Downtown
wall street journal praises jumpstart biz accelerator
Described by the Wall Street Journal as the centerpiece of an "ecosystem to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship," Cleveland's JumpStart Inc. is praised for its ability to help early-stage start-ups attract crucial venture funding.
With economic assistance from Ohio's Third Frontier program, JumpStart provides entrepreneurs in the fields of technology, health-care and clean-technology with much-needed financing and professional mentoring.
In the WSJ article, JumpStart Ventures president Rebecca Braun explains the organization's metrics for success. Unlike most conventional VC firms, JumpStart does not invest for financial returns, she says. "Follow-on funding is our key metric that we look at."
Proof of success is in the numbers: Since launching in 2004 JumpStart has invested $16.5 million into nearly 50 companies. Those companies in turn have raised about $120 million in follow-on funding.
Read the entire article here.
With economic assistance from Ohio's Third Frontier program, JumpStart provides entrepreneurs in the fields of technology, health-care and clean-technology with much-needed financing and professional mentoring.
In the WSJ article, JumpStart Ventures president Rebecca Braun explains the organization's metrics for success. Unlike most conventional VC firms, JumpStart does not invest for financial returns, she says. "Follow-on funding is our key metric that we look at."
Proof of success is in the numbers: Since launching in 2004 JumpStart has invested $16.5 million into nearly 50 companies. Those companies in turn have raised about $120 million in follow-on funding.
Read the entire article here.
$4 million reinvestment helps cleveland's bluebridge offer clients 'uninterruptible power supply'
Power is king. To hear Kevin Goodman repeat that mantra again and again, one might imagine him standing in front a dozen snarling transformers spitting out noise and smoke, sucking up all the juice from here to Katmandu.
Instead, Goodman, director of business development at BlueBridge Networks, is standing in front of a row of four sleek Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) towers in the Cleveland company's electrical staging room. These towers will help BlueBridge ensure that its clients receive safe and effective data storage solutions.
BlueBridge provides disaster recovery and business continuity services for clients like Cleveland Metropolitan Schools, Olympic Steel and Southwest General Hospital. Thanks to its reinvestment efforts, BlueBridge is able to offer clients a broader range of solutions.
The UPS towers are new, and they replace the large, hulking batteries that once filled the now cavernous space. "UPS power is more reliable," Goodman says. "Today we have a more dense amount of power even though we have fewer pieces of equipment."
Efficient, state-of-the-art equipment is just one part of the $4 million reinvestment project that BlueBridge has undertaken to broaden its offerings and increase its bottom line. Goodman says that BlueBridge is experiencing its most successful quarter in its six-year history. And, he adds, "We have no debt."
To keep up with the latest technology, the company has hired several new engineers. BlueBridge is committed to recruiting local talent or bringing former Clevelanders back to the area, according to Goodman.
SOURCE: BlueBridge Networks
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Instead, Goodman, director of business development at BlueBridge Networks, is standing in front of a row of four sleek Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) towers in the Cleveland company's electrical staging room. These towers will help BlueBridge ensure that its clients receive safe and effective data storage solutions.
BlueBridge provides disaster recovery and business continuity services for clients like Cleveland Metropolitan Schools, Olympic Steel and Southwest General Hospital. Thanks to its reinvestment efforts, BlueBridge is able to offer clients a broader range of solutions.
The UPS towers are new, and they replace the large, hulking batteries that once filled the now cavernous space. "UPS power is more reliable," Goodman says. "Today we have a more dense amount of power even though we have fewer pieces of equipment."
Efficient, state-of-the-art equipment is just one part of the $4 million reinvestment project that BlueBridge has undertaken to broaden its offerings and increase its bottom line. Goodman says that BlueBridge is experiencing its most successful quarter in its six-year history. And, he adds, "We have no debt."
To keep up with the latest technology, the company has hired several new engineers. BlueBridge is committed to recruiting local talent or bringing former Clevelanders back to the area, according to Goodman.
SOURCE: BlueBridge Networks
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
cleveland-based eventworks becomes sole U.S partner for 3D design technology
Now it's cool to think inside the box.
EventWorks, Inc., a Greater Cleveland event-planning and audio-video production company, has become the sole U.S partner for a 3D design technology that has already taken Europe by storm. The technology combines holographic, free-floating images that are displayed with a physical product inside a glass case. The result is a unique and visually stunning way for companies to market their brand or product.
"We jumped into the technology because we thought it was really great," says Joel Solloway, owner of EventWorks. "We do large-scale events in terms of setting and lighting design, and we're always looking for something different." EventWorks formed a strategic partnership with Cleveland-based EDR Media to design custom animation.
As an authorized U.S. partner with Real Fiction, the Copenhagen-based developer of the holographic technology, EventWorks has been able to reach out to potential customers around the country and the globe. While large-scale holographic technology can be expensive, Real Fiction's products are highly affordable, with units ranging from around $6,000 to $15,000.
So far, EventWorks has added a salesperson to promote the technology and may soon add support staff. RubberMaid Commercial will be using the holographic tool for an upcoming trade show, and Coca-Cola has shown interest in using the technology for advertising and marketing.
Clevelanders can catch a glimpse of the holographic technology on November 6 at the SPACES Gallery in Cleveland. As part of the gallery's fundraiser, "App to the Future," EventWorks will be showing samples of work the company has done for Virgin Atlantic, BMW and other clients.
SOURCE: EventWorks, Inc.
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
EventWorks, Inc., a Greater Cleveland event-planning and audio-video production company, has become the sole U.S partner for a 3D design technology that has already taken Europe by storm. The technology combines holographic, free-floating images that are displayed with a physical product inside a glass case. The result is a unique and visually stunning way for companies to market their brand or product.
"We jumped into the technology because we thought it was really great," says Joel Solloway, owner of EventWorks. "We do large-scale events in terms of setting and lighting design, and we're always looking for something different." EventWorks formed a strategic partnership with Cleveland-based EDR Media to design custom animation.
As an authorized U.S. partner with Real Fiction, the Copenhagen-based developer of the holographic technology, EventWorks has been able to reach out to potential customers around the country and the globe. While large-scale holographic technology can be expensive, Real Fiction's products are highly affordable, with units ranging from around $6,000 to $15,000.
So far, EventWorks has added a salesperson to promote the technology and may soon add support staff. RubberMaid Commercial will be using the holographic tool for an upcoming trade show, and Coca-Cola has shown interest in using the technology for advertising and marketing.
Clevelanders can catch a glimpse of the holographic technology on November 6 at the SPACES Gallery in Cleveland. As part of the gallery's fundraiser, "App to the Future," EventWorks will be showing samples of work the company has done for Virgin Atlantic, BMW and other clients.
SOURCE: EventWorks, Inc.
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Bad news first: The county's long-planned Medical Mart and convention
center will cost more than promised — about $40 million more, and
developer MMPI is only picking up a small portion of that. But the good
news is that MMPI also has in hand letters of intent from companies and
organizations that hope to use the facility when it's completed.
Attorney Jeff Applebaum, who negotiates for the county with MMPI, revealed these facts in a presentation to the county commissioners last week. According to Applebaum, as of Sept. 19, 37 medical companies had signed on to display their products to the doctors and healthcare professionals who are expected to visit the medmart. Assuming they follow through, companies combined would occupy 80,000 of the 90,000 square feet of showroom space. MMPI also has preliminary deals with the organizers of eight conferences and eight trade shows, Applebaum reported.
The new estimated price, $465 million, is $40 million higher than previously disclosed totals — despite the fact that the latest designs reflect a smaller facility. According to the Plain Dealer, the cost rose after a consultant advised improving the ballroom by raising the ceiling and removing sight-obstructing columns, and building a separate entrance for food service.
MMPI will kick in $8.5 million of the additional costs, according to the Plain Dealer, and the rest will be covered by a $50 million contingency fund — the existence of which was itself a surprise. The county will cobble together the rest from the existing .25-percent additional sales tax, a 1-percent hotel bed tax and, as County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones told WKSU, by "clawing back $1 million from Positively Cleveland," the tourism marketing bureau.
Last week the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the plans. Groundbreaking is expected this fall.
Source: Cuyahoga County Planning Commission blog
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
Attorney Jeff Applebaum, who negotiates for the county with MMPI, revealed these facts in a presentation to the county commissioners last week. According to Applebaum, as of Sept. 19, 37 medical companies had signed on to display their products to the doctors and healthcare professionals who are expected to visit the medmart. Assuming they follow through, companies combined would occupy 80,000 of the 90,000 square feet of showroom space. MMPI also has preliminary deals with the organizers of eight conferences and eight trade shows, Applebaum reported.
The new estimated price, $465 million, is $40 million higher than previously disclosed totals — despite the fact that the latest designs reflect a smaller facility. According to the Plain Dealer, the cost rose after a consultant advised improving the ballroom by raising the ceiling and removing sight-obstructing columns, and building a separate entrance for food service.
MMPI will kick in $8.5 million of the additional costs, according to the Plain Dealer, and the rest will be covered by a $50 million contingency fund — the existence of which was itself a surprise. The county will cobble together the rest from the existing .25-percent additional sales tax, a 1-percent hotel bed tax and, as County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones told WKSU, by "clawing back $1 million from Positively Cleveland," the tourism marketing bureau.
Last week the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the plans. Groundbreaking is expected this fall.
Source: Cuyahoga County Planning Commission blog
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
Remember the on-again, off-again Cleveland-Ontario ferry proposal? It's back — the idea, at least. Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority CEO William Friedman, who took the helm in June, has commissioned a fresh assessment.
"There is very substantial trade that already exists between Ontario and the United States," Friedman said in the Port's newsletter. "Cleveland has the potential to become a gateway for shipping and passenger travel to and from Canada."
Proponents have long argued that a lake crossing between Cleveland and Ontario would save hours of driving time for commercial transport. The value of trade between Ohio and the Canadian province is estimated at $88 million per day, according to The Free Press of London, Ontario.
One longstanding obstacle to a ferry plan was the lack of a partner on the north side of the lake. The logical choice was Port Stanley, but its owner, the Canadian government, wouldn't hear of it. But in September, the surrounding municipality, Central Elgin, acquired the Port Stanley Harbour lands. In a news release, Mayor Tom Marks explained on reason why — tourism: "We have a magnificent opportunity to develop the harbour properties in a way that guides economic development both in the community and in the municipality as a whole."
In an interview, Friedman sees similar potential benefits for Cleveland. "[Tourism has] always been part of the thinking," he says. "But the business model is such that you really can't get the tourism without the freight [component]. The freight is what makes it pencil out."
Friedman has hired shipping consultant Stuart Theis to reestablish the necessary contacts and take other steps toward updating previously completed feasibility studies. Many details must be worked out, Friedman notes.
"I am pretty bullish on the feasibility," he says, "but there's a lot more to it than that to get there."
"There is very substantial trade that already exists between Ontario and the United States," Friedman said in the Port's newsletter. "Cleveland has the potential to become a gateway for shipping and passenger travel to and from Canada."
Proponents have long argued that a lake crossing between Cleveland and Ontario would save hours of driving time for commercial transport. The value of trade between Ohio and the Canadian province is estimated at $88 million per day, according to The Free Press of London, Ontario.
One longstanding obstacle to a ferry plan was the lack of a partner on the north side of the lake. The logical choice was Port Stanley, but its owner, the Canadian government, wouldn't hear of it. But in September, the surrounding municipality, Central Elgin, acquired the Port Stanley Harbour lands. In a news release, Mayor Tom Marks explained on reason why — tourism: "We have a magnificent opportunity to develop the harbour properties in a way that guides economic development both in the community and in the municipality as a whole."
In an interview, Friedman sees similar potential benefits for Cleveland. "[Tourism has] always been part of the thinking," he says. "But the business model is such that you really can't get the tourism without the freight [component]. The freight is what makes it pencil out."
Friedman has hired shipping consultant Stuart Theis to reestablish the necessary contacts and take other steps toward updating previously completed feasibility studies. Many details must be worked out, Friedman notes.
"I am pretty bullish on the feasibility," he says, "but there's a lot more to it than that to get there."
downtown architecture firm designs award-winning dots headquarters, adds design staffers
What's a fashion store without a fashionable nest? Cleveland architecture and interior design firm Vocon was tasked by Dots to devise a new Glenwillow-based headquarters facility that reflected the fashion retailer's penchant for innovation.
Vocon's design of the 192,000-square-foot office and distribution center oozes hip femininity and panache. Pink, the company's corporate color, is splashed across the modern lobby and used as an accent everywhere from the conference rooms to the lunchroom. Circular coffee tables, casual chairs and bathroom fixtures playfully reinforce the spherical Dots brand.
Dots' commitment to innovation is also reflected in a slew of modern-office amenities: coffee bars, indoor basketball court, indoor and outdoor walking tracks, and a Nintendo Wii gaming center speak not only to the times, but to the company's appreciation of its employees.
For its efforts, Vocon received an award from the Ohio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The project was singled out for its urban flair and attention to detail.
Vocon's recent projects have included the redesign of 60 KeyBank locations as well as graphics and interior design work for Tri-C's new Center for Creative Arts. Vocon's increase in design work has caused the firm to add new staffers to its team of 60-plus members. Vocon recently was ranked 43 on Interior Design magazine's list of "Top 100 Giants," with $12 million in design fees.
Dots has 400 stores in 26 states and employs more than 300 people in Northeast Ohio.
Vocon's design of the 192,000-square-foot office and distribution center oozes hip femininity and panache. Pink, the company's corporate color, is splashed across the modern lobby and used as an accent everywhere from the conference rooms to the lunchroom. Circular coffee tables, casual chairs and bathroom fixtures playfully reinforce the spherical Dots brand.
Dots' commitment to innovation is also reflected in a slew of modern-office amenities: coffee bars, indoor basketball court, indoor and outdoor walking tracks, and a Nintendo Wii gaming center speak not only to the times, but to the company's appreciation of its employees.
For its efforts, Vocon received an award from the Ohio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The project was singled out for its urban flair and attention to detail.
Vocon's recent projects have included the redesign of 60 KeyBank locations as well as graphics and interior design work for Tri-C's new Center for Creative Arts. Vocon's increase in design work has caused the firm to add new staffers to its team of 60-plus members. Vocon recently was ranked 43 on Interior Design magazine's list of "Top 100 Giants," with $12 million in design fees.
Dots has 400 stores in 26 states and employs more than 300 people in Northeast Ohio.
SOURCES: Vocon, Inc., Dots
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
cleveland's pediacath snags $500k to develop first line of pediatric catheters
You would think that something as vital as a cardiac catheter designed specifically for children would have been on the market years ago. Sad truth is, a lack of financial incentives previously prevented such a device from being produced.
"There aren't many players in the pediatric medical device space because there isn't huge cash-out potential," explains Tim Moran, founder of Cleveland-based nonprofit PediaWorks. The issue, he notes, is simply a matter of market share. Whereas the adult medical device market caters to patients aged 18 to, well, death, the pediatric market stretches only from birth to 18. "And people in that younger age group are, thankfully, relatively healthy."
The out-and-out lack of medical devices designed for young patients often leaves practitioners scrambling for suitable off-label replacements. In fact, there are relatively few devices that are FDA-approved for pediatrics. The associated problems can range from pain and discomfort, as in the case of an ill-fitting airway mask, to matters of life and death, illustrated by the absence of pediatric pacemakers.
Thanks to a new joint venture between PediaWorks and Medikit, a manufacturer of interventional cardiology products headquartered in Japan, Cleveland will serve as new headquarters for PediaCath, the first developer of pediatric catheters.
In addition to the use of its rapid prototyping facilities and top-notch R&D engineers, Medikit is kicking in $500,000 in seed funding. PediaWorks will be providing executive management services and access to a network of pediatric clinical advisors and research partners. The Cleveland Clinic is also involved in the project.
PediaWorks was formed in 2009 as a nonprofit organization to help children through the development of medical devices.
"There aren't many players in the pediatric medical device space because there isn't huge cash-out potential," explains Tim Moran, founder of Cleveland-based nonprofit PediaWorks. The issue, he notes, is simply a matter of market share. Whereas the adult medical device market caters to patients aged 18 to, well, death, the pediatric market stretches only from birth to 18. "And people in that younger age group are, thankfully, relatively healthy."
The out-and-out lack of medical devices designed for young patients often leaves practitioners scrambling for suitable off-label replacements. In fact, there are relatively few devices that are FDA-approved for pediatrics. The associated problems can range from pain and discomfort, as in the case of an ill-fitting airway mask, to matters of life and death, illustrated by the absence of pediatric pacemakers.
Thanks to a new joint venture between PediaWorks and Medikit, a manufacturer of interventional cardiology products headquartered in Japan, Cleveland will serve as new headquarters for PediaCath, the first developer of pediatric catheters.
In addition to the use of its rapid prototyping facilities and top-notch R&D engineers, Medikit is kicking in $500,000 in seed funding. PediaWorks will be providing executive management services and access to a network of pediatric clinical advisors and research partners. The Cleveland Clinic is also involved in the project.
PediaWorks was formed in 2009 as a nonprofit organization to help children through the development of medical devices.
SOURCE: PediaWorks
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
There's no guarantee that they'll study any harder, but those who attend Cleveland State University (CSU)
will no doubt be spending more time inside the new and ultra-friendly
Student Center. The $44-million building was officially unveiled to new
and returning students at the beginning of the fall semester.
The Student Center features three lounges and several terraces for reading and relaxing. Dining options include the Viking Marketplace and Chop'd and Wrap'd. The Atrium Cafe serves local treats, such as Phoenix Coffee and Bialy's Bagels. A convenience store, a CSU bookstore and a 6,000-square-foot ballroom are other highlights of the Student Center.
Gwathmey Siegel & Associates of New York designed the facility to enhance the image of the overall campus and create an open connection with the city. The interior is bright and open, with plenty of areas to view the bustling cityscape.
"The Student Center will become the hub of campus life, the nexus where all of us – students, faculty and staff – come together to form a community," says Ronald M. Berkman, president of CSU. "Its importance cannot be overstated."
The Student Center is the latest in a series of construction projects on the CSU campus over the last few years. Led by the vision of former CSU president, Michael Schwartz, CSU has a long-range plan to make the school an integral party of the city.
SOURCE: Ronald Berkman
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The Student Center features three lounges and several terraces for reading and relaxing. Dining options include the Viking Marketplace and Chop'd and Wrap'd. The Atrium Cafe serves local treats, such as Phoenix Coffee and Bialy's Bagels. A convenience store, a CSU bookstore and a 6,000-square-foot ballroom are other highlights of the Student Center.
Gwathmey Siegel & Associates of New York designed the facility to enhance the image of the overall campus and create an open connection with the city. The interior is bright and open, with plenty of areas to view the bustling cityscape.
"The Student Center will become the hub of campus life, the nexus where all of us – students, faculty and staff – come together to form a community," says Ronald M. Berkman, president of CSU. "Its importance cannot be overstated."
The Student Center is the latest in a series of construction projects on the CSU campus over the last few years. Led by the vision of former CSU president, Michael Schwartz, CSU has a long-range plan to make the school an integral party of the city.
SOURCE: Ronald Berkman
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
We managed to squeeze three days of mind-bending, jaw-dropping art, technology, music and performance art at the Ingenuity Fest into one teeny little photo slide show. Let Fresh Water managing photographer show you around.
The spice of life might just be found inside a Budapest Blonde Cocktail Mix. Created by Clevelander Ilona Simon, the new drink mixes promise to offer loads of taste but few calories.
The Hot Blonde Bloody Mary mix features fresh tomato puree, Hungarian paprika, mustard powder and wasabi - for that special kick. The best part: The tasty mix has only 10 calories per serving, according to Simon, although adding vodka will increase the calorie content (and, ahem, the fun).
Budapest Blonde also offers a Dirty Blonde olive martini mix (40 calories per serving), and the Beach Blonde margarita and mojito mix (also 40 calories per serving).
Simon, who was co-owner of the former Budapest Blonde Wine & Martine Bar in Independence, says that her new mixes provide great flavor without any artificial or unhealthy ingredients. "They don't have all those preservatives; they don't have all that sodium; and they don't have all those calories," she says. Teetotalers needn't feel left out. "[The mixes] are so good, you can even drink them straight from the bottle," Simon declares.
These days, you'll find Simon's Budapest Blonde Cocktail Mixes at Heinen's in Brecksville, Independence Beverage, Minotti's Wine & Spirits and Shoregate Beverage, among other locations. For more information, visit the Budapest Blonde Facebook page: Budapest Blonde Cocktail Mix
SOURCE: Ilona Simon
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The Hot Blonde Bloody Mary mix features fresh tomato puree, Hungarian paprika, mustard powder and wasabi - for that special kick. The best part: The tasty mix has only 10 calories per serving, according to Simon, although adding vodka will increase the calorie content (and, ahem, the fun).
Budapest Blonde also offers a Dirty Blonde olive martini mix (40 calories per serving), and the Beach Blonde margarita and mojito mix (also 40 calories per serving).
Simon, who was co-owner of the former Budapest Blonde Wine & Martine Bar in Independence, says that her new mixes provide great flavor without any artificial or unhealthy ingredients. "They don't have all those preservatives; they don't have all that sodium; and they don't have all those calories," she says. Teetotalers needn't feel left out. "[The mixes] are so good, you can even drink them straight from the bottle," Simon declares.
These days, you'll find Simon's Budapest Blonde Cocktail Mixes at Heinen's in Brecksville, Independence Beverage, Minotti's Wine & Spirits and Shoregate Beverage, among other locations. For more information, visit the Budapest Blonde Facebook page: Budapest Blonde Cocktail Mix
SOURCE: Ilona Simon
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
pittsburgh is sweet on the cleveland dining scene
There's more to feast on in Cleveland than Iron Chef fare, says Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer China Millman. In fact, there's enough great chow to plan an entire culinary vacation around.
MLB.com hot on progressive field's announcement of 'snow days'
Chuckle all you want at Cleveland's weather, but when the snowballs start flying in Progressive Field, it will be Cleveland families having the last laugh.
MLB.com reports on the Indians' announcement of "Snow Days," which will bring ice skating and snow tubing to the downtown ballpark.
Beginning with "Snowpening Day" on Friday, Nov. 26, and running through the new year, Snow Days will feature a 10-lane snow tubing hill dubbed the Batterhorn, a quarter-mile ice skating track around the outfield, and other family friendly attractions.
"We are uniquely positioned and staffed to put on special events," the article quotes Bob DiBiasio, the club's vice president of public relations. "We decided to take advantage of some silent time during the wintertime."
Read the full article here.
MLB.com reports on the Indians' announcement of "Snow Days," which will bring ice skating and snow tubing to the downtown ballpark.
Beginning with "Snowpening Day" on Friday, Nov. 26, and running through the new year, Snow Days will feature a 10-lane snow tubing hill dubbed the Batterhorn, a quarter-mile ice skating track around the outfield, and other family friendly attractions.
"We are uniquely positioned and staffed to put on special events," the article quotes Bob DiBiasio, the club's vice president of public relations. "We decided to take advantage of some silent time during the wintertime."
Read the full article here.