Entrepreneurs + Innovators
In an effort to inspire area students to think about clean energy, this year's Clean Energy Challenge will be open to local college students. NorTech is heading up Ohio’s participation in the business plan contest, sponsored by Clean Energy Trust in Chicago.
“The point of the challenge is to institute more technology transfer out of the universities,” explains Dave Karpinski, NorTech vice president. “It’s a business plan competition that focuses on clean energy technology.”
Students from Ohio colleges are invited to submit their plans in five categories: renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, Smart Grid, energy efficiency and carbon abatement. Participants in the first round submit their ideas and video presentations to compete for $10,000. The top three teams from Ohio will then go on to the regional competition, where they will receive extensive mentoring and compete for $100,000.
“They have an intense mentoring team and help fine tune their ideas,” says Karpinski. “They get lots of support behind them to develop their ideas. That’s what’s really exciting about this competition.”
Although there is a cash prize involved, Karpinski says the competition is really about encouraging new ideas and encouraging students to think about clean energy technology. “It’s not about the prize, it’s that students can get exposure to the different sectors,” he says. “It’s a great and noble mission.”
Source: Dave Karpinski
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The point of the challenge is to institute more technology transfer out of the universities,” explains Dave Karpinski, NorTech vice president. “It’s a business plan competition that focuses on clean energy technology.”
Students from Ohio colleges are invited to submit their plans in five categories: renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, Smart Grid, energy efficiency and carbon abatement. Participants in the first round submit their ideas and video presentations to compete for $10,000. The top three teams from Ohio will then go on to the regional competition, where they will receive extensive mentoring and compete for $100,000.
“They have an intense mentoring team and help fine tune their ideas,” says Karpinski. “They get lots of support behind them to develop their ideas. That’s what’s really exciting about this competition.”
Although there is a cash prize involved, Karpinski says the competition is really about encouraging new ideas and encouraging students to think about clean energy technology. “It’s not about the prize, it’s that students can get exposure to the different sectors,” he says. “It’s a great and noble mission.”
Source: Dave Karpinski
Writer: Karin Connelly
Kicking off what is being billed as "A Day of Social Innovation," bigBANG! will shine the spotlight on a number of innovative local nonprofits that are benefitting our community. The day-long forum, hosted by Cleveland Social Venture Partners (CSVP) and taking place at the CSU Student Center, is the event's inaugural year.
The building boom kicking up dust in downtown Cleveland soon will give visitors to the Medical Mart, Convention Center and Horseshoe Casino another spot to lay their heads after a night out on the town. Optima Ventures and Sage Hospitality have purchased the former Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre hotel and plan to spend $64 million to renovate it into a new, luxurious 481-room Westin Hotel.
The project was spurred by an anticipated influx of visitors to downtown Cleveland, the developer said in a press release. "This is the perfect time for a four-star luxury hotel to be entering the downtown Cleveland market, and we expect to see strong occupancy from both business and leisure travelers," said Ken Geist, Executive Vice President and Partner at Sage Hospitality.
The developers plan to remodel all of the hotel rooms, meeting spaces and public spaces and add energy-efficient windows, a new roof and other exterior improvements. When the new Westin opens in July 2013, it will feature a high-end restaurant with outdoor dining space, a business center, fitness center and a spa. The hotel is expected to employ between 300 and 350 individuals.
The Cleveland International Fund, which operates a federal Eb-5 zone that permits wealthy foreign investors to expedite obtaining U.S. visas if they invest at least $500k in a project that creates jobs, has committed $36 million to the project. The Fund, which was also a critical force in the Flats East Bank project, is becoming an increasingly visible player in urban redevelopment.
The project will also likely be funded by a tax increment financing agreement with the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority, as well as the sale of bonds. Both are still in the works and have not yet been finalized.
The developers plan to shut down the Crowne Plaza hotel in November to start construction.
Source: Sage Hospitality
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The project was spurred by an anticipated influx of visitors to downtown Cleveland, the developer said in a press release. "This is the perfect time for a four-star luxury hotel to be entering the downtown Cleveland market, and we expect to see strong occupancy from both business and leisure travelers," said Ken Geist, Executive Vice President and Partner at Sage Hospitality.
The developers plan to remodel all of the hotel rooms, meeting spaces and public spaces and add energy-efficient windows, a new roof and other exterior improvements. When the new Westin opens in July 2013, it will feature a high-end restaurant with outdoor dining space, a business center, fitness center and a spa. The hotel is expected to employ between 300 and 350 individuals.
The Cleveland International Fund, which operates a federal Eb-5 zone that permits wealthy foreign investors to expedite obtaining U.S. visas if they invest at least $500k in a project that creates jobs, has committed $36 million to the project. The Fund, which was also a critical force in the Flats East Bank project, is becoming an increasingly visible player in urban redevelopment.
The project will also likely be funded by a tax increment financing agreement with the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority, as well as the sale of bonds. Both are still in the works and have not yet been finalized.
The developers plan to shut down the Crowne Plaza hotel in November to start construction.
Source: Sage Hospitality
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Green City Growers, a for-profit, employee-owned produce company that is part of the nonprofit Evergreen Cooperatives, will break ground next week on a 3.25-acre hydroponic greenhouse. The project, which will cost $17 million and is expected to eventually create about 40 full-time jobs, will be built in an east side neighborhood so wracked by poverty it has been dubbed "The Forgotten Triangle."
The greenhouse, which is being constructed on a scruffy, 10-acre patch of land at Kinsman and Ensign in the city's Central neighborhood, will grow fresh lettuce and herbs that will then be sold to large University Circle institutions, grocery store chains, and food service companies in Northeast Ohio.
"Cleveland is one of the leaders in the nation in terms of local food initiatives, and this project fits perfectly with where Cleveland is and where it's going," says Mary Donnell, CEO of Green City Growers Cooperative. "This greenhouse project will allow us to provide local food year-round to residents of Northeast Ohio."
A recent study by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition found that while 37 percent of Cleveland residents say it is important that their food is grown locally, only two percent of the food purchased in the region is grown here.
In addition to selling the freshest heads of lettuce and cutting the region's carbon footprint, Green City Growers aims to employ Cleveland residents -- especially those living in Central.
"We're creating good jobs and distributing the profits back to worker-owners," says Donnell. "People are looking at Cleveland and Evergreen Coops from all over the country -- they're calling it 'The Cleveland Model.'"
Source: Mary Donnell
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The greenhouse, which is being constructed on a scruffy, 10-acre patch of land at Kinsman and Ensign in the city's Central neighborhood, will grow fresh lettuce and herbs that will then be sold to large University Circle institutions, grocery store chains, and food service companies in Northeast Ohio.
"Cleveland is one of the leaders in the nation in terms of local food initiatives, and this project fits perfectly with where Cleveland is and where it's going," says Mary Donnell, CEO of Green City Growers Cooperative. "This greenhouse project will allow us to provide local food year-round to residents of Northeast Ohio."
A recent study by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition found that while 37 percent of Cleveland residents say it is important that their food is grown locally, only two percent of the food purchased in the region is grown here.
In addition to selling the freshest heads of lettuce and cutting the region's carbon footprint, Green City Growers aims to employ Cleveland residents -- especially those living in Central.
"We're creating good jobs and distributing the profits back to worker-owners," says Donnell. "People are looking at Cleveland and Evergreen Coops from all over the country -- they're calling it 'The Cleveland Model.'"
Source: Mary Donnell
Writer: Lee Chilcote
eater.com runs round-up of can't-miss cleveland restos
Eater.com, a national website that covers restaurants, chefs and food personalities, recently ran an article titled "The Eater Cleveland Heat Map." A regular feature of the publication, the Heat Maps tell readers about "newish locales that have been garnering serious buzz."
For the Cleveland article, Eater's second major heat-check of the 216 in a year, the pub asked local food writer (and Fresh Water managing editor) Douglas Trattner to list 10 new places that have locals talking, drooling and, of course, eating. Singled out for inclusion are Crop Bistro, Flour, Ginko, Market Garden Brewery, Noodlecat, Orale, Barroco Grill, Luna Bakery, Dragonfly and Club Isabella.
Accompanying those listings is an interactive map.
In addition to the national version of Eater, the website features city-specific sites devoted to foodie locales such as New York, Chicago, Portland and Seattle. For now, Cleveland will have to fall under the province of Eater National.
Digest the entire meal here.
For the Cleveland article, Eater's second major heat-check of the 216 in a year, the pub asked local food writer (and Fresh Water managing editor) Douglas Trattner to list 10 new places that have locals talking, drooling and, of course, eating. Singled out for inclusion are Crop Bistro, Flour, Ginko, Market Garden Brewery, Noodlecat, Orale, Barroco Grill, Luna Bakery, Dragonfly and Club Isabella.
Accompanying those listings is an interactive map.
In addition to the national version of Eater, the website features city-specific sites devoted to foodie locales such as New York, Chicago, Portland and Seattle. For now, Cleveland will have to fall under the province of Eater National.
Digest the entire meal here.
While U.S. job growth overall might be stuck in neutral, IT professionals should be chomping at the bit. Experts say technology occupations will be at the leading edge of job growth for at least the next decade. Better still: Three of the hottest cities for IT jobs right now are here in Ohio.
Young, tech-based companies have a major impact on Northeast Ohio’s economy. In a report created by Cleveland State University and commissioned by JumpStart, 90 startup companies generated $155 million in revenue and created 1,000 jobs in 2010.
“Our objective with this report is to make sure people know why entrepreneurship is important to the community,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “These are all early-stage companies. There were no mature companies or public companies included."
The study asked nearly 200 JumpStart client companies for feedback on revenue and jobs. The survey results are based on the 90 who responded. “This report is a real benefit to the community,” says Belk. “These numbers really make that quantitative and understandable.”
The companies surveyed increased state and local tax revenues by $7.5 million and federal tax revenues by $10.8 million, for an overall 2010 tax impact of $18.3 million. “The companies themselves are sometimes beneficiaries of state and federal monies, and that money is being returned to the government as the companies grow.”
Belk sees the report as an optimistic view of the future for the entrepreneurial climate in Northeast Ohio. “This offers a lot of promise,” she says. “A lot of these companies are going to continue to grow and continue to create jobs. Imagine what this will look like in five years.”
Source: Cathy Belk
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Our objective with this report is to make sure people know why entrepreneurship is important to the community,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “These are all early-stage companies. There were no mature companies or public companies included."
The study asked nearly 200 JumpStart client companies for feedback on revenue and jobs. The survey results are based on the 90 who responded. “This report is a real benefit to the community,” says Belk. “These numbers really make that quantitative and understandable.”
The companies surveyed increased state and local tax revenues by $7.5 million and federal tax revenues by $10.8 million, for an overall 2010 tax impact of $18.3 million. “The companies themselves are sometimes beneficiaries of state and federal monies, and that money is being returned to the government as the companies grow.”
Belk sees the report as an optimistic view of the future for the entrepreneurial climate in Northeast Ohio. “This offers a lot of promise,” she says. “A lot of these companies are going to continue to grow and continue to create jobs. Imagine what this will look like in five years.”
Source: Cathy Belk
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) is holding its seventh annual small business conference on October 19th and 20th at the I-X Center in Cleveland. The event is the only one of its kind designed specifically for small business owners looking for an opportunity to learn, network and work together with other small businesses.
“Basically we put this together because we saw a gap in the marketplace for this kind of conference,” says Steve Millard, COSE president and executive director. “There aren’t a whole lot of places you can go as a small business owner. This two day conference is a chance to come together and be with other small business owners who understand the pressures of what they go through.”
The conference will feature 55 workshops on sales, marketing, HR, money, social media, technology, as well as personal and professional development. There will also be a 75-booth trade show, networking opportunities, interactive learning labs, and peer-to-peer roundtables on topics pertinent to small businesses.
Keynote speakers will be Daymond John, creator of FUBU and panelist on the ABC reality show “Shark Tank” and Jeffrey Rapport, a digital marketing, sales and e-commerce expert and founder and chairman of Marketspace, LLC.
Additionally, a panel of four local successful business owners will share their stories and the ups and downs of becoming successful. “It’s an opportunity to learn from others,” says Millard. “It’s a lot of energy, a lot of fun.”
The conference has earned a national reputation, and attendees have come from as far as California and Canada, says Millard. Organizers expect 2,000 small business owners to attend this year.
Source: Steve Millard
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Basically we put this together because we saw a gap in the marketplace for this kind of conference,” says Steve Millard, COSE president and executive director. “There aren’t a whole lot of places you can go as a small business owner. This two day conference is a chance to come together and be with other small business owners who understand the pressures of what they go through.”
The conference will feature 55 workshops on sales, marketing, HR, money, social media, technology, as well as personal and professional development. There will also be a 75-booth trade show, networking opportunities, interactive learning labs, and peer-to-peer roundtables on topics pertinent to small businesses.
Keynote speakers will be Daymond John, creator of FUBU and panelist on the ABC reality show “Shark Tank” and Jeffrey Rapport, a digital marketing, sales and e-commerce expert and founder and chairman of Marketspace, LLC.
Additionally, a panel of four local successful business owners will share their stories and the ups and downs of becoming successful. “It’s an opportunity to learn from others,” says Millard. “It’s a lot of energy, a lot of fun.”
The conference has earned a national reputation, and attendees have come from as far as California and Canada, says Millard. Organizers expect 2,000 small business owners to attend this year.
Source: Steve Millard
Writer: Karin Connelly
Thirty-year-old Mark Raymond has stayed in hostels all over the world, and now he's bringing his passion, ideas and money to Cleveland to create a 60-bed hostel on West 25th Street in Ohio City.
"A hostel is a very valuable asset for a city to have, and I think Cleveland is a good place to start one," says Raymond. "Hostels attract nontraditional travelers on a shoestring budget, and if a city doesn't have a hostel, many will skip over it."
The Cleveland hostel, which will be located at 2084 West 25th Street, in a building that is owned by real estate developer MRN Ltd., will offer dormitory-style accommodations as well as private and family rooms. Beds will start at $25 per night, and a shared kitchen will be available. Raymond is investigating the possibility of creating a rooftop patio and bike rental facility, as well.
Identifying a location that is well-trafficked and easily accessible to public transportation was key to making his new venture successful, says Raymond. Many hostel clients prefer public transportation or walking to get around. "People can stay in the 'burbs for $30 a night in Cleveland, but they can't get to the city and they don't have the communal aspect of a hostel," he says.
Raymond found the location he was seeking in Ohio City, which has recently experienced a boom of new businesses opening and developers rehabilitating buildings. "Ohio City is a good location because there's so much to do. It's close to downtown and there's good public transportation connections."
Raymond hopes to open the new hostel in May, just in time for the celebration of the West Side Market's centennial and the summer traveling season.
Source: Mark Raymond
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"A hostel is a very valuable asset for a city to have, and I think Cleveland is a good place to start one," says Raymond. "Hostels attract nontraditional travelers on a shoestring budget, and if a city doesn't have a hostel, many will skip over it."
The Cleveland hostel, which will be located at 2084 West 25th Street, in a building that is owned by real estate developer MRN Ltd., will offer dormitory-style accommodations as well as private and family rooms. Beds will start at $25 per night, and a shared kitchen will be available. Raymond is investigating the possibility of creating a rooftop patio and bike rental facility, as well.
Identifying a location that is well-trafficked and easily accessible to public transportation was key to making his new venture successful, says Raymond. Many hostel clients prefer public transportation or walking to get around. "People can stay in the 'burbs for $30 a night in Cleveland, but they can't get to the city and they don't have the communal aspect of a hostel," he says.
Raymond found the location he was seeking in Ohio City, which has recently experienced a boom of new businesses opening and developers rehabilitating buildings. "Ohio City is a good location because there's so much to do. It's close to downtown and there's good public transportation connections."
Raymond hopes to open the new hostel in May, just in time for the celebration of the West Side Market's centennial and the summer traveling season.
Source: Mark Raymond
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA) will once again be hosting former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce, Frank Lavin tonight in its speaker series at the Union Club of Cleveland. Lavin, who recently co-published the book "Export Now," will talk about strategies for success in exporting to a global market.
“He is a great speaker and a great resource for organizations in the area,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “What Frank Lavin says in his book is that small and mid-sized companies are hesitant to go global because they might not think they have the resources, but they do and it’s very important.”
As chairman of public affairs for Edelman Asia Pacific, Lavin has worked with over 2,000 US companies to formulate export strategies. His talk will center on five keys to going global, in particular in the Asian market. “Lavin points out that US exports to China have grown tremendously in the last decade,” says Krasney. Tonight he will share his knowledge and expertise with companies and individuals interested in tapping that market.
CCWA is expecting about 50 to 75 participants in tonight’s presentation. Krasney says intentionally keep the audience small for plenty of one-on-one participation. “Lavin always stays to make sure people who want to ask specific questions will have an opportunity to do so,” she says.
The cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members and $10 for students. People can registers on CCWA’s website. Registration begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:15 p.m. and a reception.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
“He is a great speaker and a great resource for organizations in the area,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “What Frank Lavin says in his book is that small and mid-sized companies are hesitant to go global because they might not think they have the resources, but they do and it’s very important.”
As chairman of public affairs for Edelman Asia Pacific, Lavin has worked with over 2,000 US companies to formulate export strategies. His talk will center on five keys to going global, in particular in the Asian market. “Lavin points out that US exports to China have grown tremendously in the last decade,” says Krasney. Tonight he will share his knowledge and expertise with companies and individuals interested in tapping that market.
CCWA is expecting about 50 to 75 participants in tonight’s presentation. Krasney says intentionally keep the audience small for plenty of one-on-one participation. “Lavin always stays to make sure people who want to ask specific questions will have an opportunity to do so,” she says.
The cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members and $10 for students. People can registers on CCWA’s website. Registration begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:15 p.m. and a reception.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
LineStream Technologies is growing by leaps and bounds in the automated software control market. The company was created in 2008 as a spinoff out of research done by CSU’s Zhiqiang Gao, director of the Center for Advanced Control Technologies and focuses on commercializing and simplifying control software.
Basically, LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement, and therefore improve the performance of automated systems.
“Any product using a motor, we look to improve energy efficiency and life of that motor,” explains David Neundorfer, LineStream president. “We simplify the design process and lop off weeks of [development].”
The company is getting attention from some of the major players in the automation industry. They just licensed their software to Texas Instruments. “We’re going to be putting software in a chip platform in motor and motion controls,” explains Neundorfer.
The deal adds to the company’s rapid growth. “It’s very exciting and a large deal for us,” says Neundorfer. “Some of the larger companies in the industrial space are interested in our technology.”
LineStream has grown to five employees this year, expects to be at eight to 10 by the end of the year, and double in size again next year. “We’re hiring and ramping up to establish a relationship with Texas Instruments.”
Source: David Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly
Basically, LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement, and therefore improve the performance of automated systems.
“Any product using a motor, we look to improve energy efficiency and life of that motor,” explains David Neundorfer, LineStream president. “We simplify the design process and lop off weeks of [development].”
The company is getting attention from some of the major players in the automation industry. They just licensed their software to Texas Instruments. “We’re going to be putting software in a chip platform in motor and motion controls,” explains Neundorfer.
The deal adds to the company’s rapid growth. “It’s very exciting and a large deal for us,” says Neundorfer. “Some of the larger companies in the industrial space are interested in our technology.”
LineStream has grown to five employees this year, expects to be at eight to 10 by the end of the year, and double in size again next year. “We’re hiring and ramping up to establish a relationship with Texas Instruments.”
Source: David Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly
For just shy of three years, Crop Bistro & Bar attracted diners to its Warehouse District home, where chef Steve Schimoler wowed them with creative American gems. That all ended last spring when Schimoler decided to transplant his Crop to Ohio City. How could he not, he said, after first laying eyes upon the old bank space that could -- and would -- be his restaurant's new home. After months of construction -- all followed by Fresh Water shooter Bob Perkoski -- Crop Bistro opens its doors tonight and begins the next chapter of its delicious existence.
Justin Bibb, special assistant for education and economic development for Cuyahoga County executive Ed FitzGerald, was looking for a way to make sure his generation is heard in the business world. That’s when he founded YP Nation, a group of young professionals who want to play an active role in the nation’s policies and views.
“There’s a movement as baby boomers retire to engage millennials,” Bibb says of his generation. “Rarely is our voice elevated.” Today he is regional director of YP Nation, encouraging other young professionals to get involved and make their voices heard.
Founded in 2009, YP Nation has 3,000 members nationwide and access to half a million people through networking groups. Membership gives access to resources, information and services to help advance the next generation.
“Our core goal is to give young professionals a voice," says Michael Eisenstadt, the organization’s president. “There’s a lot of structural imbalance out there and we think it’s important for young people to get together and voice their ideas. The more we can get involved, the better it is for everyone.”
YP Nation’s website is chock full of articles and blogs meant to empower its readers to take action and make a change.
“These are tough times,” says Eisenstadt. “We just want more opportunity. Our goal is to coalesce this voice from younger Americans.”
Additionally, for $99 a year, members can get a YP Rewards card, which gives holders more than $3,500 in discounts on things that serve the young professional lifestyle.
Source: Michael Eisenstadt and Justin Bibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
“There’s a movement as baby boomers retire to engage millennials,” Bibb says of his generation. “Rarely is our voice elevated.” Today he is regional director of YP Nation, encouraging other young professionals to get involved and make their voices heard.
Founded in 2009, YP Nation has 3,000 members nationwide and access to half a million people through networking groups. Membership gives access to resources, information and services to help advance the next generation.
“Our core goal is to give young professionals a voice," says Michael Eisenstadt, the organization’s president. “There’s a lot of structural imbalance out there and we think it’s important for young people to get together and voice their ideas. The more we can get involved, the better it is for everyone.”
YP Nation’s website is chock full of articles and blogs meant to empower its readers to take action and make a change.
“These are tough times,” says Eisenstadt. “We just want more opportunity. Our goal is to coalesce this voice from younger Americans.”
Additionally, for $99 a year, members can get a YP Rewards card, which gives holders more than $3,500 in discounts on things that serve the young professional lifestyle.
Source: Michael Eisenstadt and Justin Bibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
Although just barely eight months old, ImageIQ has found a niche in the medical imaging field. The company, which is a spinoff of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, takes a qualitative approach to diagnostic imaging.
“Anybody who acquires an image during a bio-science event, it’s a subjective process for anyone who looks at that image,” says ImageIQ CEO Tim Kulbago. “We build custom solutions to get quantitative scientific data.”
Kulbago likens ImageIQ’s capabilities to a police officer’s speed radar gun. Without it, people in the medical industry are just estimating their findings. The company has three areas of expertise: pharmaceutical, medical devices and research.
While the company still is in its infancy, the folks behind the research at Image IQ have years of experience. “We feel like we’re on the leading edge of actual medical imaging,” says Kulbago. “Our team has been doing this for over 10 years. Now we’re taking the idea of this service to market.”
ImageIQ has developed working relationships with NASA, MIT and, most recently, Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) to enhance the ongoing joint replacement research. ImageIQ and AORI will apply state-of-the-art 3D imaging analytics to improve the assessment of the structural integrity and performance of various biomaterials in orthopedic implant wear studies.
ImageIQ has grown from four people on staff to eight in just eight months. “Now were at a point where word is starting to get out,” says Kulbago. They are prepared to grow as the company grows. Kulbago plans to host a webinar in November, “60 in 60: Speed Dating for Imaging Analytics,” which has already produced significant interest.
Source: Tim Kulbago
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Anybody who acquires an image during a bio-science event, it’s a subjective process for anyone who looks at that image,” says ImageIQ CEO Tim Kulbago. “We build custom solutions to get quantitative scientific data.”
Kulbago likens ImageIQ’s capabilities to a police officer’s speed radar gun. Without it, people in the medical industry are just estimating their findings. The company has three areas of expertise: pharmaceutical, medical devices and research.
While the company still is in its infancy, the folks behind the research at Image IQ have years of experience. “We feel like we’re on the leading edge of actual medical imaging,” says Kulbago. “Our team has been doing this for over 10 years. Now we’re taking the idea of this service to market.”
ImageIQ has developed working relationships with NASA, MIT and, most recently, Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) to enhance the ongoing joint replacement research. ImageIQ and AORI will apply state-of-the-art 3D imaging analytics to improve the assessment of the structural integrity and performance of various biomaterials in orthopedic implant wear studies.
ImageIQ has grown from four people on staff to eight in just eight months. “Now were at a point where word is starting to get out,” says Kulbago. They are prepared to grow as the company grows. Kulbago plans to host a webinar in November, “60 in 60: Speed Dating for Imaging Analytics,” which has already produced significant interest.
Source: Tim Kulbago
Writer: Karin Connelly
pnc among best companies for working moms
For the 10th straight year, PNC has earned its way onto Working Mother's list of Best Companies.
"Working Mother readers want flexibility and they want it now," say the editors of the magazine. "In survey after survey, working moms rank flexible work arrangements as the most desired benefit they seek, even higher than compensation or paid days off."
The Working Mother 100 Best Companies are judged on answers to 650 questions, including data on the access and usage of flexible work arrangements, parental leave, childcare, health and wellness support and the advancement of women to all levels of management.
Jennifer Owens, Editorial Director of Working Mother said, "The reason flexibility is so important to working moms is that they want to do their best at home and in the office. Flexible work arrangements allow moms both. The Working Mother Best Companies want to win the war for talent and productivity -- especially in a down economy -- and they have figured out how to make flex work.”
See the full list here.
"Working Mother readers want flexibility and they want it now," say the editors of the magazine. "In survey after survey, working moms rank flexible work arrangements as the most desired benefit they seek, even higher than compensation or paid days off."
The Working Mother 100 Best Companies are judged on answers to 650 questions, including data on the access and usage of flexible work arrangements, parental leave, childcare, health and wellness support and the advancement of women to all levels of management.
Jennifer Owens, Editorial Director of Working Mother said, "The reason flexibility is so important to working moms is that they want to do their best at home and in the office. Flexible work arrangements allow moms both. The Working Mother Best Companies want to win the war for talent and productivity -- especially in a down economy -- and they have figured out how to make flex work.”
See the full list here.
Last month, crowds poured into the third annual F*SHO, an exhibit that showcased locally made contemporary furniture. The goal of the Midtown event was to promote what is widely being described as a burgeoning local industry. This year's F*SHO was twice the size of last year's. If you didn't make it, check out Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski's visual tour.
The Historic Haunts Walking Tour, an event now in its fifth year, provides family-friendly Halloween treks through the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. Local residents sporting top hats and toting lanterns lead audiences along historic West Clinton and Franklin Boulevards. They stop at porches to watch costumed actors bring to life tales of murder, love and mayhem from the neighborhood's storied past.
Yet last year, the event did more than just entertain. It also led Cleveland couple Tim Brown and Andy O'Conke straight to the doorstep of their dream home.
"I looked up and saw a two-story house with a pillared porch," recalls Brown of the West Clinton colonial that he purchased earlier this year. "I thought: 'Three minutes from work, a small yard for the dog... This is the home for me!'"
Brown and O'Conke moved into their new home in mid-August -- just in time for this year's Historic Haunts. The couple's broad, welcoming porch has now been incorporated into the walking tour, and they're looking forward to the event.
In addition to the home's many green features, which were added during a top-to-bottom renovation by the Cleveland Housing Network (CHN), Brown and O'Conke were drawn to Detroit Shoreway by its welcoming, hyper-social residents.
"This is unbelievable neighborhood," says O'Conke. "As soon as we'd moved in, we met more neighbors than we had ever known at any other place we lived."
The home was renovated as part of the Opportunity Homes program, a targeted effort by the nonprofit Neighborhood Progress Inc. (NPI) and CHN to bring renovated, energy-efficient homes to six Cleveland neighborhoods.
(The tours take place October 7 and 8.)
Source: Judith Allen, Andy O'Conke, Tim Brown
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet last year, the event did more than just entertain. It also led Cleveland couple Tim Brown and Andy O'Conke straight to the doorstep of their dream home.
"I looked up and saw a two-story house with a pillared porch," recalls Brown of the West Clinton colonial that he purchased earlier this year. "I thought: 'Three minutes from work, a small yard for the dog... This is the home for me!'"
Brown and O'Conke moved into their new home in mid-August -- just in time for this year's Historic Haunts. The couple's broad, welcoming porch has now been incorporated into the walking tour, and they're looking forward to the event.
In addition to the home's many green features, which were added during a top-to-bottom renovation by the Cleveland Housing Network (CHN), Brown and O'Conke were drawn to Detroit Shoreway by its welcoming, hyper-social residents.
"This is unbelievable neighborhood," says O'Conke. "As soon as we'd moved in, we met more neighbors than we had ever known at any other place we lived."
The home was renovated as part of the Opportunity Homes program, a targeted effort by the nonprofit Neighborhood Progress Inc. (NPI) and CHN to bring renovated, energy-efficient homes to six Cleveland neighborhoods.
(The tours take place October 7 and 8.)
Source: Judith Allen, Andy O'Conke, Tim Brown
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland's chris hodgson classy to the very end, says usa today
Each week for the past two months, Cleveland food truck fans -- and even those who aren't -- ardently followed Chris Hodgson on the Food Network's "Great Food Truck Race." During the show, the local chef competed against other national food truck operators for the grand prize of $100,000.
Hodgson, as we all know by now, made it all the way to the final episode. His truck, Hodge Podge, as we also know by now, was bested by Lime Truck.
In this item on the USA Today blog Pop Candy, writer Whitney Matheson says that she was particularly moved by Hodgson's class up to and including the very end.
"I thought it was particularly moving when chef Chris Hodge (sic) noted that, because of the competition,'Me and my sister got closer, me and my girlfriend got closer -- (and that's) the greatest win of my life.'"
Read it all here.
Hodgson, as we all know by now, made it all the way to the final episode. His truck, Hodge Podge, as we also know by now, was bested by Lime Truck.
In this item on the USA Today blog Pop Candy, writer Whitney Matheson says that she was particularly moved by Hodgson's class up to and including the very end.
"I thought it was particularly moving when chef Chris Hodge (sic) noted that, because of the competition,'Me and my sister got closer, me and my girlfriend got closer -- (and that's) the greatest win of my life.'"
Read it all here.
OnShift has found its groove. The Cleveland company continues to build success as a software developer for the senior living market.
“We specialize in healthcare organizations who want to manage their staffing and labor costs,” says CEO Mark Woodka.
Tapping into the senior living market happened by accident for the company, which was founded in 2007.
“Our founder (Gene Groys) was building a communications platform and was hosting a dinner party when an administrator of the nursing home expressed an interest in it,” says Woodka.
OnShift launched their first product in 2009 and has been building momentum ever since. “Our business is growing,” says Woodka. “The market we sell to is under-served. Historically, our customers haven’t had the technology to manage their staffs. We were in the right place and the right time.”
OnShift had 175 customers by the end of 2010, and expects to grow to 600 by the end of this year. They just hired four people to their 32-person staff, still have six open positions in a range of fields, and expect to grow to 55 to 60 total by the end of 2012.
“We’re growing like gangbusters here,” says Woodka. “And we’re an incredibly fun place to work.”
Source: Mark Woodka
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We specialize in healthcare organizations who want to manage their staffing and labor costs,” says CEO Mark Woodka.
Tapping into the senior living market happened by accident for the company, which was founded in 2007.
“Our founder (Gene Groys) was building a communications platform and was hosting a dinner party when an administrator of the nursing home expressed an interest in it,” says Woodka.
OnShift launched their first product in 2009 and has been building momentum ever since. “Our business is growing,” says Woodka. “The market we sell to is under-served. Historically, our customers haven’t had the technology to manage their staffs. We were in the right place and the right time.”
OnShift had 175 customers by the end of 2010, and expects to grow to 600 by the end of this year. They just hired four people to their 32-person staff, still have six open positions in a range of fields, and expect to grow to 55 to 60 total by the end of 2012.
“We’re growing like gangbusters here,” says Woodka. “And we’re an incredibly fun place to work.”
Source: Mark Woodka
Writer: Karin Connelly
Four Northeast Ohio organizations are one group of just 20 national winners of the Obama administration's $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, a multi-agency competition to support the advancement of high-growth industry clusters across the country.
NorTech, JumpStart, MAGNET and Lorain County Community College came together to cooperatively apply for the $2 million grant that will help create jobs in the region. The program, the Northeast Ohio Speed-To-Market Accelerator (STMA), is designed to accelerate the speed-to-market for near-production or pilot-production prototypes in the advanced energy and flexible electronics industry clusters in Northeast Ohio.
The fact that the groups collaborated on the project is no surprise.
“There’s a history of organization in this region -- we work together collaboratively all the time,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “The fact that we already knew each other made it easy to identify the needs and work together on the proposal.”
Each organization will assist in its area of expertise, from company advising to workforce development. The STMA consists of three components, explains Byron Clayton, vice president of NorTech. “The first step is holding outreach workshops to let companies know the service areas we are targeting. The second step is one-on-one counseling and a path-to-market analysis. The third step is to deliver the services.”
Aside from offering expertise and guidance, the four groups plan to speed up the jobs creation process within new companies. “We are asking what can we do to help you to speed this process up,” says Clayton. “We’re working together as a region, as a network of nationally-recognized organizations.”
Sources: Cathy Belk, Byron Clayton
Writer: Karin Connelly
NorTech, JumpStart, MAGNET and Lorain County Community College came together to cooperatively apply for the $2 million grant that will help create jobs in the region. The program, the Northeast Ohio Speed-To-Market Accelerator (STMA), is designed to accelerate the speed-to-market for near-production or pilot-production prototypes in the advanced energy and flexible electronics industry clusters in Northeast Ohio.
The fact that the groups collaborated on the project is no surprise.
“There’s a history of organization in this region -- we work together collaboratively all the time,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “The fact that we already knew each other made it easy to identify the needs and work together on the proposal.”
Each organization will assist in its area of expertise, from company advising to workforce development. The STMA consists of three components, explains Byron Clayton, vice president of NorTech. “The first step is holding outreach workshops to let companies know the service areas we are targeting. The second step is one-on-one counseling and a path-to-market analysis. The third step is to deliver the services.”
Aside from offering expertise and guidance, the four groups plan to speed up the jobs creation process within new companies. “We are asking what can we do to help you to speed this process up,” says Clayton. “We’re working together as a region, as a network of nationally-recognized organizations.”
Sources: Cathy Belk, Byron Clayton
Writer: Karin Connelly