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Valerie Mayen may have left Season 8 of Project Runway prematurely, but she won't be leaving Cleveland anytime soon. In addition to headquartering her burgeoning fashion label Yellowcake here, the Corpus Christie native will soon launch an innovative sewing co-op for budding designers. And that is just the beginning.
Dr. Cathy Whitehouse founded The Intergeneration School (TIS), a charter school on Cleveland's east side, as a place that values children as independent learners.
"TIS takes a lifespan, developmental approach to education," she says. "We're all on a learning journey, and we should honor the uniqueness in each learner."
TIS just celebrated its 10-year anniversary. In that time, it has become one of the highest-performing schools in Cleveland, consistently earning "Excellent" marks from the State of Ohio.
This year, Whitehouse and her staff will attempt to replicate TIS's success when they open a charter school on Cleveland's near west side. The Near West Intergenerational School (NWIS), a tuition-free, public school, is slated to open in August.
The seeds for NWIS were planted when the Ohio City Babysitting Co-op, a group of parents seeking to create a new school in their community, contacted Whitehouse. "They said to me, 'We don't want to move, but we don't know where our kids will go to school. Can you help us?'" says Whitehouse. "TIS was a good match for them."
Before it opens, NWIS must sign a sponsorship agreement, find a location and enroll enough kids. Yet Whitehouse says she is "delighted" that NWIS has gotten this far. "Among the many things that we can do to transform Cleveland, making sure that every family has access to free, high-quality education is one of them," she says.
TIS has received a planning grant from the State of Ohio, and is applying for a second grant to help pay for start-up costs. Whitehouse has asked the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) to sponsor NWIS, and hopes to lease a CMSD building.
"When TIS started, they wouldn't even talk to us," says Whitehouse. "There's been a wonderful change. They saw what we were doing and said, 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.'"
TIS is a member of the Breakthrough Schools, a coalition of top-performing, urban charter schools that recently won a $2 million grant from the Charter School Growth Fund, a national foundation that supports innovative charter schools.
In addition to NWIS, Citizens Academy plans to open a 6th-8th grade middle school this fall. Two more Breakthrough charter schools are slated to open in 2012.
Source: Cathy Whitehouse
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"TIS takes a lifespan, developmental approach to education," she says. "We're all on a learning journey, and we should honor the uniqueness in each learner."
TIS just celebrated its 10-year anniversary. In that time, it has become one of the highest-performing schools in Cleveland, consistently earning "Excellent" marks from the State of Ohio.
This year, Whitehouse and her staff will attempt to replicate TIS's success when they open a charter school on Cleveland's near west side. The Near West Intergenerational School (NWIS), a tuition-free, public school, is slated to open in August.
The seeds for NWIS were planted when the Ohio City Babysitting Co-op, a group of parents seeking to create a new school in their community, contacted Whitehouse. "They said to me, 'We don't want to move, but we don't know where our kids will go to school. Can you help us?'" says Whitehouse. "TIS was a good match for them."
Before it opens, NWIS must sign a sponsorship agreement, find a location and enroll enough kids. Yet Whitehouse says she is "delighted" that NWIS has gotten this far. "Among the many things that we can do to transform Cleveland, making sure that every family has access to free, high-quality education is one of them," she says.
TIS has received a planning grant from the State of Ohio, and is applying for a second grant to help pay for start-up costs. Whitehouse has asked the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) to sponsor NWIS, and hopes to lease a CMSD building.
"When TIS started, they wouldn't even talk to us," says Whitehouse. "There's been a wonderful change. They saw what we were doing and said, 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.'"
TIS is a member of the Breakthrough Schools, a coalition of top-performing, urban charter schools that recently won a $2 million grant from the Charter School Growth Fund, a national foundation that supports innovative charter schools.
In addition to NWIS, Citizens Academy plans to open a 6th-8th grade middle school this fall. Two more Breakthrough charter schools are slated to open in 2012.
Source: Cathy Whitehouse
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cle orchestra kills at carnegie
James R. Oestreich, writing for The New York Times, reviewed the Cleveland Orchestra's recent performances at Carnegie Hall. The two concerts were part of the Cleveland Orchestra's two-week American tour, which also included a three-day residency at Indiana University, a brief stay in Florida, and an impromptu jam session in an Ann Arbor pizza shop.
Oestreich's review is altogether positive, placing particular emphasis on conductor Franz Welser-Möst's restraint, especially in directing Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" and Toshio Hosokawa's "Woven Dreams." Oestreich states, "No successful conductor lacks ego, but Mr. Welser-Möst makes remarkably little show of it. The word restraint keeps coming to mind: a restraint that, in manner, can make him seem boyishly appealing if sometimes inscrutable; a restraint that, musically, can serve him so well."
The orchestra's performance of Strauss's "Heldenleben" was another standout. "The orchestra gloried in the work's brilliant and kaleidoscopic sonorities and produced powerful heft, with shining woodwinds and brasses, without letting the sound turn blowsy. William Preucil, the concertmaster, performed the violin solos beautifully as well as playing an obvious role in keeping the whole spectacle together. Not that Mr. Welser-Möst needed much help with a band clearly responsive to his every gesture."
Read the entire score here.
Oestreich's review is altogether positive, placing particular emphasis on conductor Franz Welser-Möst's restraint, especially in directing Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" and Toshio Hosokawa's "Woven Dreams." Oestreich states, "No successful conductor lacks ego, but Mr. Welser-Möst makes remarkably little show of it. The word restraint keeps coming to mind: a restraint that, in manner, can make him seem boyishly appealing if sometimes inscrutable; a restraint that, musically, can serve him so well."
The orchestra's performance of Strauss's "Heldenleben" was another standout. "The orchestra gloried in the work's brilliant and kaleidoscopic sonorities and produced powerful heft, with shining woodwinds and brasses, without letting the sound turn blowsy. William Preucil, the concertmaster, performed the violin solos beautifully as well as playing an obvious role in keeping the whole spectacle together. Not that Mr. Welser-Möst needed much help with a band clearly responsive to his every gesture."
Read the entire score here.
'creative class' author sees rust belt turn around
A recent article in The Atlantic examines a new study of the migration trends of young adults and college grads across America's 52 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas over the years 2007-2009. Austin topped the list, closely followed by Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Seattle. Big cities like New York, Boston, D.C., Chicago, and LA have also improved their ability to attract young grads.
But the study also indicated that more and more talented young people are choosing to live in Cleveland.
"But perhaps the best news is that a significant number of older Rustbelt metros -- like Buffalo, Cleveland, St. Louis, Hartford, and Milwaukee -- that had been losing young adults and college grads have stemmed those previous losses, while others -- including Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Baltimore, as well as New Orleans -- have begun to turn them into gains."
Examine the data here.
But the study also indicated that more and more talented young people are choosing to live in Cleveland.
"But perhaps the best news is that a significant number of older Rustbelt metros -- like Buffalo, Cleveland, St. Louis, Hartford, and Milwaukee -- that had been losing young adults and college grads have stemmed those previous losses, while others -- including Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Baltimore, as well as New Orleans -- have begun to turn them into gains."
Examine the data here.
For years, the trend in Ohio City was for young couples to buy homes, live there a few years, and then flee to the suburbs when they had kids. Thanks to a close-knit group of pioneering parents, that story may soon have a different ending. With hopes for a new public charter school becoming a reality, many young parents see a future that doesn't include a home in suburbia.
Northeast Ohio's ingenuity in polymers and advanced materials is having a
positive impact on the region's production of flexible electronics
products for the global market. FlexMatters, a cluster of businesses,
suppliers, service providers and institutions within the flexible
electronics industry, has attracted a significant amount of capital from
public and private sources in the last several months.
NorTech, which launched FlexMatters to address low-cost manufacturing of electronic devices printed on flexible plastic materials, recently released information on funding for members of the cluster. In all, FlexMatters members garnered $14 million in capital, according to NorTech.
The funds were offered at a variety of stages and for different purposes. Cleveland's Blue Spark Technologies, for example, received a $6 million private equity series B investment, which will be used to accelerate new applications for thin, printed, disposable batteries.
The FlexMatters cluster connects member organizations with funding, revenue and technology partnership opportunities. "We are building a robust innovation cluster in Northeast Ohio that is going to put our region at the forefront of the global flexible electronics industry," says Rebecca Bagley, NorTech president and CEO.
SOURCE: NorTech
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
NorTech, which launched FlexMatters to address low-cost manufacturing of electronic devices printed on flexible plastic materials, recently released information on funding for members of the cluster. In all, FlexMatters members garnered $14 million in capital, according to NorTech.
The funds were offered at a variety of stages and for different purposes. Cleveland's Blue Spark Technologies, for example, received a $6 million private equity series B investment, which will be used to accelerate new applications for thin, printed, disposable batteries.
The FlexMatters cluster connects member organizations with funding, revenue and technology partnership opportunities. "We are building a robust innovation cluster in Northeast Ohio that is going to put our region at the forefront of the global flexible electronics industry," says Rebecca Bagley, NorTech president and CEO.
SOURCE: NorTech
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Verb Ballets, a national repertory dance company based in Cleveland Heights, is planning to expand this year to a larger space in a Shaker Heights church.
The city of Shaker Heights will provide a $10,000 job creation grant to the dance company to facilitate their move to the basement of Christ Episcopal Church on Warrensville Center road. Shaker Heights has recently gained attention for its proactive efforts to recruit new commercial tenants to the city, which has historically had a largely residential tax base.
The grant will be used to defray moving expenses and purchase equipment. Verb Ballets has negotiated a five-year lease with Christ Episcopal Church, where the basement will serve as an office, studio and future black box theatre.
Phase I of the project will include construction of the studio and offices. Verb Ballets anticipates being able to generate additional income from tuitions and rentals to independent artists.
Phase II of the project calls for theatrical lighting equipment, sound board, stage and seating area. This black box space will then be used for Verb Ballets performances, and also leased to other artists for performance use. Verb Ballets expects Phase I to be completed this year. There is no timeline yet for Phase II.
Income tax revenues from Verb Ballets' new Shaker Heights location are expected to repay the $10,000 job creation grant in a little over two years, according to the city of Shaker Heights.
This season, Verb Ballets will perform at Cleveland Public Theatre and St. Ignatius High School. The dance company has also performed at Cain Park.
Source: The City of Shaker Heights
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The city of Shaker Heights will provide a $10,000 job creation grant to the dance company to facilitate their move to the basement of Christ Episcopal Church on Warrensville Center road. Shaker Heights has recently gained attention for its proactive efforts to recruit new commercial tenants to the city, which has historically had a largely residential tax base.
The grant will be used to defray moving expenses and purchase equipment. Verb Ballets has negotiated a five-year lease with Christ Episcopal Church, where the basement will serve as an office, studio and future black box theatre.
Phase I of the project will include construction of the studio and offices. Verb Ballets anticipates being able to generate additional income from tuitions and rentals to independent artists.
Phase II of the project calls for theatrical lighting equipment, sound board, stage and seating area. This black box space will then be used for Verb Ballets performances, and also leased to other artists for performance use. Verb Ballets expects Phase I to be completed this year. There is no timeline yet for Phase II.
Income tax revenues from Verb Ballets' new Shaker Heights location are expected to repay the $10,000 job creation grant in a little over two years, according to the city of Shaker Heights.
This season, Verb Ballets will perform at Cleveland Public Theatre and St. Ignatius High School. The dance company has also performed at Cain Park.
Source: The City of Shaker Heights
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education (NOCHE) is moving forward with its goal of making the region a top-notch talent pool through higher learning. In December of last year, NOCHE held a summit on the Northeast Ohio Talent Dividend, an action plan to increase college attainment. The Talent Dividend is a national endeavor to increase college attendance and graduation in cities, motivated by research indicating that 58 percent of a city's success based on per capita income can be attributed to post-secondary attainment.
According to NOCHE, the Northeast Ohio Talent Dividend has three goals:
1) Improve college readiness
2) Increase retention to degree completion
3) Increase degree attainment among adults with some college but no degree
NOCHE plans to help the region attain these goals by focusing on existing local resources, which include dozens of higher education institutions and 160,000 companies with employment opportunities for college students and college graduates. According to Ann Womer Benjamin, NOCHE's executive director, increasing the talent dividend in Northeast Ohio by one percent can result in $2.8 billion in new income per year, which helps both individuals and the region.
Womer's current mission is to bring awareness of the Talent Dividend and its initiatives to educators and businesspeople in Northeast Ohio. A steering committee for the Talent Dividend consists of a number of education- and business-focused professionals, including Roseann Canfora of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Edward Hill of Cleveland State University and Shana Marbury of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. NOCHE will track ongoing progress of the Talent Dividend on its website.
SOURCE: NOCHE
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
According to NOCHE, the Northeast Ohio Talent Dividend has three goals:
1) Improve college readiness
2) Increase retention to degree completion
3) Increase degree attainment among adults with some college but no degree
NOCHE plans to help the region attain these goals by focusing on existing local resources, which include dozens of higher education institutions and 160,000 companies with employment opportunities for college students and college graduates. According to Ann Womer Benjamin, NOCHE's executive director, increasing the talent dividend in Northeast Ohio by one percent can result in $2.8 billion in new income per year, which helps both individuals and the region.
Womer's current mission is to bring awareness of the Talent Dividend and its initiatives to educators and businesspeople in Northeast Ohio. A steering committee for the Talent Dividend consists of a number of education- and business-focused professionals, including Roseann Canfora of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Edward Hill of Cleveland State University and Shana Marbury of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. NOCHE will track ongoing progress of the Talent Dividend on its website.
SOURCE: NOCHE
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
dim and den sum one 'top 20' food trux in US
Eater.com, a website that covers the nation's restaurant news, recently featured a list of the Top 20 food trucks in America. Cleveland's Dim and Den Sum, at less than a year old, snagged a spot in the Tasty Top 10.
Chris Hodgson's riotous rig dishes up "American comfort food with Asian flair." Though the menu changes weekly, the signature PBLT (pulled pork, house-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sirachi mayo) is always available.
Most of the other top food trucks singled out are on the West Coast, including Skillet and Maximus Minimus in Seattle, Solar Waffle Works in Portland, and Spencer on the Go! and Sam's Chowdermobile in San Francisco.
Look for Dim and Den Sum to hit the streets in mid-February.
Eat up the entire list here.
Chris Hodgson's riotous rig dishes up "American comfort food with Asian flair." Though the menu changes weekly, the signature PBLT (pulled pork, house-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sirachi mayo) is always available.
Most of the other top food trucks singled out are on the West Coast, including Skillet and Maximus Minimus in Seattle, Solar Waffle Works in Portland, and Spencer on the Go! and Sam's Chowdermobile in San Francisco.
Look for Dim and Den Sum to hit the streets in mid-February.
Eat up the entire list here.
Many young professionals living in the city eventually become parents, trading in their preoccupation with trendy bars for a newfound obsession with play dates, baby gates and high-quality schools.
Yet in any urban area, finding a good school can be tricky. Like the Clash song, a refrain echoes in their heads: "Should I stay or should I go?"
A new study says that for many Cleveland residents, quality public schools could make the difference between choosing to stay and moving to the suburbs.
Recently, a team of researchers at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs surveyed 271 residents of Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway and downtown regarding their opinions of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD).
Of those surveyed, 51 percent said they were either parents of young children or were planning to have kids in the future. Sixty five percent of this group said they were eventually planning to move out of Cleveland or "weren't sure" of their plans. An "excellent" or "effective" public school in their neighborhood could influence them to stay, they said.
"Retaining and growing the local property tax base, which feeds the public school system, will depend on the ability of these neighborhoods to attract and maintain middle-class residents," says Angie Schmitt, who recently earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning from CSU's Levin College and is one of the study's authors.
She adds, "Failing schools encourage residential turnover within this population, creating a cycle of concentrated poverty that further handicaps urban schools."
The study outlines reform efforts taking place in Cleveland, including the creation of the Near West Intergenerational School, a new charter school that aims to launch this year.
Source: Angie Schmitt
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet in any urban area, finding a good school can be tricky. Like the Clash song, a refrain echoes in their heads: "Should I stay or should I go?"
A new study says that for many Cleveland residents, quality public schools could make the difference between choosing to stay and moving to the suburbs.
Recently, a team of researchers at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs surveyed 271 residents of Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway and downtown regarding their opinions of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD).
Of those surveyed, 51 percent said they were either parents of young children or were planning to have kids in the future. Sixty five percent of this group said they were eventually planning to move out of Cleveland or "weren't sure" of their plans. An "excellent" or "effective" public school in their neighborhood could influence them to stay, they said.
"Retaining and growing the local property tax base, which feeds the public school system, will depend on the ability of these neighborhoods to attract and maintain middle-class residents," says Angie Schmitt, who recently earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning from CSU's Levin College and is one of the study's authors.
She adds, "Failing schools encourage residential turnover within this population, creating a cycle of concentrated poverty that further handicaps urban schools."
The study outlines reform efforts taking place in Cleveland, including the creation of the Near West Intergenerational School, a new charter school that aims to launch this year.
Source: Angie Schmitt
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This past October, Cuyahoga Community College relocated its 20-year-old hospitality management and culinary program from the older Metropolitan Campus to a gleaming new complex on Public Square. Although the move from E. 33rd and Woodland to the center of downtown was less than a half-mile, the shift will forever change Cleveland's culinary economy.
Inspired by one of Mahatma Ghandi's famous mantras -- "we must become the change we wish to see in the world" -- Open Yoga Gallery, a yoga studio with a mission, will launch this weekend at 4736 Lorain Avenue in Ohio City.
"One of our goals is to get people onto the yoga mat for the first time," says April Arotin, the studio's founder. To that end, Open Yoga offers several classes per week that merely suggest a donation. During the opening weekend, the studio will offer free classes on Saturday from 12-6 p.m., as well as a free workshop for beginners on Sunday.
Open Yoga is a labor of love for Arotin, who lived in San Francisco before she moved back to Cleveland last summer. The studio is located in a storefront that was last used as an antique store -- 10 years ago. Arotin and the friends whom she corralled into helping her spent six months renovating the space.
To cut costs and keep with their green business practices, Arotin reused much of the existing space, cleaning the 1940s tile floor, for instance, rather than replacing it with shiny hardwood planks.
"Ninety percent of the furniture in our space is up-cycled," explains Arotin, meaning that it's been reclaimed from other spaces or purchased from thrift stores and refurbished. In addition, the studio has set an ambitious goal to produce zero waste.
To encourage walking, bicycling and carpooling, Open Yoga offers patrons a chance to win free classes if they choose alternative transportation. The 1,000-square-foot studio also functions as an art gallery, with local artists' work adorning the walls.
Although yoga is not often associated with inner city neighborhoods, Arotin wants to change this. "There's a perception that yoga is only for a specific demographic -- women with a lot of disposable income -- but we want to make it accessible," she says.
After all, yoga is not just about staying healthy and flexible; it's also about unlocking the potential for change. "Yoga helps us move our bodies in a way that we never thought possible," says Arotin, "and that can help us realize our true potential."
Source: April Arotin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"One of our goals is to get people onto the yoga mat for the first time," says April Arotin, the studio's founder. To that end, Open Yoga offers several classes per week that merely suggest a donation. During the opening weekend, the studio will offer free classes on Saturday from 12-6 p.m., as well as a free workshop for beginners on Sunday.
Open Yoga is a labor of love for Arotin, who lived in San Francisco before she moved back to Cleveland last summer. The studio is located in a storefront that was last used as an antique store -- 10 years ago. Arotin and the friends whom she corralled into helping her spent six months renovating the space.
To cut costs and keep with their green business practices, Arotin reused much of the existing space, cleaning the 1940s tile floor, for instance, rather than replacing it with shiny hardwood planks.
"Ninety percent of the furniture in our space is up-cycled," explains Arotin, meaning that it's been reclaimed from other spaces or purchased from thrift stores and refurbished. In addition, the studio has set an ambitious goal to produce zero waste.
To encourage walking, bicycling and carpooling, Open Yoga offers patrons a chance to win free classes if they choose alternative transportation. The 1,000-square-foot studio also functions as an art gallery, with local artists' work adorning the walls.
Although yoga is not often associated with inner city neighborhoods, Arotin wants to change this. "There's a perception that yoga is only for a specific demographic -- women with a lot of disposable income -- but we want to make it accessible," she says.
After all, yoga is not just about staying healthy and flexible; it's also about unlocking the potential for change. "Yoga helps us move our bodies in a way that we never thought possible," says Arotin, "and that can help us realize our true potential."
Source: April Arotin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland museum sells off 'non-essential' works
"The Cleveland Museum of art did better than expected in the largest sale of works from its collection in a half century -- roughly 45 percent better," says Plain Dealer writer Steven Litt.
The museum auctioned off several items from its collection deemed nonessential in order to improve its Old Master paintings collection. The auction, held last week at Sotheby's New York, was titled "Important Old Master Paintings."
According to Litt, the museum offered 32 paintings at prices estimated to bring between $706,000 and $1,022,000. The museum earned approximately $450,000 more than the highest estimate.
Among the items sold were "Dune Landscape with Figures" by the 17th century Dutch painter Philips Wouwerman. Estimated at $100,000 to $150,000, it sold for $446,500. A pair of 18th-century paintings depicting an ancient Roman battle were estimated to sell for $200,000 to $300,000. The sale price with premium was $482,500.
"We were pleased to be swept along by a generally enthusiastic group of buyers and stronger than expected sales across many lots," C. Griffith Mann, the museum's chief curator, told Litt. "Things went within or beyond the estimates."
Read the rest of the story here.
The museum auctioned off several items from its collection deemed nonessential in order to improve its Old Master paintings collection. The auction, held last week at Sotheby's New York, was titled "Important Old Master Paintings."
According to Litt, the museum offered 32 paintings at prices estimated to bring between $706,000 and $1,022,000. The museum earned approximately $450,000 more than the highest estimate.
Among the items sold were "Dune Landscape with Figures" by the 17th century Dutch painter Philips Wouwerman. Estimated at $100,000 to $150,000, it sold for $446,500. A pair of 18th-century paintings depicting an ancient Roman battle were estimated to sell for $200,000 to $300,000. The sale price with premium was $482,500.
"We were pleased to be swept along by a generally enthusiastic group of buyers and stronger than expected sales across many lots," C. Griffith Mann, the museum's chief curator, told Litt. "Things went within or beyond the estimates."
Read the rest of the story here.
new MOCA museum attracts early buzz
A recent Wall Street Journal article on the spectacular designs of architect Rem Koolhaas and his followers also mentions plans for the innovative new MOCA Cleveland museum. The building is described as having "triangular facades that, from certain angles, allow luminescent peeks at the museum's interior."
The new MOCA museum was designed by Foreign Office Architects (FOA), an offshoot of Koolhaas' Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). OMA is responsible for some of the most remarkable buildings of recent years, including the Seattle Central Library and the CCTV headquarters in Beijing.
The article also mentions other projects designed by architects who trained at Koolhaas' firm, including the Balancing Barn in England and the Hua Qiang Bei Road in Shenzhen, China.
Read the full article here.
The new MOCA museum was designed by Foreign Office Architects (FOA), an offshoot of Koolhaas' Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). OMA is responsible for some of the most remarkable buildings of recent years, including the Seattle Central Library and the CCTV headquarters in Beijing.
The article also mentions other projects designed by architects who trained at Koolhaas' firm, including the Balancing Barn in England and the Hua Qiang Bei Road in Shenzhen, China.
Read the full article here.
Billed as an outdoor music and arts festival, Brite Winter Festival is proof that you can indeed have fun in Cleveland, in February, out of doors. This year's dazzling array of temptations includes nine holes of snow mini golf, 24 feet of alfresco skeeball, ski-mounted bicycles, wall-to-wall music and white-hot gourmet food trucks.
Two weeks ago, we told you about the many jobs likely to develop in the area over the next several years thanks to a wind turbine project on Lake Erie. Lorry Wagner, Ph.D., president of Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo), which is overseeing the project, says that Cleveland's growing expertise in the wind energy industry could reach well beyond the local shores.
The wind turbine pilot project, which is in its infant stages, will be a learning process for those involved, according to Wagner, but will likely establish Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as the source for wind energy expertise.
"As offshore wind develops on the Great Lakes, many of our services can be exported," Wagner says. "Canada, for example, has a huge plan for offshore wind development, but it will only have a 50 percent Canadian content requirement. That gives us tremendous incentive to develop our industry here."
In addition to Canada, Michigan and New York are reviewing opportunities for wind energy along the Great Lakes.
"If Ohio doesn't become the biggest in the world, the fact is we are the first in the region to do this, and if we develop the infrastructure, it will help us to serve the entire Great Lakes region," Wagner says.
To get there, Cleveland needs to leverage the talents and resources it already has and encourage other companies and individuals to join the wave. "We have to develop the expertise so that wherever this alternative energy occurs, we will be able to provide the most cost effective and the technologically best service," Wagner says.
SOURCE: Lorry Wagner
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The wind turbine pilot project, which is in its infant stages, will be a learning process for those involved, according to Wagner, but will likely establish Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as the source for wind energy expertise.
"As offshore wind develops on the Great Lakes, many of our services can be exported," Wagner says. "Canada, for example, has a huge plan for offshore wind development, but it will only have a 50 percent Canadian content requirement. That gives us tremendous incentive to develop our industry here."
In addition to Canada, Michigan and New York are reviewing opportunities for wind energy along the Great Lakes.
"If Ohio doesn't become the biggest in the world, the fact is we are the first in the region to do this, and if we develop the infrastructure, it will help us to serve the entire Great Lakes region," Wagner says.
To get there, Cleveland needs to leverage the talents and resources it already has and encourage other companies and individuals to join the wave. "We have to develop the expertise so that wherever this alternative energy occurs, we will be able to provide the most cost effective and the technologically best service," Wagner says.
SOURCE: Lorry Wagner
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
gilbert's land purchase for casino big news
News of Rock Ohio Caesars Cleveland's recent land purchase of 16 acres adjacent to Tower City Center is making its way across the news ticker. Rock Ohio is the development arm of Dan Gilbert, who is building a $600 million casino in downtown Cleveland.
On Tuesday, as reported in this Columbus Business First article, Rock Ohio Caesars paid Forest City Enterprises $85 million, $11 million of which was paid this week with the balance set to be paid through 2012.
Gilbert's Cleveland casino is slated to open sometime in 2013, which puts it behind the three other Ohio casinos. An agreement to lease space at the nearby Higbee Building could allow for a temporary casino to open in the meantime.
Jeff Linton, a spokesman for Forest City, told Columbus Business First the Higbee lease is still on the table.
"We certainly anticipate they might be in a position to make a decision on that soon," Linton told the reporter.
Read the entire article here.
On Tuesday, as reported in this Columbus Business First article, Rock Ohio Caesars paid Forest City Enterprises $85 million, $11 million of which was paid this week with the balance set to be paid through 2012.
Gilbert's Cleveland casino is slated to open sometime in 2013, which puts it behind the three other Ohio casinos. An agreement to lease space at the nearby Higbee Building could allow for a temporary casino to open in the meantime.
Jeff Linton, a spokesman for Forest City, told Columbus Business First the Higbee lease is still on the table.
"We certainly anticipate they might be in a position to make a decision on that soon," Linton told the reporter.
Read the entire article here.
monster names cleveland one of hottest job markets
Job matching engine Monster.com recently announced the "Top 10 Hottest Markets for Job Seekers." Rankings were determined by the relative number of job openings for a given city's workforce. Cleveland came in at a promising #7, wedged between Minneapolis and Tampa. Topping the list are Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Boston.
Monster also identified some of the hottest occupations within these job markets, noting that most fall within the IT and healthcare industries. Healthcare support jobs such as nursing aides, orderlies, occupational therapist assistants, and dental assistants remain in high demand in Cleveland.
"Healthcare has long been immune to the economic recession, especially given the skills shortage in that industry due to baby boomers' retiring, taking those skills with them in the process," the article finds.
The Monster study also indicates that retail is another hot job market in Cleveland.
Charles Purdy, career expert for Monster.com, encourages job seekers in these hot markets to take advantage of the rise in job openings. "Now is the time for qualified candidates to make their move into a better and more challenging role. This will be quite a luxury for some seekers who have struggled to seek more inspiring work in the past year or two. For them, 2011 will become 'their' year for surpassing the status quo, propelling their career a step or two forward."
Read the full report here.
Monster also identified some of the hottest occupations within these job markets, noting that most fall within the IT and healthcare industries. Healthcare support jobs such as nursing aides, orderlies, occupational therapist assistants, and dental assistants remain in high demand in Cleveland.
"Healthcare has long been immune to the economic recession, especially given the skills shortage in that industry due to baby boomers' retiring, taking those skills with them in the process," the article finds.
The Monster study also indicates that retail is another hot job market in Cleveland.
Charles Purdy, career expert for Monster.com, encourages job seekers in these hot markets to take advantage of the rise in job openings. "Now is the time for qualified candidates to make their move into a better and more challenging role. This will be quite a luxury for some seekers who have struggled to seek more inspiring work in the past year or two. For them, 2011 will become 'their' year for surpassing the status quo, propelling their career a step or two forward."
Read the full report here.
The same day that President Obama unveiled Startup America to boost entrepreneurship in the United States, Jumpstart Inc. came out with its own impressive launch: JumpStart America.
The operating structure for JumpStart America will be set up over the next few months, with Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart Inc., also serving as the leader for this new entity. JumpStart America will be a 501c(3) nonprofit and will act independently of JumpStart Inc. New staff members are not likely to be added to JumpStart Inc. because of this new venture, according to Leach.
JumpStart America's work will be different than that of JumpStart Inc., Leach adds. "JumpStart's programmatic work in Northeast Ohio focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and investing in their companies, and collaborating with other organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
"JumpStart America will be raising and aggregating public, private and philanthropic dollars to fund the development and implementation of plans in regions across the country -- plans that will enable these regions to leverage their existing strengths and fill gaps in their ecosystems that help entrepreneurs grow their companies," Leach explains.
Nevertheless, the success of JumpStart Inc. in helping to grow local companies has cast a positive light on the organization and the region it serves, which in turn lends credibility to the JumpStart America program. "It's the successes of the companies and entrepreneurs with which JumpStart has worked that have helped Northeast Ohio earn national recognition as a growing entrepreneurial hotbed," Leach says.
"JumpStart America is credible in pursuing its mission because policy makers, foundations and investors across the country are learning that Northeast Ohio is one of the best entrepreneurial ecosystems in the country."
SOURCE: Ray Leach
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The operating structure for JumpStart America will be set up over the next few months, with Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart Inc., also serving as the leader for this new entity. JumpStart America will be a 501c(3) nonprofit and will act independently of JumpStart Inc. New staff members are not likely to be added to JumpStart Inc. because of this new venture, according to Leach.
JumpStart America's work will be different than that of JumpStart Inc., Leach adds. "JumpStart's programmatic work in Northeast Ohio focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and investing in their companies, and collaborating with other organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
"JumpStart America will be raising and aggregating public, private and philanthropic dollars to fund the development and implementation of plans in regions across the country -- plans that will enable these regions to leverage their existing strengths and fill gaps in their ecosystems that help entrepreneurs grow their companies," Leach explains.
Nevertheless, the success of JumpStart Inc. in helping to grow local companies has cast a positive light on the organization and the region it serves, which in turn lends credibility to the JumpStart America program. "It's the successes of the companies and entrepreneurs with which JumpStart has worked that have helped Northeast Ohio earn national recognition as a growing entrepreneurial hotbed," Leach says.
"JumpStart America is credible in pursuing its mission because policy makers, foundations and investors across the country are learning that Northeast Ohio is one of the best entrepreneurial ecosystems in the country."
SOURCE: Ray Leach
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Shaker Heights is much older than the Van Sweringens, the brothers who developed the suburb (and the Terminal Tower) in the 1900s. The town's original settlers include the North Union Shakers, the tightly-knit religious order for which the suburb was named, and early farmers who migrated here from New England.
Asa and Chloe Carter Upson were among Shaker's earliest farming families. They migrated from Barkhamstead, Connecticut and built a farmhouse in 1836 in an area that was then rural. Their house, one of only 400 such properties still standing in Cuyahoga County, is located at 19027 Chagrin Boulevard.
Thanks to the nonprofit Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS), this rare piece of history has been preserved. David and Kristine Saudek, the house's most recent owners, donated it to CRS in September. The Society spent several months bringing the home up to date by painting the exterior, repairing a cupola on the garage, and addressing minor carpentry and electrical issues.
The Upson house, priced at $97,500, is being offered for sale to "an individual who appreciates its significance and will honor its heritage," according to the home's sales materials. The home, which has been well cared for, has central air, first floor master bedroom, and a large living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The home will be conveyed with a restrictive covenant that protects its historic features.
Although it was remodeled in 1940 in the Colonial Revival style, the home has several features dating back to 1836, including some of the windows and doors, the gabled portion of the house, and wide-plank flooring in the upstairs bedrooms.
Source: Cleveland Restoration Society
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Asa and Chloe Carter Upson were among Shaker's earliest farming families. They migrated from Barkhamstead, Connecticut and built a farmhouse in 1836 in an area that was then rural. Their house, one of only 400 such properties still standing in Cuyahoga County, is located at 19027 Chagrin Boulevard.
Thanks to the nonprofit Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS), this rare piece of history has been preserved. David and Kristine Saudek, the house's most recent owners, donated it to CRS in September. The Society spent several months bringing the home up to date by painting the exterior, repairing a cupola on the garage, and addressing minor carpentry and electrical issues.
The Upson house, priced at $97,500, is being offered for sale to "an individual who appreciates its significance and will honor its heritage," according to the home's sales materials. The home, which has been well cared for, has central air, first floor master bedroom, and a large living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The home will be conveyed with a restrictive covenant that protects its historic features.
Although it was remodeled in 1940 in the Colonial Revival style, the home has several features dating back to 1836, including some of the windows and doors, the gabled portion of the house, and wide-plank flooring in the upstairs bedrooms.
Source: Cleveland Restoration Society
Writer: Lee Chilcote