Downtown
Cleveland continues to gain momentum in leading the country and the Midwest in biomedical investments, according to BioEnterprise’s 2013 Midwest Healthcare Venture Investment Report. The report, released last month, shows that while overall investing is down nationwide, biomedical investments in health IT and medical devices in Northeast Ohio continue to be on the rise.
Ohio ranked number-one in healthcare venture investments. Cleveland earned the number-two regional ranking with $201.2 million invested in 50 companies, second only to Minneapolis. “It’s a very strong report, particularly for medical devices in the Midwest,” says Aram Nerpouni, president and CEO of BioEnterprise. “There is a strong pipeline of companies coming out of the Cleveland area.”
This is the second year the Cleveland area has seen $200 million in venture capital coming into the medical field, according to Nerpouni. But the ranking has taken years of effort. “As a region, it’s something we’ve been working toward for a decade now,” he says, crediting the area’s healthcare systems, universities and savvy entrepreneurs with the investment increase.
Ten years ago Cleveland’s leaders recognized the region’s assets in the biomedical field and have worked to create a reputation. But Nerpouni cautions we are only just beginning. “Look at it as a very good start,” he says. “We have to strike a balance of celebrating the progress but not getting too confident that it’s automatic.”
Nerpouni cites institutions like Cleveland Clinic Innovations, the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center, and University Hospitals’ Harrington Discovery Institute, and now the Global Center for Health Innovation as just some of the contributors to the region’s growth in the biomedical field.
“Look at how much growth has happened, we’re just seeing this steady progress,” he says. “You begin to find there’s this flywheel gaining momentum.”
Source: Aram Nerpouni
Writer: Karin Connelly
Ohio ranked number-one in healthcare venture investments. Cleveland earned the number-two regional ranking with $201.2 million invested in 50 companies, second only to Minneapolis. “It’s a very strong report, particularly for medical devices in the Midwest,” says Aram Nerpouni, president and CEO of BioEnterprise. “There is a strong pipeline of companies coming out of the Cleveland area.”
This is the second year the Cleveland area has seen $200 million in venture capital coming into the medical field, according to Nerpouni. But the ranking has taken years of effort. “As a region, it’s something we’ve been working toward for a decade now,” he says, crediting the area’s healthcare systems, universities and savvy entrepreneurs with the investment increase.
Ten years ago Cleveland’s leaders recognized the region’s assets in the biomedical field and have worked to create a reputation. But Nerpouni cautions we are only just beginning. “Look at it as a very good start,” he says. “We have to strike a balance of celebrating the progress but not getting too confident that it’s automatic.”
Nerpouni cites institutions like Cleveland Clinic Innovations, the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center, and University Hospitals’ Harrington Discovery Institute, and now the Global Center for Health Innovation as just some of the contributors to the region’s growth in the biomedical field.
“Look at how much growth has happened, we’re just seeing this steady progress,” he says. “You begin to find there’s this flywheel gaining momentum.”
Source: Aram Nerpouni
Writer: Karin Connelly
Team NEO, the entity charged with marketing Northeast Ohio to the rest of the country and the world, brought a record 16 new businesses to the region in 2013, seven of which are in Cuyahoga County. The new companies add to the region almost 1,400 new jobs and more than $85 million in new annual payroll. The average salary in these companies is $62,000, which also is a record high. The majority of the companies are in manufacturing, healthcare and biomedical.
“Obviously, we’re really happy about this,” says Tom Waltermire, Team NEO CEO. “The reasons the companies are here vary significantly, but they’re here because we have a whole bunch of resources available.” Three criteria attracted companies to Northeast Ohio, says Waltermire: close proximity to customers; low cost of doing business; and the ability to find and train the talent they need.
Team NEO has been promoting the 18-county Northeast Ohio region since 2007. In seven years, the organization has attracted 83 companies and 6,200 jobs to the area. The organization averaged nine to 12 new companies in each of its first five years. Last year, Team NEO brought 15 new companies to the area.
Waltermire attributes the rising interest in Northeast Ohio to increased awareness. “All of us as a community and a region are just getting better at this,” he says, adding that as consultants become more familiar with the region, they're more apt to promote it. “As we’ve been marketing the region for seven years, we’re becoming progressively better known.”
He also says both newcomers and lifelong residents have helped improve the region’s reputation. “Whether it’s a cocktail party or in a coffee shop, when you get that buzz going and get that informed ambassador effect going, then you’re really rolling.”
Of course, Team NEO alone does not take the credit for attracting the 16 companies. JobsOhio, the state and local communities all were involved in wooing new business to the region.
Source: Tom Waltermire
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Obviously, we’re really happy about this,” says Tom Waltermire, Team NEO CEO. “The reasons the companies are here vary significantly, but they’re here because we have a whole bunch of resources available.” Three criteria attracted companies to Northeast Ohio, says Waltermire: close proximity to customers; low cost of doing business; and the ability to find and train the talent they need.
Team NEO has been promoting the 18-county Northeast Ohio region since 2007. In seven years, the organization has attracted 83 companies and 6,200 jobs to the area. The organization averaged nine to 12 new companies in each of its first five years. Last year, Team NEO brought 15 new companies to the area.
Waltermire attributes the rising interest in Northeast Ohio to increased awareness. “All of us as a community and a region are just getting better at this,” he says, adding that as consultants become more familiar with the region, they're more apt to promote it. “As we’ve been marketing the region for seven years, we’re becoming progressively better known.”
He also says both newcomers and lifelong residents have helped improve the region’s reputation. “Whether it’s a cocktail party or in a coffee shop, when you get that buzz going and get that informed ambassador effect going, then you’re really rolling.”
Of course, Team NEO alone does not take the credit for attracting the 16 companies. JobsOhio, the state and local communities all were involved in wooing new business to the region.
Source: Tom Waltermire
Writer: Karin Connelly
play house poster draws attention of new york arts blog
In a New York Times Arts Beat post titled “Behind the Poster: Yentl”, writer Erik Piepenburg interviews Cleveland Play House creative director Brian Tatsumi and graphic designer Michelle Berki regarding the compelling artwork for the recent production of "Yentl."
Tatsumi shares his vision of keeping the posters stark and eye-catching with a pop of color while Berki wanted to touch upon some of the more gripping moments in the play.
“One of the defining moments is where she cuts off her braids and decides to live as a man, so we focused on that. We wanted to show both the male and female sides within one person. That’s where the braid and payos in one hat came from.”
Read more of the insightful interview here.
Tatsumi shares his vision of keeping the posters stark and eye-catching with a pop of color while Berki wanted to touch upon some of the more gripping moments in the play.
“One of the defining moments is where she cuts off her braids and decides to live as a man, so we focused on that. We wanted to show both the male and female sides within one person. That’s where the braid and payos in one hat came from.”
Read more of the insightful interview here.
Even as the economy recovers, Americans are driving less and taking public transit more. With all that demand comes congestion and backups at major rail hubs. But smart cities are anticipating and adapting so that the transit station of tomorrow is a true neighborhood amenity.
huffington post highlights work of cleveland seed bank
In a Huffington Post blog post titled “Galvanized into Positive Action: This Week in Seeding the Change,” contributor Ari Nessel writes of the various projects taking place across the globe in an effort to create a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Cleveland gets a nod thanks to the work of Christopher Kennedy and Marilyn McHugh, who together created the Cleveland Seed Bank.
“Cleveland is home to a growing local food movement, including urban farms, but lacks a local resource to promote, grow and build a seed saver network. Working with the Cleveland Public Library, The Cleveland Seed Bank will host a number of 'seed libraries' around the city, as well as an extensive social media campaign to educate the public on these resources.”
Check out the rest of the post here.
Cleveland gets a nod thanks to the work of Christopher Kennedy and Marilyn McHugh, who together created the Cleveland Seed Bank.
“Cleveland is home to a growing local food movement, including urban farms, but lacks a local resource to promote, grow and build a seed saver network. Working with the Cleveland Public Library, The Cleveland Seed Bank will host a number of 'seed libraries' around the city, as well as an extensive social media campaign to educate the public on these resources.”
Check out the rest of the post here.
How hot is the rental market in and around downtown Cleveland? Not only are there wait lists at most downtown apartment buildings, but developers are scrambling to bring more units online. But more than just beds, these new developments are boosting the vitality of urban neighborhoods while bringing with them much-needed retail.
cleveland gets noticed as green meetings and events locale
GreenBiz, a publication devoted to helping companies integrate environmental responsibility into their operations, included Cleveland in a recent listing of "Top 10 U.S. Cities for Green Meetings in 2014."
Thanks to the massive environmental footprint of air travel, audiovisual equipment, food waste and more, the meetings and event industry is one of the most wasteful sectors in the US.
But the news is not all bad, states the article. "A handful of destinations recently debuted new or renovated meetings facilities with an environmental focus, making the new year a particularly exciting one for green meetings."
"These 10 cities in particular stand out as top choices for sustainable events in 2014:"
10. Cleveland
"Last year, Cleveland welcomed two neighboring meeting venues along its revitalized waterfront: the Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation, which hosts medical events. Both were designed with an eye on sustainability; features include 138 bike racks, water-efficient landscaping, motion sensors and low-flow washroom fixtures. The convention center has a green roof with extensive plant life and soil materials, while the Global Center includes a white reflective roof. Half of the nearly nine-acre site used for the buildings has been preserved as open space, and 97 percent of debris was recycled during construction. The venues are currently seeking LEED Silver certification."
"Sustainability is not just addressed in the design of these venues -- sustainability is the design of these venues," says Sarah Blanchard, spokesperson for LMN architects, which designed the facilities. "Displaying the future of health and health care and welcoming visitors from across the globe to a state-of-the-art convention center are civic hallmarks that demand a design centered on efficiency and technology."
Read the rest of the green news here.
Thanks to the massive environmental footprint of air travel, audiovisual equipment, food waste and more, the meetings and event industry is one of the most wasteful sectors in the US.
But the news is not all bad, states the article. "A handful of destinations recently debuted new or renovated meetings facilities with an environmental focus, making the new year a particularly exciting one for green meetings."
"These 10 cities in particular stand out as top choices for sustainable events in 2014:"
10. Cleveland
"Last year, Cleveland welcomed two neighboring meeting venues along its revitalized waterfront: the Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation, which hosts medical events. Both were designed with an eye on sustainability; features include 138 bike racks, water-efficient landscaping, motion sensors and low-flow washroom fixtures. The convention center has a green roof with extensive plant life and soil materials, while the Global Center includes a white reflective roof. Half of the nearly nine-acre site used for the buildings has been preserved as open space, and 97 percent of debris was recycled during construction. The venues are currently seeking LEED Silver certification."
"Sustainability is not just addressed in the design of these venues -- sustainability is the design of these venues," says Sarah Blanchard, spokesperson for LMN architects, which designed the facilities. "Displaying the future of health and health care and welcoming visitors from across the globe to a state-of-the-art convention center are civic hallmarks that demand a design centered on efficiency and technology."
Read the rest of the green news here.
Over the past decade, personal office space has dropped in size by 30 percent per person. That downward shift has accelerated as corporations seek to become more efficient and productive by embracing a mobile, open and collaborative workplace culture.
cleveland foundation to commemorate centennial year with gifts to community
This month, the Cleveland Foundation -- the world’s first community foundation -- officially kicked off its year-long centennial celebration by unveiling the first in a series of monthly “Cleveland Foundation Day” birthday gifts.
The foundation's first gift is a day of free ridership for all on the Greater Cleveland RTA, which takes place today, Thursday, Jan. 16.
“We feel the best way to honor our 100th birthday is to give back to Greater Cleveland, to celebrate the generations of donors who have supported us through the years and partnered with us to give $1.7 billion in grants to our community,” Ronald B. Richard, president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation said in a statement. “Through the organizations involved in our monthly surprise gifts, we’ll be highlighting community assets the foundation and our donors have played a role in building or enhancing through the years.”
Upcoming “Cleveland Foundation Day” birthday gifts will be announced on or around the second of each month.
Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.86 billion and 2012 grants of $91 million.
The foundation's first gift is a day of free ridership for all on the Greater Cleveland RTA, which takes place today, Thursday, Jan. 16.
“We feel the best way to honor our 100th birthday is to give back to Greater Cleveland, to celebrate the generations of donors who have supported us through the years and partnered with us to give $1.7 billion in grants to our community,” Ronald B. Richard, president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation said in a statement. “Through the organizations involved in our monthly surprise gifts, we’ll be highlighting community assets the foundation and our donors have played a role in building or enhancing through the years.”
Upcoming “Cleveland Foundation Day” birthday gifts will be announced on or around the second of each month.
Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.86 billion and 2012 grants of $91 million.
On the heels of a successful merger that brought together under one roof three nonprofit community development organizations, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) has made a key hire to lead its policy and advocacy efforts. Alesha Washington, a Glenville native who most recently served as Director of Executive Administration and Government Relations at the Centers for Family and Children, recently joined CNP as its Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy and Research. Washington will lead strategic policy initiatives at the city, county, state and federal levels and identify and use academic research to inform community development strategies.
"Trying to create a shared advocacy platform for the CDC community is what attracted me to the role," says Washington. "There's a need and a longing for a very coordinated and aligned system. The goal is to work together to improve Cleveland's neighborhoods for all people."
"It's about connecting the dots," adds Joel Ratner, President of CNP. "The needs we're identifying at the neighborhood level should be articulated clearly, strongly and strategically to officials who are setting policy and government budgets."
In recent years, Ratner says, no such coordinated effort has existed. Policy priorities might include strategies and funding to address vacant and abandoned properties, maintaining and enhancing tax credit programs that lend to neighborhood development, and influencing the state budget.
Source: Alesha Washington, Joel Ratner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Trying to create a shared advocacy platform for the CDC community is what attracted me to the role," says Washington. "There's a need and a longing for a very coordinated and aligned system. The goal is to work together to improve Cleveland's neighborhoods for all people."
"It's about connecting the dots," adds Joel Ratner, President of CNP. "The needs we're identifying at the neighborhood level should be articulated clearly, strongly and strategically to officials who are setting policy and government budgets."
In recent years, Ratner says, no such coordinated effort has existed. Policy priorities might include strategies and funding to address vacant and abandoned properties, maintaining and enhancing tax credit programs that lend to neighborhood development, and influencing the state budget.
Source: Alesha Washington, Joel Ratner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Tipse Treats founder Autumn Skoczen came up with the brilliant idea for a cupcake that contains a full shot of alcohol after visiting a bakery in another city, purchasing a booze-infused treat, and determining that all of the "good stuff" had burned off in the oven.
At the same time, she noticed cupcake shops on practically every other block. Along with bars, of course. So she hatched a plan to combine the two and create the cupcake equivalent of the Jell-o shot.
Now Tipse Treats, which has been rapidly gaining popularity in the two years since it launched, is opening a production facility in Parma to keep up with demand. Located at 5883 Broadview Road, the bakery will celebrate its grand opening with a party on Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cake and cupcake samples will be offered at the event, but you can also purchase your tipsy treats online or by calling them at 440-262-5531.
Co-owner Chelsea Scavnicky says Tipse Treats has found success with both commercial clients and individuals. Although she can't discuss the company's patent pending process in detail, she explains that the dessert is served "chilled, like a cocktail."
The Tipse Treats website touts the product as "the first ever cupcake shot." The company also offers alcohol-infused marshmallows, ice spheres and cubes, cocktail bubbles, popsicles and pudding pies. The "pint-sized playthings," say staffers, are perfect for functions ranging from bachelorette parties to adult sleepovers to corporate parties.
The production space in Parma will be used to sell non-alcoholic, prepackaged items, to hold events like cake tastings for weddings, and of course as the company's bakery.
The co-founders say they are searching for a retail space downtown, preferably in PlayhouseSquare. They even have their eye on a space, but it's too early to divulge any details. Co-owner Meghan Ciacchi will own and manage the downtown store.
"Everybody loves the idea," says Scavnicky of her company's growth. "When we go and present it, people are hooked."
Source: Chelsea Scavnicky
Writer: Lee Chilcote
At the same time, she noticed cupcake shops on practically every other block. Along with bars, of course. So she hatched a plan to combine the two and create the cupcake equivalent of the Jell-o shot.
Now Tipse Treats, which has been rapidly gaining popularity in the two years since it launched, is opening a production facility in Parma to keep up with demand. Located at 5883 Broadview Road, the bakery will celebrate its grand opening with a party on Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cake and cupcake samples will be offered at the event, but you can also purchase your tipsy treats online or by calling them at 440-262-5531.
Co-owner Chelsea Scavnicky says Tipse Treats has found success with both commercial clients and individuals. Although she can't discuss the company's patent pending process in detail, she explains that the dessert is served "chilled, like a cocktail."
The Tipse Treats website touts the product as "the first ever cupcake shot." The company also offers alcohol-infused marshmallows, ice spheres and cubes, cocktail bubbles, popsicles and pudding pies. The "pint-sized playthings," say staffers, are perfect for functions ranging from bachelorette parties to adult sleepovers to corporate parties.
The production space in Parma will be used to sell non-alcoholic, prepackaged items, to hold events like cake tastings for weddings, and of course as the company's bakery.
The co-founders say they are searching for a retail space downtown, preferably in PlayhouseSquare. They even have their eye on a space, but it's too early to divulge any details. Co-owner Meghan Ciacchi will own and manage the downtown store.
"Everybody loves the idea," says Scavnicky of her company's growth. "When we go and present it, people are hooked."
Source: Chelsea Scavnicky
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Great neighborhoods require great cafes. These so-called "third places" provide residents with a neutral place to meet, talk and take part in the daily discourse of life. Thanks to a maturing coffee movement, most of Cleveland's neighborhoods are now blessed with just such a place. Here are some of our favorites.
While the West Side Market and Terminal Tower demand center stage, what about the hidden gems, wallflowers and untold stories? With CityProwl podcaster and veteran architect Jennifer Coleman as our guide, we discover one treasure after another, from a tiny neighborhood worthy of Dickens to bouquets of flowers fit for a giant.
cleveland, the next brooklyn, says forbes
In a CNN Money feature titled "The Fortune Crystal Ball," the publication offers up its prognostications for the coming year, among them: Which cities will be the next Brooklyns, and which the next Detroits. Spoiler alert: Cleveland is pegged as a "Brooklyn."
"The American geography of prosperity has been driven by two big narratives in the past few years. On the one hand, there's Detroit, with its $18 billion in debt, pension mess, and population loss. On the other, there's Brooklyn, with its rocketing real estate prices, hip-luxe condos, and freshly foraged food stores," notes the money pub.
So, just what cities are deemed a "breakout town"?
New Brooklyns
Cleveland. The city is in the midst of a downtown revival that has seen not one, not two, but three Williamsburg-esque neighborhoods emerge: Tremont, Ohio City, and Gordon Square.
Odds of it becoming the "next Brooklyn" are placed at 63%.
Read the rest here.
"The American geography of prosperity has been driven by two big narratives in the past few years. On the one hand, there's Detroit, with its $18 billion in debt, pension mess, and population loss. On the other, there's Brooklyn, with its rocketing real estate prices, hip-luxe condos, and freshly foraged food stores," notes the money pub.
So, just what cities are deemed a "breakout town"?
New Brooklyns
Cleveland. The city is in the midst of a downtown revival that has seen not one, not two, but three Williamsburg-esque neighborhoods emerge: Tremont, Ohio City, and Gordon Square.
Odds of it becoming the "next Brooklyn" are placed at 63%.
Read the rest here.
The biggest gripe of downtown Cleveland residents (and, really, downtown dwellers in most non-coastal cities) is that their city center lacks the retail and amenities they need. Being a downtown resident often means regular car trips to the 'burbs -- or somewhere that's not within walking distance -- for shopping.
Yet that's slowly beginning to change. As any commercial broker will tell you, retail follows rooftops. As downtown Cleveland gains thousands of new residents, retailers are finding a market here. The 5th Street Arcades are nearly 100 percent full, and Heinen's is planning to open a new grocery store downtown.
The topic of retail and amenities will be in the spotlight this week as Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) and the City Club of Cleveland kick off a new event series. "Civic Drinks: Downtown Dialogues" will bring together developers and nonprofit leaders to discuss what downtown Cleveland needs to thrive. The kickoff takes place on Wednesday, January 8th at 4 p.m. in the former Cleveland Trust Rotunda (future home of Heinen's Fine Foods) at East 9th and Euclid Ave.
The kickoff event will feature a panel discussion with DCA President and CEO Joe Marinucci, developer Fred Geis and Tom Heinen of Heinen's Fine Foods.
“Our Downtown Dialogue events are designed to give people who are invested in the future of downtown Cleveland an opportunity to discuss what’s next for our city," said Marinucci in a release. "Each talk will feature experts in a particular area that is crucial for moving downtown forward, and will offer opportunities for small group dialogue and sharing ideas.”
Future events will tackle green space and connectivity (April 4th), livability (July 2nd) and downtown's vision plan (September 3rd).
Source: Downtown Cleveland Alliance
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet that's slowly beginning to change. As any commercial broker will tell you, retail follows rooftops. As downtown Cleveland gains thousands of new residents, retailers are finding a market here. The 5th Street Arcades are nearly 100 percent full, and Heinen's is planning to open a new grocery store downtown.
The topic of retail and amenities will be in the spotlight this week as Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) and the City Club of Cleveland kick off a new event series. "Civic Drinks: Downtown Dialogues" will bring together developers and nonprofit leaders to discuss what downtown Cleveland needs to thrive. The kickoff takes place on Wednesday, January 8th at 4 p.m. in the former Cleveland Trust Rotunda (future home of Heinen's Fine Foods) at East 9th and Euclid Ave.
The kickoff event will feature a panel discussion with DCA President and CEO Joe Marinucci, developer Fred Geis and Tom Heinen of Heinen's Fine Foods.
“Our Downtown Dialogue events are designed to give people who are invested in the future of downtown Cleveland an opportunity to discuss what’s next for our city," said Marinucci in a release. "Each talk will feature experts in a particular area that is crucial for moving downtown forward, and will offer opportunities for small group dialogue and sharing ideas.”
Future events will tackle green space and connectivity (April 4th), livability (July 2nd) and downtown's vision plan (September 3rd).
Source: Downtown Cleveland Alliance
Writer: Lee Chilcote
rock hall inductees ripple across media landscape
In a Reuters announcement shared on Huffington Post titled “2014 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees Include KISS, Peter Gabriel, Nirvana,” writer Mary Milliken shares the list of six new inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chosen from 16 nominees.
“Nirvana, the influential Seattle grunge band founded by the late Kurt Cobain, and the flamboyant 1970s rockers from KISS were among six new inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the organization said on Tuesday.”
“British singers and songwriters Peter Gabriel and Cat Stevens, folk-pop singer Linda Ronstadt and rock and soul duo Hall and Oates completed the list of performer inductees to the prestigious Hall of Fame, chosen from 16 nominees.”
While the Museum is based in Cleveland, the induction ceremony will take place in New York City this year on April 10.
Read the full release here.
“Nirvana, the influential Seattle grunge band founded by the late Kurt Cobain, and the flamboyant 1970s rockers from KISS were among six new inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the organization said on Tuesday.”
“British singers and songwriters Peter Gabriel and Cat Stevens, folk-pop singer Linda Ronstadt and rock and soul duo Hall and Oates completed the list of performer inductees to the prestigious Hall of Fame, chosen from 16 nominees.”
While the Museum is based in Cleveland, the induction ceremony will take place in New York City this year on April 10.
Read the full release here.