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rosetta named #1 agency to watch by ad age
Rosetta is one of the nation's largest independent interactive marketing agencies, and it continues grow and earn recognition.
Recently, the firm announced that it was consolidating all of its Northeast Ohio offices to 80,000 square feet of space in the former National City building, which underwent total renovation. The move brings more than 400 jobs to Downtown Cleveland.
Now, Advertising Age magazine names Rosetta, which has offices in seven U.S. cities, the #1 agency to watch in its "A-List 10 to Watch."
Here is the entry:
1. ROSETTA
The last independent digital agency of scale was a bit of a silent giant throughout 2010, growing revenue 24% to $215 million. But considering its new muscle in mobile and continuing growth, Hamilton, N.J.-based Rosetta is one we're betting will be a strong player in 2011. While many of its competitors were getting snapped up by publishers and holding companies, Rosetta has been one of the ones doing the buying, acquiring shops that mesh with its core technology and customer-relationship-marketing chops. It has crept up the list of the biggest U.S. digital agencies, ranking as No. 9 by Ad Age's latest count. In 2010, it added mobile services when it acquired 215-person Level Studios. Besides getting bigger, Rosetta's creative prowess is really beginning to show. For paper-goods manufacturer Crane & Co., it crafted an e-commerce site and reimagined its old-school "Blue Book" for etiquette for the 21st century as a Facebook app. The result? An 18% lift in sales.
See the complete list of agencies to watch here.
Recently, the firm announced that it was consolidating all of its Northeast Ohio offices to 80,000 square feet of space in the former National City building, which underwent total renovation. The move brings more than 400 jobs to Downtown Cleveland.
Now, Advertising Age magazine names Rosetta, which has offices in seven U.S. cities, the #1 agency to watch in its "A-List 10 to Watch."
Here is the entry:
1. ROSETTA
The last independent digital agency of scale was a bit of a silent giant throughout 2010, growing revenue 24% to $215 million. But considering its new muscle in mobile and continuing growth, Hamilton, N.J.-based Rosetta is one we're betting will be a strong player in 2011. While many of its competitors were getting snapped up by publishers and holding companies, Rosetta has been one of the ones doing the buying, acquiring shops that mesh with its core technology and customer-relationship-marketing chops. It has crept up the list of the biggest U.S. digital agencies, ranking as No. 9 by Ad Age's latest count. In 2010, it added mobile services when it acquired 215-person Level Studios. Besides getting bigger, Rosetta's creative prowess is really beginning to show. For paper-goods manufacturer Crane & Co., it crafted an e-commerce site and reimagined its old-school "Blue Book" for etiquette for the 21st century as a Facebook app. The result? An 18% lift in sales.
See the complete list of agencies to watch here.
Just a few short years ago, Cleveland State University students who wanted a meal before a grueling, four-hour evening class had limited options, meaning if Rascal House pizza wasn't your thing, you were limited to starving.
That was before CSU's master plan, a $300 million initiative to transform its urban campus into a friendlier, more vibrant environment with new student housing, classrooms and retail.
Recently, Jimmy John's opened a sandwich shop at 1938 Euclid Avenue in the "collegetown" block of campus (Euclid between E. 18th and the Innerbelt). And Moe's Southwest Grill is banging out a new franchise in the storefront next door.
"Due to the building's location in the heart of CSU's campus, with a growing student body, tenants expressed a lot of interest in leasing storefronts despite the slow economy," said Damon Taseff, a principal at Allegro Realty Advisors, the firm that purchased and renovated the property. "They viewed it as a no-brainer because of CSU's investment in the area."
He adds that CSU, like other urban universities, is wisely using its clout to redevelop the area. CSU's investment is one of the reasons why Allegro Realty Advisors decided last year to move their headquarters to the second floor of 1938 Euclid, Taseff says.
"Five years ago, we probably would not have bought the building," Taseff says. "The investment along the Euclid Corridor by the City, RTA and Cleveland State University has fundamentally changed the area."
Source: Damon Taseff
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That was before CSU's master plan, a $300 million initiative to transform its urban campus into a friendlier, more vibrant environment with new student housing, classrooms and retail.
Recently, Jimmy John's opened a sandwich shop at 1938 Euclid Avenue in the "collegetown" block of campus (Euclid between E. 18th and the Innerbelt). And Moe's Southwest Grill is banging out a new franchise in the storefront next door.
"Due to the building's location in the heart of CSU's campus, with a growing student body, tenants expressed a lot of interest in leasing storefronts despite the slow economy," said Damon Taseff, a principal at Allegro Realty Advisors, the firm that purchased and renovated the property. "They viewed it as a no-brainer because of CSU's investment in the area."
He adds that CSU, like other urban universities, is wisely using its clout to redevelop the area. CSU's investment is one of the reasons why Allegro Realty Advisors decided last year to move their headquarters to the second floor of 1938 Euclid, Taseff says.
"Five years ago, we probably would not have bought the building," Taseff says. "The investment along the Euclid Corridor by the City, RTA and Cleveland State University has fundamentally changed the area."
Source: Damon Taseff
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When it opens next week, XYZ Tavern will fill what Detroit Shoreway residents say is a need for good, casual and affordable fare. And that's just what they'll get, promises owner Randy Kelley, who along with partners Linda Syrek and Alan Glazen will dish out scratch-made comfort food in a modern tavern setting. For nearly five months, Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski documented the progression that transformed Perry's Family Restaurant, a long-shuttered greasy spoon, into XYZ Tavern.
Last year, 12 companies brought their business to Northeast Ohio, thanks
in part to efforts from the nonprofit regional business attraction
agent TeamNEO.
The companies brought with them more than 670 jobs and about $40
million in annual direct payroll, according to information recently
released by TeamNEO.
Among the companies that have opened offices or relocated to the region are Rosetta, a strategy, marketing and technology services company; NI Medical, a privately held biotech company that manufactures a device to detect concealed cardiac disease; and Explorys, which was formed in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic to provide a secure cloud-computing platform for research and product development.
Tom Waltermire, CEO of TeamNEO, points out that six of the new companies are international and two are minority-owned. Five of the companies are related to healthcare, which will continue to be a focus of TeamNEO's efforts in recruiting businesses and jobs to Greater Cleveland, according to Waltermire.
SOURCE: TeamNEO
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Among the companies that have opened offices or relocated to the region are Rosetta, a strategy, marketing and technology services company; NI Medical, a privately held biotech company that manufactures a device to detect concealed cardiac disease; and Explorys, which was formed in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic to provide a secure cloud-computing platform for research and product development.
Tom Waltermire, CEO of TeamNEO, points out that six of the new companies are international and two are minority-owned. Five of the companies are related to healthcare, which will continue to be a focus of TeamNEO's efforts in recruiting businesses and jobs to Greater Cleveland, according to Waltermire.
SOURCE: TeamNEO
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Skinny houses wedged onto small lots. Church steeples dotting the skyline. Factories and blue-collar taverns. Eastern-European accents heard on the street.
These phrases might call to mind multi-ethnic Cleveland neighborhoods like Tremont, St. Clair-Superior, Collinwood and Slavic Village, but Lakewood?
Ah, but you don't know Birdtown. Lakewood's only "company town" was carved out in the 1890s for employees of the National Carbon Company (now GrafTech). Located off Madison Avenue -- just west of Lakewood's border -- it was named for streets like Robin, Lark and Plover.
Yet in recent years, Lakewood's only historic district has begun looking ragged -- plagued by foreclosed homes, shabby retail, worn-out streets, and a lingering perception the area is unsafe. Two years ago, city planners and residents launched an effort to improve the area, citing its natural assets as a dense, walkable neighborhood just a stone's throw from parks, shopping and highways.
Now the planning effort is bearing fruit. Lakewood will complete the Madison East Birdtown Strategic Plan this month, and is applying for funding to implement improvements, including neighborhood identity signs, street lighting, pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements, public art and park improvements.
The plan -- which builds upon investments like the new Harrison Elementary School and artist lofts in the Lake Erie Screw Factory building -- coalesced in 2010 when Lakewood was awarded a $62,500 planning grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). The city hired Dimit Architects of Lakewood to complete the plan.
"We'd like to resurface Madison Avenue in 2012 or 2013, and that project will include other streetscape enhancements such as decorative signal poles similar to those installed on Detroit Avenue," says Dru Siley, Assistant Planning Director for the city of Lakewood.
With Dimit applying the final touches to the plan, there's no word yet on whether one creative idea that emerged from the planning will be carried out -- putting birdhouses on streetcorners to function as public art, signage, and yes, feeding stations for actual birds.
Source: Dru Siley
Writer: Lee Chilcote
These phrases might call to mind multi-ethnic Cleveland neighborhoods like Tremont, St. Clair-Superior, Collinwood and Slavic Village, but Lakewood?
Ah, but you don't know Birdtown. Lakewood's only "company town" was carved out in the 1890s for employees of the National Carbon Company (now GrafTech). Located off Madison Avenue -- just west of Lakewood's border -- it was named for streets like Robin, Lark and Plover.
Yet in recent years, Lakewood's only historic district has begun looking ragged -- plagued by foreclosed homes, shabby retail, worn-out streets, and a lingering perception the area is unsafe. Two years ago, city planners and residents launched an effort to improve the area, citing its natural assets as a dense, walkable neighborhood just a stone's throw from parks, shopping and highways.
Now the planning effort is bearing fruit. Lakewood will complete the Madison East Birdtown Strategic Plan this month, and is applying for funding to implement improvements, including neighborhood identity signs, street lighting, pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements, public art and park improvements.
The plan -- which builds upon investments like the new Harrison Elementary School and artist lofts in the Lake Erie Screw Factory building -- coalesced in 2010 when Lakewood was awarded a $62,500 planning grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). The city hired Dimit Architects of Lakewood to complete the plan.
"We'd like to resurface Madison Avenue in 2012 or 2013, and that project will include other streetscape enhancements such as decorative signal poles similar to those installed on Detroit Avenue," says Dru Siley, Assistant Planning Director for the city of Lakewood.
With Dimit applying the final touches to the plan, there's no word yet on whether one creative idea that emerged from the planning will be carried out -- putting birdhouses on streetcorners to function as public art, signage, and yes, feeding stations for actual birds.
Source: Dru Siley
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Key Bank will open a new branch in October at Steelyard Commons, adding another retailer to the pioneering Tremont shopping center that debuted in 2007.
The bank will open five new branches and create 30 new jobs in Northeast Ohio during the next 15 months. Key Bank, which is headquartered in downtown Cleveland, cites available real estate, lower costs of construction, and "market disruption" -- the void left by banks that close or reduce services -- as factors driving its expansion. The other four new branches will be in Concord, Lyndhurst, Eastlake and Middleburg Heights.
The new Steelyard branch, scheduled to open in October, has been announced at a time when many competitors have cut branch operations and encouraged customers to bank online. A handful of banks, including Huntington and Key, have bucked the industry trend by expanding hours or opening new branches.
The new branch will be built on one of the last parcels in Steelyard Commons Phase I, says Chris Goodrich, Vice President of Asset Management with First Interstate Properties, the company that owns Steelyard.
"Our retailers are very happy with sales [at Steelyard]," says Goodrich. "While the national retail climate has slowed in the last few years, the environment is changing again as things pick up -- now I'm getting more calls from national retailers."
The key to Steelyard's success has been tapping into Cleveland's underserved market, Goodrich says. He cites the fact that Steelyard required two to three years to reach four million vehicle trips per year, whereas Legacy Village took five years to get to the same level.
The new Key branch will be a stand-alone building whose design incorporates elements of Steelyard's industrial heritage theme. The mall was built on the site of a former steel mill.
First Interstate hopes to start Phase II of Steelyard Commons, which will include an additional 200-250,000 square feet of retail, within the next few years.
Source: Chris Goodrich
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The bank will open five new branches and create 30 new jobs in Northeast Ohio during the next 15 months. Key Bank, which is headquartered in downtown Cleveland, cites available real estate, lower costs of construction, and "market disruption" -- the void left by banks that close or reduce services -- as factors driving its expansion. The other four new branches will be in Concord, Lyndhurst, Eastlake and Middleburg Heights.
The new Steelyard branch, scheduled to open in October, has been announced at a time when many competitors have cut branch operations and encouraged customers to bank online. A handful of banks, including Huntington and Key, have bucked the industry trend by expanding hours or opening new branches.
The new branch will be built on one of the last parcels in Steelyard Commons Phase I, says Chris Goodrich, Vice President of Asset Management with First Interstate Properties, the company that owns Steelyard.
"Our retailers are very happy with sales [at Steelyard]," says Goodrich. "While the national retail climate has slowed in the last few years, the environment is changing again as things pick up -- now I'm getting more calls from national retailers."
The key to Steelyard's success has been tapping into Cleveland's underserved market, Goodrich says. He cites the fact that Steelyard required two to three years to reach four million vehicle trips per year, whereas Legacy Village took five years to get to the same level.
The new Key branch will be a stand-alone building whose design incorporates elements of Steelyard's industrial heritage theme. The mall was built on the site of a former steel mill.
First Interstate hopes to start Phase II of Steelyard Commons, which will include an additional 200-250,000 square feet of retail, within the next few years.
Source: Chris Goodrich
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When Holly Harlan first started talking to people about Entrepreneurs for Sustainability
(E4S) ten years ago, "people looked at me like I had three eyes. But I
said, 'I think they're going to get this and they're going to love it.'"
Today, Harlan notes that the E4S network has been growing by more than 20 percent every year since it was founded. "We've attracted nearly 10,000 people from all sectors," Harlan says. "We've helped over 50 companies create a strategic plan for sustainability." The organization has also created a foundation on which Greater Cleveland can build a successful approach to sustainability. "We've gotten much better known since Mayor Frank Jackson has stepped in and held sustainability summits the last two years," Harlan says.
E4S is a networking organization that unites professionals interested in sustainability for their businesses and their community, but its scope goes beyond that. "We're an economic development group that sees sustainability as way to create value in the world," Harlan says.
Harlan steps down from the post of president and founder of E4S in mid-February to take on new projects. Mike Dungan, president and CEO of Bee Dance, a Cleveland business that repurposes materials classified as waste, will take over as interim president of E4S.
Harlan looks forward to visiting other cities and gauging their take on Cleveland's sustainability efforts. "We were one of the first business networks in the country focused on sustainability," she says. "The buzz is that Cleveland is known for innovative sustainability ideas, particularly in the area of local foods."
SOURCE: Holly Harlan
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Today, Harlan notes that the E4S network has been growing by more than 20 percent every year since it was founded. "We've attracted nearly 10,000 people from all sectors," Harlan says. "We've helped over 50 companies create a strategic plan for sustainability." The organization has also created a foundation on which Greater Cleveland can build a successful approach to sustainability. "We've gotten much better known since Mayor Frank Jackson has stepped in and held sustainability summits the last two years," Harlan says.
E4S is a networking organization that unites professionals interested in sustainability for their businesses and their community, but its scope goes beyond that. "We're an economic development group that sees sustainability as way to create value in the world," Harlan says.
Harlan steps down from the post of president and founder of E4S in mid-February to take on new projects. Mike Dungan, president and CEO of Bee Dance, a Cleveland business that repurposes materials classified as waste, will take over as interim president of E4S.
Harlan looks forward to visiting other cities and gauging their take on Cleveland's sustainability efforts. "We were one of the first business networks in the country focused on sustainability," she says. "The buzz is that Cleveland is known for innovative sustainability ideas, particularly in the area of local foods."
SOURCE: Holly Harlan
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Joe Miceli has deep roots in the Cleveland east side neighborhood where Miceli Dairy Products, a 62-year-old cheese producer, is located. In fact, he grew up on East 90th Street in a house that was torn down in 1963 to make room for the expanding company.
Now the company is growing again, and Miceli is planting deeper roots in the neighborhood -- while adding 60 new jobs to the city's tax base. The company has secured financing for a $16-20 million expansion that is scheduled to break ground this year.
"Some people think of this neighborhood as lost or forgotten, but we don't agree," says Miceli. "This is an ideal location -- one mile from the Cleveland Clinic, close to highways and downtown and not far from where the Opportunity Corridor is being planned."
Miceli Dairy Products is located on East 90th Street off of Buckeye Road in an area that has often been dubbed "The Forgotten Triangle" because of its high levels of poverty, vast tracts of vacant land, and lack of new business development.
Expansion might seem simple enough given the proliferation of vacant land, yet part of the site is a polluted brown field. Despite a raft of challenges and being courted by other communities, Miceli chose to stay.
In January, the Small Business Administration awarded Miceli a $5.49 million loan through its 504 program, which helps small businesses with plant and equipment expansion. The loan is the largest in the SBA program's history. Additional funding will come from Cleveland banks. Miceli is now conducting tests on the brown field site.
The project's first phase will be complete by 2012, enabling the 138-employee company to double its production of ricotta, one of the cheeses it ships to grocery stores nationwide. The second phase, to be completed a few years later, will include a new mozzarella and provolone factory and a facility to transform waste from the cheese-manufacturing process into energy.
Source: Joe Miceli
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Now the company is growing again, and Miceli is planting deeper roots in the neighborhood -- while adding 60 new jobs to the city's tax base. The company has secured financing for a $16-20 million expansion that is scheduled to break ground this year.
"Some people think of this neighborhood as lost or forgotten, but we don't agree," says Miceli. "This is an ideal location -- one mile from the Cleveland Clinic, close to highways and downtown and not far from where the Opportunity Corridor is being planned."
Miceli Dairy Products is located on East 90th Street off of Buckeye Road in an area that has often been dubbed "The Forgotten Triangle" because of its high levels of poverty, vast tracts of vacant land, and lack of new business development.
Expansion might seem simple enough given the proliferation of vacant land, yet part of the site is a polluted brown field. Despite a raft of challenges and being courted by other communities, Miceli chose to stay.
In January, the Small Business Administration awarded Miceli a $5.49 million loan through its 504 program, which helps small businesses with plant and equipment expansion. The loan is the largest in the SBA program's history. Additional funding will come from Cleveland banks. Miceli is now conducting tests on the brown field site.
The project's first phase will be complete by 2012, enabling the 138-employee company to double its production of ricotta, one of the cheeses it ships to grocery stores nationwide. The second phase, to be completed a few years later, will include a new mozzarella and provolone factory and a facility to transform waste from the cheese-manufacturing process into energy.
Source: Joe Miceli
Writer: Lee Chilcote
A temporary gallery that was launched last year by the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) has extended its lease for the spring semester. The Visual Arts and Technology Center, dubbed "the Coventry Center" because of its location in a long-empty storefront on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, will enhance CIA's connections off-campus, its founder says.
"Many of our students live in the area, and Coventry has a long history of arts involvement," says Saul Ostrow, Chair of the Visual Arts and Technologies Department. "One of our goals is to bring the arts out of their academic environment, and to offer a resource for the community."
The center also shows CIA's commitment to expanding its campus boundaries and giving students opportunities to create art in a real world setting, says Ostrow. "We want to go beyond gallery walls and build ties with the community," he says.
On Friday, February 18th from 7-9 pm, the center, which is located at 1854 Coventry Road, will host a poetry and storytelling slam as part of "Cleveland Stories," a partnership between the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and CIA's Reinberger Galleries that seeks to "investigate the real and imagined history of Cleveland."
Future gallery events will include open studios, sidewalk art shows, and an exhibit of Cleveland charter school students' artwork to be curated by CIA students. The center will be open Friday-Sunday beginning in February.
Those who are interested in contributing urban histories -- real or imagined -- to the Cleveland Stories project can visit http://www.cudc.kent.edu for guidelines.
Source: Saul Ostrow
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Many of our students live in the area, and Coventry has a long history of arts involvement," says Saul Ostrow, Chair of the Visual Arts and Technologies Department. "One of our goals is to bring the arts out of their academic environment, and to offer a resource for the community."
The center also shows CIA's commitment to expanding its campus boundaries and giving students opportunities to create art in a real world setting, says Ostrow. "We want to go beyond gallery walls and build ties with the community," he says.
On Friday, February 18th from 7-9 pm, the center, which is located at 1854 Coventry Road, will host a poetry and storytelling slam as part of "Cleveland Stories," a partnership between the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and CIA's Reinberger Galleries that seeks to "investigate the real and imagined history of Cleveland."
Future gallery events will include open studios, sidewalk art shows, and an exhibit of Cleveland charter school students' artwork to be curated by CIA students. The center will be open Friday-Sunday beginning in February.
Those who are interested in contributing urban histories -- real or imagined -- to the Cleveland Stories project can visit http://www.cudc.kent.edu for guidelines.
Source: Saul Ostrow
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Downtown Cleveland is ripe for new retail development. That's the message being conveyed by two local entrepreneurs who will open Dredgers Union, a 4,500 square foot apparel and home-goods store on East 4th Street in June of this year.
One part mall alternative, one part purveyor of urban chic, Dredgers Union will sell private-label men's and women's clothing, made-to-measure suits and dress shirts, kitchen and home items, and clothing brands that are new to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It will be located in a former department store building at 2043 East 4th Street.
The store is being founded by two local entrepreneurs, Danielle DeBoe and Sean Bilovecky. DeBoe is the creator of Room Service, a popular boutique that originally opened in the Gordon Square Arts District in 2007. Seizing growth opportunities even in a down market, DeBoe moved her shop this past fall to a larger storefront on West 25th Street in Ohio City. DeBoe also created "Made in the 216," a popular event that showcases local artists and designers.
Bilovecky is a clothing designer who created Wrath Arcane, a mens-wear label that gained a devoted following and distribution deals before it folded. Faced with a dwindling number of buyers due to the recession, Bilovecky shut down the label in October. He plans to create a new private label clothing line for Dredgers Union.
Downtown department stores may be a thing of the past, yet DeBoe believes her store will offer an edgy alternative to bland big box stores that will lure shoppers to downtown again. "Retail today is so homogenized," she says. "At the same time, people are increasingly cognizant of local, independent stores because we offer something different."
She hopes Dredgers Union will start a trend that revives downtown retail. "People are not trained to come downtown for retail," she says. "We have to reeducate them."
Source: Danielle DeBoe
Writer: Lee Chilcote
One part mall alternative, one part purveyor of urban chic, Dredgers Union will sell private-label men's and women's clothing, made-to-measure suits and dress shirts, kitchen and home items, and clothing brands that are new to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It will be located in a former department store building at 2043 East 4th Street.
The store is being founded by two local entrepreneurs, Danielle DeBoe and Sean Bilovecky. DeBoe is the creator of Room Service, a popular boutique that originally opened in the Gordon Square Arts District in 2007. Seizing growth opportunities even in a down market, DeBoe moved her shop this past fall to a larger storefront on West 25th Street in Ohio City. DeBoe also created "Made in the 216," a popular event that showcases local artists and designers.
Bilovecky is a clothing designer who created Wrath Arcane, a mens-wear label that gained a devoted following and distribution deals before it folded. Faced with a dwindling number of buyers due to the recession, Bilovecky shut down the label in October. He plans to create a new private label clothing line for Dredgers Union.
Downtown department stores may be a thing of the past, yet DeBoe believes her store will offer an edgy alternative to bland big box stores that will lure shoppers to downtown again. "Retail today is so homogenized," she says. "At the same time, people are increasingly cognizant of local, independent stores because we offer something different."
She hopes Dredgers Union will start a trend that revives downtown retail. "People are not trained to come downtown for retail," she says. "We have to reeducate them."
Source: Danielle DeBoe
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland honored with 'gayest city' title from advocate
"Welcome to The Advocate's second annual look at our country's queerest burgs," announces the mag in a recent feature.
The Advocate admits at the outset that the magazine relied upon a "completely unscientific -- but still strangely accurate -- statistical equation" to come up with its "Gayest Cities in America" ranking. Regardless, Cleveland is fortunate to have made the list, coming in at #12 out of 15 spots.
"Gay issues have never been more of a lightning rod. Pop culture has never been so gleefully gay. And politicians have never been more gay-accepting -- or at least gay-aware. But no matter how visible LGBT people seem to be, there are some folks who still think we all live in Chelsea, West Hollywood, and the Castro. But, of course, that's far from the case."
The Advocate formulated a diverse and surprising list of cities "where gay people are living, loving, voting, and creating communities."
12. Cleveland
Who knew? Cleveland is about to become a major gay stomping ground. After much effort, the city won the bid to host the 2014 Gay Games (GayGames.com). "We see this as a springboard," says Sharon Kobayashi, vice president of the tourism group Positively Cleveland. "We hope to make Cleveland a gay destination." Things are changing quickly here: The city council added protections for transgender people to Cleveland's antidiscrimination laws in housing and employment, and there's a country line-dancing group, the Rainbow Wranglers, which meets every Thursday at the Mean Bull.
Read up on the entire list of cities here.
The Advocate admits at the outset that the magazine relied upon a "completely unscientific -- but still strangely accurate -- statistical equation" to come up with its "Gayest Cities in America" ranking. Regardless, Cleveland is fortunate to have made the list, coming in at #12 out of 15 spots.
"Gay issues have never been more of a lightning rod. Pop culture has never been so gleefully gay. And politicians have never been more gay-accepting -- or at least gay-aware. But no matter how visible LGBT people seem to be, there are some folks who still think we all live in Chelsea, West Hollywood, and the Castro. But, of course, that's far from the case."
The Advocate formulated a diverse and surprising list of cities "where gay people are living, loving, voting, and creating communities."
12. Cleveland
Who knew? Cleveland is about to become a major gay stomping ground. After much effort, the city won the bid to host the 2014 Gay Games (GayGames.com). "We see this as a springboard," says Sharon Kobayashi, vice president of the tourism group Positively Cleveland. "We hope to make Cleveland a gay destination." Things are changing quickly here: The city council added protections for transgender people to Cleveland's antidiscrimination laws in housing and employment, and there's a country line-dancing group, the Rainbow Wranglers, which meets every Thursday at the Mean Bull.
Read up on the entire list of cities here.
tennessean says cleveland 'scores first' in med-mart battle
Writing for the Tennessean, business health care reporter Getahn Ward claims that "Cleveland scores first in medical mart race with Nashville."
Following a momentous ground breaking where a laundry list of prospective tenants, conferences, conventions and trade shows planned for the $465 million mart and convention center were announced, Ward writes that Cleveland "scored major points" in the med-mart public relations battle battle.
Jorge Lagueruela, president of North Carolina's Trinity Furniture, a future tenant of Cleveland's Medical Mart, goes so far as to predict Cleveland's position as national leader in the field:
"Cleveland is doing it. Nashville is talking about it," Hughes is quoted as saying. "From the standpoint of the health-care industry, Cleveland is going to become the hub in the United States, and this new center is going to be the beacon for that."
Shrugging off concerns that Nashville is behind, with very few actual commitments, Nashville mart leasing consultant Jeff Haynes says, "Historically, Nashville hasn't been a pre-leasing market. In any asset class, people normally want to see the brick-and-mortar and to touch the facility. As the new convention center nears completion, then your leasing velocity will intensify and increase for the medical mart."
Michael Hughes, the managing director of research and consulting at Red 7 Media in Scottsdale called Cleveland's list of conventions impressive, adding that a successful medical convention and meetings business probably will drive permanent showroom leases.
Read the whole report here.
Following a momentous ground breaking where a laundry list of prospective tenants, conferences, conventions and trade shows planned for the $465 million mart and convention center were announced, Ward writes that Cleveland "scored major points" in the med-mart public relations battle battle.
Jorge Lagueruela, president of North Carolina's Trinity Furniture, a future tenant of Cleveland's Medical Mart, goes so far as to predict Cleveland's position as national leader in the field:
"Cleveland is doing it. Nashville is talking about it," Hughes is quoted as saying. "From the standpoint of the health-care industry, Cleveland is going to become the hub in the United States, and this new center is going to be the beacon for that."
Shrugging off concerns that Nashville is behind, with very few actual commitments, Nashville mart leasing consultant Jeff Haynes says, "Historically, Nashville hasn't been a pre-leasing market. In any asset class, people normally want to see the brick-and-mortar and to touch the facility. As the new convention center nears completion, then your leasing velocity will intensify and increase for the medical mart."
Michael Hughes, the managing director of research and consulting at Red 7 Media in Scottsdale called Cleveland's list of conventions impressive, adding that a successful medical convention and meetings business probably will drive permanent showroom leases.
Read the whole report here.
This year, Cleveland film buffs will have an even better excuse to take the week off to watch movies at the 2011 Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).
For the first time in its 35 year history, CIFF is leasing all 11 theaters at Tower City Cinemas in Tower City Center. The expansion will accommodate the growing number of ticket-holders during the 11-day event, which will be held this year from March 24th through April 3rd.
Have you been looking forward this winter to spending one of Cleveland's bleakest months watching movies for 10 hours a day? This year, you'll have even more chances to catch your favorite flicks, says Patrick Shepherd, Associate Director of the Cleveland Film Society (CFS), the nonprofit that organizes the festival.
CIFF attendance and film entries have more than doubled since 2003, Shepherd says, providing the requisite market demand to justify leasing all 11 theaters in Tower City Cinemas. Last year's record turnout of 71,500 admissions made it possible to offer more showings of sell-out films.
"Last year, we sold a record number of stand-by tickets," Shepherd explains. "We're not increasing the number of films we're showing -- instead, we're expanding our capacity by offering more screenings, and by showing sell-out films in two theatres at once."
CIFF program guides will be available throughout Northeast Ohio during the week of February 28th. Tickets will go on sale to CIFF members on Friday, March 4th. Non-members can purchase tickets beginning on Friday, March 11th.
On top of offering patrons a chance to see films from around the world, the CIFF provides a boost to downtown Cleveland. "We are increasing our already significant economic impact on downtown," Shepherd says.
Source: Patrick Shepherd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
For the first time in its 35 year history, CIFF is leasing all 11 theaters at Tower City Cinemas in Tower City Center. The expansion will accommodate the growing number of ticket-holders during the 11-day event, which will be held this year from March 24th through April 3rd.
Have you been looking forward this winter to spending one of Cleveland's bleakest months watching movies for 10 hours a day? This year, you'll have even more chances to catch your favorite flicks, says Patrick Shepherd, Associate Director of the Cleveland Film Society (CFS), the nonprofit that organizes the festival.
CIFF attendance and film entries have more than doubled since 2003, Shepherd says, providing the requisite market demand to justify leasing all 11 theaters in Tower City Cinemas. Last year's record turnout of 71,500 admissions made it possible to offer more showings of sell-out films.
"Last year, we sold a record number of stand-by tickets," Shepherd explains. "We're not increasing the number of films we're showing -- instead, we're expanding our capacity by offering more screenings, and by showing sell-out films in two theatres at once."
CIFF program guides will be available throughout Northeast Ohio during the week of February 28th. Tickets will go on sale to CIFF members on Friday, March 4th. Non-members can purchase tickets beginning on Friday, March 11th.
On top of offering patrons a chance to see films from around the world, the CIFF provides a boost to downtown Cleveland. "We are increasing our already significant economic impact on downtown," Shepherd says.
Source: Patrick Shepherd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
draft mag puts three cle-area bars in 'best' list
Draft Magazine, the premier source for all things hoppy and inebriating, published its annual list of "America's 100 Best Beer Bars: 2011." Cleveland area bars snagged a whopping 3% of the entire list! Okay, so three spots out of 100 may not be shocking -- but it is great news.
"Beer bars are cropping up around the country at a frenetic pace," the article states at the outset, "so paring our annual list down to 100 was no small feat. That said, we're confident that if you find yourself on a barstool at any one of these stellar spots, you'll be surrounded by top-notch brew and folks who are committed to it."
Lakewood's Buckeye Beer Engine gets billing as "The casual drinker's answer to Ohio's beer-snob bars." Who knew we had beer-snob bars? This west-side gem gets credit for its Buckeye Brewing house brews, lesser-known options from well-known breweries, and two beer engines that dispense real-ale specialties
Cleveland Heights landmark La Cave du Vin also makes the list, with the list-makers urging folks to "Ignore the vinous name: This basement wine spot's beer paradise." While The Cave gets approval for its large bottle and draft selection, it receives special attention for its frequent seasonal tappings and brewery nights. Tip: "The owner's rare beer collection on the shelves will leave you jaw-droppingly awestruck."
Ohio City's Bier Markt naturally earned inclusion, with the mag calling the joint nothing less than a "Cleveland institution." Who cares that the fact-checkers failed to confirm whether or not Market Garden Brewery was actually open as the item states? (It's not.) One shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Drink up the entire list here.
"Beer bars are cropping up around the country at a frenetic pace," the article states at the outset, "so paring our annual list down to 100 was no small feat. That said, we're confident that if you find yourself on a barstool at any one of these stellar spots, you'll be surrounded by top-notch brew and folks who are committed to it."
Lakewood's Buckeye Beer Engine gets billing as "The casual drinker's answer to Ohio's beer-snob bars." Who knew we had beer-snob bars? This west-side gem gets credit for its Buckeye Brewing house brews, lesser-known options from well-known breweries, and two beer engines that dispense real-ale specialties
Cleveland Heights landmark La Cave du Vin also makes the list, with the list-makers urging folks to "Ignore the vinous name: This basement wine spot's beer paradise." While The Cave gets approval for its large bottle and draft selection, it receives special attention for its frequent seasonal tappings and brewery nights. Tip: "The owner's rare beer collection on the shelves will leave you jaw-droppingly awestruck."
Ohio City's Bier Markt naturally earned inclusion, with the mag calling the joint nothing less than a "Cleveland institution." Who cares that the fact-checkers failed to confirm whether or not Market Garden Brewery was actually open as the item states? (It's not.) One shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Drink up the entire list here.
Recent news of a lease option for offshore submerged land in Lake Erie
created waves of excitement for longtime proponents of wind turbines
along our Great Lake. We'll likely be seeing the blades of five giant
wind turbines twirling high above the shore by mid-2012, bringing with
them about 600 new jobs.
A study commissioned by NorTech last August revealed that those 600 jobs are just the beginning. Moving beyond the five-turbine pilot project and into a proposed 5,000 megawatts of wind energy by 2030, the State of Ohio could sustain as many as 15,000 jobs. About 8,000 of those would likely be located in our region.
"Because the equipment is so large, you'll have to do the work very close to where it's being commissioned," says Dave Karpinski, vice president of NorTech who heads NorTech Energy Enterprise, an initiative focused on Northeast Ohio's advanced energy industry. New skill sets for divers and drillers will be created. Legal and regulatory experts will be needed. The development of a vast maritime industry, with towing ships, specialized vessels and crews, could also take the region to new heights in advanced energy, he adds.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. With this, the first least option to be issued in the Great Lakes, Cleveland will see an initial upsurge in engineering jobs and permitting work, according to Karpinski. By the middle of next year, manufacturing and geotech work will be in greater demand, he adds.
Orders will begin for the five initial wind turbines this year. The momentum of what they will bring to Cleveland is just starting to be felt.
SOURCE: Dave Karpinski
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
A study commissioned by NorTech last August revealed that those 600 jobs are just the beginning. Moving beyond the five-turbine pilot project and into a proposed 5,000 megawatts of wind energy by 2030, the State of Ohio could sustain as many as 15,000 jobs. About 8,000 of those would likely be located in our region.
"Because the equipment is so large, you'll have to do the work very close to where it's being commissioned," says Dave Karpinski, vice president of NorTech who heads NorTech Energy Enterprise, an initiative focused on Northeast Ohio's advanced energy industry. New skill sets for divers and drillers will be created. Legal and regulatory experts will be needed. The development of a vast maritime industry, with towing ships, specialized vessels and crews, could also take the region to new heights in advanced energy, he adds.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. With this, the first least option to be issued in the Great Lakes, Cleveland will see an initial upsurge in engineering jobs and permitting work, according to Karpinski. By the middle of next year, manufacturing and geotech work will be in greater demand, he adds.
Orders will begin for the five initial wind turbines this year. The momentum of what they will bring to Cleveland is just starting to be felt.
SOURCE: Dave Karpinski
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
What soul food restaurants lack in ambiance, they often make up for in good, down-home cuisine -- the modest digs are part of the charm and lend authenticity to the tried-and-true menus of chicken and biscuits, greens, and mac and cheese.
Yet Zanzibar Soul Fusion, a new restaurant now open at Shaker Square, is no ordinary soul food joint. The new hotspot offers soul food with a twist, dishing out traditional southern comforts in the atmosphere of an upscale lounge.
"We offer a foundation of soul food fused with other popular food items from different ethnic groups," says owner Akin Affrica. "It's Southern comfort food for the masses."
Affrica, a third-generation restaurant owner whose family also owns Angie's Soul Café, says that soul food fans will recognize the scratch cooking, traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, but will be surprised by the fresh, unusual take on soul food.
Instead of artichoke and spinach dip, for instance, chef Tony Fortner substitutes collard greens. Other unique, mouth-watering treats include the shrimp Po' Boys with lime zest sauce and slaw, and the Soul Rolls, a southern take on the Chinese egg roll.
Zanzibar also adds a new flavor to Shaker Square, the historic east side shopping center that's become a restaurant destination since it was purchased by the Coral Company in 2004. "I've always wanted to open a soul food restaurant here," Affrica says, "so when the owners contacted me, I figured it was meant to be."
Source: Akin Affrica
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet Zanzibar Soul Fusion, a new restaurant now open at Shaker Square, is no ordinary soul food joint. The new hotspot offers soul food with a twist, dishing out traditional southern comforts in the atmosphere of an upscale lounge.
"We offer a foundation of soul food fused with other popular food items from different ethnic groups," says owner Akin Affrica. "It's Southern comfort food for the masses."
Affrica, a third-generation restaurant owner whose family also owns Angie's Soul Café, says that soul food fans will recognize the scratch cooking, traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, but will be surprised by the fresh, unusual take on soul food.
Instead of artichoke and spinach dip, for instance, chef Tony Fortner substitutes collard greens. Other unique, mouth-watering treats include the shrimp Po' Boys with lime zest sauce and slaw, and the Soul Rolls, a southern take on the Chinese egg roll.
Zanzibar also adds a new flavor to Shaker Square, the historic east side shopping center that's become a restaurant destination since it was purchased by the Coral Company in 2004. "I've always wanted to open a soul food restaurant here," Affrica says, "so when the owners contacted me, I figured it was meant to be."
Source: Akin Affrica
Writer: Lee Chilcote
amp 150 selected as 'best new place to eat' by midwest living
In a feature titled, "Best New Midwest Places to Play, Eat and Stay," Midwest Living encourages its readers to plan their next vacation around the mag's most recent picks of the Midwest's best new attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Under the section Best New Restaurants, AMP 150 earns kudos for its creative -- and surprising -- seasonal cuisine.
"Talk about a surprise. It's in a newly renovated Airport Marriott. It has a garden out back where the chef grows heirloom veggies labeled with cute little chalkboards. And its affordable small-plates menu packs amazing flavor (hello, five-spice marshmallows floating in pumpkin soup)."
Read the entire list of Bests here.
Under the section Best New Restaurants, AMP 150 earns kudos for its creative -- and surprising -- seasonal cuisine.
"Talk about a surprise. It's in a newly renovated Airport Marriott. It has a garden out back where the chef grows heirloom veggies labeled with cute little chalkboards. And its affordable small-plates menu packs amazing flavor (hello, five-spice marshmallows floating in pumpkin soup)."
Read the entire list of Bests here.
When it comes to retail, how much is too much? That's the question being raised by residents who live near the former Oakwood Country Club, a 154-acre parcel where First Interstate Properties proposes to build a shopping mall that would rival nearby Legacy Village in size.
"There are moribund, vacant retail areas all over the Heights, so why do we need another mall?" asks Fran Mentch, president of the Severance Neighborhood Organization (SNO), a Cleveland Heights-based neighborhood group. "It would be one thing if the project added value, but this would only hurt existing stores."
Oakwood Commons, as the proposal is called, is a mixed-use lifestyle center on Warrensville Center Road. The retail portion of the development would be 63 acres and include a mixture of large big-box stores, smaller shops and restaurants. The developer also wants to preserve nearly half of the property by giving it to Cleveland Heights and South Euclid to create a park.
"This densely populated area is underserved by national retailers," counters First Interstate president Mitchell Schneider, "and there is more demand than can be accommodated by University Square, Severance and Cedar Center." His development would include stores that are new to the area. And because "investment begets investment," he explains, it would also lead to improvements in older retail areas.
According to a 2007 study completed by professor James Kastelic of Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs, Northeast Ohio has a retail surplus of just over 22 million square feet. Between 2000 and 2007, the study shows, Cuyahoga County's population declined by 6% while its retail space grew by 5%.
According to Kastelic, a Senior Park Planner with the Cleveland Metroparks, new retail could only be successful by luring customers from existing areas. Because the region is not growing, he stresses, "It would cut the pie into more pieces" rather than add value.
Schneider takes issue with Kastelic's study. "Much of that retail is functionally obsolescent," he says. "When it comes to national retailers, Northeast Ohio is not over-retailed. We have fewer square feet per capita than many other metro areas."
Source: Fran Mentch; James Kastelic
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"There are moribund, vacant retail areas all over the Heights, so why do we need another mall?" asks Fran Mentch, president of the Severance Neighborhood Organization (SNO), a Cleveland Heights-based neighborhood group. "It would be one thing if the project added value, but this would only hurt existing stores."
Oakwood Commons, as the proposal is called, is a mixed-use lifestyle center on Warrensville Center Road. The retail portion of the development would be 63 acres and include a mixture of large big-box stores, smaller shops and restaurants. The developer also wants to preserve nearly half of the property by giving it to Cleveland Heights and South Euclid to create a park.
"This densely populated area is underserved by national retailers," counters First Interstate president Mitchell Schneider, "and there is more demand than can be accommodated by University Square, Severance and Cedar Center." His development would include stores that are new to the area. And because "investment begets investment," he explains, it would also lead to improvements in older retail areas.
According to a 2007 study completed by professor James Kastelic of Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs, Northeast Ohio has a retail surplus of just over 22 million square feet. Between 2000 and 2007, the study shows, Cuyahoga County's population declined by 6% while its retail space grew by 5%.
According to Kastelic, a Senior Park Planner with the Cleveland Metroparks, new retail could only be successful by luring customers from existing areas. Because the region is not growing, he stresses, "It would cut the pie into more pieces" rather than add value.
Schneider takes issue with Kastelic's study. "Much of that retail is functionally obsolescent," he says. "When it comes to national retailers, Northeast Ohio is not over-retailed. We have fewer square feet per capita than many other metro areas."
Source: Fran Mentch; James Kastelic
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland clinic joins forces with medstar to bring inventions to market
Billed as "the first of its kind between two large U.S. health systems," a recently announced collaboration between the Cleveland Clinic and MedStar Health (Georgetown University Hospital, among others) will help speed medical inventions to market, as a recent Washington Post article states.
Titled "Cleveland Clinic, MedStar join forces to move medical technologies to market," the article goes on to say that moving medical technologies to market is a relatively new endeavor for health systems and academic medical centers. But Cleveland Clinic Innovations has licensed more than 250 technologies and started 35 new companies to market products.
"The Cleveland model is a combination of royalties from licenses of technologies to established companies and the sale of shares in spin-off companies. Royalties from licensing generate about $10 million yearly, but overall revenue is increasing significantly," Chris Coburn, executive director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations, is quoted in the article as saying.
"Reinventing the wheel everywhere isn't as favorable an option as forging collaboration," Thomas J. Graham of Cleveland Clinic Innovations states. "This allows us to open up a larger-scale collaboration that can be helpful in improving patient access, getting clinical answers and expanding innovation."
Read the full prognosis here.
Titled "Cleveland Clinic, MedStar join forces to move medical technologies to market," the article goes on to say that moving medical technologies to market is a relatively new endeavor for health systems and academic medical centers. But Cleveland Clinic Innovations has licensed more than 250 technologies and started 35 new companies to market products.
"The Cleveland model is a combination of royalties from licenses of technologies to established companies and the sale of shares in spin-off companies. Royalties from licensing generate about $10 million yearly, but overall revenue is increasing significantly," Chris Coburn, executive director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations, is quoted in the article as saying.
"Reinventing the wheel everywhere isn't as favorable an option as forging collaboration," Thomas J. Graham of Cleveland Clinic Innovations states. "This allows us to open up a larger-scale collaboration that can be helpful in improving patient access, getting clinical answers and expanding innovation."
Read the full prognosis here.
Some said it would never happen, but the day is finally arriving: A groundbreaking ceremony for the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center takes
place this Friday, January 14. Construction has already gotten underway
near Lakeside Avenue, though, signifying that the much-anticipated,
often-controversial $465 million project will become a reality.
Completion of the project is expected to be sometime in 2013.
For many, the building's external progress will be almost as significant as the list of committed exhibitors inside. According to MMPI, the Chicago-based trade show and property management firm, the first 40-plus companies that have signed letters of intent to lease showroom space will be also be revealed on January 14. According to Dave Johnson, spokesperson for the Medical Mart, 31 conferences and trade shows have also committed to hosting their events in the new convention center.
The Medical Mart is targeting healthcare manufacturers and service providers to show off their wares and services inside the complex. The latest innovations and products are likely to be housed within the facility. The interiors will feature 235,000 square feet of display space, 60,000 square feet of meeting rooms, 230,000 square feet for exhibitions and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom.
SOURCE: Dave Johnson,
Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
For many, the building's external progress will be almost as significant as the list of committed exhibitors inside. According to MMPI, the Chicago-based trade show and property management firm, the first 40-plus companies that have signed letters of intent to lease showroom space will be also be revealed on January 14. According to Dave Johnson, spokesperson for the Medical Mart, 31 conferences and trade shows have also committed to hosting their events in the new convention center.
The Medical Mart is targeting healthcare manufacturers and service providers to show off their wares and services inside the complex. The latest innovations and products are likely to be housed within the facility. The interiors will feature 235,000 square feet of display space, 60,000 square feet of meeting rooms, 230,000 square feet for exhibitions and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom.
SOURCE: Dave Johnson,
Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center
WRITER: Diane DiPiero