Regional Economy
"Wayfinding,” the use of signs, maps and other graphic sources of information to navigate one's surroundings, has become a vital issue in the redevelopment of our city thanks to splashy new developments and the increasing popularity of old ones.
NorTech received one of seven Regional Innovation Cluster contracts from the Small Business Administration to grow its flexible electronics cluster FlexMatters. The four-year, $385,000 contract will allow NorTech to train and assist small companies in the FlexMatters cluster in attracting larger market leaders as customers through its Anchor Customer Engagement (ACE) Academy.
“One of the really important things about this contract is it gives us recognition on a federal basis,” says NorTech vice president Byron Clayton. “Being nationally recognized as an emerging cluster helps us bring more federal funding to the region.”
This is the fourth time the FlexMatters cluster has been recognized on a national level. The ACE Academy will help give the region an upper hand in terms of both jobs and securing the first customers for new technologies.
“It’s designed to help small, emerging businesses capture the first significant customers,” says Clayton of the academy. “It helps them be prepared so if they do get that opportunity to present themselves, they put their best foot forward. The goal is to go away with something concrete.”
Success of these businesses translates into more jobs in the region. “It really helps small businesses grow and create high paying jobs in growth industries,” says Clayton. “We’re already seeing success, and we’re just getting started.”
The SBA award is for one year, with a four year renewal option.
Source: Byron Clayton
Writer: Karin Connelly
“One of the really important things about this contract is it gives us recognition on a federal basis,” says NorTech vice president Byron Clayton. “Being nationally recognized as an emerging cluster helps us bring more federal funding to the region.”
This is the fourth time the FlexMatters cluster has been recognized on a national level. The ACE Academy will help give the region an upper hand in terms of both jobs and securing the first customers for new technologies.
“It’s designed to help small, emerging businesses capture the first significant customers,” says Clayton of the academy. “It helps them be prepared so if they do get that opportunity to present themselves, they put their best foot forward. The goal is to go away with something concrete.”
Success of these businesses translates into more jobs in the region. “It really helps small businesses grow and create high paying jobs in growth industries,” says Clayton. “We’re already seeing success, and we’re just getting started.”
The SBA award is for one year, with a four year renewal option.
Source: Byron Clayton
Writer: Karin Connelly
Seven is a lucky number for North Collinwood's burgeoning arts community, as a like-numbered group of the neighborhood's creative thinkers recently received grants from the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC).
The seven artists, most working out of North Collinwood's Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District as part of CPAC's "Artists in Residence" initiative, will get a total of $45,000 in funding for projects including a music education series for local children and an "intergenerational story circle" starring some of the community elderly residents, says CPAC strategic initiative director Seth Beattie.
The grants will address community priorities through arts activities between this month and the end of March. Overarching themes of the grant cycle are residents, community assets and youth involvement. CPAC is awarding the grants in conjunction with the nonprofit Northeast Shores Development Corporation.
"We had 30 proposals this time around," says Beattie of CPAC's second of three grant periods; the third round will come next spring. "These particular ones rose to the top."
The grants are a component of the Artists in Residence program, which is using the North Collinwood neighborhood as "a laboratory" for increasing artists’ engagement with the population, says CPAC president and CEO Tom Schorgl. Area painters, sculptors, videographers and musicians are given perks like affordable housing with the hope they will be a major participant in neighborhood revitalization.
"Artists want communities where they can live affordably with a great quality of life," says Beattie. "They can be a tremendous force in absorbing space in the neighborhood. Collinwood is poised to see a dramatic turnaround in the coming years."
The Waterloo Road arts district can be part of that transformation, with CPAC's latest granting round a good beginning on getting that done, believe the organization's leaders.
"We're marrying strengths here," Beattie says. "It's about money and developing a system of support that helps artists build up projects now and in the future."
SOURCE: Tom Schorgl, Seth Beattie
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
The seven artists, most working out of North Collinwood's Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District as part of CPAC's "Artists in Residence" initiative, will get a total of $45,000 in funding for projects including a music education series for local children and an "intergenerational story circle" starring some of the community elderly residents, says CPAC strategic initiative director Seth Beattie.
The grants will address community priorities through arts activities between this month and the end of March. Overarching themes of the grant cycle are residents, community assets and youth involvement. CPAC is awarding the grants in conjunction with the nonprofit Northeast Shores Development Corporation.
"We had 30 proposals this time around," says Beattie of CPAC's second of three grant periods; the third round will come next spring. "These particular ones rose to the top."
The grants are a component of the Artists in Residence program, which is using the North Collinwood neighborhood as "a laboratory" for increasing artists’ engagement with the population, says CPAC president and CEO Tom Schorgl. Area painters, sculptors, videographers and musicians are given perks like affordable housing with the hope they will be a major participant in neighborhood revitalization.
"Artists want communities where they can live affordably with a great quality of life," says Beattie. "They can be a tremendous force in absorbing space in the neighborhood. Collinwood is poised to see a dramatic turnaround in the coming years."
The Waterloo Road arts district can be part of that transformation, with CPAC's latest granting round a good beginning on getting that done, believe the organization's leaders.
"We're marrying strengths here," Beattie says. "It's about money and developing a system of support that helps artists build up projects now and in the future."
SOURCE: Tom Schorgl, Seth Beattie
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
eater does 'heat check' on cleveland dining scene
Eater, a national website covering food, drink and chefs, published a list of the go-to places in Cleveland to eat right now.
“It's been over a year since we last looked at Cleveland's hottest restaurants, so today we circle back and focus on ten new openings that have been garnering serious buzz,” writes Gabe Ulla of Eater.
Food writer and Fresh Water managing editor Douglas Trattner clues Ulla in on some of the newest, hottest dining spots Cleveland has to offer.
“Among the choices: a very tasty restaurant that borrows from Korea, Japan, and several other Asian countries (Accent), an excellent sit-down taco and margaritas spot (Barrio), food truck man Chris Hodgson's new brick-and-mortar (Hodge's), and a place that bills itself as "pan-Southern" (SoHo Kitchen and Bar).”
“It's been over a year since we last looked at Cleveland's hottest restaurants, so today we circle back and focus on ten new openings that have been garnering serious buzz,” writes Gabe Ulla of Eater.
Food writer and Fresh Water managing editor Douglas Trattner clues Ulla in on some of the newest, hottest dining spots Cleveland has to offer.
“Among the choices: a very tasty restaurant that borrows from Korea, Japan, and several other Asian countries (Accent), an excellent sit-down taco and margaritas spot (Barrio), food truck man Chris Hodgson's new brick-and-mortar (Hodge's), and a place that bills itself as "pan-Southern" (SoHo Kitchen and Bar).”
Check out the full piece chock full of information and details here.
Cleveland’s contemporary art scene is thriving and growing, serving as a magnet for tourism while proving an economic engine for revitalizing the region. Newly reenergized by momentous advancements at CMA and MOCA -- and nurtured along by CIA -- the progressive arts scene is enjoying a renaissance.
wall street journal previews art exhibit at cma
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, writer Judith H. Dobrynsk previews an upcoming art exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
“As Susan E. Bergh walked through the special exhibition galleries of the Cleveland Museum of Art one day last week, she was surrounded by wooden crates -- some empty, some opened, some still locked. Inside were many of the objects with which she will reveal an ancient culture that is all but unknown to most Americans but is now recognized as the first great empire of the Andes,” writes Dobrynsk.
The exhibit, "Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes," is the first North American exhibit focused on this people, which thrived from around 600 to 1000 A.D.
“Ms. Bergh, Cleveland's curator of the arts of the ancient Americas, has assembled about 150 objects -- intricate textiles, ceramic vessels, colorful featherwork hangings and four-cornered hats, inlaid ornaments, and stone and wood sculptures -- from 45 museums and private collections in the Americas and Europe.”
"I want people to understand that civilization in the Andes way predates the Inca and that the Wari was a very complicated, sophisticated civilization," Bergh is quoted in the piece. "And I want people to see how beautiful and enchanting it is."
The interesting story goes on to discuss Bergh’s background, history of the Wari people, and a plethora of details about the exhibit itself.
“As Susan E. Bergh walked through the special exhibition galleries of the Cleveland Museum of Art one day last week, she was surrounded by wooden crates -- some empty, some opened, some still locked. Inside were many of the objects with which she will reveal an ancient culture that is all but unknown to most Americans but is now recognized as the first great empire of the Andes,” writes Dobrynsk.
The exhibit, "Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes," is the first North American exhibit focused on this people, which thrived from around 600 to 1000 A.D.
“Ms. Bergh, Cleveland's curator of the arts of the ancient Americas, has assembled about 150 objects -- intricate textiles, ceramic vessels, colorful featherwork hangings and four-cornered hats, inlaid ornaments, and stone and wood sculptures -- from 45 museums and private collections in the Americas and Europe.”
"I want people to understand that civilization in the Andes way predates the Inca and that the Wari was a very complicated, sophisticated civilization," Bergh is quoted in the piece. "And I want people to see how beautiful and enchanting it is."
The interesting story goes on to discuss Bergh’s background, history of the Wari people, and a plethora of details about the exhibit itself.
John Carroll University is hosting the fifth annual Government Career Fair today, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Dolan Center for Science and Technology. The fair, sponsored by Cleveland Federal Executive Board and co-hosted by six other area schools, is designed to give attendees in a variety of disciplines insight into landing a government job.
“We’re here to educate the public and students about the process, because it is different than applying for a [private sector] job,” explains Barb Koeth, assistant director of the Center for Career Services at JCU. “There are thousands of jobs available on the local, state and federal level.”
Fifty-two government agencies will be on hand to recruit for internships and open positions. For the first time this year, the State Department will be in attendance. Workshops specifically for students and recent graduates, veterans, and working for Ohio will be held throughout the day. Informational sessions will be hosted by the Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center, the Federal Reserve Bank and the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
The Legislative Service Commission, for instance, has 34 fellowships open each year. “They are in every demographic, for 13 months with full state benefits,” says Koeth.
Keynote speaker Stephen Anthony, special agent in charge of the Cleveland FBI office will talk at noon.
The event and parking are free and open to the public. The other schools involved are Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland State University, Hiram College, Notre Dame College and Ursuline College.
Source: Barb Koeth
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We’re here to educate the public and students about the process, because it is different than applying for a [private sector] job,” explains Barb Koeth, assistant director of the Center for Career Services at JCU. “There are thousands of jobs available on the local, state and federal level.”
Fifty-two government agencies will be on hand to recruit for internships and open positions. For the first time this year, the State Department will be in attendance. Workshops specifically for students and recent graduates, veterans, and working for Ohio will be held throughout the day. Informational sessions will be hosted by the Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center, the Federal Reserve Bank and the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
The Legislative Service Commission, for instance, has 34 fellowships open each year. “They are in every demographic, for 13 months with full state benefits,” says Koeth.
Keynote speaker Stephen Anthony, special agent in charge of the Cleveland FBI office will talk at noon.
The event and parking are free and open to the public. The other schools involved are Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland State University, Hiram College, Notre Dame College and Ursuline College.
Source: Barb Koeth
Writer: Karin Connelly
recent crime fiction convention lands in pages of library journal
Bouchercon, the world’s leading convention for crime fiction readers and writers, was recently held in Cleveland. The annual event was brought here thanks to local librarian Marjory Mogg, who won her bid for the Cleveland convention two years ago in San Francisco.
In an item titled "Librarian Brings Bouchercon to Cleveland -- and $1M+ to Its Economy," the Library Journal describes the weekend's festivities.
"The Cleveland Bouchercon 2012, which was held October 4-7, brought in about 1,500 mystery fans, authors, and publishers, who left $1-2 million behind when they returned home after four days of festivities."
Bouchercon, named after famed mystery critic Anthony Boucher (rhymes with voucher), has held a conference annually since 1970 in various cities.
"The main Cleveland Public Library sponsored a Nancy Drew scavenger hunt, a talk by author Linda Fairstein, and several displays. The opening ceremonies, with over 1,000 in attendance, were held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the Cleveland lakefront, which one Bouchercon board member called the best venue the conference has ever had for its opening celebration. The Private Eye Association’s Shamus Awards were presented during a dinner cruise on Lake Erie."
Read the rest here.
In an item titled "Librarian Brings Bouchercon to Cleveland -- and $1M+ to Its Economy," the Library Journal describes the weekend's festivities.
"The Cleveland Bouchercon 2012, which was held October 4-7, brought in about 1,500 mystery fans, authors, and publishers, who left $1-2 million behind when they returned home after four days of festivities."
Bouchercon, named after famed mystery critic Anthony Boucher (rhymes with voucher), has held a conference annually since 1970 in various cities.
"The main Cleveland Public Library sponsored a Nancy Drew scavenger hunt, a talk by author Linda Fairstein, and several displays. The opening ceremonies, with over 1,000 in attendance, were held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the Cleveland lakefront, which one Bouchercon board member called the best venue the conference has ever had for its opening celebration. The Private Eye Association’s Shamus Awards were presented during a dinner cruise on Lake Erie."
Read the rest here.
By design, the life of a celebrity looks effortless. But the engine that drives that lifestyle is a non-stop schedule that would sap the strength of far weaker men. I know, because I tried to keep up with celebrity chef Michael Symon during a recent visit home that included business meetings, book signings, restaurant visits and too-brief social get-togethers.
JumpStart, NorTech and the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) each were recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for their work in economic development efforts in the region with gold excellence in economic development awards.
JumpStart received the award for entrepreneurship, NorTech received the award for technology-based economic development, and GCP received the award for its business retention and expansion program.
Although each organization won in different categories, JumpStart director of communications Samantha Fryberger says it shows the unified effort put behind Cleveland’s economic success. “I think it shows a collaborative regional approach to economic development,” she says. “It recognizes that the approach we’re taking is innovative. The framework is set for a community that comes together collectively as a model.”
JumpStart’s efforts to support and grow technology entrepreneurs earned the organization honors. NorTech was recognized in particular for its innovation cluster models, which identify and foster growing industry groups. In the first half of 2012, the GCP’s business retention and expansion team completed 17 projects that resulted in 2,010 jobs created and 3,492 jobs retained. Thirty-three projects are now in the works.
Fryberger is pleased that each organization’s efforts are being recognized on a national level. “There’s a collaborative spirit of regionalism and it’s starting to get noticed,” she says. “And that’s really a great thing.”
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
JumpStart received the award for entrepreneurship, NorTech received the award for technology-based economic development, and GCP received the award for its business retention and expansion program.
Although each organization won in different categories, JumpStart director of communications Samantha Fryberger says it shows the unified effort put behind Cleveland’s economic success. “I think it shows a collaborative regional approach to economic development,” she says. “It recognizes that the approach we’re taking is innovative. The framework is set for a community that comes together collectively as a model.”
JumpStart’s efforts to support and grow technology entrepreneurs earned the organization honors. NorTech was recognized in particular for its innovation cluster models, which identify and foster growing industry groups. In the first half of 2012, the GCP’s business retention and expansion team completed 17 projects that resulted in 2,010 jobs created and 3,492 jobs retained. Thirty-three projects are now in the works.
Fryberger is pleased that each organization’s efforts are being recognized on a national level. “There’s a collaborative spirit of regionalism and it’s starting to get noticed,” she says. “And that’s really a great thing.”
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
Patrick Ciamacco loves the theater scene in Cleveland. However, he sometime finds himself visiting a venue only once a season, as programming tends to run with similar themes to the point where if Ciamacco has seen one show, he's seen them all.
There's nothing inherently wrong with that approach, but the Brunswick native wanted something more out of the stage experience. Thus, the creation of Blank Canvas Theatre, a so-called "Theatre for the People," which is wrapping up its inaugural season on Cleveland's West Side.
Ciamacco, Blank Canvas' founder and artistic director, says that 2012 has been a fun if stressful year. The theater opened in January with The Texas Chainsaw Musical, and is closing the year with Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical. In between all the blood-letting and singing were three additional shows, including the John Steinbeck classic, Of Mice and Men.
A wide range of shows available at affordable prices has attracted a young, diverse crowd to the new venue, says Ciamacco. "It takes years to build an audience, but with the quality of work we're doing, there's a kind of, 'If you build it, they will come' feeling," he says.
Ciamacco founded Blank Canvas partly as a performance space for The Laughter League, his Cleveland-based sketch-comedy group. The 78th Street Studios, an arts complex bustling with 40 galleries and studios, seemed like a great place to plant a new artistic foothold within the city.
The space is intimate, with no seat more than 15 feet from the stage. Starting off, Ciamacco received support from Cleveland's theater community in the form of tools, lighting and emotional support. The coming year will be spent improving the venue's infrastructure and bringing in a variety of new shows. There already are plans to bring back fan favorite Texas Chainsaw Musical next Halloween for a revival.
Eclectic programming will always be Blank Canvas Theatre's calling card, maintains Ciamacco. "We're going to have something to attract the atypical theater-goer, while trying to get the normal theater fan to go outside the box," he says.
SOURCE: Patrick Ciamacco
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
There's nothing inherently wrong with that approach, but the Brunswick native wanted something more out of the stage experience. Thus, the creation of Blank Canvas Theatre, a so-called "Theatre for the People," which is wrapping up its inaugural season on Cleveland's West Side.
Ciamacco, Blank Canvas' founder and artistic director, says that 2012 has been a fun if stressful year. The theater opened in January with The Texas Chainsaw Musical, and is closing the year with Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical. In between all the blood-letting and singing were three additional shows, including the John Steinbeck classic, Of Mice and Men.
A wide range of shows available at affordable prices has attracted a young, diverse crowd to the new venue, says Ciamacco. "It takes years to build an audience, but with the quality of work we're doing, there's a kind of, 'If you build it, they will come' feeling," he says.
Ciamacco founded Blank Canvas partly as a performance space for The Laughter League, his Cleveland-based sketch-comedy group. The 78th Street Studios, an arts complex bustling with 40 galleries and studios, seemed like a great place to plant a new artistic foothold within the city.
The space is intimate, with no seat more than 15 feet from the stage. Starting off, Ciamacco received support from Cleveland's theater community in the form of tools, lighting and emotional support. The coming year will be spent improving the venue's infrastructure and bringing in a variety of new shows. There already are plans to bring back fan favorite Texas Chainsaw Musical next Halloween for a revival.
Eclectic programming will always be Blank Canvas Theatre's calling card, maintains Ciamacco. "We're going to have something to attract the atypical theater-goer, while trying to get the normal theater fan to go outside the box," he says.
SOURCE: Patrick Ciamacco
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
Last weekend, the city of Cleveland celebrated the 100th birthday of the West Side Market in style. Thousands of locals and visitors made their way to Ohio City to take part in one or more events held in the Market's honor. Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski covered the events for the magazine.
NASA will showcase its best developments in its Space Technology Program November 28-30 at NASA Technology Days, held at Cleveland Public Auditorium. The event will allow the public to see what technological developments come out of NASA Glenn Research Center, many of which could be adopted and implemented in the private sector.
NASA Glenn is working with NASA’s Office of Chief Technologies, which conducts ground experiments to further space technology. “Ninety-nine NASA technologies will be showcased,” says Joe Shaw, deputy director of NASA’s Office of Technology Partnerships and Planning. “We want to demonstrate the existing technologies.”
Attendees will have the chance to see technologies ready for commercialization, learn about opportunities to partner with NASA on technology development and meet with major research companies.
The technologies featured can be transferred into a variety of industries, says Shaw, such as advanced energy, automotive, human health and innovative manufacturing. “These are technology experts showing off their technologies,” says Shaw. “Even though they were developed for space aeronautics, they can be broadly used across many sectors. These industries are extremely important, not just for Northeast Ohio, but for to the Midwest. There are a large number of people in these sectors.”
The hope is Technology Days will build partnerships and foster technology transfer between NASA and local businesses. “These technologies can be moved quickly to the commercial sector, which creates economic development, which creates jobs,” says Shaw. This will give companies a chance to learn about the opportunities.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Source: Joe Shaw
Writer: Karin Connelly
NASA Glenn is working with NASA’s Office of Chief Technologies, which conducts ground experiments to further space technology. “Ninety-nine NASA technologies will be showcased,” says Joe Shaw, deputy director of NASA’s Office of Technology Partnerships and Planning. “We want to demonstrate the existing technologies.”
Attendees will have the chance to see technologies ready for commercialization, learn about opportunities to partner with NASA on technology development and meet with major research companies.
The technologies featured can be transferred into a variety of industries, says Shaw, such as advanced energy, automotive, human health and innovative manufacturing. “These are technology experts showing off their technologies,” says Shaw. “Even though they were developed for space aeronautics, they can be broadly used across many sectors. These industries are extremely important, not just for Northeast Ohio, but for to the Midwest. There are a large number of people in these sectors.”
The hope is Technology Days will build partnerships and foster technology transfer between NASA and local businesses. “These technologies can be moved quickly to the commercial sector, which creates economic development, which creates jobs,” says Shaw. This will give companies a chance to learn about the opportunities.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Source: Joe Shaw
Writer: Karin Connelly
foodbeast goes gaga for noodlecat's clam chowder udon
In an item titled, "This is What Clam Chowder Udon Looks Like," Dominique Zamora writes about Noodlecat for the popular blog Foodbeast.
“Earlier this week I had a chance to fly out to Cleveland, Ohio, for Certified Angus Beef’s 2012 Culinary Ideation and Trends Session," she begins. "The post for all that is coming soon, but while I was there, I also caught wind of at least one food item I never thought I would hear about, ever.”
“Clam. Chowder. Udon.”
Zamora is awestruck by the Noodlecat dish, a fusion creation that combines udon noodles, potatoes, celery, onions, and bacon in a creamy clam broth.
"This explosion of East meets . . . further . . . East comes from Cleveland-based restaurant Noodlecat, which opened in August 2011. Branded as a 'slurpalicious Japanese-American mash-up from Chef Jonathon Sawyer,' much of Noodlecat’s menu looks like what happens when a college student decides to go to culinary school and comes back to make the exact same foods he made before, only a million times better."
Read the full Foodbeast post here.
“Earlier this week I had a chance to fly out to Cleveland, Ohio, for Certified Angus Beef’s 2012 Culinary Ideation and Trends Session," she begins. "The post for all that is coming soon, but while I was there, I also caught wind of at least one food item I never thought I would hear about, ever.”
“Clam. Chowder. Udon.”
Zamora is awestruck by the Noodlecat dish, a fusion creation that combines udon noodles, potatoes, celery, onions, and bacon in a creamy clam broth.
"This explosion of East meets . . . further . . . East comes from Cleveland-based restaurant Noodlecat, which opened in August 2011. Branded as a 'slurpalicious Japanese-American mash-up from Chef Jonathon Sawyer,' much of Noodlecat’s menu looks like what happens when a college student decides to go to culinary school and comes back to make the exact same foods he made before, only a million times better."
Read the full Foodbeast post here.
Last summer, leaders of the Flats Forward initiative assembled a diverse group of area stakeholders and sent them in a boat down the Cuyahoga River to talk about how they could solve their problems together.
If ever a vivid metaphor was needed, the experience provided one. "It was the first time that people from Cargill Salt were able to talk to people from the bike community in a real, honest, transparent way," says Dan Moulthrop of the Civic Commons, which helped to facilitate the event. "This was not a meeting up on the 24th floor somewhere."
The boat ride was part of an inclusive process designed to spur the revitalization of the Flats Corridor. For years, Cleveland's historic birthplace lacked an effective advocate. Now, after more than a year of work, a new group has formed.
Flats Forward Inc., Cleveland's newest community development corporation, will oversee the redevelopment of the Flats District. The group has a diverse board of stakeholders and a search is underway for an Executive Director. The group is currently housed within the offices of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority.
At a recent meeting, Flats Forward representatives touted the East Bank project, the Port Authority's stewardship of the lake and river, the steadily advancing Towpath Trail and Rivergate Park as signs of positive progress in the area.
"When I got here, I was immediately drawn to the Flats and the industrial river valley, and I knew that the Port would get involved," said William Friedman, CEO of the Port Authority, of his organization's commitment to the Flats. "This is one of the most unique maritime environments in the world, and we can tap into that."
Source: Dan Moulthrop, William Friedman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
If ever a vivid metaphor was needed, the experience provided one. "It was the first time that people from Cargill Salt were able to talk to people from the bike community in a real, honest, transparent way," says Dan Moulthrop of the Civic Commons, which helped to facilitate the event. "This was not a meeting up on the 24th floor somewhere."
The boat ride was part of an inclusive process designed to spur the revitalization of the Flats Corridor. For years, Cleveland's historic birthplace lacked an effective advocate. Now, after more than a year of work, a new group has formed.
Flats Forward Inc., Cleveland's newest community development corporation, will oversee the redevelopment of the Flats District. The group has a diverse board of stakeholders and a search is underway for an Executive Director. The group is currently housed within the offices of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority.
At a recent meeting, Flats Forward representatives touted the East Bank project, the Port Authority's stewardship of the lake and river, the steadily advancing Towpath Trail and Rivergate Park as signs of positive progress in the area.
"When I got here, I was immediately drawn to the Flats and the industrial river valley, and I knew that the Port would get involved," said William Friedman, CEO of the Port Authority, of his organization's commitment to the Flats. "This is one of the most unique maritime environments in the world, and we can tap into that."
Source: Dan Moulthrop, William Friedman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland scores three ncaa national championships
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) awarded the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and several partner organizations the hosting rights to three national championships today.
Cleveland will host the 2014 National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship, 2014 Division II Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving National Championships and 2014 Division II Wrestling National Championships. The three events will bring an estimated economic impact of $1.26 million to the Greater Cleveland area. Cleveland joined Raleigh, N.C. as the only two cities to be awarded three bids.
“The NCAA has once again recognized the championship quality of the city of Cleveland by giving three of its national championship events to Northeast Ohio,” says Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President and CEO David Gilbert. “The NCAA’s decision is further proof that Cleveland is a top destination for championship sporting events. These three events will showcase our city to thousands of athletes and fans from all over the country and infuse over one million dollars to our local economy.”
The events will take place in March and April 2014.
Read the rest of the news here.
Cleveland will host the 2014 National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship, 2014 Division II Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving National Championships and 2014 Division II Wrestling National Championships. The three events will bring an estimated economic impact of $1.26 million to the Greater Cleveland area. Cleveland joined Raleigh, N.C. as the only two cities to be awarded three bids.
“The NCAA has once again recognized the championship quality of the city of Cleveland by giving three of its national championship events to Northeast Ohio,” says Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President and CEO David Gilbert. “The NCAA’s decision is further proof that Cleveland is a top destination for championship sporting events. These three events will showcase our city to thousands of athletes and fans from all over the country and infuse over one million dollars to our local economy.”
The events will take place in March and April 2014.
Read the rest of the news here.
Local firms like TWIST Creative, Go Media and Studio Graphique are just a few of the design-minded companies that are fueling Cleveland's creative renaissance. With the region's future success dependent on the procurement of young talent, the design community's exciting body of work is earning the city regional and national buzz.
'downtown is moving' in this non-hastily made video
Downtown Cleveland... It's Here.
That's what the folks at Downtown Cleveland Alliance persuasively illustrate in their latest video release. Produced by Fusion Filmworks, the flashy 4-minute video shows off just some of our city's assets.
More than a campaign, Downtown Cleveland Alliance is about downtown businesses and people taking matters into their own hands to make positive things happen. And from the looks of things, it's working.
That's what the folks at Downtown Cleveland Alliance persuasively illustrate in their latest video release. Produced by Fusion Filmworks, the flashy 4-minute video shows off just some of our city's assets.
More than a campaign, Downtown Cleveland Alliance is about downtown businesses and people taking matters into their own hands to make positive things happen. And from the looks of things, it's working.
Huntington Bank has lived up to its $4 billion commitment to small business and was honored October 24 by the Small Business Administration as the Grand Slam winner for SBA lending in the Cleveland district for fiscal year 2012. The bank led in every SBA lending category: number of loans; loan volume; minority lending; and 504 lending. Huntington also earned the Grand Slam title in 2011 and the Triple Play title in 2010. Huntington is the third largest SBA lender in the country.
“We’re committed to Cleveland as a company,” says Huntington’s Greater Cleveland president Dan Walsh. “We’re pleased with the results, not just for Huntington, but for Cleveland. There’s a great renaissance going on here and we believe we can lead the country in investments.”
Melt Bar and Grilled is just one growing small business that has benefitted from Huntington’s commitment. Melt owner Matt Fish was self-funded through his first three restaurants, but looked to banks when he decided to expand even more.
“We were looking for a financial institution we could partner with long term,” says Fish. “Huntington really stepped up. I was looking for a bank to perform for us, and the SBA was looking for a strong company. It was a win-win situation.” Fish opens his fourth restaurant this week in Mentor.
Walsh sees Melt as the ideal client to grow the economy in Northeast Ohio. “They are the lifeblood for jobs creation and economic growth for our community,” he says. “They have a sustainability model that helps grow and sustain business, which is good for our business.”
Sources: Dan Walsh, Matt Fish
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We’re committed to Cleveland as a company,” says Huntington’s Greater Cleveland president Dan Walsh. “We’re pleased with the results, not just for Huntington, but for Cleveland. There’s a great renaissance going on here and we believe we can lead the country in investments.”
Melt Bar and Grilled is just one growing small business that has benefitted from Huntington’s commitment. Melt owner Matt Fish was self-funded through his first three restaurants, but looked to banks when he decided to expand even more.
“We were looking for a financial institution we could partner with long term,” says Fish. “Huntington really stepped up. I was looking for a bank to perform for us, and the SBA was looking for a strong company. It was a win-win situation.” Fish opens his fourth restaurant this week in Mentor.
Walsh sees Melt as the ideal client to grow the economy in Northeast Ohio. “They are the lifeblood for jobs creation and economic growth for our community,” he says. “They have a sustainability model that helps grow and sustain business, which is good for our business.”
Sources: Dan Walsh, Matt Fish
Writer: Karin Connelly
Developing Cleveland area businesses will show off their ideas, technologies and talents at the 2012 Northeast Ohio Entrepreneurial Expo and JumpStart Community Meeting on Tuesday, November 13 from 1 to 5:40 p.m. at CSU’s Wolstein Center.
“The theme is, ‘What’s next Northeast Ohio,’” says Samantha Fryberger, JumpStart director of communications. “The idea being, a lot of companies are really early in their development.”
The expo will feature 96 area tech startups as well as 32 support organizations, such as Bizdom, Youngstown Business Incubator, Shaker LaunchHouse, Akron ARCHAngels and Ohio Aerospace Institute. Nine student companies will also be featured, one of which will be presented with an award at the event’s close.
The showcase will be followed by a panel discussion featuring success stories of area companies that have grown into multi-million dollar businesses. “We’ll have some of the biggest success stories who have merged, sold, been bought out or exited,” explains Fryberger.
Goldman Sachs will talk about its 10,000 Small Businesses program, followed by an announcement of JumpStart’s newest portfolio companies.
And of course, investors will also be on hand to see what the next great thing is in the region. Fryberger says 25 investors attended the event last year, and she expects the same this year.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” says Fryberger. “It’s an opportunity to network. There are some of these companies who could help each other quite a bit. And if you’re very early in development, this is your first opportunity for exposure.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The theme is, ‘What’s next Northeast Ohio,’” says Samantha Fryberger, JumpStart director of communications. “The idea being, a lot of companies are really early in their development.”
The expo will feature 96 area tech startups as well as 32 support organizations, such as Bizdom, Youngstown Business Incubator, Shaker LaunchHouse, Akron ARCHAngels and Ohio Aerospace Institute. Nine student companies will also be featured, one of which will be presented with an award at the event’s close.
The showcase will be followed by a panel discussion featuring success stories of area companies that have grown into multi-million dollar businesses. “We’ll have some of the biggest success stories who have merged, sold, been bought out or exited,” explains Fryberger.
Goldman Sachs will talk about its 10,000 Small Businesses program, followed by an announcement of JumpStart’s newest portfolio companies.
And of course, investors will also be on hand to see what the next great thing is in the region. Fryberger says 25 investors attended the event last year, and she expects the same this year.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” says Fryberger. “It’s an opportunity to network. There are some of these companies who could help each other quite a bit. And if you’re very early in development, this is your first opportunity for exposure.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly