Entrepreneurs + Innovators
Five years ago, Deby Cowdin was cleaning up after a party. As she picked up the empty wine and liquor bottles on her porch, her friend and partner, Mindy Bohannon, dared her to do something that would change her life. "She said, 'you're a glass artist, figure out something to do with them.'" So Cowdin did exactly that. She founded Blue Bag, a company that transforms bottles into serving plates, cheese boards and other works of art.
Cowdin started the business out of her home, selling her creations first at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, then at other farmers markets and art shows. The idea took off. "We started out of necessity, as a hobby," she says. "We never really thought it would turn into a manufacturing business."
Blue Bag sales have grown 50 percent each year since 2006. This year sales are up 100 percent. Aside from two additional partners, daughter Brandy Cooney and Jeff Nischwitz, the company has eight employees. Cowdin makes a point of hiring hard-to-place people, including a disabled vet and an employee with mild autism. "We build our company around helping people," Cowdin says.
Everything from the recycling to the distribution is done in house -- these days a studio on W. 14th St. and Berea Road -- and their products are available in more than 300 retail stores nationwide. Everything with the exception of one item is purchased locally.
"We work really hard at keeping everything in Cleveland," Cowdin says. "If we don't support the local economy, who will?"
Source: Deby Cowdin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cowdin started the business out of her home, selling her creations first at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, then at other farmers markets and art shows. The idea took off. "We started out of necessity, as a hobby," she says. "We never really thought it would turn into a manufacturing business."
Blue Bag sales have grown 50 percent each year since 2006. This year sales are up 100 percent. Aside from two additional partners, daughter Brandy Cooney and Jeff Nischwitz, the company has eight employees. Cowdin makes a point of hiring hard-to-place people, including a disabled vet and an employee with mild autism. "We build our company around helping people," Cowdin says.
Everything from the recycling to the distribution is done in house -- these days a studio on W. 14th St. and Berea Road -- and their products are available in more than 300 retail stores nationwide. Everything with the exception of one item is purchased locally.
"We work really hard at keeping everything in Cleveland," Cowdin says. "If we don't support the local economy, who will?"
Source: Deby Cowdin
Writer: Karin Connelly
From the Warehouse District to Tremont, artists have been harbingers of neighborhood comebacks. Now a new program aims to use artist-based development as the centerpiece for one lucky neighborhood's turnaround.
The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) on Monday announced the launch of Artists in Residence, a new program that seeks to create improvements in one city neighborhood by offering incentives for artists who live and work there.
The program is being funded in part through a $250,000 grant from Leveraging Investments in Creativity's Creative Communities Challenge Grant Program, a one-time competitive grant program made possible through the support of the Kresge Foundation.
"Artists play a key role in the strength and vitality of Cleveland neighborhoods," said Tom Schorgl, CPAC President, in a press release. "By leveraging artists' skills and the extraordinary leadership of Cleveland's community development sector, we will work to make Cleveland's neighborhoods even more creative, more sustainable and more equitable."
The two-year, $500,000 pilot program will provide a small loan program for artists buying or rehabbing homes in the target area, a small grant program to support artists' work in carrying out community-based projects, and artist homeownership services such as credit counseling and saving programs.
A panel of arts, community development and planning experts will select the target neighborhood through a competitive process. Community development corporations serving Cleveland neighborhoods can apply through April 25th. CPAC hopes to announce the winning neighborhood by July 1st.
CPAC is a nonprofit arts and culture service organization that works to strengthen Greater Cleveland's arts and culture sector. Some of its programs include the Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute, a business training course addressing the needs of working artists, and From Rust Belt to Artist Belt, a conference series that examines the role of artists in the redevelopment of industrial cities.
Source: Community Partnership for Arts and Culture
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) on Monday announced the launch of Artists in Residence, a new program that seeks to create improvements in one city neighborhood by offering incentives for artists who live and work there.
The program is being funded in part through a $250,000 grant from Leveraging Investments in Creativity's Creative Communities Challenge Grant Program, a one-time competitive grant program made possible through the support of the Kresge Foundation.
"Artists play a key role in the strength and vitality of Cleveland neighborhoods," said Tom Schorgl, CPAC President, in a press release. "By leveraging artists' skills and the extraordinary leadership of Cleveland's community development sector, we will work to make Cleveland's neighborhoods even more creative, more sustainable and more equitable."
The two-year, $500,000 pilot program will provide a small loan program for artists buying or rehabbing homes in the target area, a small grant program to support artists' work in carrying out community-based projects, and artist homeownership services such as credit counseling and saving programs.
A panel of arts, community development and planning experts will select the target neighborhood through a competitive process. Community development corporations serving Cleveland neighborhoods can apply through April 25th. CPAC hopes to announce the winning neighborhood by July 1st.
CPAC is a nonprofit arts and culture service organization that works to strengthen Greater Cleveland's arts and culture sector. Some of its programs include the Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute, a business training course addressing the needs of working artists, and From Rust Belt to Artist Belt, a conference series that examines the role of artists in the redevelopment of industrial cities.
Source: Community Partnership for Arts and Culture
Writer: Lee Chilcote
If Walter Wirth has his way, every restaurant in Cleveland will soon offer wine on tap. Yes, you read that right -- wine served from a keg. In fact, there is no good reason not to. In addition to providing the freshest possible product at the lowest possible price, the wine-by-the keg approach is as eco-friendly as it gets. While the concept may be new to Ohio, it is by no means a new concept.
Although jewelry maker Heather Moore moved into her rehabbed Midtown studio earlier this year, she's still getting used to her spacious new digs.
Maybe that's because she's spent the last 11 years running her fast-growing business out of her house. Granted, it was no ordinary home office: the Cleveland Institute of Art grad bought her great-grandmother's estate, a rambling Heights mansion, after moving back from New York City in 1999.
"We just couldn't grow anymore -- I had 45 employees working out of my house," says Moore, whose company, Heather B. Moore Jewelry, specializes in custom-made, personalized jewelry that she sells to more than 150 retailers around the world. "The workshop was in the basement, while sales and marketing were in the attic. If we needed to have a private conversation, we had to use one of my kids' bedrooms."
To accommodate her growth, Moore recently bought and renovated a former crane-making factory at 4502 Prospect Avenue, bringing 45 new jobs to Cleveland. In her renovation, Moore reused as much of the building as she could, including leftover crane parts that were repurposed into a dining room table that now graces the large kitchen.
Moore's building renovation included removing ceilings to create a lofted second-floor office, installing new windows, and turning an old garage door into a light-filled window. Future plans include an art gallery, new patio and roof garden.
When asked about her decision to relocate to Midtown, Moore says, "There's so much industry in Cleveland that you can take advantage of. A lot of what we do mixes old school techniques with newer technologies, so this is a great place to be."
Heather B. Moore Jewelry has become known not only for its work -- Moore builds relationships with her clients to draw out their stories and create highly personalized jewelry -- but also for its sustainable business model. The company uses 100-percent recycled materials in their products.
Now that she's settled into her new studio, Moore is soaking up the extra legroom -- and she also doesn't mind the short commute. "It's seven minutes from my house," she says.
Source: Heather Moore
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Maybe that's because she's spent the last 11 years running her fast-growing business out of her house. Granted, it was no ordinary home office: the Cleveland Institute of Art grad bought her great-grandmother's estate, a rambling Heights mansion, after moving back from New York City in 1999.
"We just couldn't grow anymore -- I had 45 employees working out of my house," says Moore, whose company, Heather B. Moore Jewelry, specializes in custom-made, personalized jewelry that she sells to more than 150 retailers around the world. "The workshop was in the basement, while sales and marketing were in the attic. If we needed to have a private conversation, we had to use one of my kids' bedrooms."
To accommodate her growth, Moore recently bought and renovated a former crane-making factory at 4502 Prospect Avenue, bringing 45 new jobs to Cleveland. In her renovation, Moore reused as much of the building as she could, including leftover crane parts that were repurposed into a dining room table that now graces the large kitchen.
Moore's building renovation included removing ceilings to create a lofted second-floor office, installing new windows, and turning an old garage door into a light-filled window. Future plans include an art gallery, new patio and roof garden.
When asked about her decision to relocate to Midtown, Moore says, "There's so much industry in Cleveland that you can take advantage of. A lot of what we do mixes old school techniques with newer technologies, so this is a great place to be."
Heather B. Moore Jewelry has become known not only for its work -- Moore builds relationships with her clients to draw out their stories and create highly personalized jewelry -- but also for its sustainable business model. The company uses 100-percent recycled materials in their products.
Now that she's settled into her new studio, Moore is soaking up the extra legroom -- and she also doesn't mind the short commute. "It's seven minutes from my house," she says.
Source: Heather Moore
Writer: Lee Chilcote
American Greetings has made it possible to send a loved one a greeting card with birthday candles to blow out -- literally. The new line of cards called Ready, Set, Blow features six scenarios in which recipients are prompted to blow on the card. The puff of air prompts the card to come to life with LED lights, a song and sounds.
Users blow on the cards to extinguish birthday candles, toot a horn, or make a wish on a dandelion. The cards are designed to please recipients of all ages, and they can be used again and again.
"Ready, Set, Blow lets people experience the birthday tradition of wishing in an innovative new way," says Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "It's so much fun to see someone receive these cards because you get to watch their surprise as they open it and then their smile unfold as the card comes to life -- and hopefully, their wish granted."
The result is an interactive experience that is the next-best thing to actually being there. American Greetings launched the line in March at retailers nationwide. They sell for $6.99 each.
Source: Carol Miller
Writer: Karin Connelly
Users blow on the cards to extinguish birthday candles, toot a horn, or make a wish on a dandelion. The cards are designed to please recipients of all ages, and they can be used again and again.
"Ready, Set, Blow lets people experience the birthday tradition of wishing in an innovative new way," says Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "It's so much fun to see someone receive these cards because you get to watch their surprise as they open it and then their smile unfold as the card comes to life -- and hopefully, their wish granted."
The result is an interactive experience that is the next-best thing to actually being there. American Greetings launched the line in March at retailers nationwide. They sell for $6.99 each.
Source: Carol Miller
Writer: Karin Connelly
A large map on the wall of Crafty Goodness, a new Lakewood store that sells goods from artisans that live in Northeast Ohio, provides a visual reminder of the store's mission. It pinpoints all of the different communities where the items are made, stressing the owners' commitment to the buy local movement.
"We wanted to create a store that would offer an alternative to big box retail for people that want to buy local," says Chris Sorenson, a potter who joined with artists Joanna and Matthew Orgovan to open the store at 15621 Madison Avenue.
Crafty Goodness got its start as a modern arts and crafts show that was held in Seven Hills in 2009. The success of that show inspired its creators to set up a bricks and mortar store, and a year and a half later, Crafty Goodness was born. The store, which opened in March, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, April 9th.
In addition to items such as clothing, home décor, jewelry, book bags, cards and notebooks, Crafty Goodness features an extensive art gallery on the walls, with more than 60 artists from seven Northeast Ohio counties represented. The owners selected Lakewood because of the community's commitment to the arts and small, local businesses.
Despite being only 750 square feet, Crafty Goodness offers a wide array of merchandise. Sorenson plans to continue hosting the annual craft show and hopes to find a space in Lakewood for this year's event.
Crafty Goodness also hosts a variety of classes, including jewelry making, needle arts and vegan baking, for consumers of all ages. The majority of the classes, which run about two hours and are affordably priced in the $20-35 range, are presented in a make-and-take format, which lets participants go home with an original work of art.
"We wanted to create a store that would offer an alternative to big box retail for people that want to buy local," says Chris Sorenson, a potter who joined with artists Joanna and Matthew Orgovan to open the store at 15621 Madison Avenue.
Crafty Goodness got its start as a modern arts and crafts show that was held in Seven Hills in 2009. The success of that show inspired its creators to set up a bricks and mortar store, and a year and a half later, Crafty Goodness was born. The store, which opened in March, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, April 9th.
In addition to items such as clothing, home décor, jewelry, book bags, cards and notebooks, Crafty Goodness features an extensive art gallery on the walls, with more than 60 artists from seven Northeast Ohio counties represented. The owners selected Lakewood because of the community's commitment to the arts and small, local businesses.
Despite being only 750 square feet, Crafty Goodness offers a wide array of merchandise. Sorenson plans to continue hosting the annual craft show and hopes to find a space in Lakewood for this year's event.
Crafty Goodness also hosts a variety of classes, including jewelry making, needle arts and vegan baking, for consumers of all ages. The majority of the classes, which run about two hours and are affordably priced in the $20-35 range, are presented in a make-and-take format, which lets participants go home with an original work of art.
Source: Chris Sorenson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Imagine this: A $10,000 solar-energy system powering an entire elementary school in Africa, providing enough juice for laptop computers and overhead lights. Christopher Clark, founder of Sunflower Solutions, has proved that this feat is not only possible, but also is an efficient, cost-effective way to bring power to the Third World.
Recently, Sunflower Solutions moved to Shaker LaunchHouse, a former auto dealership turned business incubator in Shaker Heights. Created with just $60,000 in seed funding, the company is in its first year of producing manually trackable solar power systems. These systems allow users to move panels by hand as the sun moves across the sky, obtaining up to 42 percent more power.
Sunflower has sold its systems to nonprofit organizations in six countries, including India, Kenya and Nigeria, and Clark says the company will achieve profitability this year.
Clark first developed the idea when he was a business major at Miami University of Ohio. "I was helping some engineers develop a water pump for a village without electricity in Mali," he says. "They installed it, and then realized that the water was too deep underground for a hand pump. If they'd used an electric pump, it could have worked, yet there was no electricity for miles around."
The solution was solar power. Yet while trackable solar systems have been around for decades, most of them move automatically and are expensive. Clark's invention is the first manual system. "It's hard to do anything about poverty, health care and education in the Third World without basic electricity, yet two billion people in the world don't have it," says Clark. "This system allows nonprofits and charities to purchase a better, lower-cost system."
Sunflower Solutions' products are made locally by South Shore Controls in Cleveland and Perry, Ohio. As his business grows, Clark hopes to market his products to a wider audience, allowing his system to reach even more people in the developing world.
This summer, Clevelanders will be able to see the power of Clark's invention firsthand. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is installing a system on its campus; the Metroparks Zoo is also interested.
Clark was selected as one of the speakers for the April 15th TEDxCLE conference, where he will talk about "electricity as a basic right."
Source: Christopher Clark
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Recently, Sunflower Solutions moved to Shaker LaunchHouse, a former auto dealership turned business incubator in Shaker Heights. Created with just $60,000 in seed funding, the company is in its first year of producing manually trackable solar power systems. These systems allow users to move panels by hand as the sun moves across the sky, obtaining up to 42 percent more power.
Sunflower has sold its systems to nonprofit organizations in six countries, including India, Kenya and Nigeria, and Clark says the company will achieve profitability this year.
Clark first developed the idea when he was a business major at Miami University of Ohio. "I was helping some engineers develop a water pump for a village without electricity in Mali," he says. "They installed it, and then realized that the water was too deep underground for a hand pump. If they'd used an electric pump, it could have worked, yet there was no electricity for miles around."
The solution was solar power. Yet while trackable solar systems have been around for decades, most of them move automatically and are expensive. Clark's invention is the first manual system. "It's hard to do anything about poverty, health care and education in the Third World without basic electricity, yet two billion people in the world don't have it," says Clark. "This system allows nonprofits and charities to purchase a better, lower-cost system."
Sunflower Solutions' products are made locally by South Shore Controls in Cleveland and Perry, Ohio. As his business grows, Clark hopes to market his products to a wider audience, allowing his system to reach even more people in the developing world.
This summer, Clevelanders will be able to see the power of Clark's invention firsthand. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is installing a system on its campus; the Metroparks Zoo is also interested.
Clark was selected as one of the speakers for the April 15th TEDxCLE conference, where he will talk about "electricity as a basic right."
Source: Christopher Clark
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Rag Refinery, a new store that offers gently used, recycled fashions at affordable prices, just opened at 3904 Lorain Avenue in Ohio City. Owner Leigh Ring also manages Pink Eye Gallery in the same space, where she often rolls out the racks to host art openings.
"Our focus is on vintage shoes, clothing and accessories, and we invite customers to sell or trade-in their former favorites for cash or store credit," says Ring. "Our customers want to outfit themselves in creative and unique ways."
Ring chose Lorain Ave. because of the proliferation of affordable vacant spaces and because Ohio City is a draw for her customers. "With the help of Palookaville Chili next door and places like Open Yoga Gallery, we hope to be a part of the revitalization that's happening here," says Ring.
The Rag Refinery is currently open on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. However, Ring plans to extend her hours to match those of Palookaville Chili's April 20th opening. "There will be an open hallway between the Rag Refinery and Palookaville so that customers can both browse the shop and have a bite to eat," explains Ring.
Ring is energized by the small-scale redevelopment trend she sees on Lorain. "There is already a draw for antiques and vintage here, but my hope is that more restaurants and shops choose Lorain, joining together to make the street more walkable."
She also sees her store's mission of recycled fashions contributing to the sustainability movement. "By recycling and reusing clothing and keeping it out of our landfills, we're doing our part," says Ring.
Source: Leigh Ring
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Our focus is on vintage shoes, clothing and accessories, and we invite customers to sell or trade-in their former favorites for cash or store credit," says Ring. "Our customers want to outfit themselves in creative and unique ways."
Ring chose Lorain Ave. because of the proliferation of affordable vacant spaces and because Ohio City is a draw for her customers. "With the help of Palookaville Chili next door and places like Open Yoga Gallery, we hope to be a part of the revitalization that's happening here," says Ring.
The Rag Refinery is currently open on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. However, Ring plans to extend her hours to match those of Palookaville Chili's April 20th opening. "There will be an open hallway between the Rag Refinery and Palookaville so that customers can both browse the shop and have a bite to eat," explains Ring.
Ring is energized by the small-scale redevelopment trend she sees on Lorain. "There is already a draw for antiques and vintage here, but my hope is that more restaurants and shops choose Lorain, joining together to make the street more walkable."
She also sees her store's mission of recycled fashions contributing to the sustainability movement. "By recycling and reusing clothing and keeping it out of our landfills, we're doing our part," says Ring.
Source: Leigh Ring
Writer: Lee Chilcote
TEDxCLE is an annual forum that gathers the region's big thinkers to share ideas worth spreading. Organizers -- and recent "brain gains" -- Hallie Bram and Eric Kogelschatz seek to change the perceptions of people who live here as well as those outside the region by sharing stories of success, innovation and inspiration.
jumpstart's john dearborn praises interns in huffington post
In a recent Huffington Post article, John Dearborn, President of Cleveland's JumpStart Inc., writes about Lorain County Community College's Innovation Fund. It awards grants of $25,000 and $100,000 to fledgling startups.
Internships are another important part of the Innovation Fund. "It might seem obvious or even slightly trivial, but interns offer startups a hardworking, forward-thinking labor pool at a heck of a price."
"This unique and groundbreaking fund has three important tenets: 1) as funds are paid back, they are then re-invested in another startup; 2) the company needs to work with a business mentor at the Innovation Fund's related incubator; and 3) every company that receives an award from the Innovation Fund commits to providing at least one local college student with a work-based learning experience."
The startups receive talent they cannot otherwise afford, and the interns receive a better education than they would ever get in the classroom.
"So far, the Innovation Fund has invested $4.3 million in 60 companies that have sponsored 130 internships. When it comes to slowing the region's "brain drain," this program shows evidence of creating change. The companies have created 100 full-time jobs that, in some cases, have been filled by interns."
Read the rest here.
Internships are another important part of the Innovation Fund. "It might seem obvious or even slightly trivial, but interns offer startups a hardworking, forward-thinking labor pool at a heck of a price."
"This unique and groundbreaking fund has three important tenets: 1) as funds are paid back, they are then re-invested in another startup; 2) the company needs to work with a business mentor at the Innovation Fund's related incubator; and 3) every company that receives an award from the Innovation Fund commits to providing at least one local college student with a work-based learning experience."
The startups receive talent they cannot otherwise afford, and the interns receive a better education than they would ever get in the classroom.
"So far, the Innovation Fund has invested $4.3 million in 60 companies that have sponsored 130 internships. When it comes to slowing the region's "brain drain," this program shows evidence of creating change. The companies have created 100 full-time jobs that, in some cases, have been filled by interns."
Read the rest here.
eco-artist susie frazier sets up shop in 78th street studios
The 78th Street Studios, a warren of creative-minded businesses located at 1300 W. 78th Street, recently welcomed a new showroom run by environmental artist Susie Frazier.
Three years ago, Frazier designed the logo and public art elements for the $3.5 million Gordon Square Arts District streetscape, which perk up Detroit Avenue between W. 58th and W. 73rd streets. From markings she'd observed along the Lake Erie coastline, she created unique crosswalk patterns, amoeba-shaped benches and a distinctive new logo.
Now, under the brand of "earthminded art," Frazier is launching a new line of up-cycled home products and gifts, including tables and lamps made from salvaged wood, decorative pillows and note cards printed with earth images, and rings made from Lake Erie driftwood.
"Today, architects and homeowners are selecting art that's modern and simple, but reinforces their love of nature," Frazier explained in a press release announcing the new showroom.
Frazier also creates original fine art that she sells to collectors. By using natural fragments from different habitats, she creates textural art that highlights the repetitive patterns that she identifies in nature.
The 78th Street Studios, located in a renovated loft-style warehouse that once housed American Greetings' creative studios, contains an eclectic mix of arts-related businesses. The studios are located at the western edge of Gordon Square, a lively district with restaurants, galleries and shops anchored by Cleveland Public Theatre and the Capitol Theatre, a three-screen independent movie house
Frazier's new studio highlights the continued growth of the 78th Street Studios, which developer Dan Bush has renovated to feature exposed brickwork, vibrant colors and a contemporary industrial aesthetic. Bush also recently opened the smART space at 78th, a 6,000-square-foot venue available for short-term rentals such as private parties and benefits.
In addition to their regular business hours, the businesses in the 78th Street Studios host festive open houses with wine and snacks every third Friday of the month from 5-9 p.m.
Source: Susie Frazier
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Three years ago, Frazier designed the logo and public art elements for the $3.5 million Gordon Square Arts District streetscape, which perk up Detroit Avenue between W. 58th and W. 73rd streets. From markings she'd observed along the Lake Erie coastline, she created unique crosswalk patterns, amoeba-shaped benches and a distinctive new logo.
Now, under the brand of "earthminded art," Frazier is launching a new line of up-cycled home products and gifts, including tables and lamps made from salvaged wood, decorative pillows and note cards printed with earth images, and rings made from Lake Erie driftwood.
"Today, architects and homeowners are selecting art that's modern and simple, but reinforces their love of nature," Frazier explained in a press release announcing the new showroom.
Frazier also creates original fine art that she sells to collectors. By using natural fragments from different habitats, she creates textural art that highlights the repetitive patterns that she identifies in nature.
The 78th Street Studios, located in a renovated loft-style warehouse that once housed American Greetings' creative studios, contains an eclectic mix of arts-related businesses. The studios are located at the western edge of Gordon Square, a lively district with restaurants, galleries and shops anchored by Cleveland Public Theatre and the Capitol Theatre, a three-screen independent movie house
Frazier's new studio highlights the continued growth of the 78th Street Studios, which developer Dan Bush has renovated to feature exposed brickwork, vibrant colors and a contemporary industrial aesthetic. Bush also recently opened the smART space at 78th, a 6,000-square-foot venue available for short-term rentals such as private parties and benefits.
In addition to their regular business hours, the businesses in the 78th Street Studios host festive open houses with wine and snacks every third Friday of the month from 5-9 p.m.
Source: Susie Frazier
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When the team at the Lighting Innovations Institute at John Carroll University gets an idea, it's not always the proverbial light bulb that goes on above their heads. More than likely, it's a state-of-the-art light that will make a difference in industry and everyday life.
The Lighting Innovations Institute accepts projects that, according to its website, "involve novel ideas and offer a challenge." Led by veterans in research and development in Northeast Ohio, the institute is currently developing projects for such distinguished customers as NASA and the FAA.
"We're focusing on two key areas," says Richard Hansler, director of the institute and a retired GE Lighting research physicist. One of these is lighting for airport runways. Landing lights that allow pilots to see if they are in proper alignment with the runway already exist, but the Lighting Innovations Institute is developing a lighting system that is more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
The other key area of development is in blocking out the blue spectrum of artificial light that interferes with optimum health. Hansler says that our bodies are built to withstand 12 hours of darkness, not the typical seven or eight hours most of us get. Artificial light prevents the body from making melatonin, a hormone that is believed to play a role in fighting cancer and obesity.
"I worked as a researcher at GE for over 40 years, and when I came here I realized that artificial light is unhealthy," Hansler says. The institute has produced eyeglasses and light bulbs that block blue light; these are sold through a spin-off company, Phototonic Developments LLC.
The Lighting Innovations Institute receives funding from the companies it contracts with to develop products. The institute has a small full-time staff but hires students part-time when funds are available, according to Hansler.
SOURCE: Richard Hansler
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
The Lighting Innovations Institute accepts projects that, according to its website, "involve novel ideas and offer a challenge." Led by veterans in research and development in Northeast Ohio, the institute is currently developing projects for such distinguished customers as NASA and the FAA.
"We're focusing on two key areas," says Richard Hansler, director of the institute and a retired GE Lighting research physicist. One of these is lighting for airport runways. Landing lights that allow pilots to see if they are in proper alignment with the runway already exist, but the Lighting Innovations Institute is developing a lighting system that is more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
The other key area of development is in blocking out the blue spectrum of artificial light that interferes with optimum health. Hansler says that our bodies are built to withstand 12 hours of darkness, not the typical seven or eight hours most of us get. Artificial light prevents the body from making melatonin, a hormone that is believed to play a role in fighting cancer and obesity.
"I worked as a researcher at GE for over 40 years, and when I came here I realized that artificial light is unhealthy," Hansler says. The institute has produced eyeglasses and light bulbs that block blue light; these are sold through a spin-off company, Phototonic Developments LLC.
The Lighting Innovations Institute receives funding from the companies it contracts with to develop products. The institute has a small full-time staff but hires students part-time when funds are available, according to Hansler.
SOURCE: Richard Hansler
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
According to Gil Van Bokkelen, chairman and CEO of Athersys,
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to be a debilitating
condition for many people. Could Athersys' MultiStem cell therapy
product benefit the more than two million people worldwide who suffer
from some form of IBD, such as ulcerative colitis?
A new phase II clinical trial will search for the answer. Athersys, in collaboration with Pfizer Inc., is conducting a study involving about 126 people in clinical sites across North America and Europe. Participants will receive multiple doses of either MultiStem or a placebo over the course of several weeks. Baseline and eight-week evaluations will be conducted, and all patients will receive follow-up evaluations through 12 months.
MultiStem is produced from nonembryonic tissues such as adult bone marrow. The human stem cells in the product have the ability to reduce inflammation, protect damaged tissue or form new blood vessels in injured areas. In addition to ulcerative colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, MultiStem has shown promise in aiding with bone marrow transplants and in the treatment of damage from ischemic strokes, which is caused by a blockage in blood flow to the brain.
Athersys trades on the NASDAQ and has experienced steady growth during the last 12 months.
SOURCE: Athersys
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
A new phase II clinical trial will search for the answer. Athersys, in collaboration with Pfizer Inc., is conducting a study involving about 126 people in clinical sites across North America and Europe. Participants will receive multiple doses of either MultiStem or a placebo over the course of several weeks. Baseline and eight-week evaluations will be conducted, and all patients will receive follow-up evaluations through 12 months.
MultiStem is produced from nonembryonic tissues such as adult bone marrow. The human stem cells in the product have the ability to reduce inflammation, protect damaged tissue or form new blood vessels in injured areas. In addition to ulcerative colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, MultiStem has shown promise in aiding with bone marrow transplants and in the treatment of damage from ischemic strokes, which is caused by a blockage in blood flow to the brain.
Athersys trades on the NASDAQ and has experienced steady growth during the last 12 months.
SOURCE: Athersys
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
upscale barbershop adds polish to larchmere retail district
James Boyd has wanted to be a barber since he was 13 years old. "My dad cut our hair when we were kids, and I was the one who was fascinated by the clippers," recalls Boyd.
Boyd had a natural gift that soon grew into a flourishing business. "I started cutting hair in our house, giving haircuts to friends and Shaker High School athletes," says the 33-year-old.
Two years ago, Boyd and business partner Lathan Bennett transformed a former garage on Larchmere Boulevard into Polished Professionals (12511 Larchmere Blvd.), an elegant, upscale barbershop.
"We wanted to create a men's barbershop with a professional atmosphere," explains Boyd.
Polished Professionals, one of a dozen or so barbershops and hair salons on Larchmere, is now a community hub within this multicultural neighborhood. "Barbers are very community-oriented, and we want to be a pillar on Larchmere," says Boyd.
In the past several years, the number of barbershops and hair salons on Larchmere has grown steadily. The street, which has been an art and antiques district for decades, has in recent years added an eclectic, diverse group of services to its retail mix.
Boyd lived in Las Vegas from 2003 until 2005, when he moved home because he was homesick and missed having four seasons. "I lived the Vegas life for a while, but I wanted to raise my family here," he says.
For Boyd, owning his own business was about "starting a legacy and controlling my destiny," he says. "My grandfather was an entrepreneur, and everyone in my family looked up to him. It was also my mom's last wish that I start my business."
Source: James Boyd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Boyd had a natural gift that soon grew into a flourishing business. "I started cutting hair in our house, giving haircuts to friends and Shaker High School athletes," says the 33-year-old.
Two years ago, Boyd and business partner Lathan Bennett transformed a former garage on Larchmere Boulevard into Polished Professionals (12511 Larchmere Blvd.), an elegant, upscale barbershop.
"We wanted to create a men's barbershop with a professional atmosphere," explains Boyd.
Polished Professionals, one of a dozen or so barbershops and hair salons on Larchmere, is now a community hub within this multicultural neighborhood. "Barbers are very community-oriented, and we want to be a pillar on Larchmere," says Boyd.
In the past several years, the number of barbershops and hair salons on Larchmere has grown steadily. The street, which has been an art and antiques district for decades, has in recent years added an eclectic, diverse group of services to its retail mix.
Boyd lived in Las Vegas from 2003 until 2005, when he moved home because he was homesick and missed having four seasons. "I lived the Vegas life for a while, but I wanted to raise my family here," he says.
For Boyd, owning his own business was about "starting a legacy and controlling my destiny," he says. "My grandfather was an entrepreneur, and everyone in my family looked up to him. It was also my mom's last wish that I start my business."
Source: James Boyd
Writer: Lee Chilcote
glbc scores more gold for its cold products
Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio's most celebrated microbrewery, has announced that three of its beers snagged gold medals at the 2011 World Beer Championships, a rigorous and respected beer evaluation conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute of Chicago.
Conway's Irish Ale, a seasonal offering, received 90 points and an "Exceptional" rating in the "Irish Style Ale" category. Commodore Perry, available year-round, earned 92 points and an "Exceptional" rating in the "India Pale Ale" category. Burning River, also available year-round, scored 91 points in the "American Style Pale Ale" category.
These three beers have collectively earned 17 gold medals at the World Beer Championships since GLBC's founding in 1988.
Drink up the rest of the good news here.
Conway's Irish Ale, a seasonal offering, received 90 points and an "Exceptional" rating in the "Irish Style Ale" category. Commodore Perry, available year-round, earned 92 points and an "Exceptional" rating in the "India Pale Ale" category. Burning River, also available year-round, scored 91 points in the "American Style Pale Ale" category.
These three beers have collectively earned 17 gold medals at the World Beer Championships since GLBC's founding in 1988.
Drink up the rest of the good news here.
Palookaville Chili, a new restaurant set to open next month in Ohio City, is seeking to reeducate your taste buds. Owner and budding chef Ian P.E., who says he makes "a mean pot of chili," offers a blunt description of what will set his place apart.
"This is gourmet chili, not the slop you'll find at most places," boasts P.E., who lived in San Francisco before returning to Cleveland in 2007. "Most chili is tomato-based and uses ground beef and cinnamon, whereas our beef is cubed, and we use cumin, dried chilis and poblano peppers. It's based off classic Southwestern cuisine and pretty spicy."
Most of the menu items at Palookaville, which will be open for lunch and dinner, are affordably priced in the $5 to $9 range. Some of the menu choices include chicken verde with fresh poblano and tomatillo, a spicy vegan chili with garbanzo beans, and a rotating special. Toppings include sour cream, onions, cheese and peppers. The menu will also include chili dogs, chili-cheese nachos, and tacos.
P.E. is an artist and entrepreneur who grew up in Cleveland's south suburbs. In 2008 he founded the arts publication Pink Eye Magazine with his girlfriend Leigh Ring to fill a void in local arts coverage, yet all the while he dreamed of opening his own restaurant. Frustrated by the lack of quality chili in his hometown, he decided to create his own brand. "There isn't another place in Cleveland to get authentic chili," he claims.
P.E. isn't worried that the vacant storefronts and slow pace of redevelopment along Lorain will deter patrons. He believes his restaurant will benefit from being close to Ohio City's Market District, which is fast becoming a hub for local food entrepreneurs.
"Cleveland is a great place for entrepreneurs, and Lorain is cheap," he says. "In the past, no one had the balls to put something here."
Source: Ian P.E.
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"This is gourmet chili, not the slop you'll find at most places," boasts P.E., who lived in San Francisco before returning to Cleveland in 2007. "Most chili is tomato-based and uses ground beef and cinnamon, whereas our beef is cubed, and we use cumin, dried chilis and poblano peppers. It's based off classic Southwestern cuisine and pretty spicy."
Most of the menu items at Palookaville, which will be open for lunch and dinner, are affordably priced in the $5 to $9 range. Some of the menu choices include chicken verde with fresh poblano and tomatillo, a spicy vegan chili with garbanzo beans, and a rotating special. Toppings include sour cream, onions, cheese and peppers. The menu will also include chili dogs, chili-cheese nachos, and tacos.
P.E. is an artist and entrepreneur who grew up in Cleveland's south suburbs. In 2008 he founded the arts publication Pink Eye Magazine with his girlfriend Leigh Ring to fill a void in local arts coverage, yet all the while he dreamed of opening his own restaurant. Frustrated by the lack of quality chili in his hometown, he decided to create his own brand. "There isn't another place in Cleveland to get authentic chili," he claims.
P.E. isn't worried that the vacant storefronts and slow pace of redevelopment along Lorain will deter patrons. He believes his restaurant will benefit from being close to Ohio City's Market District, which is fast becoming a hub for local food entrepreneurs.
"Cleveland is a great place for entrepreneurs, and Lorain is cheap," he says. "In the past, no one had the balls to put something here."
Source: Ian P.E.
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The idea behind Urban Infant came to Eric Eichhorn when his sister Kelly Friedl had her first child. "All of the baby gear had ducks, bunnies or bears on it," he recalls. "I wanted to get beyond pink and blue to something that had solid, hip colors and was edgy."
Eichhorn and Friedl, who lived in Chicago, dreamed of products that would be geared towards parents "making the conscious decision to raise kids in an urban environment," Eichhorn explains. Friedl's expertise in graphic design combined with Eichhorn's business background led to the formation, in 2001, of Urban Infant.
Today, the Urban Infant has taken on a life of its own and sales are growing. In January, the partners leased a workshop in the 78th Street Studios, a complex of creative-minded businesses in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. "We used to work out of our homes and closets, but then we went to an L.A. trade show, got a rep and began to expand," explains Eichhorn, who moved to Cleveland in 2004.
The Urban Infant's biggest seller is the Tot Cot, an all-in-one pillow, blanket and bed sheet that makes naptime simple for toddlers attending daycare or preschool. The Tot Cot's bedding is made of recycled PET plastic bottles. "It's cool to give someone something that has a previous life," says Eichhorn, who has made sustainability a core aspect of the business.
The Urban Infant also recently created a line of washable bibs made from recycled plastic bags. The bibs, each of which is unique and handmade, feature slogans such as "Thank You" and "American Greetings" (where Eichhorn now works as a business consultant). Priced at $18, the bibs are available at boutiques and museum stores across the country, as well as online.
The bibs are created by fusing together layers of plastic bags using a heat press. Eichhorn regularly scours the recycling bin at Dave's Supermarket in Ohio City for bags, ignoring strange looks from passers-by. He has also enlisted his friends in foreign countries to help collect bags, especially unusual ones.
Although Eichhorn and Friedl have yet to quit their day jobs, Urban Infant has gained a following. In January, the company's products were featured in Parenting magazine and on the Today Show.
Eichhorn and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their daughter Essa. Despite not getting enough sleep, Eichhorn is already working on several new product lines. And now that he has a child of his own, he's even more dialed in to the needs of urban parents.
Source: Eric Eichhorn
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Eichhorn and Friedl, who lived in Chicago, dreamed of products that would be geared towards parents "making the conscious decision to raise kids in an urban environment," Eichhorn explains. Friedl's expertise in graphic design combined with Eichhorn's business background led to the formation, in 2001, of Urban Infant.
Today, the Urban Infant has taken on a life of its own and sales are growing. In January, the partners leased a workshop in the 78th Street Studios, a complex of creative-minded businesses in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. "We used to work out of our homes and closets, but then we went to an L.A. trade show, got a rep and began to expand," explains Eichhorn, who moved to Cleveland in 2004.
The Urban Infant's biggest seller is the Tot Cot, an all-in-one pillow, blanket and bed sheet that makes naptime simple for toddlers attending daycare or preschool. The Tot Cot's bedding is made of recycled PET plastic bottles. "It's cool to give someone something that has a previous life," says Eichhorn, who has made sustainability a core aspect of the business.
The Urban Infant also recently created a line of washable bibs made from recycled plastic bags. The bibs, each of which is unique and handmade, feature slogans such as "Thank You" and "American Greetings" (where Eichhorn now works as a business consultant). Priced at $18, the bibs are available at boutiques and museum stores across the country, as well as online.
The bibs are created by fusing together layers of plastic bags using a heat press. Eichhorn regularly scours the recycling bin at Dave's Supermarket in Ohio City for bags, ignoring strange looks from passers-by. He has also enlisted his friends in foreign countries to help collect bags, especially unusual ones.
Although Eichhorn and Friedl have yet to quit their day jobs, Urban Infant has gained a following. In January, the company's products were featured in Parenting magazine and on the Today Show.
Eichhorn and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their daughter Essa. Despite not getting enough sleep, Eichhorn is already working on several new product lines. And now that he has a child of his own, he's even more dialed in to the needs of urban parents.
Source: Eric Eichhorn
Writer: Lee Chilcote
As founder, president and CEO of Quality Electrodynamics (QED) and founder of solar energy company eQED, Hiroyuki Fujita seems to have his finger on the pulse of emerging innovations. He believes in Cleveland's ability to be a major player, especially in bioscience.
At the recent Summit on Leadership at the Union Club, which this reporter attended, Fujita talked about what's still needed to make Cleveland the undisputed leader in healthcare-related industries.
"Cleveland is very strong in biomedicine," said Fujito, who came here from Japan in 1992 to attend Case Western Reserve University. Where Cleveland needs to develop is in the technical areas that support production. "There should be an education program like medical device assembly to train people so they're ready to go," he said.
"The technology is here -- it goes back to the steel industry in Cleveland," Fujita continued. "It's a matter of transforming that talent to help the biotechnology industry."
Fujita also noted that communication between biotech companies and local suppliers would help form important connections. "Local suppliers may not realize that they can help us," he said.
Fujita started QED five years ago. The company, which manufactures MRI coils, has 75 employees and has partnerships with Toshiba and Siemens. QED has been recognized by Forbes and Inc. magazines as one of the country's fastest growing companies.
SOURCE: Hiroyuki Fujita
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
At the recent Summit on Leadership at the Union Club, which this reporter attended, Fujita talked about what's still needed to make Cleveland the undisputed leader in healthcare-related industries.
"Cleveland is very strong in biomedicine," said Fujito, who came here from Japan in 1992 to attend Case Western Reserve University. Where Cleveland needs to develop is in the technical areas that support production. "There should be an education program like medical device assembly to train people so they're ready to go," he said.
"The technology is here -- it goes back to the steel industry in Cleveland," Fujita continued. "It's a matter of transforming that talent to help the biotechnology industry."
Fujita also noted that communication between biotech companies and local suppliers would help form important connections. "Local suppliers may not realize that they can help us," he said.
Fujita started QED five years ago. The company, which manufactures MRI coils, has 75 employees and has partnerships with Toshiba and Siemens. QED has been recognized by Forbes and Inc. magazines as one of the country's fastest growing companies.
SOURCE: Hiroyuki Fujita
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Could Lakewood become a hotbed for entrepreneurial talent? If the new effort Startup Lakewood fulfills its mission, the city will in the near future be home to a fresh new crop of entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
Startup Lakewood is a new program formed collaboratively between the City of Lakewood, Lakewood's Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive, and Pillars of Lakewood. The program consists of biweekly brainstorming meetings held in various cafes around Lakewood and led by Mike Belsito, a startup business developer. Startup Lakewood also invites entrepreneurial experts to share insights with would-be entrepreneurs.
The two-hour brainstorming sessions are free and open to all residents of Lakewood.
Startup Lakewood has initiated Startup U, a monthly program at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design to further enlighten Lakewood residents about the ins and outs of startups. The first session takes place April 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and looks at resources in Lakewood and Cleveland that are available to newbie entrepreneurs.
SOURCE: Startup Lakewood
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
Startup Lakewood is a new program formed collaboratively between the City of Lakewood, Lakewood's Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive, and Pillars of Lakewood. The program consists of biweekly brainstorming meetings held in various cafes around Lakewood and led by Mike Belsito, a startup business developer. Startup Lakewood also invites entrepreneurial experts to share insights with would-be entrepreneurs.
The two-hour brainstorming sessions are free and open to all residents of Lakewood.
Startup Lakewood has initiated Startup U, a monthly program at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design to further enlighten Lakewood residents about the ins and outs of startups. The first session takes place April 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and looks at resources in Lakewood and Cleveland that are available to newbie entrepreneurs.
SOURCE: Startup Lakewood
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
glbc's conway's irish ale 'beer o' the week'
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Chicagoist named Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Conway's Irish Ale its "Beer of the Week." This is the second time Chicagoist has featured a GLBC beer, the first being the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter a few years ago.
"Conway's is a smooth-drinking 6.5% ABV ale that pours brownish-orange with a quickly dissipating off-white head. It's sweeter than you might expect, and lighter, too - this beer is almost too easy to drink as it warms up, which doesn't strike us as being a problem. Malty and toasty with hints of black tea and just a hint of coriander, the Conway's is far preferable to just about anything else you'll see people drinking at 10a.m. on the 17th."
The post suggests that Chicagoans skip the usual Guinness or cheap green beer and enjoy a few Conway's Irish Ales instead. "It ain't no Jameson's poured into a Shamrock Shake, but we think you'll be happy with it."
Slainte to that!
Drink up the whole pint here.
"Conway's is a smooth-drinking 6.5% ABV ale that pours brownish-orange with a quickly dissipating off-white head. It's sweeter than you might expect, and lighter, too - this beer is almost too easy to drink as it warms up, which doesn't strike us as being a problem. Malty and toasty with hints of black tea and just a hint of coriander, the Conway's is far preferable to just about anything else you'll see people drinking at 10a.m. on the 17th."
The post suggests that Chicagoans skip the usual Guinness or cheap green beer and enjoy a few Conway's Irish Ales instead. "It ain't no Jameson's poured into a Shamrock Shake, but we think you'll be happy with it."
Slainte to that!
Drink up the whole pint here.