Regional Economy

nortech names winners of annual innovation awards
Last week, NorTech announced nine area companies as winners of its annual innovation awards. The winners represent a variety of industries, including advanced energy, advanced materials, biosciences, flexible electronics, and instrumentation, controls and electronics.
 
“This year’s winners were selected by the judges’ panel based on their creativity, feasibility, collaboration, and triple bottom line impact,” says Rebecca O. Bagley, president and CEO of NorTech. “The winners represent a diverse range of technologies, from advanced energy to bioscience, which are being developed and commercialized right here in Northeast Ohio.”
 
Award winners were recognized at an evening ceremony at LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake, Ohio. Stephen Spoonamore, CEO of ABSMaterials, an advanced materials startup in Wooster, was the keynote speaker for the evening.
 
The winners are BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. for its brain imaging and biofeedback system; eQED for its 250-watt HIKARI solar microinverter; GrafTech International Holdings,for the world’s thinnest graphite heat spreaders; LineStream Technologies for advanced controls software; MesoCoat, Inc. for CermaClad; NASA Glenn Research Center with collaborative partners Ohio Aerospace Institute and Sest Inc. for large tapered crystal (LTC); Polyflow for waste-to-energy conversion technology; Powdermet, Inc. for McomP (Micro/Nanocomposite); and Tesla NanoCoatings Ltd. for Teslan carbon nanocoating.
 
“NorTech Innovation Award winners receive well-deserved, positive exposure for their innovations, their companies, and the talented teams that have worked tirelessly to move these technologies from vision to reality,” says Bagley. “Our hope is that award winners can leverage this recognition to pave the way for new opportunities for their organizations to continue to grow and excel in Northeast Ohio.”

 
Source: Rebecca O. Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
case's swagelok center 'best facility on planet' for microstructural analysis
Arthur Heuer spends a lot of his time studying how to make stainless steel harder and improve its resistance to corrosion. His research is possible thanks to the equipment at the Swagelok Center for Surface Analysis of Materials (SCSAM) on the CWRU campus.
 
The center has 20 electron microscopes and other instruments for microstructural characterization of materials and surface and near-surface chemical analysis. Basically, SCSAM is home to a lot of expensive equipment that allows industrial and academic users to conduct surface analysis, structural analysis and optic microscopy.
 
Industrial companies come from around the world to use the $20 million worth of equipment at SCSAM. “We don’t know of any place that has the diversity of instruments and staff that we have,” says Heuer, who is the center’s director. “I modestly claim it’s the best such facility on the planet.”
 
In a typical year, SCSAM sees 300 users who pay a service contract to use the equipment. Many industrial clients come on a weekly basis. “Our industrial clients like us because we are one-stop shopping,” says Heuer. Academic users pay a lesser rate to use the facility.
 
The fees cover the operational costs. The service fees are far less than investing in the equipment, even for companies that come to SCSAM on a regular basis. “We break even,” says Heuer. “The university doesn’t need to subsidize us.” Seven full time engineers maintain the equipment and train users.
 

Source: Arthur Heuer
Writer: Karin Connelly
video: entrepreneurs talk about doing biz in northeast ohio
In this installment of Fresh Water Video, local entrepreneurs discuss the benefits of doing business in Northeast Ohio. In the video are Doug Hardman of SparkBase, Brian Deagan of Knotice, and Dan McCafferty of Revere Data.
Eat this! Clevelanders dish on their top local eats
East, west, north and south: The culinary choices bestowed upon Cleveland foodies are dizzying, to say the least. But everybody has his or her favorite -- that one dish that inflates them with joy while feeding the heart, body and soul. Fresh Water contributor Erin O'Brien caught up with a crop of Cleveland movers and shakers and asked each of them to dish up the skinny on their top local nosh in their own home-cooked words.
playhousesquare primed for plenty of peak performances
A recent visit to PlayhouseSquare for "dinner and a show" confirmed that the neighborhood is on a roll. The combination of unseasonably warm weather, a hot new restaurant opening, and a world-class whodunit resulted in a string of sold-out shows filled with well-fed theatergoers.
free press touts upcoming iron chef 'clash of the michigan titans'
Cleveland’s own Michael Symon continues to receive out of town press, this time in a piece from Sylvia Rector of the Detroit Free Press. 
 
As the newspaper’s scribe for the "Dining Out" column, Rector reports that an upcoming episode of the Food Network’s Iron Chef America will be a "battle between two almost-Detroit chefs -- Takashi Yagihashi of the renowned, now-closed Tribute in Farmington Hills, and Michael Symon, the Clevelander who owns Roast at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.”
 
The episode airs April 1.
 
The battle will pit two James Beard Award-winning chefs with notably different cooking styles in a contest focusing on a common “secret ingredient.”
 
Later in the story Rector notes Symon is “often credited with igniting his hometown's restaurant renaissance in the mid-'90s -- and if he didn't ignite it, he certainly threw gasoline on the sparks.”
 
"At the end of the day, I cook a very Midwestern style. It's who I am," Symon told the Free Press as he prepared to open Roast, which was the Detroit Free Press 2009 Restaurant of the Year.
 
As Clevelanders it is difficult to imagine a food scene without Symon playing a major role.  While his celebrity has certainly exploded in recent years, it is certainly well deserved.
 
Read the full Detroit Free Press story here.
ohio wine gets major shout-out in huffpo's travel blog
Ohio wine producers, most notably those in the Northern part of the state, got a huge shout-out in Huffington Post's national travel blog, "CarsTravelFood."
 
Titled "Explore America: One of Ohio's Best Kept Secrets Is Wine," the feature goes into depth about Ohio's rich wine-making history while offering modern-day tips on where to go.
 
"Ohio wineries might be one of the state's best kept secrets, something worth exploring when visiting the Buckeye State. What's for sure is that the wineries are definitely popular destinations and a worthwhile road trip for those who live here."
 
Some stats: There are now about 150 wineries in the Buckeye State, and 60 percent of those grow their own fruit. At least eight new wineries will open in the state in 2012.

"Ohio wine country is a welcome glimmer of hope in this tough economic climate."

"There is no recession in wine country; our wineries are exploding," says Donniella Winchell, executive director of Ohio Wine Producers Association. "There is a winery within 45 minutes of every resident of the state of Ohio."

The wine industry in Ohio provides about 4,000 jobs, and these vintners attract about 2 million visitors a year. Winchell says 65 percent of Ohio wines are grown in the northeast part of the state in the Grand River Valley, which is 22 miles long and four miles wide. There are about 20 wineries in this region.

Drink up the rest of the travelog here.

port of cle earns award for increase in international cargo
Thanks to a 10-percent increase in international cargo during the 2011 navigation season, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority nabbed the prestigious Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC). It is the Port's 10th Pacesetter Award.
 
A large jump in cargo, mostly attributed to the handling of windmill components originating in Germany and destined for Euclid, is to thank for the increase.
 
"The sustained strong economic performance by the port serves to highlight marine transportation’s importance for the city, the region, and the country," said SLSDC Administrator Terry Johnson. "Through its ongoing infrastructure improvements and forward looking strategic plan, the port is well positioned for further growth in 2012 and beyond."
 
"The Port of Cleveland is clearly one of Ohio’s economic engines and we are fortunate that Will Friedman is leading the organization," said Joe Roman, President of Greater Cleveland Partnership.
 
Read the rest of the shipping news here.
manufacturing shift helps 'cleveland plus' region emerge from rough economic waters
Like most of the country, Northeast Ohio was slammed hard by the tidal wave of the most recent recession. But thanks to an increasingly diversified economic strategy -- one that saw a transition from traditional manufacturing (steel, tires) to modern forms of manufacturing (healthcare equipment, polymers) -- the region is emerging from those damaging waters stronger than it has in the past, say area advocates.
q & a: rick batyko, executive director cleveland plus
The Cleveland Plus Marketing Alliance is celebrating its fifth birthday promoting Northeast Ohio as a vigorous regional entity. Like any proud parent, Cleveland Plus executive director Rick Batyko is eager to show off the campaign's accomplishments over its first five years of life. Fresh Water writer Douglas J. Guth spoke with Batyko about the campaign's successful past as well as the Wadsworth native's hopes for the region's future.
bad girl ventures announces local finalists for spring contest
kickstarter comes to town to show artists how to land diy funding
Since the financial crowdsourcing website Kickstarter was founded a few years ago by New York entrepreneurs, it has helped to raise millions of dollars for artistic projects, including many in Cleveland.

Just how important is Kickstarter for arts funding? A recent New York Times article reported that the organization expects to raise $150 million in contributions in 2012. By comparison, the National Endowment for the Arts has a budget of $146 million.

Next week, Kickstarter is coming to Cleveland as part of a Midwest tour to showcase how artists can land DIY funding for their creative-minded startups. The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) and the Foundation Center of Cleveland partnered to create the event, which takes place on Thursday, March 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Idea Center's Miller Classroom at 1375 Euclid Avenue.

"Kickstarter is important not only because it helps artists raise funding, but also because it leverages their ability to get the word out," says Susan DePasquale, Program Manager with CPAC. "There aren't many opportunities for artists to be funded directly. Kickstarter also allows givers to feel like entrepreneurs."


Source: Susan DePasquale
Writer: Lee Chilcote
crop bistro vermont review has strong ties to cleveland roots
Seven Days, Vermont's alternative newspaper, takes a seat at the new Crop Bistro in Stowe. Launched by Cleveland-based chef and restaurateur Steve Schimoler, the restaurant has more than a few ties to C-Town.
 
"Key to understanding this work in progress, perhaps, is noting that the restaurant’s concept was imported from Crop Bistro & Bar in Cleveland. Schimoler founded that establishment five years ago as both a farm-to-table eatery and a food lab, in many ways an extension of his work as a food scientist and researcher for Cabot Creamery and Nestlé. In Ohio, Crop has earned a reputation as an innovative, playful spot where the kitchen marries fresh produce with modern culinary gear such as vacuum tumblers," writes Corin Hirsch.
 
"Some of the starters come straight from the Ohio menu -- for instance, deviled eggs dusted with chili powder, two of which are topped with bits of crispy, salty bacon. The Cherry Bomb, a plate of two Roma tomatoes stuffed with chorizo sausage and Jack cheese, wrapped in wonton shells and deep fried, comes off as a midwestern snack."
 
"Other appetizers (and main dishes) mimic their Cleveland cousins with rustic twists. For instance, in Ohio, braised pork belly is served over a malt waffle; in Stowe, the cubes of luscious meat are crisped on one side and served over a delicious tangle of cider-braised cabbage. "
 
Read more Cleveland references and the lengthy review here.
fresh water podcast with michael ruhlman on local food
Just moments before they took the dais for the Lockwood Thompson Dialogues, presented by the Cleveland Public Library in partnership with LAND studio, local author Michael Ruhlman and award-winning photographer Penny De Los Santos sat down with Fresh Water. The free-flowing conversation touched upon topics ranging from the local food movement to the Cleveland dining scene to food photography. Have a listen.
clinic hopes to hire 600 nurses at job fair, where nurses 'can walk away with offers'
The Cleveland Clinic hopes to hire 600 registered nurses at an upcoming career fair, held March 28-30 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Stanley Shalom Zielony Institute for Nursing Excellence organized the event, “Nursing Now at Cleveland Clinic,” to fill vacant positions and prepare for increased demand for nurses as baby boomers retire.
 
It is projected that one million nurses will be needed nationwide by 2020. The Clinic currently employs about 11,000 nurses at its various locations. “One of the goals of the job fair is to recruit wonderful, qualified nurses from all over Northeast Ohio,” says Sarah Sinclair, the Clinic’s executive chief nursing officer.
 
The Clinic is looking to fill 200 new positions as well as 400 existing openings. All nursing levels are open, but applicants must be registered nurses or graduate from nursing school by May.
 
The job fair is a one-stop hiring experience, consisting of every phase of the new-hire process, from lab work and background checks to physicals. Candidates can apply for up to three different positions. “They can walk away with offers, pending the results,” says Sinclair. “They can get all things done in one day. And I will make every effort to welcome and introduce myself to everyone.”
 
The event also serves as a continuing education event. Two classes will provide continuing education credits, as well as food and entertainment. Sinclair expects a large turnout. “We have 748 attendees pre-registered,” she says. “We also expect a lot of people to show up, so I expect we will have over 1,000 people.”
 
The fair runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 28 and 29, and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30.

 
Source: Sarah Sinclair
Writer: Karin Connelly
new app helps users better navigate all the attractions of university circle
University Circle Inc. has made exploring the neighborhood and finding new things to do a little easier thanks to a new iPhone app. Developed by FORM in Shaker Heights, the app allows visitors to navigate and learn about University Circle. The app complements the organization’s recently revamped website.
 
“Our goal was to create a much more visitor friendly website with the app,” says Erika McLaughlin, UCI’s public affairs manager. “We had to address the complaint: I don’t know where to go once I’m there. When the app is open, you’re immediately there.”
 
The free app has a “You Are Here” feature, which tells users, well, exactly where they are in University Circle. It also provides up to date information on and photos of the museums, restaurants, galleries, schools, entertainment and shopping venues in the area. The app also lists parking locations around the circle.
 
A GPS feature provides exact directions to where the user wants to go. “It focuses on the gems of University Circle,” says McLaughlin. “Whether you’re walking, driving or riding a bike, the GPS gets you there."
 
An events section lists timely offerings for the day, week or month. “If you want to check out what’s going on in the Circle, you have it in the palm of your hand," says McLaughlin. “Our goal is to bring you back. If you’re here for one event, you might come back if you know what’s around you. It’s going to enhance your experience in University Circle, whether you’re a visitor or a resident.”

 
Source: Erika McLaughlin
Writer: Karin Connelly
green jobs surge ahead in recession, including cleveland
Triple Pundit, a publication that covers "people, planet, and profit," recently published an article that counters assumptions that the green economy is just a passing fad.
 
"To hear conservative commentators tell it, the green economy is a fad, with trumped up benefits, offering jobs that only come at the expense of conventional jobs. And now, they say, with a recession raging all around us, is not the time to be investing money in a more sustainable future," writes the reporter.
 
Rather, "global demand for renewables grew by 31 percent during 2011 to nearly $250 billion. Last month, renewable energy jobs in the European Union broke through to 1.14 million, finally exceeding through the milestone million. The report goes on to say that the EU is on track to meet their goal of 20% renewables by 2020."
 
Closer to home, clean energy jobs in the US, in the years 1998-2007, grew by 9.1% while overall jobs grew by only 3.7%.
 
Mark Muro, of the Brookings Institution, says the 100,000 green jobs were added between 2003-2010, with the highest levels of growth occurring in areas with green tech clusters, like Albany, NY and Cleveland, OH.
 
Read the rest of the good, green news here.
what neighborhoods need: burgs strive for that elusive formula for lasting success
What makes a neighborhood thrive? Is it a coffee shop? A fistful of chef-owned bistros? What about a grocery store and dry cleaners? When it comes to Cleveland's various neighborhoods, some seem to have all the pieces in place. Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway… these budding burgs appear to have everything a resident could want and need. But do they?
linestream tech's series b financing will lead to local expansion
LineStream Technologies, a Cleveland developer of control software for automated products, secured series B financing by U.S. Venture Partners. USVP will team up with series A investor Early Stage Partners to move the company forward.
 
“The funding we just raised allows us to find more customers,” says Dave Neundorfer, LineStream president. "It is a huge boost for us. This funding will drastically accelerate growth for our company and meet customer demand.”
 
LineStream Technologies was formed in 2008 as a spinoff out of research done by Cleveland State University’s Zhiqiang Gao, director of the Center for Advanced Control Technology, and focuses on commercializing and simplifying control software.
 
LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement and therefore improve the performance of automated systems in everything from washing machines to medical robotics. Last year LineStream licensed its software to Texas Instruments for use in a chip platform in motor and motion controls.
 
Neundorfer says the funding will not only help serve its growing customer base, it will also allow the company to attract the right talent. “With this funding we can build a team and hire technical talent,” he says. “We’re attracting technical talent who are self-starters, adaptable, work hard and are willing to align themselves around the common goal.”

 
Source: Dave Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly