Downtown
When Jim Catanese opened Catanese Classic Seafood three years ago, he knew the building at 1600 Merwin Avenue in the Flats needed major TLC. Yet the metal bulkheading along the Cuyahoga River was in far worse shape than he thought. And the worst part was near his freezer, where thousands of pounds of fish are stored.
"It was collapsing into the river," Catanase told an audience at last week's forum on the Flats, which was convened by Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman and attended by area stakeholders. "This was more than we could handle individually."
Fortunately, with the help of Cimperman and the city of Cleveland, Catanese was able to obtain low-interest financing to repair the bulkheads. He hopes that the project, which will start this summer, will also bring back an historic use of the riverside property. "We'll be able to offload fishing boats again," he said.
The Cuyahoga shipping channel is lined on each side with these bulkheads, a 100-year-old, man-made containment system that keeps the soil from the riverbank from eroding into the river while also keeping the river within its banks during times of flooding.
Unfortunately, many of these bulkheads are now deteriorating, and they are expensive to repair. Catanese expects to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars, a price that many owners can't afford, he says. Maintenance of the bulkheads is necessary to ensure the channel remains navigable for shipping. Activity along the waterfront is a $1.8 billion economic engine for Northeast Ohio.
At the forum, Catanese voiced a common concern in the Flats: the need for improved infrastructure. Currently, more than $2 billion worth of development is planned or underway in areas adjacent to the river. Forum speakers said that much of the Flats' infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is in need of an overhaul.
One of the area's biggest infrastructure projects will require major federal assistance. Franklin Road Hill above Irishtown Bend is threatening to collapse into the Cuyahoga River, and stabilizing it will cost between $80 and $200 million.
For years, the Flats' redevelopment has languished amidst conflicts between competing interests. While the area has evolved into a mixed-use neighborhood of industry, recreation, housing and entertainment, neighbors haven't always been friendly.
The planning effort that is now underway, which is funded by a $20,000 grant from the Cleveland and Gund Foundations and includes major stakeholders, has the potential to link major projects, balance conflicting interests and attract additional support.
Source: Jim Catanese
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"It was collapsing into the river," Catanase told an audience at last week's forum on the Flats, which was convened by Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman and attended by area stakeholders. "This was more than we could handle individually."
Fortunately, with the help of Cimperman and the city of Cleveland, Catanese was able to obtain low-interest financing to repair the bulkheads. He hopes that the project, which will start this summer, will also bring back an historic use of the riverside property. "We'll be able to offload fishing boats again," he said.
The Cuyahoga shipping channel is lined on each side with these bulkheads, a 100-year-old, man-made containment system that keeps the soil from the riverbank from eroding into the river while also keeping the river within its banks during times of flooding.
Unfortunately, many of these bulkheads are now deteriorating, and they are expensive to repair. Catanese expects to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars, a price that many owners can't afford, he says. Maintenance of the bulkheads is necessary to ensure the channel remains navigable for shipping. Activity along the waterfront is a $1.8 billion economic engine for Northeast Ohio.
At the forum, Catanese voiced a common concern in the Flats: the need for improved infrastructure. Currently, more than $2 billion worth of development is planned or underway in areas adjacent to the river. Forum speakers said that much of the Flats' infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is in need of an overhaul.
One of the area's biggest infrastructure projects will require major federal assistance. Franklin Road Hill above Irishtown Bend is threatening to collapse into the Cuyahoga River, and stabilizing it will cost between $80 and $200 million.
For years, the Flats' redevelopment has languished amidst conflicts between competing interests. While the area has evolved into a mixed-use neighborhood of industry, recreation, housing and entertainment, neighbors haven't always been friendly.
The planning effort that is now underway, which is funded by a $20,000 grant from the Cleveland and Gund Foundations and includes major stakeholders, has the potential to link major projects, balance conflicting interests and attract additional support.
Source: Jim Catanese
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When Mayor Jackson promoted Andrew Watterson from sustainability programs manager to Chief of Sustainability, a cabinet-level position, he illustrated in very certain terms his commitment to sustainability. Watterson will have his work cut out for him. Recently, the City kicked off Sustainable Cleveland 2019, an ambitious 10-year initiative to leverage sustainability as an engine for economic growth while distinguishing Cleveland as a "Green City on a Blue Lake."
The Cleveland Conserves Campaign is an effort by the City of Cleveland and local environmental groups to cut waste, save money and boost the local economy. Calling 2011 "The Year of Energy Efficiency," these groups are promoting energy conservation efforts to individuals and businesses.
The Cleveland Indians are among the local businesses championing the initiative. The Tribe has had a comprehensive recycling program since Jacobs Field opened in 1994. The Indians were the first major league team to install solar power at their stadium, a project completed in 2007. They have also installed LED lighting throughout the park.
This year, the Tribe is expanding its composting efforts at Progressive Field. The Indians began composting the waste from concession stands, restaurants and the clubhouse at the end of the 2010 season. In 2011, they will begin composting from the main seating areas.
"Cleaning crews will do three walk-throughs -- for organics, plastics and trash," explains Brad Mohr, Assistant Director of Ballpark Operations for the Cleveland Indians. "It's cheaper to compost than it is to send organic materials to a landfill."
In 2010, the team composted 2.5 tons of food waste from concession stands, restaurants and the club house in only six games. Cornstarch-based beer and soda cups, cutlery, and hot-serve cups are used throughout the ball park, in the front office and in the press box.
The team's marketing message -- Our Tribe is Green ... Are you in the Tribe? -- encourages fans to participate in green activities, including recycling. "We look at ourselves as a business and community leader," says Mohr.
So far, the Indians are pleased with the investment they've made in conservation measures. The team recycled over 153 tons of materials in 2009, reducing trash pickup by over 60 percent, from 254 trash pickups in 2007 to 97 pickups in 2009.
Conservation measures not only protect the environment, they also protect a business' bottom line. The Indians invested $30,000 in balers to make cardboard or plastic into giant cubes. Selling the cubes along with money savings from reduced trash hauls paid off the initial investment within four months.
Source: Brad Mohr
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Cleveland Indians are among the local businesses championing the initiative. The Tribe has had a comprehensive recycling program since Jacobs Field opened in 1994. The Indians were the first major league team to install solar power at their stadium, a project completed in 2007. They have also installed LED lighting throughout the park.
This year, the Tribe is expanding its composting efforts at Progressive Field. The Indians began composting the waste from concession stands, restaurants and the clubhouse at the end of the 2010 season. In 2011, they will begin composting from the main seating areas.
"Cleaning crews will do three walk-throughs -- for organics, plastics and trash," explains Brad Mohr, Assistant Director of Ballpark Operations for the Cleveland Indians. "It's cheaper to compost than it is to send organic materials to a landfill."
In 2010, the team composted 2.5 tons of food waste from concession stands, restaurants and the club house in only six games. Cornstarch-based beer and soda cups, cutlery, and hot-serve cups are used throughout the ball park, in the front office and in the press box.
The team's marketing message -- Our Tribe is Green ... Are you in the Tribe? -- encourages fans to participate in green activities, including recycling. "We look at ourselves as a business and community leader," says Mohr.
So far, the Indians are pleased with the investment they've made in conservation measures. The team recycled over 153 tons of materials in 2009, reducing trash pickup by over 60 percent, from 254 trash pickups in 2007 to 97 pickups in 2009.
Conservation measures not only protect the environment, they also protect a business' bottom line. The Indians invested $30,000 in balers to make cardboard or plastic into giant cubes. Selling the cubes along with money savings from reduced trash hauls paid off the initial investment within four months.
Source: Brad Mohr
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Slow and steady may win the race, but a quick oil-change company is winning kudos for its sustainability practices. Cleveland-based Lube Stop has been recognized nationally for its formal sustainability program and its re-refined oil change service, EcoGuard. The latest recognition comes from the Institute for Sustainable Development's Green Plus awards, which named Lube Stop a Medium-Size Business of the Year recipient.
This award recognizes a company's ability to affect triple-bottom-line sustainability practices. Lube Stop's sustainability efforts revolve around a five-step process: strategy development, ongoing waste reduction, sustainable operations, individual initiatives and public awareness.
Lube Stop has 37 stores in Northeast Ohio and more than 240 employees. The company adopted its sustainability program in 2007
SOURCE: Lube Stop
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
This award recognizes a company's ability to affect triple-bottom-line sustainability practices. Lube Stop's sustainability efforts revolve around a five-step process: strategy development, ongoing waste reduction, sustainable operations, individual initiatives and public awareness.
Lube Stop has 37 stores in Northeast Ohio and more than 240 employees. The company adopted its sustainability program in 2007
SOURCE: Lube Stop
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
cleveland manufacturers taking wind energy by storm
Ohio is second only to California in creating renewable energy jobs, according to the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC). And some of Greater Cleveland's top manufacturers are now supplying components such as bearings and performance coatings to the wind energy industry.
Sherwin Williams, Parker Hannifin and Lubrizol are among the companies that have expanded their capabilities to meet the needs of renewable energy projects.
Another local company that is finding success as a renewable energy parts contractor is Advance Manufacturing Corp., a 75-year-old specialist in large-part fabrication and machining. According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, Advance Manufacturing Corp. has broadened its reach to cover both traditional manufacturing and current needs for renewable energy. The company, which has invested $6 million in facility upgrades, manufactures massive pieces for wind turbine gear boxes.
Herman Bredenbeck, president of Advance Manufacturing Corp. has said that his company is committed to helping Ohio develop wind energy.
"We believe the renewable energy industry holds great potential for Ohio manufacturing companies," he says.
SOURCE: Ohio Business Development Coalition
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Sherwin Williams, Parker Hannifin and Lubrizol are among the companies that have expanded their capabilities to meet the needs of renewable energy projects.
Another local company that is finding success as a renewable energy parts contractor is Advance Manufacturing Corp., a 75-year-old specialist in large-part fabrication and machining. According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, Advance Manufacturing Corp. has broadened its reach to cover both traditional manufacturing and current needs for renewable energy. The company, which has invested $6 million in facility upgrades, manufactures massive pieces for wind turbine gear boxes.
Herman Bredenbeck, president of Advance Manufacturing Corp. has said that his company is committed to helping Ohio develop wind energy.
"We believe the renewable energy industry holds great potential for Ohio manufacturing companies," he says.
SOURCE: Ohio Business Development Coalition
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
cle chefs fare well in early beard nods
The James Beard Foundation has just announced its list of Semifinalists for this year's James Beard Awards, to be held in New York on May 9. As usual, Cleveland-area chefs and restaurants fared well. The final list of nominees will be released on March 21.
Michael Symon racked up nominations in the the big-time categories of Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant (Lola).
Jonathon Sawyer from Greenhouse Tavern is in the running for the much-coveted Rising Star Chef.
Both Zack Bruell (Parallax, L'Albatros) and Eric Williams (Momocho) are in the running for Best Chef: Great Lakes Region.
See the entire list of semifinalists here.
Michael Symon racked up nominations in the the big-time categories of Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant (Lola).
Jonathon Sawyer from Greenhouse Tavern is in the running for the much-coveted Rising Star Chef.
Both Zack Bruell (Parallax, L'Albatros) and Eric Williams (Momocho) are in the running for Best Chef: Great Lakes Region.
See the entire list of semifinalists here.
LA times calls cle 'tale of optimism and renewal'
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times examines the debate surrounding Cleveland's economic renewal.
"Cleveland has weathered this recession much better than past slumps, as local industries have retooled and reinvented themselves. Old shops and factories have embraced new technologies. And for the first time in a while, there are grounds for optimism," the article states.
During his recent visit to Cleveland for the Winning the Future Forum on Small Business, President Obama pushed the idea of public investment. "The American economy should update itself Cleveland-style," he believes, "and the federal government should nudge it along with smartly placed investments."
Republicans such as House Speaker John A. Boehner, however, believe that Cleveland's success is due to innovation by business, and that government should help by cutting spending and taxes. Last week, the House proposed cutting $61 billion from the government's budget for 2011, including funds for local economic-development programs. President Obama's budget for 2012, on the other hand, increases investments in infrastructure, technology, and education.
"In Cleveland, the remaining steel mills have come to specialize in higher-end materials. Old plastics and glassware factories now make things such as cellphone heat-shields that compete with the best products coming out of Japan. A Lake Erie wind farm could soon stand just miles away from where the Cleveland Browns play football."
The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals also contribute to the growing biomedical industry.
Obama believes the government should invest in these private businesses as well as medical and scientific research and education programs to create a more technically educated workforce. He also pledges to decreases taxes for many corporations and reform the corporate tax code to promote a more level playing field.
Republicans, however, argue that government spending will only inhibit growth and hinder the creation of new jobs. They support cutting federal spending and encouraging private-sector investment.
Read the rest here.
"Cleveland has weathered this recession much better than past slumps, as local industries have retooled and reinvented themselves. Old shops and factories have embraced new technologies. And for the first time in a while, there are grounds for optimism," the article states.
During his recent visit to Cleveland for the Winning the Future Forum on Small Business, President Obama pushed the idea of public investment. "The American economy should update itself Cleveland-style," he believes, "and the federal government should nudge it along with smartly placed investments."
Republicans such as House Speaker John A. Boehner, however, believe that Cleveland's success is due to innovation by business, and that government should help by cutting spending and taxes. Last week, the House proposed cutting $61 billion from the government's budget for 2011, including funds for local economic-development programs. President Obama's budget for 2012, on the other hand, increases investments in infrastructure, technology, and education.
"In Cleveland, the remaining steel mills have come to specialize in higher-end materials. Old plastics and glassware factories now make things such as cellphone heat-shields that compete with the best products coming out of Japan. A Lake Erie wind farm could soon stand just miles away from where the Cleveland Browns play football."
The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals also contribute to the growing biomedical industry.
Obama believes the government should invest in these private businesses as well as medical and scientific research and education programs to create a more technically educated workforce. He also pledges to decreases taxes for many corporations and reform the corporate tax code to promote a more level playing field.
Republicans, however, argue that government spending will only inhibit growth and hinder the creation of new jobs. They support cutting federal spending and encouraging private-sector investment.
Read the rest here.
President Obama came to Cleveland on Tuesday to hear what small business owners say they need to grow their businesses and thus strengthen the U.S. economy. But the President took the time to praise the region for its growth in biotechnology, sustainability and other innovations.
"Cleveland is a city founded on manufacturing," the President said during his closing remarks on the Winning the Future Forum on Small Business, held at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, which this writer attended.
"A lot of people wrote off Cleveland as a shell of what it used to be, but you knew different," the President said to the small business owners and entrepreneurs who had been selected to attend the forum.
The President talked about the united effort of local universities, hospitals and entrepreneurs to advance innovations in biotechnology and clean energy. "They've made Cleveland a global leader in both fields," the President added.
Cleveland's ability to reinvent itself, the President noted, can be an inspiration for other areas of the country, as well as the United States in general. "How will America reinvent itself?" the President asked the audience.
Obama also pointed out the success of several long-standing businesses in Cleveland, including Miceli Dairy Products, which has operated a facility on E. 90th Street since 1949. Miceli's received a $5.5 million SBA loan to build a new factory and expand its production, according to the President. "This will double the output of ricotta cheese and add 60 workers," said Obama, joking that he'd like some cheese samples once the expansion project is complete.
SOURCE: President Obama
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"Cleveland is a city founded on manufacturing," the President said during his closing remarks on the Winning the Future Forum on Small Business, held at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center, which this writer attended.
"A lot of people wrote off Cleveland as a shell of what it used to be, but you knew different," the President said to the small business owners and entrepreneurs who had been selected to attend the forum.
The President talked about the united effort of local universities, hospitals and entrepreneurs to advance innovations in biotechnology and clean energy. "They've made Cleveland a global leader in both fields," the President added.
Cleveland's ability to reinvent itself, the President noted, can be an inspiration for other areas of the country, as well as the United States in general. "How will America reinvent itself?" the President asked the audience.
Obama also pointed out the success of several long-standing businesses in Cleveland, including Miceli Dairy Products, which has operated a facility on E. 90th Street since 1949. Miceli's received a $5.5 million SBA loan to build a new factory and expand its production, according to the President. "This will double the output of ricotta cheese and add 60 workers," said Obama, joking that he'd like some cheese samples once the expansion project is complete.
SOURCE: President Obama
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: "Taco Tuesdays -- what's up with that?" Seems that all across this great city, barflies are bellying up to the counter for bottomless plates of dirt-cheap tacos. While the origins of this fad are fuzzy, the rationale behind the trend is simple enough: offer deeply discounted tacos to hungry diners in hopes of upping business on a traditionally slow weeknight. Some fans hit up new spots weekly, while others fashion a taco-themed pub crawl. Soft or crunchy, beef or pork, gourmet or fast-food… Here are some fan faves.
Rachel Talton, Ph.D. was one of the entrepreneurs invited by the Obama Administration to attend Tuesday's Winning the Future Forum on Small Business. Talton, co-founder of Cleveland-based Trust, a marketing and management consultant agency, and founder and CEO of Fairlawn-based Synergy Marketing Strategy & Research, joined about 20 other small business owners and entrepreneurs in a discussion on entrepreneurism. They had the ear of President Obama himself, who took the time to listen in on various breakout sessions during the forum.
"President Obama was very engaged in intensive and substantive conversation," says Talton. She and her fellow entrepreneurs in the group shared with the President a list of ways that the administration could help both small and large businesses thrive: access to capital, formalized mentorship programs, access to capacity-building services and less onerous processes for doing business with the federal government.
Talton says she was encouraged to hear that Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and a career entrepreneur, will be taking a lead role in President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. "The initiative will be quasi-government. Decisions will be made more quickly -- without much red tape," she says.
Talton was also happy to hear that Obama expects to engage large corporations in mentor-protegee programs. "I think this approach can be truly sustainable," she notes.
The President's "real commitment on this issue [of spurring small business growth to strengthen the economy] can move people within the federal and state government, even those who disagree," Talton says. "He can also attract large corporations to participate, for the greater good and for their own good."
SOURCE: Rachel Talton, Ph.D.
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"President Obama was very engaged in intensive and substantive conversation," says Talton. She and her fellow entrepreneurs in the group shared with the President a list of ways that the administration could help both small and large businesses thrive: access to capital, formalized mentorship programs, access to capacity-building services and less onerous processes for doing business with the federal government.
Talton says she was encouraged to hear that Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and a career entrepreneur, will be taking a lead role in President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. "The initiative will be quasi-government. Decisions will be made more quickly -- without much red tape," she says.
Talton was also happy to hear that Obama expects to engage large corporations in mentor-protegee programs. "I think this approach can be truly sustainable," she notes.
The President's "real commitment on this issue [of spurring small business growth to strengthen the economy] can move people within the federal and state government, even those who disagree," Talton says. "He can also attract large corporations to participate, for the greater good and for their own good."
SOURCE: Rachel Talton, Ph.D.
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
For Jonathan Husni, founder and president of Cleveland-based IT development firm Acendex, It's not enough to sit back and reflect on how his company emerged from the recession relatively unscathed. The fact that Acendex had no layoffs and managed to gain an impressive list of clients over the last few years motivates Husni and his team to set impressive goals for 2011.
"We are focusing on making raving fans of a number of new customers this year," says Husni. "Acendex anticipates double-digit growth in 2011 spurred by the onset of the economic recovery in the region -- particularly in the manufacturing sector -- which is empowering companies to take a second look at the way their information management solutions can be leveraged as competitive assets."
Thanks to "unprecedented demand" for a host solution for cloud computing, Acendex is advancing a new application of what it calls "Get Your Own Cloud!"
Advancements such as these have encouraged Husni to build up his IT team to meet existing and new customer needs. "Our take-no-prisoners approach to the cloud computing solution has won favor from the word go," Husni says, "and we are staffing up to meet customer demand for our outsourcing services."
In 2010, Acendex took on a number of new projects, such as providing an IT infrastructure with VOIP for Flack Steel, a Cleveland steel distributor.
SOURCE: Jonathan Husni
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
"We are focusing on making raving fans of a number of new customers this year," says Husni. "Acendex anticipates double-digit growth in 2011 spurred by the onset of the economic recovery in the region -- particularly in the manufacturing sector -- which is empowering companies to take a second look at the way their information management solutions can be leveraged as competitive assets."
Thanks to "unprecedented demand" for a host solution for cloud computing, Acendex is advancing a new application of what it calls "Get Your Own Cloud!"
Advancements such as these have encouraged Husni to build up his IT team to meet existing and new customer needs. "Our take-no-prisoners approach to the cloud computing solution has won favor from the word go," Husni says, "and we are staffing up to meet customer demand for our outsourcing services."
In 2010, Acendex took on a number of new projects, such as providing an IT infrastructure with VOIP for Flack Steel, a Cleveland steel distributor.
SOURCE: Jonathan Husni
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The stately Tudor Arms has been vacant since 2007 when its last tenant, Cleveland Job Corps, moved to a new home. Now, thanks to a $22 million restoration project, the landmark property appears set to reclaim some of its former glory when it reopens this spring as a Double Tree Hotel. The project is the latest in a string of successful urban developments by local firm MRN Ltd.
Increasing the college attainment rate in Northeast Ohio by just one percent would mean an additional $2.8 billion for the region's economy. That statistic, courtesy of CEOs for Cities, a national civic lab composed of urban leaders, was part of the impetus for leaders of the Cleveland Scholarship Program to change the name of the 40-year-old organization and renew its focus to make college attainable for teens and young adults.
College Now Greater Cleveland, as the organization is officially now known, will continue to assist more than 20,000 students annually through advising, financial aid counseling and scholarship services. Some partners of the organization have stepped in to provide additional funding or opportunities. The PNC Foundation, for one, awarded a grant to College Now for advising services. PNC will also provide financial education programming, and Cleveland Clinic will offer college preparatory programs aimed at minority and disadvantaged students who want to attend college and pursue careers in science, medicine and business.
Other partners of College Now include the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), Cleveland State University and Tri-C.
College Now connects with local educational institutions to bolster higher education resources. According to Eric S. Gordon, chief academic officer for CMSD, College Now's strengthened focus meshes well with CMSD's own efforts to boost college attendance by graduates of the city's high schools. "CMSD is excited to continue our partnership with College Now to ensure high quality college counseling is available to all juniors and seniors as part of our Cleveland Goes to College program," Gordon says.
SOURCE: Eric S. Gordon
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
College Now Greater Cleveland, as the organization is officially now known, will continue to assist more than 20,000 students annually through advising, financial aid counseling and scholarship services. Some partners of the organization have stepped in to provide additional funding or opportunities. The PNC Foundation, for one, awarded a grant to College Now for advising services. PNC will also provide financial education programming, and Cleveland Clinic will offer college preparatory programs aimed at minority and disadvantaged students who want to attend college and pursue careers in science, medicine and business.
Other partners of College Now include the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), Cleveland State University and Tri-C.
College Now connects with local educational institutions to bolster higher education resources. According to Eric S. Gordon, chief academic officer for CMSD, College Now's strengthened focus meshes well with CMSD's own efforts to boost college attendance by graduates of the city's high schools. "CMSD is excited to continue our partnership with College Now to ensure high quality college counseling is available to all juniors and seniors as part of our Cleveland Goes to College program," Gordon says.
SOURCE: Eric S. Gordon
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
paragon consulting 'hiring as fast as it can'
Founded in 1993, the IT consulting company Paragon Consulting has built an impressive client list that includes Cleveland Clinic, Charles Scwab and Heinen's. Paragon recently announced a partnership that will make it the Northeast Ohio distributor of iAPPS Product Suite, a web engagement platform developed by Bridgeline Digital that integrates e-commerce, e-marketing, SEO and web analysis with content management. Paragon also has partnerships with Microsoft and Site Core.
With all of this opportunity knocking on its door, Paragon is answering by expanding its workforce over the next few months.
"We will double the size of the company in May," says Frank McGee, Paragon business development executive. "We're hiring as fast as we can, mostly developers and QA people." Once the hirings are complete, Paragon will have 60 employees, McGee says.
Paragon has built relationships with businesses like Bridgeline Digital by strengthening its content management systems and e-commerce expertise. "Bridgeline went through a search process" for a Northeast Ohio distributor of iAPPS, McGee says. "They vetted us and saw we knew what we were doing."
McGee says Paragon concentrates on large, local clients, such as Forest City and major law firms, although from time to time the company ventures outside the regional boundaries to form relationships with clients. Bridgeline purchased Tenth Floor, a Cleveland-based web application company, in 2008.
You can learn more about Paragon's new partnership with Bridgeline by visiting http://www.paragon-inc.com/index.php/partners.
SOURCE: Frank McGee
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
With all of this opportunity knocking on its door, Paragon is answering by expanding its workforce over the next few months.
"We will double the size of the company in May," says Frank McGee, Paragon business development executive. "We're hiring as fast as we can, mostly developers and QA people." Once the hirings are complete, Paragon will have 60 employees, McGee says.
Paragon has built relationships with businesses like Bridgeline Digital by strengthening its content management systems and e-commerce expertise. "Bridgeline went through a search process" for a Northeast Ohio distributor of iAPPS, McGee says. "They vetted us and saw we knew what we were doing."
McGee says Paragon concentrates on large, local clients, such as Forest City and major law firms, although from time to time the company ventures outside the regional boundaries to form relationships with clients. Bridgeline purchased Tenth Floor, a Cleveland-based web application company, in 2008.
You can learn more about Paragon's new partnership with Bridgeline by visiting http://www.paragon-inc.com/index.php/partners.
SOURCE: Frank McGee
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
This past October, Cuyahoga Community College relocated its 20-year-old hospitality management and culinary program from the older Metropolitan Campus to a gleaming new complex on Public Square. Although the move from E. 33rd and Woodland to the center of downtown was less than a half-mile, the shift will forever change Cleveland's culinary economy.
In a true zero-waste system there is no garbage, there are no landfills. Entrepreneurs for Sustainability's Zero Waste Network is urging Cleveland organizations to track and reduce their waste stream. Those that do are discovering that the benefits extend well beyond a slimmer carbon footprint, including economic windfalls, community engagement and marketplace recognition.
Social media provides entrepreneurs with a great vehicle for communicating with current and potential clients. And like the companies they seek to promote, social media feeds often mimic the personality of their owners. But marketing experts warn that one size definitely does not fit all. What works for one type of business may come across as inappropriate for another.
Cleveland Storefront Art aims to brighten up the downtown landscape by filling the windows of vacant properties with works of visual art. Through their tireless efforts, Robert Carillio and Joan Smith have crafted an artful albeit temporary solution to an irritating problem.