for Trib Total Media, Mark Kanny takes his Western PA readers on a winter-themed road trip to Cleveland.
"Perhaps the only way Pittsburgh doesn't mind being beaten by Cleveland is in annual snowfall," he writes. "Located on Lake Erie, Cleveland always wins that contest because of lake-effect precipitation."
"Taking challenge as opportunity, Cleveland Metroparks offers many winter activities, including tobogganing. In addition, there's a free skating rink in University Circle and the local Boston Mills/Brandywine ski resort just south of the city."
Also highlighted are the Rock Hall, Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall.
Check out all his great wintertime suggestions here.
"Perhaps the only way Pittsburgh doesn't mind being beaten by Cleveland is in annual snowfall," he writes. "Located on Lake Erie, Cleveland always wins that contest because of lake-effect precipitation."
"Taking challenge as opportunity, Cleveland Metroparks offers many winter activities, including tobogganing. In addition, there's a free skating rink in University Circle and the local Boston Mills/Brandywine ski resort just south of the city."
Also highlighted are the Rock Hall, Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall.
Check out all his great wintertime suggestions here.
The 2014 Gay Games kick off August 9th with an expected 8,000 to 10,000 participants competing in some 40 sports. The comprehensive event will serve as the latest memo to the world that Cleveland is a sought-after host for large-scale events that add millions to the local economy.
pittsburgh post-gazette writer 'gets market buzz in cleveland'
In a feature titled, "Getting a Market Buzz in Cleveland," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Diana Nelson Jones compares the West Side Market to her city's eclectic Strip District, as that city plots a course for a grand future marketplace of its own.
"Except for the selection of dried beans at Urban Herbs, the West Side Market in Cleveland doesn’t sell anything you can’t find in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. What they have that we don’t have is a grand work of marketplace architecture," she writes.
She adds that "the trip prompted many thoughts about what we have and don’t have and led to a rumination on the potential of the Pittsburgh Public Market and the Terminal Building on Smallman Street to be long-term additions to the scene."
"As I toured the West Side Market, I caught myself oohing and aahing, wondering why at first and then realizing why -- the intensity of consolidation. It is Wholey’s, Penn Mac, Stamolis, Parma Sausage, Sam Bok, Stan’s, Labad’s, La Prima and every farmers’ market all together in one big teeming, gleaming -- and at times overwhelming -- place."
"But the certainty I came away with from Cleveland was that a great city needs a great indoor market scene and any city that still has its old-world market house is blessed, lucky, farsighted or all three."
Read the rest of the story here.
"Except for the selection of dried beans at Urban Herbs, the West Side Market in Cleveland doesn’t sell anything you can’t find in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. What they have that we don’t have is a grand work of marketplace architecture," she writes.
She adds that "the trip prompted many thoughts about what we have and don’t have and led to a rumination on the potential of the Pittsburgh Public Market and the Terminal Building on Smallman Street to be long-term additions to the scene."
"As I toured the West Side Market, I caught myself oohing and aahing, wondering why at first and then realizing why -- the intensity of consolidation. It is Wholey’s, Penn Mac, Stamolis, Parma Sausage, Sam Bok, Stan’s, Labad’s, La Prima and every farmers’ market all together in one big teeming, gleaming -- and at times overwhelming -- place."
"But the certainty I came away with from Cleveland was that a great city needs a great indoor market scene and any city that still has its old-world market house is blessed, lucky, farsighted or all three."
Read the rest of the story here.
Thanks to a partnership between the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Sherwin-Williams, the Cleveland Foundation and Towards Employment, CMHA residents are getting hands-on training in commercial painting skills.
Sherwin-Williams instructors come in and teach participants about brush technique, taping and masking baseboards, cutting in and mixing paint. Students get one week of classroom instruction, followed by a week of hands-on training.
“We, as a housing authority, identify residents to participate and identify locations for painting,” explains CMHA manager of youth and adult services Robin Holmes. “We have plenty of housing and we always have plenty of areas for painting. It really benefits our residents in looking for opportunities to get training and get employment.”
About 60 percent of the program graduates have gone on to get jobs or start their own painting companies.
The program also provides classes in demolition and asbestos abatement. Participants can enroll in job readiness training and job placement assistance.
John Fitcheard is one such resident who took the class and went on to get a job thanks to it. While he has some interior painting experience, he figured he’d brush up on his skills. “I enrolled in the program because I was sitting at home and not doing anything else,” he says.
Fitcheard went on get a job with Precision Environmental doing asbestos abatement and continues to do painting jobs on the side.
Sources: Robin Holmes, John Fitcheard
Writer: Karin Connelly
Sherwin-Williams instructors come in and teach participants about brush technique, taping and masking baseboards, cutting in and mixing paint. Students get one week of classroom instruction, followed by a week of hands-on training.
“We, as a housing authority, identify residents to participate and identify locations for painting,” explains CMHA manager of youth and adult services Robin Holmes. “We have plenty of housing and we always have plenty of areas for painting. It really benefits our residents in looking for opportunities to get training and get employment.”
About 60 percent of the program graduates have gone on to get jobs or start their own painting companies.
The program also provides classes in demolition and asbestos abatement. Participants can enroll in job readiness training and job placement assistance.
John Fitcheard is one such resident who took the class and went on to get a job thanks to it. While he has some interior painting experience, he figured he’d brush up on his skills. “I enrolled in the program because I was sitting at home and not doing anything else,” he says.
Fitcheard went on get a job with Precision Environmental doing asbestos abatement and continues to do painting jobs on the side.
Sources: Robin Holmes, John Fitcheard
Writer: Karin Connelly
downtown cleveland restaurant week continues thru weekend
This Friday, the seventh annual Downtown Restaurant Week begins. Hosted by Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the promotion runs from February 21 through March 2 and will feature approximately 50 participating restaurants.
Most participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe menus for $30, plus $15 lunch option at some restaurants.
“Downtown Cleveland offers a unique experience because of the tremendous density of walkable dining and entertainment options,” says Joe Marinucci, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Alliance. “The prix fixe menus offered during Restaurant Week give visitors the ability to pair a first-class meal with unique entertainment options without breaking the budget.”
The list of participating restaurants and menus is updated daily on the Restaurant Week website.
During Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week, ABM Parking is offering $3 off parking at select locations for Downtown diners. Print out the voucher here by clicking on the icon and present it to the parking lot attendant prior to paying.
Participating parking locations include:
Most participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe menus for $30, plus $15 lunch option at some restaurants.
“Downtown Cleveland offers a unique experience because of the tremendous density of walkable dining and entertainment options,” says Joe Marinucci, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Alliance. “The prix fixe menus offered during Restaurant Week give visitors the ability to pair a first-class meal with unique entertainment options without breaking the budget.”
The list of participating restaurants and menus is updated daily on the Restaurant Week website.
During Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week, ABM Parking is offering $3 off parking at select locations for Downtown diners. Print out the voucher here by clicking on the icon and present it to the parking lot attendant prior to paying.
Participating parking locations include:
- Warehouse District – 1371 W. 6th Street (W. 6th & St. Clair)
- Gateway District - 740 Euclid Avenue (entrance on both Euclid and Prospect Avenues)
- PlayhouseSquare – 1520 and 1600 Euclid Avenue
cleveland goes from butt of hollywood jokes to a hub of innovation
In a lengthy feature titled "Hiding Out in Ohio: Bioscience," Tom Thriveni, writing for the digital mag Ozymandias, covers the burgeoning bioscience industry in Cleveland.
"Just as robotics companies in Pittsburgh and high-speed fiber-optic networks in Chattanooga have helped transform the economies of those cities, bioscience entrepreneurship has reshaped Cleveland’s sagging economy," he writes.
"The [Cleveland Heartlab and Cleveland Clinic] partnership was initiated by the clinic as part of its mission to turn its inventions into commercially viable medical products, generating profits for both parties. To date, besides Heartlab, 66 neighboring companies have spun out from Cleveland Clinic ideas since 2000. All told, the clinic has 525 patents and 450 licensing agreements."
Read the rest of the good news here.
"Just as robotics companies in Pittsburgh and high-speed fiber-optic networks in Chattanooga have helped transform the economies of those cities, bioscience entrepreneurship has reshaped Cleveland’s sagging economy," he writes.
"The [Cleveland Heartlab and Cleveland Clinic] partnership was initiated by the clinic as part of its mission to turn its inventions into commercially viable medical products, generating profits for both parties. To date, besides Heartlab, 66 neighboring companies have spun out from Cleveland Clinic ideas since 2000. All told, the clinic has 525 patents and 450 licensing agreements."
Read the rest of the good news here.
Thanks to a bevy of new accelerators and incubators -- all grooming startups to be the Next Big Thing -- the art of the pitch is more important now than ever. Whether it’s a casual elevator pitch or an intense 20-minute address to potential investors, there are some definite dos and don’ts to giving an effective pitch.