Regional Economy

To many, regionalism is the term used to describe the consolidation of countless redundant municipalities. While useful, necessary and inevitable, that aspect of regionalism is not intrinsically accurate, at least according to those whose mission it is to market Northeast Ohio. True regionalism, they argue, is defined by economic activity, not political boundaries. With major hubs like Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown, the 16-county "Cleveland Plus" region covers more than 6,000 square miles and is home to over 4 million people. Uniting that region and marketing its unique and sweeping assets is what true regionalism is all about.

Virtually unstoppable: How Peachtree VA transforms businesses
Executive assistants topped the list of most in-demand job titles for remote and freelance work in 2022. So John McKenna tapped into that need and started Peachtree VA—offering virtual assistants who can work remotely for businesses located anywhere.
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: Heights libraries, Holden Forests & Gardens, Northwest Neighborhoods CDC
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for, and how to apply.
Positive momentum: Local CDC puts Buckeye neighborhood plan into motion
In August, Cleveland's City Planning Commission approved a new master plan designed by Burten, Bell, Carr Development to lift the Buckeye neighborhood from the swamp of disinvestment, structural racism, and population loss it has dwelled within for years.
Filling a need: Resource closets provide basic supplies and food to struggling Clevelanders
Too many Clevelanders, especially those living in the city's predominantly Black and underserved neighborhoods, struggle to make ends meet as a result of unemployment and underemployment. Many area organizations are working hard to meet the needs of people. Three Cleveland organizations are taking grassroots, creative approaches to supplying basic resources.
Everyone wins! Terranean Herbs & Spices wins Chain Reaction, three more place second
The 20 semifinalists pitched their businesses to the Cleveland Chain Reaction judges last week and the winners were announced on "Kickin' it with Kenny" at Tower City Center. But there was a slight twist—all 20 came away winners.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture approves 2023 grants for six organizations
The Cuyahoga Arts & Culture board of trustees yesterday voted to approve six Northeast Ohio arts organizations for 2023 grants funding, including four arts and culture groups—Assembly for the Arts, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, Karamu House, and SPACES.
Check it out: Holiday shopping ideas with a Cleveland flare
It's peak holiday shopping time. With such talented makers and artists in Northeast Ohio, shoppers don't have to look far to find some unique, locally-made gifts for everyone on the list. We compiled some of our favorites here!
New Hope: Resource event to offer help to job seekers facing barriers
Fairfax Community Development Corporation and The City Mission will host a resource fair this Thursday to help low income individuals, those experiencing homelessness, and others with barriers to entering the workforce, overcome those hurdles and find a job.
The big pitch: Chain Reaction semifinalists to showcase their companies for judges Thursday
This Thursday, the 20 semifinalists in this year's Cleveland Chain Reaction will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to take home one of three cash prizes to help get their businesses off the ground.
Where are the workers? Employers must adapt to worker sentiment post-COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to rethink their priorities, their work environments, and career choices. As more workers head toward gig work and freelance work-from-home jobs, employers are looking for new ways to attract and retain workers in a dwindling workforce. 
 
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: RTA, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, Food Bank, and more
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for.  
 
St. Casimir Church, community make sure Willson School families have holiday dinners
The congregation at St. Casimir Church and community members in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood are raising funds to buy hams to pass out to Willson School students the day before Thanksgiving. 
Guiding light: Jan Ridgeway has spent years, her own money, on aiding CLE's most needy
For more than a dozen years, Jan Ridgeway has dedicated her time, and her own money, to Garden Valley Neighborhood House to feed and provide services to the residents living in one of Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods. 
Greater Cleveland Food Bank completes first phase of its expansion plan
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank yesterday opened the doors to its new 197,00-square-foot Partner Distribution Hub—the first step in the Food Bank’s long-term plan to serve more people in its coverage area and make sure those in need have a full range of services. 
Get your grub on: Cleveland Restaurant Week is underway
Cleveland Restaurant Week kicked off yesterday, and 35 Northeast Ohio restaurants are offering prix fixe three-course meals for just $36 through Saturday, Nov. 12.
Semifinalists announced in fifth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction
Out of a pool of 76 applicants, 22 businesses were named as semifinalists in the fifth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. The semifinalists were announced this morning on Fox 8 in the Morning's "Kickin' it With Kenny," and they will now pitch this businesses for a chance to win cash prizes and businesses assistance.
Food Justice: Many Clevelanders struggle for healthy, affordable food
There are many efforts are underway at farms, community gardens, markets, social service organizations, and public agencies to nourish communities like Cleveland—the nation’s poorest big city—where food deserts are common and healthy foods are not the cheapest, most affordable, or most accessible options. 
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: Les Délices, Beck Center, Play House and more
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for.  
 
Sweet journey: Fear’s Confections celebrates birthday with chocolate, local art, scavenger hunt
Confection lovers from across Northeast Ohio are invited to drop in to Fear's Confections this weekend to experience the hand-made sweets and nerdy, rockabilly vibe that define the shop that offers “sweets to die for” and participate in a neighborhood scavenger hunt.
Turning houses into homes: Humble Design’s fundraiser to help furnish homes for those in need
Humble Design furnishes forever homes for families and veterans emerging from homelessness. The organization tonight will host its sold out fundraising event, Welcome Home Cleveland, to raise awareness and money for its mission.