Downtown
When Cleveland's Group Plan was created a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt was President, Tom Johnson was Mayor, and the Rockefeller family still lived in town. Back then, architect Daniel Burnham envisioned a kind of outdoor civic living room that promenaded to the lakefront beneath gracious classical buildings.
Needless to say, much has happened since then. Today, Public Square and the Mall are often desolate spaces one must walk through to reach downtown's bustling centers of gravity -- the Warehouse District, East Fourth Street and the Gateway District.
Yet last year, Mayor Frank Jackson convened a group of civic, foundation, corporate and sports leaders to envision a new Group Plan for downtown. With $1.5 billion in physical development either planned or already underway downtown, civic leaders recognized that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be lost if the Medical Mart, casino and other projects weren't better connected via improved public spaces.
The Group Plan Commission recently released its recommendations, which include radical changes that if implemented would alter Cleveland's downtown for another 100 years.
Recommendations include removing Ontario Street as an artery through Public Square and allowing East Fourth Street and casino patrons to stroll through a new, signature public space; rebuilding the Mall so that it is transformed into a beautiful park for both visitors and residents; building a pedestrian bridge from the Mall's northern end to Cleveland's lakefront; and closing East Third Street between Rockwell and Superior so that it can become a green space and winter skating rink.
The Group Plan Commission is currently updating the plan and preparing to begin raising funds. To have your say, visit the public input stations at City Hall, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Public Library as well as this website.
Source: The Group Plan Commission
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Needless to say, much has happened since then. Today, Public Square and the Mall are often desolate spaces one must walk through to reach downtown's bustling centers of gravity -- the Warehouse District, East Fourth Street and the Gateway District.
Yet last year, Mayor Frank Jackson convened a group of civic, foundation, corporate and sports leaders to envision a new Group Plan for downtown. With $1.5 billion in physical development either planned or already underway downtown, civic leaders recognized that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be lost if the Medical Mart, casino and other projects weren't better connected via improved public spaces.
The Group Plan Commission recently released its recommendations, which include radical changes that if implemented would alter Cleveland's downtown for another 100 years.
Recommendations include removing Ontario Street as an artery through Public Square and allowing East Fourth Street and casino patrons to stroll through a new, signature public space; rebuilding the Mall so that it is transformed into a beautiful park for both visitors and residents; building a pedestrian bridge from the Mall's northern end to Cleveland's lakefront; and closing East Third Street between Rockwell and Superior so that it can become a green space and winter skating rink.
The Group Plan Commission is currently updating the plan and preparing to begin raising funds. To have your say, visit the public input stations at City Hall, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Public Library as well as this website.
Source: The Group Plan Commission
Writer: Lee Chilcote
billboard charts success of 'women who rock' exhibit at rock hall
Writing for Billboard magazine, Jill Mapes offers up a wonderful preview of the new "Women Who Rock" exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
The interactive exhibition spotlights more than 70 artists and fills two entire floors of the museum. The exhibit features artifacts, video and listening stations.
"There's no shortage of exclusive artifacts to pour over," says Mapes. "With famous costumes, instruments and handwritten lyrics spread across two floors at the Cleveland museum, "Women Who Rock" is perhaps more comprehensive than one might imagine."
Some of the women rockers highlighted include Wanda Jackson, Ma Rainey, Madonna, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Rihanna and many more. Artifacts include the leather vest Grace Slick wore on stage at Woodstock, Billie Holiday's fox-fur stoll, outfits from Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga's now-infamous "meat dress."
Rock Hall Chief Curator Jim Henke says, "When people look back at the early days of rock 'n' roll, they tend to think of it as a boy's club. The reality is that there were a lot of females playing a hugely important role."
The exhibit runs now through February 2012.
Read the rest of the charts here.
The interactive exhibition spotlights more than 70 artists and fills two entire floors of the museum. The exhibit features artifacts, video and listening stations.
"There's no shortage of exclusive artifacts to pour over," says Mapes. "With famous costumes, instruments and handwritten lyrics spread across two floors at the Cleveland museum, "Women Who Rock" is perhaps more comprehensive than one might imagine."
Some of the women rockers highlighted include Wanda Jackson, Ma Rainey, Madonna, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Rihanna and many more. Artifacts include the leather vest Grace Slick wore on stage at Woodstock, Billie Holiday's fox-fur stoll, outfits from Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga's now-infamous "meat dress."
Rock Hall Chief Curator Jim Henke says, "When people look back at the early days of rock 'n' roll, they tend to think of it as a boy's club. The reality is that there were a lot of females playing a hugely important role."
The exhibit runs now through February 2012.
Read the rest of the charts here.
Earlier this year, construction began for the new Medical Mart and Convention Center, a project that has received a lukewarm response from skeptical taxpayers. Working hard to prove them wrong is Tony Prusak, who as Director of Convention Sales is tasked with booking events. As a lifelong Clevelander, Prusak is driven by a desire to improve Cleveland's economic future. How? By "selling more cheeseburgers."
Hollywood might be known as the Dream Factory, but it has begun producing something far more real for Cleveland: jobs and economic growth. Thanks to the recently passed Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, Cleveland already is experiencing a considerable boost in the quantity and quality of movie productions that film here. And that's only the opening scene, promises Ivan Schwarz, executive director of the Cleveland Film Commission.
As president and CEO of NorTech, a nonprofit technology-based economic development organization serving 21 counties in Northeast Ohio, Rebecca Bagley is always looking for ways for her Cleveland-based company to be more competitive regionally and nationally. Her recent appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce Innovation Advisory Board by commerce secretary Gary Locke will further her mission.
Bagley and 14 other board members will conduct a study of U.S. economic competitiveness and innovation. The study will help form national policies at the heart of U.S. job creation, competitiveness and global strength. "The idea is to do a study on how the United States can be more globally competitive," says Bagley. "It's obviously very exciting to be a part of this advisory board and the study."
Nominated by NorTech board chair Tim Reynolds, Bagley sees her background in finance, as well as her leadership at NorTech, as the reasons for her appointment. Before joining the company she worked in the private sector in investment banking and as deputy secretary for the Technology Investment Office of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
Bagley is a nationally-recognized expert in technology-based economic development. She brings that same expertise to the region in developing Northeast Ohio's technology initiatives. "We've been working in the region to increase Northeast Ohio's competiveness," she says. "For NorTech this raises visibility of the region and validates the work being done here."
The board's first meeting is in Arlington, VA in June. They will meet every three months.
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
Bagley and 14 other board members will conduct a study of U.S. economic competitiveness and innovation. The study will help form national policies at the heart of U.S. job creation, competitiveness and global strength. "The idea is to do a study on how the United States can be more globally competitive," says Bagley. "It's obviously very exciting to be a part of this advisory board and the study."
Nominated by NorTech board chair Tim Reynolds, Bagley sees her background in finance, as well as her leadership at NorTech, as the reasons for her appointment. Before joining the company she worked in the private sector in investment banking and as deputy secretary for the Technology Investment Office of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
Bagley is a nationally-recognized expert in technology-based economic development. She brings that same expertise to the region in developing Northeast Ohio's technology initiatives. "We've been working in the region to increase Northeast Ohio's competiveness," she says. "For NorTech this raises visibility of the region and validates the work being done here."
The board's first meeting is in Arlington, VA in June. They will meet every three months.
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
Adheris, the largest provider of direct-to-patient medication adherence programs, has chosen Cleveland-based CellepathicRx as its mobile platform provider. The partnership expands Adheris' delivery of its adherence-focused programs beyond mail to all mobile technology platforms -- text, email, web, and more.
"Medical adherence is a $300 billion a year problem," says Greg Muffler, CEO of CellepathicRx. "Our technology is a mobile platform that creates an ongoing intimate relationship with patients and their providers."
CellepathicRx's mobile health communication platform targets patients to help them understand and adhere to medication regimens, clinical trial protocols, health coaching, and health and wellness programs. The technology has been in development for more than two years, and was released in 2009.
"We chose CellepathicRx because of their deep knowledge of healthcare, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical industry technology, as well as the unique, flexible solution they offer," said Jim Rotsart, executive vice president of Adheris. "The use of mobile applications and texting is skyrocketing, so this relationship gives our pharmacy partners the opportunity to offer their patients choices regarding their healthcare -- whether it be receiving reminders, medication education, and/or copay assistance via email, mobile device, or traditional mail."
Muffler calls the relationship with Adheris a milestone for the company. "It's an inexpensive way to develop an ongoing relationship with patients," he says. "Our main goal is to ultimately improve patient outcomes, improve health and wellness, which we believe will have an impact on healthcare costs by getting people to take control of their own healthcare."
Source: Greg Muffler
Writer: Karin Connelly
"Medical adherence is a $300 billion a year problem," says Greg Muffler, CEO of CellepathicRx. "Our technology is a mobile platform that creates an ongoing intimate relationship with patients and their providers."
CellepathicRx's mobile health communication platform targets patients to help them understand and adhere to medication regimens, clinical trial protocols, health coaching, and health and wellness programs. The technology has been in development for more than two years, and was released in 2009.
"We chose CellepathicRx because of their deep knowledge of healthcare, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical industry technology, as well as the unique, flexible solution they offer," said Jim Rotsart, executive vice president of Adheris. "The use of mobile applications and texting is skyrocketing, so this relationship gives our pharmacy partners the opportunity to offer their patients choices regarding their healthcare -- whether it be receiving reminders, medication education, and/or copay assistance via email, mobile device, or traditional mail."
Muffler calls the relationship with Adheris a milestone for the company. "It's an inexpensive way to develop an ongoing relationship with patients," he says. "Our main goal is to ultimately improve patient outcomes, improve health and wellness, which we believe will have an impact on healthcare costs by getting people to take control of their own healthcare."
Source: Greg Muffler
Writer: Karin Connelly
michael symon tells today show that midwest will get its due
In a recent interview with TODAY, Michael Symon comments on this year's James Beard Award winners and the reputation of the Midwest in the nation's food scene.
Lamenting the oft-overlooked culinary talent in the Heartland, Symon says that "It's not often that the Best Chef in America comes out of the Midwest." While Paul Kahan, one of the five finalists for the Beard's Outstanding Chef category, is based in Chicago, the winner was D.C.-based José Andrés.
But the Midwest will get its due, promises Symon.
"For the first time ever, New York is pulling from the Midwest," Symon explains. "The farm-to-table stuff, that's all Midwest -- we're cities surrounded by farms. The movement with pork -- that's Midwest. The love of sausage, of bacon -- all Midwest."
Watch video of the interview here.
Lamenting the oft-overlooked culinary talent in the Heartland, Symon says that "It's not often that the Best Chef in America comes out of the Midwest." While Paul Kahan, one of the five finalists for the Beard's Outstanding Chef category, is based in Chicago, the winner was D.C.-based José Andrés.
But the Midwest will get its due, promises Symon.
"For the first time ever, New York is pulling from the Midwest," Symon explains. "The farm-to-table stuff, that's all Midwest -- we're cities surrounded by farms. The movement with pork -- that's Midwest. The love of sausage, of bacon -- all Midwest."
Watch video of the interview here.
bnet includes cleveland in list of best places to find a great job
BNET, CBS's interactive business network, includes Cleveland among its listing of Fifteen Best Cities to Find a (Great) Job. The list is based on an analysis of Indeed.com job listings.
Coming in at Number Three, Cleveland is listed as the "Comeback City."
"Once a manufacturing town, Cleveland was hit hard as factories closed. But the city fought back, nurturing the service sector and attracting employers from Sherwin-Williams to NASA. Some areas of the city remain rough, but sports fans get a local NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball team and music lovers have the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame."
Also on the list are Columbus, Austin, Baltimore, Seattle, New York, and Boston.
Read the rest of the good news here.
Coming in at Number Three, Cleveland is listed as the "Comeback City."
"Once a manufacturing town, Cleveland was hit hard as factories closed. But the city fought back, nurturing the service sector and attracting employers from Sherwin-Williams to NASA. Some areas of the city remain rough, but sports fans get a local NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball team and music lovers have the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame."
Also on the list are Columbus, Austin, Baltimore, Seattle, New York, and Boston.
Read the rest of the good news here.
Since its launch in 2000, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has brought to Cleveland over 85 sporting events with an estimated economic impact of more than $300 million. Those events include the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Senior PGA Championship, NCAA Women's Final Four, and the Gravity Games. This summer, the Commission's flagship event, the Continental Cup, will bring in 4,000 young athletes from 25 countries for four days of competition.
COSE members will bring their causes to Columbus on Wednesday, May 25, for COSE Day at the Capitol. For the past five years, COSE members have used the day to meet with policy makers, network and bring their issues to the table.
"People don't have to be political," says Brynn Allio, director of government and external relations for COSE. "They just have to be willing to share their stories."
About 50 participants will board a bus in Cleveland at 6:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Independence and attend a reception breakfast at 9:15 a.m. in Columbus. Members will then spend the day talking to legislators -- speaker of the house William Batchelder, senate president pro tem Keith Faber, senate minority leader Capri Cafaro, and BWC administrator Steve Buehrer.
"They will break into groups to meet with the legislators and talk about their issues of concern," explains Allio. "Small business owners are really busy, but they are taking a day to talk with legislators. It's always nice when legislators connect with small business owners and we like to facilitate that when we can."
Some hot topics Allio expects to be covered include access to capital and healthcare. "Small business owners generally want to be able to offer health insurance to their employees, but it's increasingly difficult with rising rates," she says.
The day culminates with a reception before participants board the bus home to Cleveland. The event is only open to COSE members and costs $20 for the day. Call 216-592-2497 for more information.
Source: Brynn Allio
Writer: Karin Connelly
"People don't have to be political," says Brynn Allio, director of government and external relations for COSE. "They just have to be willing to share their stories."
About 50 participants will board a bus in Cleveland at 6:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Independence and attend a reception breakfast at 9:15 a.m. in Columbus. Members will then spend the day talking to legislators -- speaker of the house William Batchelder, senate president pro tem Keith Faber, senate minority leader Capri Cafaro, and BWC administrator Steve Buehrer.
"They will break into groups to meet with the legislators and talk about their issues of concern," explains Allio. "Small business owners are really busy, but they are taking a day to talk with legislators. It's always nice when legislators connect with small business owners and we like to facilitate that when we can."
Some hot topics Allio expects to be covered include access to capital and healthcare. "Small business owners generally want to be able to offer health insurance to their employees, but it's increasingly difficult with rising rates," she says.
The day culminates with a reception before participants board the bus home to Cleveland. The event is only open to COSE members and costs $20 for the day. Call 216-592-2497 for more information.
Source: Brynn Allio
Writer: Karin Connelly
Kionte Watkins began riding the RTA HealthLine bus rapid transit to work about a month ago to save money on gas. On Friday, April 29, she received more than just a little savings at the pump from RTA when she became the HealthLine's 10 millionth rider.
As number 10,000,000 Watkins received a free one-year pass. "I was just about to buy a weekly pass after work," says Watkins. "It was very exciting. It just topped off my week."
Watkins also received tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a family pass to the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo, and gift cards to area restaurants. Other riders that morning received free one-week passes.
Watkins, 26, is an outreach specialist for the Empowerment Center on Euclid Avenue and E. 30th Street. She rides the #35 to Public Square and then transfers to the HealthLine. The HealthLine, which runs up and down Euclid Avenue between Public Square, University Circle and East Cleveland, has been increasingly popular since it was introduced in October 2008.
"Especially with gas prices rising, it's a good time to find an economic option for getting to work and play," says RTA spokesperson Mary McCahon. "The HealthLine has been growing fast and exceeding expectations. Ten million is a big number in two-and-a-half years."
The 10 millionth-rider event was held to thank RTA customers for their loyalty and support. RTA general manager Joe Calabrese presented Watkins with an oversized fare pass, as well as the other riders with their free weekly fare passes.
Source: Kionte Watkins
Writer: Karin Connelly
As number 10,000,000 Watkins received a free one-year pass. "I was just about to buy a weekly pass after work," says Watkins. "It was very exciting. It just topped off my week."
Watkins also received tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a family pass to the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo, and gift cards to area restaurants. Other riders that morning received free one-week passes.
Watkins, 26, is an outreach specialist for the Empowerment Center on Euclid Avenue and E. 30th Street. She rides the #35 to Public Square and then transfers to the HealthLine. The HealthLine, which runs up and down Euclid Avenue between Public Square, University Circle and East Cleveland, has been increasingly popular since it was introduced in October 2008.
"Especially with gas prices rising, it's a good time to find an economic option for getting to work and play," says RTA spokesperson Mary McCahon. "The HealthLine has been growing fast and exceeding expectations. Ten million is a big number in two-and-a-half years."
The 10 millionth-rider event was held to thank RTA customers for their loyalty and support. RTA general manager Joe Calabrese presented Watkins with an oversized fare pass, as well as the other riders with their free weekly fare passes.
Source: Kionte Watkins
Writer: Karin Connelly
Clevelanders are having a love affair with locally grown, seasonal food -- and that romance is playing out at numerous farmers markets around town. These days, it's possible to shop at a different neighborhood farmers market practically every day of the week, a far cry from when just a handful existed. What's more: Cleveland-area farmers markets will reap approximately $2.5 million this year, great news for small entrepreneurs and the local economy.
With nearly a dozen different farmers markets setting up around town, it has never been easier to stock our larders with fresh, local food. In this pictorial feature, Fresh Water managing photographer Bob Perkoski takes us on a colorful tour of Cleveland's increasingly popular farmers markets. Bring cash, a cloth bag, and a healthy appetite.
Lights, camera, action!
Paramount Pictures announced plans to shoot an untitled film this summer in Cleveland and surrounding areas. The movie, starring Nickelodeon's Victoria Justice, will be directed by Josh Schwartz and produced by Michael Beugg. It is one of three major motion pictures slated for production in Greater Cleveland this summer.
Paramount Pictures announced plans to shoot an untitled film this summer in Cleveland and surrounding areas. The movie, starring Nickelodeon's Victoria Justice, will be directed by Josh Schwartz and produced by Michael Beugg. It is one of three major motion pictures slated for production in Greater Cleveland this summer.
"I think it's going to be a very exciting summer," says Greater Cleveland Film Commission executive director Ivan Schwarz. "It's creating the infrastructure, jobs and economic development in the area." The film is expected to employ 545 people, including cast, crew and extras.
The Paramount movie is just one part of Schwarz's plan to create 2,500 film-related jobs in everything from driving trucks to catering. "I want to create an industry; I don't want a boutique," he says. "Young people in our state and our community have a choice to work in an industry that's cool and pays well."
The production has been approved to receive funding through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Film Office.
Cleveland is becoming more and more attractive to filmmakers because of its diverse scenery. "There is nothing you can't film here except for mountains and desert," says Schwarz. Katie Sabatino, spokesperson for the Ohio Film Office, adds, "Cleveland has a fantastic cast and crew base. With the bigger city and the small towns, it will look like any city or town you need. That's been a really attractive selling point for the film industry."
Source: Ivan Schwarz
Writer: Karin Connelly
city of cle makes good on promise to pimp food truck policy
As promised, Cleveland City Council passed sweeping new legislation that will help food truck operators succeed. Despite a lengthy -- and at times contentious -- process, City Council not only made good on its promises to modernize and streamline the rules of play, but actually improved upon the proposed package.
Mayor Frank Jackson was expected to sign the legislation this week.
According to Councilman Joe Cimperman, whose ward includes much of downtown, the new legislation would have limited food trucks to only a handful of downtown zones. What passed appears to be broader, with as many as eight permissible spots at which to circle the chuck wagons.
City Council also lengthened the permissible hours of operation, giving truck operators access to the lucrative post-bar business.
Before this revision, truck operators were required to obtain over a dozen separate permits, provide detailed external and internal architectural plans of their rig, fill out a 50-page application, and pay as much as $3,000 in application fees. The prize waiting for those who made it out of that process was confusing, contradictory and business-killing regulations.
This is great news not only for the existing and planned food trucks, but also for the City of Cleveland.
"[Food trucks] are successful micro-economic development engines that are creating independent wealth in one of the worst recessions in decades," says Lizzy Caston, a communications pro who consults with cities on modernizing food truck policy.
Mayor Frank Jackson was expected to sign the legislation this week.
According to Councilman Joe Cimperman, whose ward includes much of downtown, the new legislation would have limited food trucks to only a handful of downtown zones. What passed appears to be broader, with as many as eight permissible spots at which to circle the chuck wagons.
City Council also lengthened the permissible hours of operation, giving truck operators access to the lucrative post-bar business.
Before this revision, truck operators were required to obtain over a dozen separate permits, provide detailed external and internal architectural plans of their rig, fill out a 50-page application, and pay as much as $3,000 in application fees. The prize waiting for those who made it out of that process was confusing, contradictory and business-killing regulations.
This is great news not only for the existing and planned food trucks, but also for the City of Cleveland.
"[Food trucks] are successful micro-economic development engines that are creating independent wealth in one of the worst recessions in decades," says Lizzy Caston, a communications pro who consults with cities on modernizing food truck policy.
Cleveland is an entrepreneurial hotspot right now, and big business in Cleveland wants to make sure local women-owned outfits have equal footing. Springboard Enterprises has joined forces with Ohio-based powerhouses KeyBank, Thompson Hine, and Meaden & Moore to provide women with the keys to building big businesses.
Build it Big is a business development program for women-owned businesses on the fast track to growth. "It's about educating business owners on how to find equity investors and financing," says Maria Coyne, executive vice president of business banking for Key. "It's really about targeting for growth and the desire to grow rapidly."
Applications are being taken through May 23. The number of applicants accepted into the program depends on how many apply, but all applicants will get at least some input. To qualify, companies must have a woman in a key management position with a significant ownership stake; demonstrate a qualified and profitable market opportunity, a track record of milestone achievement and a credible core management team or an ability to attract one.
Companies selected to participate will meet one-on-one with the Build It Big partners to chart effective strategies for growing their businesses, including choosing the right capital, getting the fiscal house in order, and important legal issues such as product licensing, royalties and protecting the company's intellectual property.
The program can only mean good things for Cleveland's entrepreneurial spirit. "We think it's great for Cleveland because we like to grow our own," says Coyne. "We have an entrepreneurial history. Build it Big improves sustainability and growth for all our businesses. And we want to have a shared interest in their success."
Source: Maria Coyne
Writer: Karin Connelly
pittsburgh contemplates forthcoming ohio casinos
A recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article discusses the development of Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, which will be the first casino in Ohio when it opens early next year. The casino will be located in the historic Higbee Building downtown.
The development of casinos in Ohio will take a toll on already established casinos in Pennsylvania. About 20 percent of regular customers at Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino come are from out of state, mainly Ohio and West Virginia.
But before they can even open, Ohio casinos have a few hurdles to overcome, not the least of which is an ambivalent new Republican governor.
"The state's new governor, John Kasich, voted against the 2009 constitutional amendment referendum that was approved in a statewide vote, eventually permitting the construction of casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati. But now he's charged with helping to craft the rules and regulations that will guide the industry in its formative years."
Kasich will also be the one who ultimately decides whether to sign off on a plan to legalize slot machines at Ohio racetracks. A portion of racetrack slot money goes toward prizes in Pennsylvania and Indiana, making race purses up to three times higher and in turn attracting better horses and jockeys.
Ohio is also in an unusual situation, because while casinos were approved in 2009, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which handles many regulatory matters, was appointed just two months ago.
Check out the entire article here.
The development of casinos in Ohio will take a toll on already established casinos in Pennsylvania. About 20 percent of regular customers at Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino come are from out of state, mainly Ohio and West Virginia.
But before they can even open, Ohio casinos have a few hurdles to overcome, not the least of which is an ambivalent new Republican governor.
"The state's new governor, John Kasich, voted against the 2009 constitutional amendment referendum that was approved in a statewide vote, eventually permitting the construction of casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati. But now he's charged with helping to craft the rules and regulations that will guide the industry in its formative years."
Kasich will also be the one who ultimately decides whether to sign off on a plan to legalize slot machines at Ohio racetracks. A portion of racetrack slot money goes toward prizes in Pennsylvania and Indiana, making race purses up to three times higher and in turn attracting better horses and jockeys.
Ohio is also in an unusual situation, because while casinos were approved in 2009, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which handles many regulatory matters, was appointed just two months ago.
Check out the entire article here.
time mag discusses the 'greening' of cle's fed building
A recent Time article titled "Greening the Skyline" discussed plans to make Cleveland's Celebrezze Federal Building more energy efficient. Built in 1967, the building is getting a new façade made of glass and aluminum that will envelop the original. The new construction will prevent heat loss in the 32-story building.
"Designed by architect Charles Young of Interactive Design Eight, the new facade will stand 2.5 ft. (75 cm) outside the old exterior," the article states. "Airflow between the old and new facade will insulate the building, yielding an estimated energy savings of $650,000 per year."
President Obama's stimulus program will contribute to funding the project.
The Time article also mentions recent improvements made to the Empire State Building, as well as the city of Melbourne's project aimed at reducing the energy consumption of about 1,200 office buildings 38% by 2020.
"Skyscrapers look modern, but they are among the worst culprits in urban areas when it comes to energy consumption and carbon emission, with outdated heating, cooling and lighting systems."
Read the rest of the article here.
"Designed by architect Charles Young of Interactive Design Eight, the new facade will stand 2.5 ft. (75 cm) outside the old exterior," the article states. "Airflow between the old and new facade will insulate the building, yielding an estimated energy savings of $650,000 per year."
President Obama's stimulus program will contribute to funding the project.
The Time article also mentions recent improvements made to the Empire State Building, as well as the city of Melbourne's project aimed at reducing the energy consumption of about 1,200 office buildings 38% by 2020.
"Skyscrapers look modern, but they are among the worst culprits in urban areas when it comes to energy consumption and carbon emission, with outdated heating, cooling and lighting systems."
Read the rest of the article here.
When it comes to adapting to today's marketplace, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network -- aka MAGNET -- is a manufacturer's best friend. The Cleveland-based organization helps companies uncover new products, new markets, and new opportunities for growth. We recently spoke with CEO Daniel Berry about the current state of manufacturing in NEO.