Search results for '2014 interviewed Cleveland cocktail bar founder choice restaurant close 2015'
Despite dire news to the contrary, the indie bookstore is not dead -- especially in Cleveland, one of the most literate cities in the nation. But that doesn't mean booksellers can coast on sales of Woolf, Pynchon and Roth. More than simply literary vending machines, the best indie bookstores have learned to adapt by offering poetry readings, book signings, live music, and even glasses of Australian chardonnay.
Aeroscena is tapping into the world of aromatherapy with Ascents -- little sachets of essential oils that creators say not only smell nice, but help with everything from weight loss and insomnia to energy and relaxation. Aeroscena CEO Mark Kohoot says the idea was inspired by the 18th and 19th century trend of women wearing their own personal scents around their necks.
“Ascents are an innovative way to experience aromatherapy in a portable diffuser,” explains Shannon Gibb, product manager. “They are all natural, made with essential oils."
There are five different scents, each of which comes in a little packet. Unseal the packet and inhale the scent up to 500 times. The five signature blends are: Sleep, Energize, Calm, Focus, and Curb for weight loss.
Founded a little over a year ago, Aeroscena employees telecommuted from home until June of this year, when the company opened offices in the Leader Building downtown. Ana Sorel was just hired as marketing manager and Aaron Cornell was brought on as the new CFO. Gibb says the next step is to build a solid sales rep staff.
Ascents are available on the company’s website, at Nature’s Bin in Lakewood and at 360-5 Wellness Store at the Cleveland Clinic. The Clinic also gives Ascents to participants in their online sleep program, Go! to Sleep.
Source: Shannon Gibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Ascents are an innovative way to experience aromatherapy in a portable diffuser,” explains Shannon Gibb, product manager. “They are all natural, made with essential oils."
There are five different scents, each of which comes in a little packet. Unseal the packet and inhale the scent up to 500 times. The five signature blends are: Sleep, Energize, Calm, Focus, and Curb for weight loss.
Founded a little over a year ago, Aeroscena employees telecommuted from home until June of this year, when the company opened offices in the Leader Building downtown. Ana Sorel was just hired as marketing manager and Aaron Cornell was brought on as the new CFO. Gibb says the next step is to build a solid sales rep staff.
Ascents are available on the company’s website, at Nature’s Bin in Lakewood and at 360-5 Wellness Store at the Cleveland Clinic. The Clinic also gives Ascents to participants in their online sleep program, Go! to Sleep.
Source: Shannon Gibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
as 'the chew' debut approaches, symon's exposure escalates
With the highly publicized debut of "The Chew" hitting the airwaves next week (September 26 at 1 p.m. on ABC), the hosts are popping up everywhere. That includes Cleveland's Michael Symon, who along with the show's other personalities, is featured in a New York Times article titled, "Throwing Out the Recipe for Daytime TV."
"The Chew," as writer Julia Moskin points out, is the first new daytime show on ABC since the “The View” went on the air in 1997. The show, as we have heard loudly and clearly from diehard soaps fans, is filling the spot of the long-running “All My Children,” which was canceled after one million years.
"As of Monday, Susan Lucci’s cheekbones will be out, bone-in chicken will be in," pens Moskin. "'The Chew' has five full-time hosts: Mr. Batali; Ms. Hall; Michael Symon, the 'Iron Chef' stalwart and Cleveland native; Clinton Kelly, who is also a co-host of the fashion show “What Not to Wear”; and Daphne Oz, the 25-year-old daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz (yes, that Dr. Oz), who plays her role of wide-eyed cooking apprentice beautifully. Together, they will cook, chat, taste and — if rehearsals are any indication -- refer frequently to their own lives and stories.”
Moskin interestingly points out that much of an original cast was discarded in favor of the present one, which apparently sat better with test audiences.
“'The Chew' is not a celebrity gabfest with a food hook, like Rachael Ray’s," adds Moskin. Nor is it the typical “dump and stir” half-hour cooking show, which relies on "precut, premeasured ingredients and swaps – the usual tricks that speed up the cooking process on camera." Rather, she writes, "it’s an attempt to engage daily with Americans about home cooking."
Read the rest of the article here.
With the highly publicized debut of "The Chew" hitting the airwaves next week (September 26 at 1 p.m. on ABC), the hosts are popping up everywhere. That includes Cleveland's Michael Symon, who along with the show's other personalities, is featured in a New York Times article titled, "Throwing Out the Recipe for Daytime TV."
"The Chew," as writer Julia Moskin points out, is the first new daytime show on ABC since the “The View” went on the air in 1997. The show, as we have heard loudly and clearly from diehard soaps fans, is filling the spot of the long-running “All My Children,” which was canceled after one million years.
"As of Monday, Susan Lucci’s cheekbones will be out, bone-in chicken will be in," pens Moskin. "'The Chew' has five full-time hosts: Mr. Batali; Ms. Hall; Michael Symon, the 'Iron Chef' stalwart and Cleveland native; Clinton Kelly, who is also a co-host of the fashion show “What Not to Wear”; and Daphne Oz, the 25-year-old daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz (yes, that Dr. Oz), who plays her role of wide-eyed cooking apprentice beautifully. Together, they will cook, chat, taste and — if rehearsals are any indication -- refer frequently to their own lives and stories.”
Moskin interestingly points out that much of an original cast was discarded in favor of the present one, which apparently sat better with test audiences.
“'The Chew' is not a celebrity gabfest with a food hook, like Rachael Ray’s," adds Moskin. Nor is it the typical “dump and stir” half-hour cooking show, which relies on "precut, premeasured ingredients and swaps – the usual tricks that speed up the cooking process on camera." Rather, she writes, "it’s an attempt to engage daily with Americans about home cooking."
Read the rest of the article here.
Ben Faller and Jesse Honsky's aim was to restore their home on E. 128th Street between Larchmere and Shaker boulevards to its original character based upon photographs they'd uncovered. Vinyl siding, noxious and non-recyclable, was an unfortunate side effect. Painstakingly removing the siding from their home, they knew, regrettably, that the chemical-laden strips likely would end up in a landfill.
Was there another option?
That's when one of their neighbors came up with the idea of turning it into a work of art. Katharyne Starinsky, founder and co-chair of the Neighborhoods of Shaker Square Home Tour, contacted a local artist and got the ball rolling.
"We wanted to find a way to celebrate what they were doing while also promoting green living," says Starinsky.
She contacted Tremont artist Ian Petroni, who was immediately intrigued by the proposal. "I told her that I loved the opportunity but that I hated vinyl siding, and she said, 'That's exactly the point,'" recalls Petroni.
The artist's provocative sculpture, entitled 'Invasive Species,' refashions the strips of yellow siding into a bountiful and oddly beautiful vinyl jungle that shoots up from Faller's and Honsky's front lawn like a rapacious, fast-growing plant.
"I decided to call it 'invasive species' because it doesn't fit into the historic environment and because it chokes out other species," explains Petroni. "I wanted to get people to start thinking about the drawbacks of vinyl siding."
Petroni was not only concerned with the impact of vinyl siding on the character of historic neighborhoods, but also with its toxic effect on the environment. "The production of vinyl is dangerous to people and ecosystems," he says.
Since its installation, the sculpture has been a conversation starter as well as a popular draw during the home tour. "It's like a Christmas lighting display, the way the cars slow down as they drive along 128th," says Starinsky with a laugh.
Neighbors on the street have begun to approach the homeowners about buying portions of the sculpture to install in their yards. Starinsky says she hopes to eventually sell the sculpture as a fundraiser for the home tour.
Within the next 7 to 10 days, Petroni plans to move the sculpture to the side yard of Felice, a popular restaurant in the neighborhood. There, spectators will be able to gawk at it throughout fall. (Hopefully it won't cause accidents.)
Source: Ian Petroni, Katharyne Starinsky
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Was there another option?
That's when one of their neighbors came up with the idea of turning it into a work of art. Katharyne Starinsky, founder and co-chair of the Neighborhoods of Shaker Square Home Tour, contacted a local artist and got the ball rolling.
"We wanted to find a way to celebrate what they were doing while also promoting green living," says Starinsky.
She contacted Tremont artist Ian Petroni, who was immediately intrigued by the proposal. "I told her that I loved the opportunity but that I hated vinyl siding, and she said, 'That's exactly the point,'" recalls Petroni.
The artist's provocative sculpture, entitled 'Invasive Species,' refashions the strips of yellow siding into a bountiful and oddly beautiful vinyl jungle that shoots up from Faller's and Honsky's front lawn like a rapacious, fast-growing plant.
"I decided to call it 'invasive species' because it doesn't fit into the historic environment and because it chokes out other species," explains Petroni. "I wanted to get people to start thinking about the drawbacks of vinyl siding."
Petroni was not only concerned with the impact of vinyl siding on the character of historic neighborhoods, but also with its toxic effect on the environment. "The production of vinyl is dangerous to people and ecosystems," he says.
Since its installation, the sculpture has been a conversation starter as well as a popular draw during the home tour. "It's like a Christmas lighting display, the way the cars slow down as they drive along 128th," says Starinsky with a laugh.
Neighbors on the street have begun to approach the homeowners about buying portions of the sculpture to install in their yards. Starinsky says she hopes to eventually sell the sculpture as a fundraiser for the home tour.
Within the next 7 to 10 days, Petroni plans to move the sculpture to the side yard of Felice, a popular restaurant in the neighborhood. There, spectators will be able to gawk at it throughout fall. (Hopefully it won't cause accidents.)
Source: Ian Petroni, Katharyne Starinsky
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The growing number of urban gardens in the city of East Cleveland prompted the second annual Urban Gardens and Farmers Market Open House. Held last Saturday, the event highlighted the blossoming of urban farms and gardens in a community that lacks even a single major grocery store, says Nicole Wright, Program Coordinator with the Ohio State University Cuyahoga County Extension office, who helped to organize the event in collaboration with local residents.
Wright says the proliferation of local gardens is helping local residents to grow and eat healthier food, save money on food expenses, reuse and beautify vacant land, improve community health outcomes and potentially earn money by selling locally grown produce at the Coit Road Farmers Market.
"We're definitely making an impact," says Wright, citing the presence of nine community gardens in the city. "East Cleveland has an unusually high concentration of gardens for a small city. When you look at Cuyahoga County as a whole, it actually has the second highest number of gardens."
Three years ago, OSU Extension, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission applied for and were awarded a grant from the Center for Disease Control. The resulting program, Creating Healthy Communities, helps to address public health issues in East Cleveland and Euclid by providing better food choices and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
"We chose East Cleveland because it has low access to fresh foods and high rates of chronic, preventable diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity," says Wright. "We want to help people to become more self-reliant."
East Cleveland was also selected because of its Coit Road Farmers Market, a local institution that is not frequented often enough by local residents, says Wright. One of the goals of Creating Healthy Communities is to turn that trend around.
In recent years, the farmers market has been encouraging local residents to grow and sell their produce at the market. This fruitful partnership is helping to reengage local residents with this fresh food venue. "This is about promoting the market that's right there in the community," says Wright.
Source: Nicole Wright
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Wright says the proliferation of local gardens is helping local residents to grow and eat healthier food, save money on food expenses, reuse and beautify vacant land, improve community health outcomes and potentially earn money by selling locally grown produce at the Coit Road Farmers Market.
"We're definitely making an impact," says Wright, citing the presence of nine community gardens in the city. "East Cleveland has an unusually high concentration of gardens for a small city. When you look at Cuyahoga County as a whole, it actually has the second highest number of gardens."
Three years ago, OSU Extension, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission applied for and were awarded a grant from the Center for Disease Control. The resulting program, Creating Healthy Communities, helps to address public health issues in East Cleveland and Euclid by providing better food choices and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
"We chose East Cleveland because it has low access to fresh foods and high rates of chronic, preventable diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity," says Wright. "We want to help people to become more self-reliant."
East Cleveland was also selected because of its Coit Road Farmers Market, a local institution that is not frequented often enough by local residents, says Wright. One of the goals of Creating Healthy Communities is to turn that trend around.
In recent years, the farmers market has been encouraging local residents to grow and sell their produce at the market. This fruitful partnership is helping to reengage local residents with this fresh food venue. "This is about promoting the market that's right there in the community," says Wright.
Source: Nicole Wright
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland's new generation of entrepreneurs featured on 'state of the re:union'
Launched in 2009, "State of the Re:Union" is a public radio program that sets out to explore what American cities are doing to create community in light of challenging circumstances. In this episode on Cleveland, the hosts delve into how a new generation of entrepreneurs is helping to transform the city.
"Cleveland, Ohio is a city that was made by entrepreneurs, but for decades, it’s been known as a city that’s a shell of its former manufacturing-era glorious self. However, Cleveland is being embraced by a new generation of entrepreneurs as a place to put their dreams in motion."
In large because it is an affordable city, argues observers, Cleveland is birthing a new wave of entrepreneurs who have less to risk than they would in pricier metros.
"Cleveland is a city of second chances," says Councilman Jay Westbrook.
This engaging broadcast includes Ray Petro of Ray MTB, Jennifer Coleman of CityProwl, Ray Leach of JumpStart, Evergreen Cooperatives, plus many others
Listen to the whole thing here.
"Cleveland, Ohio is a city that was made by entrepreneurs, but for decades, it’s been known as a city that’s a shell of its former manufacturing-era glorious self. However, Cleveland is being embraced by a new generation of entrepreneurs as a place to put their dreams in motion."
In large because it is an affordable city, argues observers, Cleveland is birthing a new wave of entrepreneurs who have less to risk than they would in pricier metros.
"Cleveland is a city of second chances," says Councilman Jay Westbrook.
This engaging broadcast includes Ray Petro of Ray MTB, Jennifer Coleman of CityProwl, Ray Leach of JumpStart, Evergreen Cooperatives, plus many others
Listen to the whole thing here.
Ryan Clark and Nathan Lambert know how to sell advertising. They also figured out a way to help libraries offset printing costs. The co-founders of Knowta, a Shaker LaunchHouse portfolio company, have created a unique print ad system that runs ads at the bottom of a page that users print out at the library.
The concept is brilliantly simple: Users elect to receive the advertising in exchange for free or discounted printing. Instead of receiving documents on typical 8.5" x 11" paper, they are printed on 8.5" x 14" paper, with the bottom three inches featuring a perforated section of full-color ads. Advertisers are able to tailor or change their ads at will to fit the time of day, content or location of the user’s document.
“Libraries are really challenged by economic models,” says Lambert. “Knowta meets those challenges with sustainable printing.” A portion of the revenue collected from the ads goes back to the library to offset printing costs and other expenses. Lambert and Clark have already secured contracts with local merchants around the Case campus.
Knowta will launch its product in CWRU’s Kelvin Smith Library in October, followed by a launch in the Cuyahoga County Public Library system later this fall. While Lambert and Clark plan to expand in Northeast Ohio, they also have plans to sell their product outside of the region.
“As we grow we’ll be growing within the region with additional locations within the Cuyahoga County Library system and the higher education market within Northeast Ohio, with a few target markets outside Northeast Ohio,” says Clark.
The company has one full-time employee, with plans to hire regional sales reps as they continue to expand.
Source: Ryan Clark and Nathan Lambert
Writer: Karin Connelly
The concept is brilliantly simple: Users elect to receive the advertising in exchange for free or discounted printing. Instead of receiving documents on typical 8.5" x 11" paper, they are printed on 8.5" x 14" paper, with the bottom three inches featuring a perforated section of full-color ads. Advertisers are able to tailor or change their ads at will to fit the time of day, content or location of the user’s document.
“Libraries are really challenged by economic models,” says Lambert. “Knowta meets those challenges with sustainable printing.” A portion of the revenue collected from the ads goes back to the library to offset printing costs and other expenses. Lambert and Clark have already secured contracts with local merchants around the Case campus.
Knowta will launch its product in CWRU’s Kelvin Smith Library in October, followed by a launch in the Cuyahoga County Public Library system later this fall. While Lambert and Clark plan to expand in Northeast Ohio, they also have plans to sell their product outside of the region.
“As we grow we’ll be growing within the region with additional locations within the Cuyahoga County Library system and the higher education market within Northeast Ohio, with a few target markets outside Northeast Ohio,” says Clark.
The company has one full-time employee, with plans to hire regional sales reps as they continue to expand.
Source: Ryan Clark and Nathan Lambert
Writer: Karin Connelly
museum of art and bidwell collaboration for cross-town gallery makes cross-country news
A recent article published in the Houston Chronicle covers the newly announced collaboration between Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell, private art collectors, and the Cleveland Museum of Art to open a gallery on the near-west side.
To be housed in an attractive brick building that long housed a transformer station, the 3,500-square-foot gallery is expected to open in late 2012.
"The boxy brick station, located in a blue-collar neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, was built in 1924 to provide power for streetcars. It was used as a transformer station until 1949 and later housed an art foundry.
The museum said it expects to present at least two shows per year at the location."
David Franklin, the museum's director, is quoted as saying, "The project would enhance CMA's reputation for contemporary art and community involvement "in creative, unexpected ways."
Read the rest here.
To be housed in an attractive brick building that long housed a transformer station, the 3,500-square-foot gallery is expected to open in late 2012.
"The boxy brick station, located in a blue-collar neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, was built in 1924 to provide power for streetcars. It was used as a transformer station until 1949 and later housed an art foundry.
The museum said it expects to present at least two shows per year at the location."
David Franklin, the museum's director, is quoted as saying, "The project would enhance CMA's reputation for contemporary art and community involvement "in creative, unexpected ways."
Read the rest here.
With its youth-friendly atmosphere, vibrant arts and culture scene, and main drags lined with restaurants, bars and funky shops, Lakewood has long felt like a college town without possessing a single university.
That's about to change. This week, Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of a new University of Akron satellite branch in the heart of that city. It will occupy an 11,000-square-foot space in the newly renovated Bailey Building at Warren and Detroit. Although it will open with only a handful of students, it eventually will offer classes to a few hundred pupils at a time.
"This is going to bring more people into downtown Lakewood, which will add to the urban vibrancy that's already here," says Ian Andrews, Executive Director of Lakewood Alive, a nonprofit economic development organization that will help to the market the branch. "More people on the sidewalk checking out the great amenities Lakewood has to offer will further drive up demand for goods and services."
The University of Akron has said that it plans to concentrate a few specific programs within the space, including health care and education degrees. The branch will also likely offer continuing education and distance learning programs.
This Thursday, the University of Akron and Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of the new branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 pm and a public open house from 5-8 pm. Planned activities include guided tours, performances by groups from Lakewood High School and a distance learning technology demonstration. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Source: Ian Andrews
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's about to change. This week, Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of a new University of Akron satellite branch in the heart of that city. It will occupy an 11,000-square-foot space in the newly renovated Bailey Building at Warren and Detroit. Although it will open with only a handful of students, it eventually will offer classes to a few hundred pupils at a time.
"This is going to bring more people into downtown Lakewood, which will add to the urban vibrancy that's already here," says Ian Andrews, Executive Director of Lakewood Alive, a nonprofit economic development organization that will help to the market the branch. "More people on the sidewalk checking out the great amenities Lakewood has to offer will further drive up demand for goods and services."
The University of Akron has said that it plans to concentrate a few specific programs within the space, including health care and education degrees. The branch will also likely offer continuing education and distance learning programs.
This Thursday, the University of Akron and Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of the new branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 pm and a public open house from 5-8 pm. Planned activities include guided tours, performances by groups from Lakewood High School and a distance learning technology demonstration. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Source: Ian Andrews
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland bike advocates score 'big' win with complete streets ordinance
Writing for the sustainable transportation and living blog Streetsblog, Angie Schmitt covers the recent victory in Cleveland City Hall regarding so-called "complete streets" legislation.
Titled, "In Cleveland, A Slow Evolution Toward Sustainable Transportation," Schmitt writes that, "Last night was a big moment for sustainable transportation in Cleveland. With a small group of helmet-toting onlookers in the wings, City Council finally gave their nod to a Complete Streets ordinance -- the culmination of more than five years’ struggle."
The news was especially welcome given recent and major defeats, such as ODOT's refusal to add cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to the new Innerbelt Bridge. Riders instead got a $6-million commitment to add bike and pedestrian improvements to the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge.
Cleveland's current bike-advocacy movement, argues Schmitt, began to coalesce in recent years thanks to Sustainability Director Andrew Watterson, whose multi-day Sustainable Cleveland 2019 birthed the Sustainable Transportation Action Team (STAT).
"Over the past two years, Cleveland’s Critical Mass has been booming, culminating in nearly 450 riders at the August 2011 ride. Growth in the cycling community was further amplified by the creation of a unified cycling advocacy group. Bike Cleveland appointed a board and held a two day summit attended by more than 100 to mark their official debut earlier this month. They plan to hire full-time staff within the year."
"Cleveland’s Complete Streets ordinance requires that 20 percent of every road project’s budget be spent on green amenities like permeable pavement, or cycling and walking amenities. City Council went further, inserting a rider into the legislation that requires the council member from the affected ward to be notified before a road project is exempted from the requirement."
Of course, law and reality are two vastly different things, a fact not lost on John Mitterholzer, a STAT member.
“Its time to celebrate it and thank the mayor for a good policy,” Mitterholzer is quoted in the article. “But we also have to make sure it’s implemented.”
Read the rest of the post here.
Titled, "In Cleveland, A Slow Evolution Toward Sustainable Transportation," Schmitt writes that, "Last night was a big moment for sustainable transportation in Cleveland. With a small group of helmet-toting onlookers in the wings, City Council finally gave their nod to a Complete Streets ordinance -- the culmination of more than five years’ struggle."
The news was especially welcome given recent and major defeats, such as ODOT's refusal to add cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to the new Innerbelt Bridge. Riders instead got a $6-million commitment to add bike and pedestrian improvements to the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge.
Cleveland's current bike-advocacy movement, argues Schmitt, began to coalesce in recent years thanks to Sustainability Director Andrew Watterson, whose multi-day Sustainable Cleveland 2019 birthed the Sustainable Transportation Action Team (STAT).
"Over the past two years, Cleveland’s Critical Mass has been booming, culminating in nearly 450 riders at the August 2011 ride. Growth in the cycling community was further amplified by the creation of a unified cycling advocacy group. Bike Cleveland appointed a board and held a two day summit attended by more than 100 to mark their official debut earlier this month. They plan to hire full-time staff within the year."
"Cleveland’s Complete Streets ordinance requires that 20 percent of every road project’s budget be spent on green amenities like permeable pavement, or cycling and walking amenities. City Council went further, inserting a rider into the legislation that requires the council member from the affected ward to be notified before a road project is exempted from the requirement."
Of course, law and reality are two vastly different things, a fact not lost on John Mitterholzer, a STAT member.
“Its time to celebrate it and thank the mayor for a good policy,” Mitterholzer is quoted in the article. “But we also have to make sure it’s implemented.”
Read the rest of the post here.
CEOs for Cities, a global nonprofit network of urban leaders focused on making American cities more successful, has opened an office in Cleveland. Lee Fisher, former Ohio Lt. Governor, Ohio Attorney General, and director of the Ohio Department of Development, was named president and CEO of the organization earlier this year and insisted his offices be in Cleveland.
“I told them I was a lifelong Ohioan and did not want to move out of Ohio,” Fisher says. The Cleveland office is the first new office CEOs for Cities has opened in 10 years. The organization has offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., with partners in 15 cities.
CEOs for Cities brings civic leaders from around the country together to come up with solutions to struggling economies and helps cities like Cleveland thrive.
“We’re a national network of urban leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop best practices,” explains Fisher. “We want to bring university and college presidents, business leaders, mayors and city councils together to discuss how to make cities more vibrant, sustainable and attractive.”
Based in Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, Fisher felt it was the best location to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the city. “I wanted to be somewhere where I can be around smart, urban thinkers like [Levin dean] Ned Hill. I wanted to be in an exciting atmosphere.”
One of Fisher’s goals is to create a cluster partnership between Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown in which city leaders will come together to share innovative best practices. The cluster group will share their thoughts with other city leaders in the CEOs for Cities partnership and, in turn, will gather information from other regional leaders.
Source: Lee Fisher
Writer: Karin Connelly
“I told them I was a lifelong Ohioan and did not want to move out of Ohio,” Fisher says. The Cleveland office is the first new office CEOs for Cities has opened in 10 years. The organization has offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., with partners in 15 cities.
CEOs for Cities brings civic leaders from around the country together to come up with solutions to struggling economies and helps cities like Cleveland thrive.
“We’re a national network of urban leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop best practices,” explains Fisher. “We want to bring university and college presidents, business leaders, mayors and city councils together to discuss how to make cities more vibrant, sustainable and attractive.”
Based in Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, Fisher felt it was the best location to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the city. “I wanted to be somewhere where I can be around smart, urban thinkers like [Levin dean] Ned Hill. I wanted to be in an exciting atmosphere.”
One of Fisher’s goals is to create a cluster partnership between Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown in which city leaders will come together to share innovative best practices. The cluster group will share their thoughts with other city leaders in the CEOs for Cities partnership and, in turn, will gather information from other regional leaders.
Source: Lee Fisher
Writer: Karin Connelly
Art meets technology at the 2011 Ingenuity Festival this weekend, September 16-18 on the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. While Cleveland is traditionally known as a manufacturing city in the traditional sense, Ingenuity Fest celebrates the manufacturing companies that lean more toward the creative and artistic side.
“When the festival was first conceived seven years ago, it was exploring this idea of art and technology,” explains director of programming James Krouse. “When people say ‘technology companies’ they are usually thinking about software. We’re missing out on communicating with companies that don’t define themselves as technology companies."
Krouse cites Aeroclay as a good example of the kind of technology Ingenuity Fest celebrates. The startup company out of CWRU develops an advanced polymer lightweight material that can be used in everything from packaging to sound barriers. “It’s a very advanced material used in all kinds of applications,” says Krouse. “That is the kind if company growing here in Cleveland.”
From chemistry demonstrations to 3-D printers to cutting edge treatments for eye problems, the festival celebrates that pioneering and unique efforts in art and science going on in Cleveland. “We’re not a trade how, but this is an example of something that’s kind of that wow factor, says Krouse. “We think it’s important for technology to be on display.”
While the festival features all the expected attractions associated with the word “festival” -- tents, beer, music -- it also highlights the innovations that make Cleveland unique. “It’s a celebration of innovation, at the same time it’s people out having fun,” Krouse says. “We think it’s important for this technology to be on display.”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
“When the festival was first conceived seven years ago, it was exploring this idea of art and technology,” explains director of programming James Krouse. “When people say ‘technology companies’ they are usually thinking about software. We’re missing out on communicating with companies that don’t define themselves as technology companies."
Krouse cites Aeroclay as a good example of the kind of technology Ingenuity Fest celebrates. The startup company out of CWRU develops an advanced polymer lightweight material that can be used in everything from packaging to sound barriers. “It’s a very advanced material used in all kinds of applications,” says Krouse. “That is the kind if company growing here in Cleveland.”
From chemistry demonstrations to 3-D printers to cutting edge treatments for eye problems, the festival celebrates that pioneering and unique efforts in art and science going on in Cleveland. “We’re not a trade how, but this is an example of something that’s kind of that wow factor, says Krouse. “We think it’s important for technology to be on display.”
While the festival features all the expected attractions associated with the word “festival” -- tents, beer, music -- it also highlights the innovations that make Cleveland unique. “It’s a celebration of innovation, at the same time it’s people out having fun,” Krouse says. “We think it’s important for this technology to be on display.”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
St. Paul's Lutheran Church couldn't save itself, yet the developer of a new CVS in Lakewood is at least saving it from the wrecking ball. Zaremba Group, a Lakewood-based developer, has recycled 80 to 90 percent of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 15501 Detroit Avenue, where a new drug store is slated to be built this fall.
Some of the church's finer elements have been rescued from the landfill and soon will gain new life as locally-made furniture or raised garden beds. The bulk of the steel, brick and concrete will be crushed and recycled as fill.
Sean McDermott, Senior Development Manager with Zaremba Group, says that while it's unusual for retail developers to recycle old buildings, the historic character of the church cried out for some kind of creative reuse.
"We found huge timbers in the roof trusses -- eight-inch-square yellow pine that was over 100 years old," he says. "Because of the age of this stuff and the fact that you can't find it anymore, we knew reusing it was the right thing to do."
Zaremba Group partnered with Reclaimed Cleveland, a Lakewood-based company run by Aaron Gogolin, to harvest the church's floorboards, woodwork and oak doors. These materials will be made into furniture.
The developer also donated truckloads of bricks to Lakewood Earth and Food for use in the city's community gardens.
While several large trees on the property are being cut down, that wood will also be used to make furniture. Additionally, Zaremba plans to plant several large trees that will ultimately grow to a height of 35 feet.
The most costly aspect of the recycling project, according to McDermott, was the time delay it caused. He adds that while this the biggest recycling project Zaremba has undertaken, the company would definitely consider doing it again.
The new CVS will also have some green features, including three bioswales that will catch and release storm water into the ground rather than into storm sewers. This will help to reduce stormwater fees, which are rising with the Northeast Ohio Sewer District's new regulations, while also helping the environment.
Source: Sean McDermott
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Some of the church's finer elements have been rescued from the landfill and soon will gain new life as locally-made furniture or raised garden beds. The bulk of the steel, brick and concrete will be crushed and recycled as fill.
Sean McDermott, Senior Development Manager with Zaremba Group, says that while it's unusual for retail developers to recycle old buildings, the historic character of the church cried out for some kind of creative reuse.
"We found huge timbers in the roof trusses -- eight-inch-square yellow pine that was over 100 years old," he says. "Because of the age of this stuff and the fact that you can't find it anymore, we knew reusing it was the right thing to do."
Zaremba Group partnered with Reclaimed Cleveland, a Lakewood-based company run by Aaron Gogolin, to harvest the church's floorboards, woodwork and oak doors. These materials will be made into furniture.
The developer also donated truckloads of bricks to Lakewood Earth and Food for use in the city's community gardens.
While several large trees on the property are being cut down, that wood will also be used to make furniture. Additionally, Zaremba plans to plant several large trees that will ultimately grow to a height of 35 feet.
The most costly aspect of the recycling project, according to McDermott, was the time delay it caused. He adds that while this the biggest recycling project Zaremba has undertaken, the company would definitely consider doing it again.
The new CVS will also have some green features, including three bioswales that will catch and release storm water into the ground rather than into storm sewers. This will help to reduce stormwater fees, which are rising with the Northeast Ohio Sewer District's new regulations, while also helping the environment.
Source: Sean McDermott
Writer: Lee Chilcote
freshwater wind farm snags $500k grant from uncle sam
The push to plant the nation's first freshwater wind farm just offshore from Cleveland has just received some financial assistance from The Department of Energy. The grant is part of a $43 million package intended to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the timelines for wind energy deployment.
Freshwater Wind, a private Cleveland-based developer selected by Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) to build the initial 20-30 megawatt offshore wind project, is the recipient.
“This award from the DOE validates the work done thus far by LEEDCo and Freshwater Wind and confirms the Lake Erie project is the farthest advanced project in the Great Lakes. Our next step is to gain policy backing from Ohio that will ensure Ohio remains in a leadership position,” says Chris Wissemann, Managing Director at Freshwater Wind.
Read the rest of the good news here.
Freshwater Wind, a private Cleveland-based developer selected by Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) to build the initial 20-30 megawatt offshore wind project, is the recipient.
“This award from the DOE validates the work done thus far by LEEDCo and Freshwater Wind and confirms the Lake Erie project is the farthest advanced project in the Great Lakes. Our next step is to gain policy backing from Ohio that will ensure Ohio remains in a leadership position,” says Chris Wissemann, Managing Director at Freshwater Wind.
Read the rest of the good news here.
A new bakery on W. 25th Street is out to prove that dairy-free desserts can be just as addictive as the most decadent slice of chocolate cake -- while also cutting back on the calories, health risks, and guilt associated with many of our favorite vices.
Just ask Margaret Bilyeau, owner of the newly opened Maggie's Vegan Bakery, who boasts of her vegan "chocolate" cupcakes with "cream cheese" icing: "You need to come try them -- they're wonderful."
That shouldn't be too hard; she offers free samples to customers who stop in her store, located at 1830 W. 25th Street in Ohio City's ever-expanding Market District.
Bilyeau first started baking professionally in 1994. She sold her goods at farmers markets and the now-closed Food Co-op on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. Advised by a Co-op employee that she should start baking vegan because few others were serving that market, Bilyeau started doing just that.
But first she had to learn what being vegan actually means. "I said to him, 'What's that? How do you do it?'" she says. "He told me, 'You have to figure it out.' At the time, not very many people were doing it. It's a much bigger market now."
Although Bilyeau prepares her vegan baked goods strictly sans dairy, her customers aren't limited to hardcore vegans or vegetarians. Increasingly, they are also heart patients or elderly people that can't eat dairy for health reasons, or people who aren't consuming dairy products because of religious reasons.
Bilyeau also makes gluten-free baked goods to serve another growing market -- people with Celiac Disease who are allergic to wheat, rye and barley. "It's hard to find fresh gluten-free bread," she says. "It's flying off of the shelves."
Her ultimate goal is to ramp up her distribution business and ensure that more restaurants in Cleveland carry vegan and gluten-free desserts and other baked goods.
Bilyeau chose Ohio City because she shops at the West Side Market and saw new businesses opening up in the area.
"We're right between the new Mexican restaurant, Orale, and Johnnyville Slugger," she says. "I love being here."
Source: Margaret Bilyeau
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Just ask Margaret Bilyeau, owner of the newly opened Maggie's Vegan Bakery, who boasts of her vegan "chocolate" cupcakes with "cream cheese" icing: "You need to come try them -- they're wonderful."
That shouldn't be too hard; she offers free samples to customers who stop in her store, located at 1830 W. 25th Street in Ohio City's ever-expanding Market District.
Bilyeau first started baking professionally in 1994. She sold her goods at farmers markets and the now-closed Food Co-op on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. Advised by a Co-op employee that she should start baking vegan because few others were serving that market, Bilyeau started doing just that.
But first she had to learn what being vegan actually means. "I said to him, 'What's that? How do you do it?'" she says. "He told me, 'You have to figure it out.' At the time, not very many people were doing it. It's a much bigger market now."
Although Bilyeau prepares her vegan baked goods strictly sans dairy, her customers aren't limited to hardcore vegans or vegetarians. Increasingly, they are also heart patients or elderly people that can't eat dairy for health reasons, or people who aren't consuming dairy products because of religious reasons.
Bilyeau also makes gluten-free baked goods to serve another growing market -- people with Celiac Disease who are allergic to wheat, rye and barley. "It's hard to find fresh gluten-free bread," she says. "It's flying off of the shelves."
Her ultimate goal is to ramp up her distribution business and ensure that more restaurants in Cleveland carry vegan and gluten-free desserts and other baked goods.
Bilyeau chose Ohio City because she shops at the West Side Market and saw new businesses opening up in the area.
"We're right between the new Mexican restaurant, Orale, and Johnnyville Slugger," she says. "I love being here."
Source: Margaret Bilyeau
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Coffee aficionados at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport were at a loss when Banjo’s closed its door last year. The coffee shop was the only stop in the C concourse for Phoenix Coffee junkies to get their fill. So when Auntie Anne’s approached the local roaster about supplying their coffee, Phoenix decided to introduce a unique blend that is all Cleveland: CLE Blend.
“It’s a Cleveland pride thing,” says Phoenix CEO and self-described superbarista Sarah Wilson-Jones. “We thought it was time to have a coffee that is uniquely Cleveland.” The name reflects the Cleveland airport code.
The coffee, which originated as an espresso blend, is a combination of Brazilian, Columbian, Costa Rican and Sumatran coffees and is a medium body blend with floral aromas and touches of vanilla and a chocolate finish. The blend has its own logo – a CLE baggage tag.
Introduced in July, CLE Blend tempts travelers as they enter or leave the airport’s C concourse. It’s also available at Phoenix locations around Northeast Ohio and online. “It was designed to celebrate our relationship with the airport,” says Wilson-Jones. “It’s designed for Clevelanders by Clevelanders.”
Wilson-Jones says Auntie Anne’s approached Phoenix because they wanted a local connection for their coffee products.
“There’s a popular demand for local coffee in the airport,” she says. “And that’s what drove Auntie Anne’s to call us.”
Source: Sarah Wilson-Jones
Writer: Karin Connelly
“It’s a Cleveland pride thing,” says Phoenix CEO and self-described superbarista Sarah Wilson-Jones. “We thought it was time to have a coffee that is uniquely Cleveland.” The name reflects the Cleveland airport code.
The coffee, which originated as an espresso blend, is a combination of Brazilian, Columbian, Costa Rican and Sumatran coffees and is a medium body blend with floral aromas and touches of vanilla and a chocolate finish. The blend has its own logo – a CLE baggage tag.
Introduced in July, CLE Blend tempts travelers as they enter or leave the airport’s C concourse. It’s also available at Phoenix locations around Northeast Ohio and online. “It was designed to celebrate our relationship with the airport,” says Wilson-Jones. “It’s designed for Clevelanders by Clevelanders.”
Wilson-Jones says Auntie Anne’s approached Phoenix because they wanted a local connection for their coffee products.
“There’s a popular demand for local coffee in the airport,” she says. “And that’s what drove Auntie Anne’s to call us.”
Source: Sarah Wilson-Jones
Writer: Karin Connelly
in race to roll dice, cleveland casino a winner
In the race to roll the first set of dice in Ohio, it appears that Cleveland will be the big winner among the four new casinos. Cincinnati, according to this item in the Enquirer, likely will be the last.
"Latest timetables show the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati opening at Broadway Commons in spring 2013, a year after a Horseshoe Casino opens in Cleveland. Hollywood Casinos will open in Toledo in the first half of next year and in Columbus in the latter half."
Delays caused by the recent state tax budget fight are to blame for pushing back the opening of the Cincinnati casino. Because the Cleveland casino is a renovation rather than new construction, the delays were less detrimental.
"Until the tax dispute last spring, Cincinnati was on track to open its casino in late 2012. But Rock Gaming halted construction at its casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland while a settlement was worked out, delaying the opening here until spring 2013. Cleveland was less affected. Unlike Cincinnati, where a new building is rising from the ground, Cleveland is renovating an existing structure for the opening phase of its casino."
The article adds that Rock Gaming officials in Cleveland have already begun hiring staff, including dealers and managers.
"Once destined to be the last to open due to site difficulties, [Cleveland] city officials convinced Rock Gaming early this year to open the Cleveland casino in two phases, putting it first."
Read the rest here.
"Latest timetables show the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati opening at Broadway Commons in spring 2013, a year after a Horseshoe Casino opens in Cleveland. Hollywood Casinos will open in Toledo in the first half of next year and in Columbus in the latter half."
Delays caused by the recent state tax budget fight are to blame for pushing back the opening of the Cincinnati casino. Because the Cleveland casino is a renovation rather than new construction, the delays were less detrimental.
"Until the tax dispute last spring, Cincinnati was on track to open its casino in late 2012. But Rock Gaming halted construction at its casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland while a settlement was worked out, delaying the opening here until spring 2013. Cleveland was less affected. Unlike Cincinnati, where a new building is rising from the ground, Cleveland is renovating an existing structure for the opening phase of its casino."
The article adds that Rock Gaming officials in Cleveland have already begun hiring staff, including dealers and managers.
"Once destined to be the last to open due to site difficulties, [Cleveland] city officials convinced Rock Gaming early this year to open the Cleveland casino in two phases, putting it first."
Read the rest here.
When savvy small business owners with an eye for form and function set their sights on historic Cleveland properties, the resulting atmosphere soars beyond the reach of boxy suburban strip malls and bland skyscrapers. Behold recycling on the most profound level: repurposing spaces created decades ago into modern, functional, and inspiring workplaces.
entry-level jobs + affordable rents = cleveland tops for recent grads
Newly minted graduates require two things to make life easy: a job requiring less than a year of experience and a place to live that doesn't require a forklift of cash. Cleveland, according to a recent analysis by CareerRookie and Apartments.com, has both.
"Newly graduated and ready for a change of scenery? The best city for recent grads is Hartford-New Haven, Conn. On its heels are Cleveland, Boston and Denver."
CareerRookie and Apartments.com ranked the cities based on the population of young adults between the ages of 20 and 24, number of jobs requiring less than a year of experience, and the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland is $695.
See the rest of the ranking here.
"Newly graduated and ready for a change of scenery? The best city for recent grads is Hartford-New Haven, Conn. On its heels are Cleveland, Boston and Denver."
CareerRookie and Apartments.com ranked the cities based on the population of young adults between the ages of 20 and 24, number of jobs requiring less than a year of experience, and the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland is $695.
See the rest of the ranking here.
Cleveland HeartLab is moving quickly in the prevention and detection of cardiovascular disease. The company, spunoff from the Cleveland Clinic in 2009, is a clinical laboratory and disease management startup that has developed a series of diagnostic tests for determining the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The company, which has grown from eight to 80 employees in two years, just completed an $18.4 million Series B financing round with Excel Venture Management and HealthCare Ventures, both out of Boston.
The investment will allow Cleveland HeartLab to expand -- both in employees and market acceptance. In addition to its current offerings, the company plans to introduce additional diagnostic tests in 2012. "The goal is to eliminate the threat of vascular inflammation," he says.
"The funding allows the company to double in size again," says Jake Orville, president and CEO. "And we've just committed to moving off [the Clinic's] campus to the Health Tech Corridor."
Orville predicts the company will double again in the next two years, adding positions in management, sales, marketing, and research and development. He attributes his company's growth to a talented, dedicated staff.
"We have the gift of really good novel technology," he says. "Combine that with really good people and a really good business plan."
Source: Jake Orville
Writer: Karin Connelly
The company, which has grown from eight to 80 employees in two years, just completed an $18.4 million Series B financing round with Excel Venture Management and HealthCare Ventures, both out of Boston.
The investment will allow Cleveland HeartLab to expand -- both in employees and market acceptance. In addition to its current offerings, the company plans to introduce additional diagnostic tests in 2012. "The goal is to eliminate the threat of vascular inflammation," he says.
"The funding allows the company to double in size again," says Jake Orville, president and CEO. "And we've just committed to moving off [the Clinic's] campus to the Health Tech Corridor."
Orville predicts the company will double again in the next two years, adding positions in management, sales, marketing, and research and development. He attributes his company's growth to a talented, dedicated staff.
"We have the gift of really good novel technology," he says. "Combine that with really good people and a really good business plan."
Source: Jake Orville
Writer: Karin Connelly