Downtown
Thanks to game-changing, large-scale architectural efforts largely absent during the recession, Cleveland steadily is catching up to other similarly sized cities in terms of design. Long known as a "brick city," Cleveland's recent and forthcoming high-profile projects are adding progressive new materials to the mix.
2013 cle film fest will be bigger, better, longer, later
It is hard to believe, but this year's Cleveland International Film Festival -- the 36th annual -- once again broke the previous year's attendance figures.
The 11-day film festival, which wrapped up on Sunday, April 1, checked in a record total of 85,018 filmgoers. This is a 9-percent jump from the previous year and a whopping 143-percent increase from 2003. What's more, the festival saw it's largest single-day attendance on Saturday, March 31, with 13,176 coming to see a film.
Changes to next year's festival can only add to those numbers. Organizers will be adding a full day of films -- making it a 12-day festival -- while pushing back the dates. The 2013 film fest will begin almost two weeks later, running Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 14, at Tower City Cinemas.
Here's looking to another record-setting year!
The 11-day film festival, which wrapped up on Sunday, April 1, checked in a record total of 85,018 filmgoers. This is a 9-percent jump from the previous year and a whopping 143-percent increase from 2003. What's more, the festival saw it's largest single-day attendance on Saturday, March 31, with 13,176 coming to see a film.
Changes to next year's festival can only add to those numbers. Organizers will be adding a full day of films -- making it a 12-day festival -- while pushing back the dates. The 2013 film fest will begin almost two weeks later, running Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 14, at Tower City Cinemas.
Here's looking to another record-setting year!
Although the environmental health of the Cuyahoga River has dramatically improved in recent decades, ugly mats of hazardous floating debris and litter still accumulate in the bends of the famously crooked river.
If a violent storm rolls in off Lake Erie, or strong winds spring up, the mats can easily break apart and float into the shipping channel. The sudden presence of fallen logs and other debris can create a dangerous obstacle course for boaters and rowers traversing the river.
Later this summer, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will begin using two specialized aluminum work boats to remove floating debris from the river and the Lake Erie shoreline. The new boats, called Flotsam and Jetsam, are being paid for by a $425,160 grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The river cleanup initiative is the first comprehensive initiative of its kind.
"The river is a lot cleaner than it looks and now has 40 species of fish, but this program will demonstrate stewardship to the community," says Jim White, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Programs for the Port Authority. "This is one of the pieces of the puzzle in terms of restoring the health of the river."
Source: Jim White
Writer: Lee Chilcote
If a violent storm rolls in off Lake Erie, or strong winds spring up, the mats can easily break apart and float into the shipping channel. The sudden presence of fallen logs and other debris can create a dangerous obstacle course for boaters and rowers traversing the river.
Later this summer, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will begin using two specialized aluminum work boats to remove floating debris from the river and the Lake Erie shoreline. The new boats, called Flotsam and Jetsam, are being paid for by a $425,160 grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The river cleanup initiative is the first comprehensive initiative of its kind.
"The river is a lot cleaner than it looks and now has 40 species of fish, but this program will demonstrate stewardship to the community," says Jim White, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Programs for the Port Authority. "This is one of the pieces of the puzzle in terms of restoring the health of the river."
Source: Jim White
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Goldman Sachs announced last week that it will bring its 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) initiative to Cleveland. The initiative commits $500 million to entrepreneurial education, access to capital and technical assistance services. Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation have pledged $15 million to Cleveland.
Cleveland is the seventh city to host a 10KSB. Unlike many organizations in Cleveland that focus on startups, this program is designed for existing small business owners who are ready to grow their companies and create jobs.
“We’re really excited about this because it fills a gap,” says Jumpstart CEO Ray Leach, who has been in talks with Goldman Sachs for nearly a year about bringing the initiative to Cleveland. “It puts a new focus on the segment of the market that includes existing low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech companies that have been in business for a while.”
Other local organizations involved are Tri-C, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and COSE.
Leach says Goldman Sachs saw Cleveland as primed for growth. “The entire ecosystem in Northeast Ohio is already pretty robust, so if they brought the program here it could generate jobs more quickly,” he explains. “The philanthropy will go further here than in an area less organized.”
Tri-C will host the 11-session course beginning in September. The course is intended to be a practical business management education program that helps entrepreneurs develop skills they need to grow a company. Selected participants receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Business owners eligible to apply for the program generally have been in business for two years or more and typically have at least four employees and a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year. Applications for the free September session are being accepted through July 2. Future sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cleveland is the seventh city to host a 10KSB. Unlike many organizations in Cleveland that focus on startups, this program is designed for existing small business owners who are ready to grow their companies and create jobs.
“We’re really excited about this because it fills a gap,” says Jumpstart CEO Ray Leach, who has been in talks with Goldman Sachs for nearly a year about bringing the initiative to Cleveland. “It puts a new focus on the segment of the market that includes existing low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech companies that have been in business for a while.”
Other local organizations involved are Tri-C, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and COSE.
Leach says Goldman Sachs saw Cleveland as primed for growth. “The entire ecosystem in Northeast Ohio is already pretty robust, so if they brought the program here it could generate jobs more quickly,” he explains. “The philanthropy will go further here than in an area less organized.”
Tri-C will host the 11-session course beginning in September. The course is intended to be a practical business management education program that helps entrepreneurs develop skills they need to grow a company. Selected participants receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Business owners eligible to apply for the program generally have been in business for two years or more and typically have at least four employees and a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year. Applications for the free September session are being accepted through July 2. Future sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
huffpo publishes mike symon's love letter to cleveland
"Cleveland, You have been my best friend for over 40 years," writes Symon, in a heartfelt love letter to his one and only native town.
"I hid from you like every other teenager with a skateboard and BMX, choosing to play in the suburbs, a wide world of vanilla filled with malls, chain stores and entirely too much mediocrity."
"It wasn't until I left you that I realized how amazing you are and all the great treasures you possessed. Whether it was the old world headcheese at The Sausage Shoppe, amazing pierogies at Sokolowski's or the perfect steak and steam at the Shvitz, you were -- history and culture aside -- loaded with old-world culinary traditions that most cities could only imagine."
Enjoy the rest of his ode here.
"I hid from you like every other teenager with a skateboard and BMX, choosing to play in the suburbs, a wide world of vanilla filled with malls, chain stores and entirely too much mediocrity."
"It wasn't until I left you that I realized how amazing you are and all the great treasures you possessed. Whether it was the old world headcheese at The Sausage Shoppe, amazing pierogies at Sokolowski's or the perfect steak and steam at the Shvitz, you were -- history and culture aside -- loaded with old-world culinary traditions that most cities could only imagine."
Enjoy the rest of his ode here.
The Cleveland Entrepreneurs’ Organization is one of the oldest and strongest chapters of the worldwide organization. Comprised of 115 members who are founders of business with at least $1 million in annual gross revenues, the members network, socialize and share their success stories.
Now the EO wants to share its collective knowledge with other entrepreneurs through its Accelerator program. Started three years ago, the purpose of the program is to educate and mentor small businesses to help them grow. “EO Cleveland decided to step out and take companies that are under $1 million and grow them into million-dollar companies,” says EO member Gene Roberts. “The concept is, if we can accelerate them to the $1 million mark, we can make them members.”
Participants must have businesses that make at least $250,000 annually to participate in the three-year program. EO members speak about their experiences and provide one-on-one mentoring once a month for a year. Accountability groups meet to share their progress, and regular events are designed to share advice and success stories.
“Our EO members meet with Accelerator group members once a month and talk about responsibility, how to get focus to grow, and 10 goals for growth,” says Roberts.
The Accelerator graduated six members in 2011. Ideally, Roberts says they would like to host 30 entrepreneurs in each class.
Source: Gene Roberts
Writer: Karin Connelly
Now the EO wants to share its collective knowledge with other entrepreneurs through its Accelerator program. Started three years ago, the purpose of the program is to educate and mentor small businesses to help them grow. “EO Cleveland decided to step out and take companies that are under $1 million and grow them into million-dollar companies,” says EO member Gene Roberts. “The concept is, if we can accelerate them to the $1 million mark, we can make them members.”
Participants must have businesses that make at least $250,000 annually to participate in the three-year program. EO members speak about their experiences and provide one-on-one mentoring once a month for a year. Accountability groups meet to share their progress, and regular events are designed to share advice and success stories.
“Our EO members meet with Accelerator group members once a month and talk about responsibility, how to get focus to grow, and 10 goals for growth,” says Roberts.
The Accelerator graduated six members in 2011. Ideally, Roberts says they would like to host 30 entrepreneurs in each class.
Source: Gene Roberts
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last year, Akron marketing professional Amy Wong signed up to attend Cleveland GiveCamp for a few hours and ended up staying the entire weekend. She was taken with its mission of helping nonprofits with tech projects -- and she was having a good time.
This year, she hopes to deliver an even bigger impact by serving more nonprofits. GiveCamp, which is part of a national network of events that link technology professionals with nonprofits, is accepting applications until June 17th. The event takes place July 20th-22nd on LeanDog's barge at North Coast Harbor.
"Not only do nonprofits get help, but the teams learn a lot about the nonprofit community," says Wong of the event. "It's a win-win situation on both fronts."
Getting accepted into GiveCamp is competitive, and nonprofits must demonstrate a feasible project, community benefit and financial need. The projects help them better serve their constituencies by becoming more efficient and effective.
Last year, GiveCamp helped 23 nonprofit organizations with $500,000 worth of free development work. Completed projects include 17 new websites, three database applications, an iPhone app, Android app and mobile website.
Source: Amy Wong
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This year, she hopes to deliver an even bigger impact by serving more nonprofits. GiveCamp, which is part of a national network of events that link technology professionals with nonprofits, is accepting applications until June 17th. The event takes place July 20th-22nd on LeanDog's barge at North Coast Harbor.
"Not only do nonprofits get help, but the teams learn a lot about the nonprofit community," says Wong of the event. "It's a win-win situation on both fronts."
Getting accepted into GiveCamp is competitive, and nonprofits must demonstrate a feasible project, community benefit and financial need. The projects help them better serve their constituencies by becoming more efficient and effective.
Last year, GiveCamp helped 23 nonprofit organizations with $500,000 worth of free development work. Completed projects include 17 new websites, three database applications, an iPhone app, Android app and mobile website.
Source: Amy Wong
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Whereas some kids bond with their dads over football or baseball, Jacob Friedman and his dad have always bonded over oldies music stars like Petula Clark and Dean Martin and old movies starring Tim Conway.
Five years ago, Friedman suddenly had blurry vision and he couldn't get out of bed. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The nine-year-old listened to Clark's "Downtown" to comfort him as he traveled from his home in Parma to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in University Circle.
By a stroke of luck, Friedman later ran into Petula Clark while vacationing with his family at Disney World during a trip that was sponsored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He asked for her autograph and they talked for over an hour. Clark was so taken with the young boy's story that she stayed in contact with him.
Figuring that he had nothing to lose, Friedman also emailed Tim Conway through his website. They soon struck up a relationship that continues to this day. Clark, Conway and some of Friedman's other film and music heroes have encouraged him to stay hopeful about his recovery and pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
"It's really meant a lot to me to have them a part of my life," says Friedman.
Now, Friedman has achieved another one of his longtime dreams. The 13-year-old has painted a "gratitude guitar" as part of Guitarmania, an event that places large, colorfully painted guitars around Cleveland to benefit United Way and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's education programs. The guitar features a rendering of Petula Clark and Tim Conway, and will soon be revealed to them as a surprise.
"Jacob thought it would be a great opportunity to say thank you in a really big way," says Steve Friedman, Jacob's father. "He wanted it to be a surprise."
The front of the guitar contains the words "laughter and music are the best medicine" and the guitar also features an image of Cleveland's skyline.
The Guitarmania kickoff takes place on Friday, May 25th at the Rock Hall.
Source: Jacob Friedman, Steve Friedman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Five years ago, Friedman suddenly had blurry vision and he couldn't get out of bed. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The nine-year-old listened to Clark's "Downtown" to comfort him as he traveled from his home in Parma to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in University Circle.
By a stroke of luck, Friedman later ran into Petula Clark while vacationing with his family at Disney World during a trip that was sponsored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He asked for her autograph and they talked for over an hour. Clark was so taken with the young boy's story that she stayed in contact with him.
Figuring that he had nothing to lose, Friedman also emailed Tim Conway through his website. They soon struck up a relationship that continues to this day. Clark, Conway and some of Friedman's other film and music heroes have encouraged him to stay hopeful about his recovery and pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
"It's really meant a lot to me to have them a part of my life," says Friedman.
Now, Friedman has achieved another one of his longtime dreams. The 13-year-old has painted a "gratitude guitar" as part of Guitarmania, an event that places large, colorfully painted guitars around Cleveland to benefit United Way and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's education programs. The guitar features a rendering of Petula Clark and Tim Conway, and will soon be revealed to them as a surprise.
"Jacob thought it would be a great opportunity to say thank you in a really big way," says Steve Friedman, Jacob's father. "He wanted it to be a surprise."
The front of the guitar contains the words "laughter and music are the best medicine" and the guitar also features an image of Cleveland's skyline.
The Guitarmania kickoff takes place on Friday, May 25th at the Rock Hall.
Source: Jacob Friedman, Steve Friedman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This month Cleveland welcomes Great Lakes Courier, a high-energy free monthly paper that caters to Northeast Ohio's enthusiastic cycling community. "One of the things we hope to provide is a place for different groups of cyclists to tell stories and interact," says editor Michael Gill.
'downtown cleveland is surging,' says salon
In an article titled, "Rust Belt chic: Declining Midwest cities make a comeback," Salon writer Will Doig reports on the surprising growth and popularity of former Rust Belt cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh.
"More than any other city in America, Cleveland is a joke, a whipping boy of Johnny Carson monologues and Hollywood’s official set for films about comic mediocrity," Doig begins.
"But here’s what else is funny: According to a recent analysis, the population of downtown Cleveland is surging, doubling in the past 20 years. What’s more, the majority of the growth occurred in the 22-to-34-year-old demo, those coveted 'knowledge economy' workers for whom every city is competing."
This newfound growth and appreciation can go one of two ways, writes Doig. "Demand for decay could spell a new era for post-industrial cities -- or run its course as a faddish blip that attracted more media coverage than actual converts."
Cleveland-based writer Richey Piiparinen argues for the former.
"The country in the 2000s, it became about growth, glamour, living beyond your means,” Piiparinen says. “It was all aspiration. Now we’re comparing the foreclosed glass condo tower to the old brick building that’s stood for a hundred years.”
Read the rest right here.
"More than any other city in America, Cleveland is a joke, a whipping boy of Johnny Carson monologues and Hollywood’s official set for films about comic mediocrity," Doig begins.
"But here’s what else is funny: According to a recent analysis, the population of downtown Cleveland is surging, doubling in the past 20 years. What’s more, the majority of the growth occurred in the 22-to-34-year-old demo, those coveted 'knowledge economy' workers for whom every city is competing."
This newfound growth and appreciation can go one of two ways, writes Doig. "Demand for decay could spell a new era for post-industrial cities -- or run its course as a faddish blip that attracted more media coverage than actual converts."
Cleveland-based writer Richey Piiparinen argues for the former.
"The country in the 2000s, it became about growth, glamour, living beyond your means,” Piiparinen says. “It was all aspiration. Now we’re comparing the foreclosed glass condo tower to the old brick building that’s stood for a hundred years.”
Read the rest right here.
cuyahoga arts & culture accepting grant apps, hosting workshops
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture is accepting applications for its 2013 grant programs. Nonprofit organizations offering arts and culture programming in Cuyahoga County are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about its Project Support grant program, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture encourages applicants to attend one of three informational workshops, to be held June 5, 7, or 13.
“In 2012, CAC is investing $15 million in 154 organizations throughout Cuyahoga County, and we welcome organizations offering arts and culture programs to apply now for CAC grants in 2013,” explains Executive Director Karen Gahl-Mills. “Our county is fortunate to have this source of public funding for arts and culture, which strengthens our community by making it a better place to live, work, and play.”
At each workshop, CAC staff will review its grant programs, eligibility requirements, and CAC’s application process. The same content will be reviewed at each workshop. Workshops are optional, but are a valuable learning opportunity for new applicants to the Project Support program. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
Click here for more information.
To learn more about its Project Support grant program, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture encourages applicants to attend one of three informational workshops, to be held June 5, 7, or 13.
“In 2012, CAC is investing $15 million in 154 organizations throughout Cuyahoga County, and we welcome organizations offering arts and culture programs to apply now for CAC grants in 2013,” explains Executive Director Karen Gahl-Mills. “Our county is fortunate to have this source of public funding for arts and culture, which strengthens our community by making it a better place to live, work, and play.”
At each workshop, CAC staff will review its grant programs, eligibility requirements, and CAC’s application process. The same content will be reviewed at each workshop. Workshops are optional, but are a valuable learning opportunity for new applicants to the Project Support program. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
Click here for more information.
What’s on your summer to-do list? Hanging out at your favorite outdoor café? Taking a dip at Edgewater? Enjoying a Tribe game at Progressive Field? Well, here’s another: touring Cleveland by bicycle. This year it’s easier than ever to see the city via two wheels thanks to new bike-tour operators, public rides, and bike rental companies.
Brand Muscle CEO Philip Alexander freely admits that he was initially opposed to moving his firm to downtown Cleveland because he didn't want to give up his breezy, 17-minute commute to the office.
Research studies have shown that the most powerful predictor of a firm's location is where the top executives live. For Brand Muscle's leadership, it was convenient to commute from the east-side suburbs to their offices in Beachwood, where the software firm has grown to 150 employees.
But as the firm outgrew its suburban offices and launched a search for a location that would facilitate its expansion, what happened next was not quite according to script. Brand Muscle's younger employees launched a campaign to encourage Alexander and other leaders to consider downtown Cleveland.
"There was quite a bit of lobbying, actually -- many of our employees are younger, and I was surprised by how many of them wanted us to move downtown," says Alexander. "The increased vibrancy of downtown made us take a look."
In November, Brand Muscle expects to move to freshly leased offices at 11000 Superior Avenue in the Nine-Twelve District. Initially, the firm will lease about 40,000 square feet, but it has the option to continuously expand as needed.
Alexander says that Brand Muscle's new downtown location will allow the firm to better attract younger employees, facilitate networking with other software companies, and provide entertainment options when clients are in town.
Brand Muscle sells software that helps businesses customize marketing materials for local audiences in order to optimize their sales and improve revenue growth.
Source: Philip Alexander
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Research studies have shown that the most powerful predictor of a firm's location is where the top executives live. For Brand Muscle's leadership, it was convenient to commute from the east-side suburbs to their offices in Beachwood, where the software firm has grown to 150 employees.
But as the firm outgrew its suburban offices and launched a search for a location that would facilitate its expansion, what happened next was not quite according to script. Brand Muscle's younger employees launched a campaign to encourage Alexander and other leaders to consider downtown Cleveland.
"There was quite a bit of lobbying, actually -- many of our employees are younger, and I was surprised by how many of them wanted us to move downtown," says Alexander. "The increased vibrancy of downtown made us take a look."
In November, Brand Muscle expects to move to freshly leased offices at 11000 Superior Avenue in the Nine-Twelve District. Initially, the firm will lease about 40,000 square feet, but it has the option to continuously expand as needed.
Alexander says that Brand Muscle's new downtown location will allow the firm to better attract younger employees, facilitate networking with other software companies, and provide entertainment options when clients are in town.
Brand Muscle sells software that helps businesses customize marketing materials for local audiences in order to optimize their sales and improve revenue growth.
Source: Philip Alexander
Writer: Lee Chilcote
las vegas looks to cleveland casino with appreciation
"Ohio's first casino opened Monday night with long lines of gamblers ready to roll the dice, a glitzy music video instead of a traditional ribbon cutting and a taste of Las Vegas with two bare-midriff showgirls wearing plumed hats and sequined tops," begins this Las Vegas Review-Journal piece on Cleveland's brand new Horseshoe casino.
Toledo's casino will open in two weeks, with Cincinnati and Columbus to follow suit by next year.
"Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment owns 20 percent of the $350 million project and will receive fees for managing it on behalf of majority owner Rock Gaming LLC."
Read all the news right here.
Toledo's casino will open in two weeks, with Cincinnati and Columbus to follow suit by next year.
"Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment owns 20 percent of the $350 million project and will receive fees for managing it on behalf of majority owner Rock Gaming LLC."
Read all the news right here.
Next time that your favorite barista etches a flower in your foamy mug of latte, savor it for a moment before you take a sip. He or she may actually be practicing for For the Love of Latte Art, an educational event and latte art throwdown that is being hosted this weekend by Cleveland-area coffee companies.
The event, which is being hosted by a new coffee collective called CLE Brews, will include skill-building workshops for professional and amateur baristas who are interested in learning the craft of latte art. It concludes with a "Latte Art Throwdown" in which participants will be judged on their latte art. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Asobagri Co-op Disaster Relief Fund in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, an area that was devastated by intense rainfall last year.
"Our goal is to build unity, share ideas and really push the coffee culture in Cleveland," says Nathan Lilly, a Manager and Trainer with Phoenix Coffee Company. "We've done events like this before, but never on this big of a scale. We'd like to make this an annual event showcasing coffee in Cleveland."
CLE Brews is a collective comprised of Phoenix Coffee Company, Erie Island Coffee Company, Caruso's Coffee and Red Cedar Coffee. The winner of the Latte Art Throwdown will receive a $4,000 espresso machine donated by Nuova Simonelli and entry into Coffee Fest Seattle's Latte Art Competition.
Competition should be fierce: Lilly says the local coffee scene has talented baristas who can sketch swans, clovers, rabbits and even tulips into a steaming cup of latte.
The event takes place this Saturday, May 12th at Cuyahoga Community College's Hospitality Management Center at Public Square in downtown Cleveland.
Source: Nathan Lilly
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The event, which is being hosted by a new coffee collective called CLE Brews, will include skill-building workshops for professional and amateur baristas who are interested in learning the craft of latte art. It concludes with a "Latte Art Throwdown" in which participants will be judged on their latte art. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Asobagri Co-op Disaster Relief Fund in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, an area that was devastated by intense rainfall last year.
"Our goal is to build unity, share ideas and really push the coffee culture in Cleveland," says Nathan Lilly, a Manager and Trainer with Phoenix Coffee Company. "We've done events like this before, but never on this big of a scale. We'd like to make this an annual event showcasing coffee in Cleveland."
CLE Brews is a collective comprised of Phoenix Coffee Company, Erie Island Coffee Company, Caruso's Coffee and Red Cedar Coffee. The winner of the Latte Art Throwdown will receive a $4,000 espresso machine donated by Nuova Simonelli and entry into Coffee Fest Seattle's Latte Art Competition.
Competition should be fierce: Lilly says the local coffee scene has talented baristas who can sketch swans, clovers, rabbits and even tulips into a steaming cup of latte.
The event takes place this Saturday, May 12th at Cuyahoga Community College's Hospitality Management Center at Public Square in downtown Cleveland.
Source: Nathan Lilly
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cuyahoga arts and culture helps connect art and community
Free classical concerts held in churches throughout the city, a science, math, technology and engineering (STEM) high school at Great Lakes Science Center, and a partnership between Inlet Dance Company and the Music Settlement are just a few of the unique projects funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
Since 2006, this countywide entity has invested over $80 million in nearly 200 organizations. Recently, CAC released new data showing that for every $1 that it has invested in arts and culture organizations, about $19 makes its way back into the regional economy.
CAC-funded organizations also serve over one million schoolchildren per year and more than 6.4 million visitors to the region. Moreover, about 55 percent of the groups that receive CAC funding require no admission charge at all.
One of the biggest developments in Cleveland's arts and culture scene, however, is the innovative ways in which nonprofit arts organizations are connecting with local communities. Karen Gahl-Mills, the organization's Executive Director, says that one of CAC's biggest areas of growth is in small project support.
"We see arts activity happening in unusual places," she says. "The projects aren't necessarily new, but people know who we are now. We're doing outreach to communities where people were not applying for grants before."
Gahl-Mills also says that Cuyahoga County's robust system of public arts funding, which stems from a countywide cigarette tax passed in 2006, is the envy of many other cities. "A lot of cities look at Cleveland and say, 'They did it, why can't we?'"
In the end, CAC will only be successful if it achieves its mission of maximizing community benefit. "Our goal is to make the community better by investing in arts and culture, so we're reaching into the community in different ways."
Source: Karen Gahl-Mills
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Since 2006, this countywide entity has invested over $80 million in nearly 200 organizations. Recently, CAC released new data showing that for every $1 that it has invested in arts and culture organizations, about $19 makes its way back into the regional economy.
CAC-funded organizations also serve over one million schoolchildren per year and more than 6.4 million visitors to the region. Moreover, about 55 percent of the groups that receive CAC funding require no admission charge at all.
One of the biggest developments in Cleveland's arts and culture scene, however, is the innovative ways in which nonprofit arts organizations are connecting with local communities. Karen Gahl-Mills, the organization's Executive Director, says that one of CAC's biggest areas of growth is in small project support.
"We see arts activity happening in unusual places," she says. "The projects aren't necessarily new, but people know who we are now. We're doing outreach to communities where people were not applying for grants before."
Gahl-Mills also says that Cuyahoga County's robust system of public arts funding, which stems from a countywide cigarette tax passed in 2006, is the envy of many other cities. "A lot of cities look at Cleveland and say, 'They did it, why can't we?'"
In the end, CAC will only be successful if it achieves its mission of maximizing community benefit. "Our goal is to make the community better by investing in arts and culture, so we're reaching into the community in different ways."
Source: Karen Gahl-Mills
Writer: Lee Chilcote
flee to the cleve: symon picks hometown faves
Where does chef Michael Symon send out-of-town visitors when they come to town? The New York Post asked and he answered, ticking off a list of 10 can't-miss stops.
#1 West Side Market
“One of the most special places where I bring all my chef friends when they visit," Symon says in the article. “Regardless of whether I bring in chefs from New York or San Francisco or another country, it just blows them away.”.
#2 Great Lakes Brewing Co.
“Microbreweries are very hot right now; this has been there [almost] 30 years and is arguably one of the best."
#3 Velvet Tango Room
“It was so ahead of its time,” he says. “It’s been open 18 years; they were doing all the cool things long ago."
#4 ABC the Tavern
Symon recommends this bar for its cheap drinks and great burgers.
Also mentioned: Banyan Tree, Beachland Ballroom, Big Al's Diner, Greenhouse Tavern, Happy Dog and Superior Pho.
Read the entire list here:
#1 West Side Market
“One of the most special places where I bring all my chef friends when they visit," Symon says in the article. “Regardless of whether I bring in chefs from New York or San Francisco or another country, it just blows them away.”.
#2 Great Lakes Brewing Co.
“Microbreweries are very hot right now; this has been there [almost] 30 years and is arguably one of the best."
#3 Velvet Tango Room
“It was so ahead of its time,” he says. “It’s been open 18 years; they were doing all the cool things long ago."
#4 ABC the Tavern
Symon recommends this bar for its cheap drinks and great burgers.
Also mentioned: Banyan Tree, Beachland Ballroom, Big Al's Diner, Greenhouse Tavern, Happy Dog and Superior Pho.
Read the entire list here:
Life Core Technologies received a $250,000 investment from JumpStart for its Excel disposable cerebral cooling system, a device that reduces chances of death in a medical emergency.
“Excel has a cooling element that cools the brain 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius very quickly after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury,” explains Life Core CEO Mike Burke. “The cooling allows the brain to use less oxygen and prevent oxygen depletion and swelling.”
The technology was developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Aqeel Sandhu in the late 1990s. “He discovered though his work with animals that cooling the brain can reduce the metabolic rate and several hours later they came back,” explains Burke. “In 2010, the American Heart Association came up with guidelines stating the cooling as soon as possible after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survivability and retained mental capacity."
The JumpStart investment will allow Life Core to conduct additional scientific studies. “We are working with a number of organizations to do additional studies,” says Burke. “We are proving the effectiveness.”
Burke is proud that the product is manufactured by a local company and assembled by Patriot Packaging, which employs veterans.
Life Core currently has five employees. “We will be expecting to grow as we attain commercialization,” says Burke. “We expect to grow internally with two people and also grow externally through distributors in Northeast Ohio.”
Source: Mike Burke
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Excel has a cooling element that cools the brain 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius very quickly after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury,” explains Life Core CEO Mike Burke. “The cooling allows the brain to use less oxygen and prevent oxygen depletion and swelling.”
The technology was developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Aqeel Sandhu in the late 1990s. “He discovered though his work with animals that cooling the brain can reduce the metabolic rate and several hours later they came back,” explains Burke. “In 2010, the American Heart Association came up with guidelines stating the cooling as soon as possible after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survivability and retained mental capacity."
The JumpStart investment will allow Life Core to conduct additional scientific studies. “We are working with a number of organizations to do additional studies,” says Burke. “We are proving the effectiveness.”
Burke is proud that the product is manufactured by a local company and assembled by Patriot Packaging, which employs veterans.
Life Core currently has five employees. “We will be expecting to grow as we attain commercialization,” says Burke. “We expect to grow internally with two people and also grow externally through distributors in Northeast Ohio.”
Source: Mike Burke
Writer: Karin Connelly
DXY Solutions is working with historical societies around the country to put historical information, pictures and maps on iOS and Android systems for a complete and informative history while roaming the city.
“We started this about a year and a half ago with Cleveland State and Epstein Design Partners,” explains DXY’s Dan Young. “We use iOS and Android to connect people who are out and about with historical information."
Known as Curatescapes, the free apps allow for easy access to the troves of historical information collected by these organizations. “We’re one of the first platforms in the world where you can walk down the street and say, Wow. I didn’t know that. Now you not only have historical neighborhoods, you can hear interviews with people and see pictures.”
The Cleveland app has been available for about a year with Cleveland Historical. Young is in the process of rolling out similar apps with five historical societies, including Medina and Geauga counties. Outside of Ohio, Young has launched apps for Spokane, Washington Historical and is about to launch apps in New Orleans and Baltimore.
“The grand vision is: Say you’re taking a cross-country trip and you want to drive Louis and Clark’s trail,” Young says. “You can actually connect to data from our different historical societies.”
Young’s future plans will allow users and organizations to upload their own information to the tours. “In the future we will allow people from the community to upload their own content and comment on their own version of historical places,” says Young. “And historians will go through it and make sure it makes sense.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We started this about a year and a half ago with Cleveland State and Epstein Design Partners,” explains DXY’s Dan Young. “We use iOS and Android to connect people who are out and about with historical information."
Known as Curatescapes, the free apps allow for easy access to the troves of historical information collected by these organizations. “We’re one of the first platforms in the world where you can walk down the street and say, Wow. I didn’t know that. Now you not only have historical neighborhoods, you can hear interviews with people and see pictures.”
The Cleveland app has been available for about a year with Cleveland Historical. Young is in the process of rolling out similar apps with five historical societies, including Medina and Geauga counties. Outside of Ohio, Young has launched apps for Spokane, Washington Historical and is about to launch apps in New Orleans and Baltimore.
“The grand vision is: Say you’re taking a cross-country trip and you want to drive Louis and Clark’s trail,” Young says. “You can actually connect to data from our different historical societies.”
Young’s future plans will allow users and organizations to upload their own information to the tours. “In the future we will allow people from the community to upload their own content and comment on their own version of historical places,” says Young. “And historians will go through it and make sure it makes sense.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
Fixing up an older home can be a daunting task. These days, many homeowners don't know a wrench from a pair of pliers, and even if they are handy, both their tools and their skills may be a little bit rusty.
That's where the Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC), a 40-year-old nonprofit organization based in Cleveland Heights, can help. HRRC offers how-to classes for residents throughout Cuyahoga County and a tool-loan program geared to residents of Cleveland Heights.
"We want to empower people to fix their own homes, especially now because there's such a need," says Kathryn Lad, Executive Director of the HRRC. "We teach people how to do it themselves or to hire the right person for the job."
Since the HRRC was founded out of a church in Cleveland Heights, the group has facilitated over $14 million in home improvements. Lad recalls with pride a class geared towards women that spurred a group of friends to build their own garage. The group also offers foreclosure intervention services, financial education and financial assistance programs for low-income homebuyers.
"Everybody is having a tough time right now, and money is tight," says Lad. "People tend to be doing more repairs in reaction to emergencies than remodeling projects. We help people take care of things they have to take care of."
The HRRC has an ongoing series of Tuesday night classes and is also offering a new series entitled "Practical Sustainability: New Thinking for Older Homes."
Source: Kathryn Lad
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's where the Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC), a 40-year-old nonprofit organization based in Cleveland Heights, can help. HRRC offers how-to classes for residents throughout Cuyahoga County and a tool-loan program geared to residents of Cleveland Heights.
"We want to empower people to fix their own homes, especially now because there's such a need," says Kathryn Lad, Executive Director of the HRRC. "We teach people how to do it themselves or to hire the right person for the job."
Since the HRRC was founded out of a church in Cleveland Heights, the group has facilitated over $14 million in home improvements. Lad recalls with pride a class geared towards women that spurred a group of friends to build their own garage. The group also offers foreclosure intervention services, financial education and financial assistance programs for low-income homebuyers.
"Everybody is having a tough time right now, and money is tight," says Lad. "People tend to be doing more repairs in reaction to emergencies than remodeling projects. We help people take care of things they have to take care of."
The HRRC has an ongoing series of Tuesday night classes and is also offering a new series entitled "Practical Sustainability: New Thinking for Older Homes."
Source: Kathryn Lad
Writer: Lee Chilcote