Regional Economy
Rosetta, an interactive marketing firm, boasts 1,500 team members spread across nine offices in places like New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, among others. But thanks to 450 staffers locally, Cleveland is now Rosetta's largest. That the firm has chosen 2012 to set-up shop in a downtown Cleveland landmark is pure poetry.
What's the cumulative impact of Cleveland's 200-plus community gardens, 20-plus farmers markets and 60-odd acres of urban land that have been tilled and planted for a future harvest?
That's an as yet unanswered question, says the City of Cleveland's new Sustainability Chief, but one she hopes to glean serious answers to in the coming year. Billed "The Year of Local Food" by Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a grassroots, city-led movement to employ sustainability as an engine to grow the regional economy, 2012 is going to be a momentous year.
"Local food is exciting because it combines entrepreneurship and environmental benefits with making connections in the local community," says Jenita McGowan, who last week succeeded Andrew Watterson as the city's Sustainability Chief. "We're really hoping to better connect Cleveland residents with local food, since many people still don't know what is available and how to access it."
Other plans for 2012 include increasing the number of urban farmers in the city, tying into the West Side Market's centennial celebrations this fall, and garnering commitments from large institutions to buy more food locally.
"The Year of Local Food allows all local groups to co-market their work," says McGowan. "That helps them to tie into a larger movement."
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 will host a kick-off event for the Year of Local Food this Friday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall at 601 Lakeside.
Source: Jenita McGowan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's an as yet unanswered question, says the City of Cleveland's new Sustainability Chief, but one she hopes to glean serious answers to in the coming year. Billed "The Year of Local Food" by Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a grassroots, city-led movement to employ sustainability as an engine to grow the regional economy, 2012 is going to be a momentous year.
"Local food is exciting because it combines entrepreneurship and environmental benefits with making connections in the local community," says Jenita McGowan, who last week succeeded Andrew Watterson as the city's Sustainability Chief. "We're really hoping to better connect Cleveland residents with local food, since many people still don't know what is available and how to access it."
Other plans for 2012 include increasing the number of urban farmers in the city, tying into the West Side Market's centennial celebrations this fall, and garnering commitments from large institutions to buy more food locally.
"The Year of Local Food allows all local groups to co-market their work," says McGowan. "That helps them to tie into a larger movement."
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 will host a kick-off event for the Year of Local Food this Friday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall at 601 Lakeside.
Source: Jenita McGowan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cma included on list of 10 can't miss museums in the country
GotSaga, an interactive site that allows people to share stories, recently featured an article on the 10 best museums in the country. No surprise, The Cleveland Museum of Art was on the list. Also sharing the list are The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
"The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is an art museum situated in Wade Park, in the University Circle neighborhood on Cleveland's east side. Internationally renowned for its substantial holdings of Asian and Egyptian art, the museum houses a diverse permanent collection of more than 43,000 works of art from around the world. The Cleveland Museum of Art has remained historically true to the vision of its founders, being the only major American museum keeping general admission free to the public."
Read about all the museums here.
"The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is an art museum situated in Wade Park, in the University Circle neighborhood on Cleveland's east side. Internationally renowned for its substantial holdings of Asian and Egyptian art, the museum houses a diverse permanent collection of more than 43,000 works of art from around the world. The Cleveland Museum of Art has remained historically true to the vision of its founders, being the only major American museum keeping general admission free to the public."
Read about all the museums here.
SparkBase, a leading loyalty program and gift card processor, launched a new way for merchants to reach their customers through smart phones. Paycloud allows customers to sign up for loyalty programs on their phones, eliminating the need for plastic cards and key tags to take advantage of special offers.
“One of the things we heard repeatedly is the cost of cards -- it’s expensive -- and the time it takes to sign up for a loyalty card,” explains Doug Hardman, SparkBase CEO. “With Paycloud you only need five things: Zip code, email address, first and last name. Then you tap in the merchant’s name and go from there.”
Paycloud is designed to improve customer retention and easily attract new customers. “It’s a really great way for merchants to build up customers,” says Hardman. “Merchants can learn more about customers but also give customer discounts.”
SparkBase already launched Paycloud in Chicago with more than 100 businesses reaching thousands of customers. This week, Paycloud launched in Cleveland with high expectations. “We have 50 to 100 merchants in Cleveland and would like to have 200 by the time we go to Columbus in three weeks,” says Hardman.
The launch of Paycloud only adds to SpakBase’s rapid growth. “We’re going to be hiring like gangbusters in the next six weeks,” says Hardman. SparkBase currently has 36 employees and is interviewing for 30 to 50 open sales reps positions.
Source: Doug Hardman
Writer: Karin Connelly
“One of the things we heard repeatedly is the cost of cards -- it’s expensive -- and the time it takes to sign up for a loyalty card,” explains Doug Hardman, SparkBase CEO. “With Paycloud you only need five things: Zip code, email address, first and last name. Then you tap in the merchant’s name and go from there.”
Paycloud is designed to improve customer retention and easily attract new customers. “It’s a really great way for merchants to build up customers,” says Hardman. “Merchants can learn more about customers but also give customer discounts.”
SparkBase already launched Paycloud in Chicago with more than 100 businesses reaching thousands of customers. This week, Paycloud launched in Cleveland with high expectations. “We have 50 to 100 merchants in Cleveland and would like to have 200 by the time we go to Columbus in three weeks,” says Hardman.
The launch of Paycloud only adds to SpakBase’s rapid growth. “We’re going to be hiring like gangbusters in the next six weeks,” says Hardman. SparkBase currently has 36 employees and is interviewing for 30 to 50 open sales reps positions.
Source: Doug Hardman
Writer: Karin Connelly
ArcelorMittal, a leading steel manufacturer, announced last week that it will re-open part of its west side Cleveland mill. A portion of the facility was idled in 2008 because of slow market conditions.
The re-opening means ArcelorMittal will add 150 salaried and hourly employees to the current staff of 1,700. The current staff is performing maintenance work in preparation for the restart. The new hires will mainly be skilled crafts persons and entry-level operators. The company will provide the training and support necessary to ensure that new hires are prepared to work safely, intelligently and effectively.
“The ability to restart steel producing is due in large part to ArcelorMittal Cleveland’s concentrated efforts to remain flexible and efficient, no matter what the market conditions,” says Eric Hague, vice president and general manager of the Cleveland plant. “The flexibility of our workforce, and strong partnership with United Steelworkers Local 979, is the cornerstone of our efforts to safely produce quality steel for our customers.”
No exact date has been set for the opening, but it should be sometime in the spring. All laid-off workers have been rehired and the new hires will be taken from an existing applicant pool. The Cleveland restart has the potential to add 480,000 tons of annual steel supply to its production capability, dependent on market conditions.
Source: Eric Hague
Writer: Karin Connelly
The re-opening means ArcelorMittal will add 150 salaried and hourly employees to the current staff of 1,700. The current staff is performing maintenance work in preparation for the restart. The new hires will mainly be skilled crafts persons and entry-level operators. The company will provide the training and support necessary to ensure that new hires are prepared to work safely, intelligently and effectively.
“The ability to restart steel producing is due in large part to ArcelorMittal Cleveland’s concentrated efforts to remain flexible and efficient, no matter what the market conditions,” says Eric Hague, vice president and general manager of the Cleveland plant. “The flexibility of our workforce, and strong partnership with United Steelworkers Local 979, is the cornerstone of our efforts to safely produce quality steel for our customers.”
No exact date has been set for the opening, but it should be sometime in the spring. All laid-off workers have been rehired and the new hires will be taken from an existing applicant pool. The Cleveland restart has the potential to add 480,000 tons of annual steel supply to its production capability, dependent on market conditions.
Source: Eric Hague
Writer: Karin Connelly
Ian Wong, a medical student at CWRU, found through his studies that there was a real need for access to fresh, quality food in Cleveland’s high-density areas. His theory: If people have fresh produce, nutrition is second nature. So he and co-founder Max Wilberding started Freshbag, a grocery delivery service that debuted in 2010.
“The company was essentially started to improve wellness in Cleveland through nutrition,” Wong says. “Our point is if we make it so easy, you have no excuse not to do it. You can live healthier.”
The emphasis is on fresh. The food comes from distributors and Wong keeps a close eye on quality. “I never had fresh rye bread or fresh pasta before Freshbag,” he says. “Now I can’t go back.”
Customers order their food -- mostly a selection of fruits and vegetables -- through the Freshbag website. They can then pick up their groceries at one of Freshbag’s six pickup locations, primarily the front desks of apartment complexes, businesses or university campuses.
Wong is currently asking customers for input on where they should add additional pick-up locations. “All a company has to do is okay us to make deliveries to the front desk,” says Wong.
The Freshbag business model is based on an automated ordering system where customers can order exactly what they want with just-in-time ordering. Orders arrive at the pick-up location the next day after an order is placed.
Freshbag also is focusing on corporate wellness programs, working with nutritionists and chefs to teach their customers how to eat healthy and cook tasty food.
Wong and his partners have dreams to expand. “Hiring will be based on how rapidly we grow,” he says.
Source: Ian Wong
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The company was essentially started to improve wellness in Cleveland through nutrition,” Wong says. “Our point is if we make it so easy, you have no excuse not to do it. You can live healthier.”
The emphasis is on fresh. The food comes from distributors and Wong keeps a close eye on quality. “I never had fresh rye bread or fresh pasta before Freshbag,” he says. “Now I can’t go back.”
Customers order their food -- mostly a selection of fruits and vegetables -- through the Freshbag website. They can then pick up their groceries at one of Freshbag’s six pickup locations, primarily the front desks of apartment complexes, businesses or university campuses.
Wong is currently asking customers for input on where they should add additional pick-up locations. “All a company has to do is okay us to make deliveries to the front desk,” says Wong.
The Freshbag business model is based on an automated ordering system where customers can order exactly what they want with just-in-time ordering. Orders arrive at the pick-up location the next day after an order is placed.
Freshbag also is focusing on corporate wellness programs, working with nutritionists and chefs to teach their customers how to eat healthy and cook tasty food.
Wong and his partners have dreams to expand. “Hiring will be based on how rapidly we grow,” he says.
Source: Ian Wong
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last week, Fresh Water participated in a forum entitled "A City of Two Tales: Writing About Cleveland" at the Happy Dog in the Gordon Square Arts District. The event showcased the power of new media to spur civic dialogue and prompted an ongoing debate about telling the city's story to natives and newcomers alike.
The event was organized by Ohio City Writers (OCW), a nonprofit writing center that hosts classes and literary events on Cleveland's west side, and based upon a blog post written by Angie Schmitt of Rust Wire entitled "The Problem with Boosterism."
Following an introduction by OCW Director Frank Lewis, Schmitt kicked off the discussion by offering a critique of pro-Cleveland sentiment in the media and among civic leaders. Northeast Ohio frequently focuses on economic development projects with overstated economic benefits while failing to address genuine problems such as poverty and urban sprawl, she argued. Moreover, she added, Clevelanders often seem unwilling to listen to critiques of regional policymaking, and even become angered by criticisms intended to point out the city's problems.
Other panelists responded by arguing that while Northeast Ohio clearly has a lot of work to do in addressing its problems, the choice between "boosterism" and "realism" represents a false dichotomy. Writing or talking about Cleveland in honest terms typically means walking a fine line between offering a critique of what's wrong with the region and celebrating its successes, they said.
The topic prompted over 100 people to attend the event, which included occasional fights over the mic as well as shout-outs from the bar.
The next day, boosters and non-boosters alike lit up the blogosphere and Facebook with their takes on what happened at the contentious forum. A collection of their blogs can be found on Ohio City Writers' Facebook page.
The event also prompted a discussion about how Clevelanders can convey what's happening here to the national media, who some argued often rely on well-worn narratives about the Rust Belt rather than digging into the region's complexity.
Those looking to join the discussion or participate in future Write to Assemble events (Lewis is planning a poetry slam next) should visit OCW's website.
Source: Ohio City Writers
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The event was organized by Ohio City Writers (OCW), a nonprofit writing center that hosts classes and literary events on Cleveland's west side, and based upon a blog post written by Angie Schmitt of Rust Wire entitled "The Problem with Boosterism."
Following an introduction by OCW Director Frank Lewis, Schmitt kicked off the discussion by offering a critique of pro-Cleveland sentiment in the media and among civic leaders. Northeast Ohio frequently focuses on economic development projects with overstated economic benefits while failing to address genuine problems such as poverty and urban sprawl, she argued. Moreover, she added, Clevelanders often seem unwilling to listen to critiques of regional policymaking, and even become angered by criticisms intended to point out the city's problems.
Other panelists responded by arguing that while Northeast Ohio clearly has a lot of work to do in addressing its problems, the choice between "boosterism" and "realism" represents a false dichotomy. Writing or talking about Cleveland in honest terms typically means walking a fine line between offering a critique of what's wrong with the region and celebrating its successes, they said.
The topic prompted over 100 people to attend the event, which included occasional fights over the mic as well as shout-outs from the bar.
The next day, boosters and non-boosters alike lit up the blogosphere and Facebook with their takes on what happened at the contentious forum. A collection of their blogs can be found on Ohio City Writers' Facebook page.
The event also prompted a discussion about how Clevelanders can convey what's happening here to the national media, who some argued often rely on well-worn narratives about the Rust Belt rather than digging into the region's complexity.
Those looking to join the discussion or participate in future Write to Assemble events (Lewis is planning a poetry slam next) should visit OCW's website.
Source: Ohio City Writers
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cle one of the best airports for business travelers
VentureBeat, a media company that covers technology, recently published an article on the best connected airports in the country, which examined the 40 busiest airports and their Internet connectivity. Thanks to fast and free wireless Internet, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) made the cut.
"If you do require constant Internet access, it helps to know what the best options are in terms of airlines and connecting airport locations," the reporter states. "West Coast business folks who are traveling to the other side of the country would do well to pick a Virgin America flight and connect through Cleveland, Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte."
The article also offers some advice when it comes to choosing airlines with Wi-Fi, selecting mobile gadgets, and even how to pack and dress.
See the rest of the itinerary here.
"If you do require constant Internet access, it helps to know what the best options are in terms of airlines and connecting airport locations," the reporter states. "West Coast business folks who are traveling to the other side of the country would do well to pick a Virgin America flight and connect through Cleveland, Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte."
The article also offers some advice when it comes to choosing airlines with Wi-Fi, selecting mobile gadgets, and even how to pack and dress.
See the rest of the itinerary here.
The prevailing impression of regionalism that has been bandied about Northeast Ohio for the better part of a decade is all wrong, says a collaborative group of area nonprofits. While the consolidation of countless municipalities is useful, it is not intrinsically regionalism. True regionalism, they argue, is defined by economic activity -- not political boundaries.
cleveland is laying out the 'welcome mat,' says the atlantic cities
"Thinking about moving? You should consider Cleveland."
So begins an article in The Atlantic Cities, which discusses recent investments totaling $7 billion in Cleveland's economic diversification, infrastructure and the arts.
Among projects mentioned are the $560 million makeover for University Hospitals Case Medical Center, $465 million convention center and medical mart, $350 million casino, and development in University Circle, including Uptown and the new Museum of Contemporary Art.
Also mentioned is Global Cleveland, which hopes to attract 100,000 new residents within the next ten years.
And the Ohio Department of Development just launched InvestOhio, a $100 million tax credit program to help small businesses attract investment, grow and create jobs.
Read the rest of the article here.
So begins an article in The Atlantic Cities, which discusses recent investments totaling $7 billion in Cleveland's economic diversification, infrastructure and the arts.
Among projects mentioned are the $560 million makeover for University Hospitals Case Medical Center, $465 million convention center and medical mart, $350 million casino, and development in University Circle, including Uptown and the new Museum of Contemporary Art.
Also mentioned is Global Cleveland, which hopes to attract 100,000 new residents within the next ten years.
And the Ohio Department of Development just launched InvestOhio, a $100 million tax credit program to help small businesses attract investment, grow and create jobs.
Read the rest of the article here.
NorTech was recently named a recipient of the State Science and Technology Institute’s 2011 Excellence in Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED) Awards. Now in its fifth year, the awards program identifies national models developed by states and regions to accelerate science, technology and innovation to grow their economies and create high-paying jobs.
NorTech won the Most Promising TBED Initiative award for its cluster model, which is currently being applied to advanced energy and flexible electronics industries. The model can also be applied to other industries.
"The SSTI award validates the NorTech model as a as a best practice approach to accelerate regional industry clusters,” says Rebecca Bagley, NorTech president and CEO. We look forward to continuing to apply our cluster development model to help companies grow, create jobs and attract capital to generate positive economic impact.”
NorTech is a nonprofit tech-based economic development organization serving 21 Northeast Ohio counties. As a catalyst for growing emerging technology industries, NorTech is leading efforts to develop regional innovation clusters that create jobs, attract capital and have a long-term, positive economic impact.
“The award brings external validation from national technology-based economic development practitioners for NorTech’s work and impact,” says Bagley. “From July 2010 to July 2011, advanced energy and flexible electronics cluster companies supported by NorTech have attracted $20.5 million in capital, created 171 jobs and generated $10.8 million in payroll.”
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
NorTech won the Most Promising TBED Initiative award for its cluster model, which is currently being applied to advanced energy and flexible electronics industries. The model can also be applied to other industries.
"The SSTI award validates the NorTech model as a as a best practice approach to accelerate regional industry clusters,” says Rebecca Bagley, NorTech president and CEO. We look forward to continuing to apply our cluster development model to help companies grow, create jobs and attract capital to generate positive economic impact.”
NorTech is a nonprofit tech-based economic development organization serving 21 Northeast Ohio counties. As a catalyst for growing emerging technology industries, NorTech is leading efforts to develop regional innovation clusters that create jobs, attract capital and have a long-term, positive economic impact.
“The award brings external validation from national technology-based economic development practitioners for NorTech’s work and impact,” says Bagley. “From July 2010 to July 2011, advanced energy and flexible electronics cluster companies supported by NorTech have attracted $20.5 million in capital, created 171 jobs and generated $10.8 million in payroll.”
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
What's the best thing a city can do to achieve more economic success? Increase its number of college graduates. Simply put: The most prosperous cities have the highest number of college grads. Efforts by CEO's for Cities and our own NOCHE -- dubbed the Talent Dividend -- are designed to up college attainment and thereby boost everybody's bottom line.
NorTech is accepting nominations for its 11th annual innovation awards, which highlight breakthrough technologies and innovations in Northeast Ohio.
“The innovation awards recognize those businesses and individuals and leaders who have created jobs and attracted capital to the region,” says NorTech president and CEO Rebecca Bagley. “The bottom line is recognizing companies that have had a positive economic impact.”
NorTech has held the competition since 2000, and this is the fourth year they have partnered with Crain’s Cleveland Business to identify businesses that have had both a positive economic impact and a social impact. “It’s pretty competitive,” says Bagley. “Last year we had 40 nominations.”
Entries are judged in one of five areas: advanced energy; advanced materials; biomedical, flexible electronics; and instrumentation, control and electronics. Within those areas, judges look at creativity, feasibility, collaboration and triple bottom line Impact -- social, economic and environmental.
Judges are selected from the wide geographic area that NorTech represents, and are leaders in a variety of industries, universities and economic development. “We try to mix it up,” says Bagley. “We make sure the judges are representative and a strong balance of people.”
The deadline for nominations is 1 p.m. on November 11. Individuals and businesses can nominate themselves. The nomination packet can be found on NorTech’s website.
“It’s important and exciting to be able to highlight all of the things that are happening here in the region,” says Bagley. “It gives people the sense of momentum as we go through an economic shift.”
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The innovation awards recognize those businesses and individuals and leaders who have created jobs and attracted capital to the region,” says NorTech president and CEO Rebecca Bagley. “The bottom line is recognizing companies that have had a positive economic impact.”
NorTech has held the competition since 2000, and this is the fourth year they have partnered with Crain’s Cleveland Business to identify businesses that have had both a positive economic impact and a social impact. “It’s pretty competitive,” says Bagley. “Last year we had 40 nominations.”
Entries are judged in one of five areas: advanced energy; advanced materials; biomedical, flexible electronics; and instrumentation, control and electronics. Within those areas, judges look at creativity, feasibility, collaboration and triple bottom line Impact -- social, economic and environmental.
Judges are selected from the wide geographic area that NorTech represents, and are leaders in a variety of industries, universities and economic development. “We try to mix it up,” says Bagley. “We make sure the judges are representative and a strong balance of people.”
The deadline for nominations is 1 p.m. on November 11. Individuals and businesses can nominate themselves. The nomination packet can be found on NorTech’s website.
“It’s important and exciting to be able to highlight all of the things that are happening here in the region,” says Bagley. “It gives people the sense of momentum as we go through an economic shift.”
Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly
Tremont Electric is developing a new energy source with its recently patented nPower Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The four-year-old Cleveland company made a huge splash with its nPower PEG, a pint-size power plant that allows people to charge their hand-held devices while walking, running or biking. Their new product uses the waves of Lake Erie -- and ultimately larger bodies of water -- to generate commercial-scale electricity.
“We put it in something like a buoy and it rides the waves and is able to convert the waves to electric power,” explains Tremont Electric inventor, founder, and CEO Aaron LeMieux.
While other energy companies are exploring wave energy around the world, LeMieux says Lake Erie provides a great testing ground. “We can do the same thing here, but we can do it much more quickly because we can do it in a small boat versus a 200-foot research vessel,” he says. “The wave profile in Lake Erie -- higher frequency waves -- means faster test results.”
Roughly the size of an automobile, the nPower WEC is poised to help reinvent the manufacturing base of the Midwest into the clean energy job creator of the future.
"Our vision is to put Northeast Ohio at the top of the new clean energy economy," says LeMieux. “This is a brand new industry. It could be compared to the automobile industry.”
LeMieux says that jobs could be created across the board in manufacturing within the next two years as Tremont Electric secures funding and further develops the converter.
Source: Aaron LeMieux
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We put it in something like a buoy and it rides the waves and is able to convert the waves to electric power,” explains Tremont Electric inventor, founder, and CEO Aaron LeMieux.
While other energy companies are exploring wave energy around the world, LeMieux says Lake Erie provides a great testing ground. “We can do the same thing here, but we can do it much more quickly because we can do it in a small boat versus a 200-foot research vessel,” he says. “The wave profile in Lake Erie -- higher frequency waves -- means faster test results.”
Roughly the size of an automobile, the nPower WEC is poised to help reinvent the manufacturing base of the Midwest into the clean energy job creator of the future.
"Our vision is to put Northeast Ohio at the top of the new clean energy economy," says LeMieux. “This is a brand new industry. It could be compared to the automobile industry.”
LeMieux says that jobs could be created across the board in manufacturing within the next two years as Tremont Electric secures funding and further develops the converter.
Source: Aaron LeMieux
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cleveland State University is part of an economic impact study of shale in Ohio and its potential to give a big boost to the state’s economy. Ohio State and Marietta College are also participating in the study, commissioned by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Ohio Shale Coalition.
The study focuses on the economic impact of drilling for gas and oil in the Utica Point Pleasant and Marcellus shale formations that run along the eastern half of the state. “It would be a nice change for Ohio to be making money in gas and oil instead of losing it,” says Andrew Thomas, executive in residence in the Energy Policy Center at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
The group does not yet have concrete numbers on the oil and gas potential, but should have them by next year. But they do know that the natural resource could have a significant positive impact on a variety of industries in the area, from the steel and construction companies to manufacturers and associated businesses.
This study could improve industry across the board if the potential in shale proves to be what speculators believe it to be. “The big benefit and early benefit will be with the land owners,” says Thomas. “We’ve been exporting money out of the state for a long time. It would change the economy of Ohio.”
Source: Andrew Thomas
Writer: Karin Connelly
The study focuses on the economic impact of drilling for gas and oil in the Utica Point Pleasant and Marcellus shale formations that run along the eastern half of the state. “It would be a nice change for Ohio to be making money in gas and oil instead of losing it,” says Andrew Thomas, executive in residence in the Energy Policy Center at CSU’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.
The group does not yet have concrete numbers on the oil and gas potential, but should have them by next year. But they do know that the natural resource could have a significant positive impact on a variety of industries in the area, from the steel and construction companies to manufacturers and associated businesses.
This study could improve industry across the board if the potential in shale proves to be what speculators believe it to be. “The big benefit and early benefit will be with the land owners,” says Thomas. “We’ve been exporting money out of the state for a long time. It would change the economy of Ohio.”
Source: Andrew Thomas
Writer: Karin Connelly
LineStream Technologies is growing by leaps and bounds in the automated software control market. The company was created in 2008 as a spinoff out of research done by CSU’s Zhiqiang Gao, director of the Center for Advanced Control Technologies and focuses on commercializing and simplifying control software.
Basically, LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement, and therefore improve the performance of automated systems.
“Any product using a motor, we look to improve energy efficiency and life of that motor,” explains David Neundorfer, LineStream president. “We simplify the design process and lop off weeks of [development].”
The company is getting attention from some of the major players in the automation industry. They just licensed their software to Texas Instruments. “We’re going to be putting software in a chip platform in motor and motion controls,” explains Neundorfer.
The deal adds to the company’s rapid growth. “It’s very exciting and a large deal for us,” says Neundorfer. “Some of the larger companies in the industrial space are interested in our technology.”
LineStream has grown to five employees this year, expects to be at eight to 10 by the end of the year, and double in size again next year. “We’re hiring and ramping up to establish a relationship with Texas Instruments.”
Source: David Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly
Basically, LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement, and therefore improve the performance of automated systems.
“Any product using a motor, we look to improve energy efficiency and life of that motor,” explains David Neundorfer, LineStream president. “We simplify the design process and lop off weeks of [development].”
The company is getting attention from some of the major players in the automation industry. They just licensed their software to Texas Instruments. “We’re going to be putting software in a chip platform in motor and motion controls,” explains Neundorfer.
The deal adds to the company’s rapid growth. “It’s very exciting and a large deal for us,” says Neundorfer. “Some of the larger companies in the industrial space are interested in our technology.”
LineStream has grown to five employees this year, expects to be at eight to 10 by the end of the year, and double in size again next year. “We’re hiring and ramping up to establish a relationship with Texas Instruments.”
Source: David Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly
The ninth annual Green Energy Ohio Tour, held last weekend at 260 businesses and homes across the state, featured more than 160 solar, wind and green energy projects in Northeast Ohio. Yet while education was the tour's primary goal, it also communicated a critical, attention-grabbing memo to policymakers: this fast-growing industry is driving development and job creation in Ohio.
"With some of our legislators currently doubting the value of renewable energy, our tour sent a very strong message," says Bill Spratley, Executive Director of Green Energy Ohio. "The green energy industry is about creating jobs, and that seems to be one thing that resonates with this administration."
The renewable energy, energy efficiency and green design projects on the tour created or retained more than 2,000 jobs, according to the Ohio Energy Resources Division. In the first quarter of 2011, Ohio was also ranked number two among U.S. states in solar panel and wind turbine parts production.
Spratley says that large projects such as Lincoln Electric's wind turbine, as well as the growing number of homes and commercial businesses using solar panels to slash their energy bills, reveal an industry that's finally gaining traction.
"People now understand green energy, and they're going from 'curious' to 'serious,'" says Spratley. "We see people taking notes, particularly at solar homes, and then a year or two later I'll see them with their own solar homes."
Spratley added that Cleveland has "really stepped up" since the American Solar Energy Society brought its national conference -- and 5,000 people -- here in 2006. "People were very impressed with the enthusiasm in Cleveland," he says. "Now we have solar panels on Progressive Field, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Musem of Art and many other locations."
Among the many Northeast Ohio projects featured on the 2011 tour were the Lincoln Electric wind turbine, Rockefeller Park Solar Demonstration, PNC SmartHome and Joseph McCullough Building at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Source: Bill Spratley
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"With some of our legislators currently doubting the value of renewable energy, our tour sent a very strong message," says Bill Spratley, Executive Director of Green Energy Ohio. "The green energy industry is about creating jobs, and that seems to be one thing that resonates with this administration."
The renewable energy, energy efficiency and green design projects on the tour created or retained more than 2,000 jobs, according to the Ohio Energy Resources Division. In the first quarter of 2011, Ohio was also ranked number two among U.S. states in solar panel and wind turbine parts production.
Spratley says that large projects such as Lincoln Electric's wind turbine, as well as the growing number of homes and commercial businesses using solar panels to slash their energy bills, reveal an industry that's finally gaining traction.
"People now understand green energy, and they're going from 'curious' to 'serious,'" says Spratley. "We see people taking notes, particularly at solar homes, and then a year or two later I'll see them with their own solar homes."
Spratley added that Cleveland has "really stepped up" since the American Solar Energy Society brought its national conference -- and 5,000 people -- here in 2006. "People were very impressed with the enthusiasm in Cleveland," he says. "Now we have solar panels on Progressive Field, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Musem of Art and many other locations."
Among the many Northeast Ohio projects featured on the 2011 tour were the Lincoln Electric wind turbine, Rockefeller Park Solar Demonstration, PNC SmartHome and Joseph McCullough Building at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Source: Bill Spratley
Writer: Lee Chilcote
freshwater wind farm snags $500k grant from uncle sam
The push to plant the nation's first freshwater wind farm just offshore from Cleveland has just received some financial assistance from The Department of Energy. The grant is part of a $43 million package intended to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the timelines for wind energy deployment.
Freshwater Wind, a private Cleveland-based developer selected by Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) to build the initial 20-30 megawatt offshore wind project, is the recipient.
“This award from the DOE validates the work done thus far by LEEDCo and Freshwater Wind and confirms the Lake Erie project is the farthest advanced project in the Great Lakes. Our next step is to gain policy backing from Ohio that will ensure Ohio remains in a leadership position,” says Chris Wissemann, Managing Director at Freshwater Wind.
Read the rest of the good news here.
Freshwater Wind, a private Cleveland-based developer selected by Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) to build the initial 20-30 megawatt offshore wind project, is the recipient.
“This award from the DOE validates the work done thus far by LEEDCo and Freshwater Wind and confirms the Lake Erie project is the farthest advanced project in the Great Lakes. Our next step is to gain policy backing from Ohio that will ensure Ohio remains in a leadership position,” says Chris Wissemann, Managing Director at Freshwater Wind.
Read the rest of the good news here.
mayor jackson: 'build freshwater wind farm'
"Greater Cleveland has the potential to become the national leader in the growing renewable energy economy," Mayor Frank Jackson writes in a Plain Dealer editorial.
Jackson says that Cleveland must do what it takes to bring about LEEDCo's goal of planting a 20-megawatt wind energy pilot project seven miles offshore from downtown. More than just an overblown science experiment, the project will be the country's first freshwater wind farm, creating approximately 600 initial jobs and the potential for 8,000 long-term wind-energy jobs.
Calling on all private and public sector parties to set aside short-term interests in favor of long-term benefits, Jackson says, "If we don't take advantage of this opportunity, someone else will. Some other city will build the first offshore wind farm. Some other region will create thousands of new green-collar jobs."
Read the Mayor's impassioned appeal here.
Jackson says that Cleveland must do what it takes to bring about LEEDCo's goal of planting a 20-megawatt wind energy pilot project seven miles offshore from downtown. More than just an overblown science experiment, the project will be the country's first freshwater wind farm, creating approximately 600 initial jobs and the potential for 8,000 long-term wind-energy jobs.
Calling on all private and public sector parties to set aside short-term interests in favor of long-term benefits, Jackson says, "If we don't take advantage of this opportunity, someone else will. Some other city will build the first offshore wind farm. Some other region will create thousands of new green-collar jobs."
Read the Mayor's impassioned appeal here.
NorTech is helping to harness the alternative energy business and translate it into big business in Northeast Ohio. The Advanced Energy B2B Conference and Expo at the John S. Knight Center in Akron on September 14 and 15 will bring together the major energy players to network, educate and discuss the future of advanced energy.
"We will take a look at where we're heading and how we can beat the rest of the country," says Dave Krapinski, NorTech vice president. "The whole driving force is to provide a rich forum to come together and form collaborations."
The event will cover the major sectors of advanced energy including, biomass/waste-to-energy, energy storage, fuel cells, nuclear, smart grid, solar photovoltaic, transportation electrification and wind energy. The conference is 80 percent filled, with 75 companies signed up to exhibit. Half of the conference time will be dedicated to talks on a variety of energy-related topics, while the other half will focus on building relationships.
The bottom line is advanced energy can lead to jobs in a wide range of sectors. "The exciting part about advanced energy is certainly jobs for scientists, but also jobs in traditional manufacturing, sales, construction jobs -- just a broad range of jobs beyond white coats," says Krapinski.
The point of the conference is to pull together and learn from each other's successes. "Advanced energy is a hot topic everywhere," says Krapinski. "We can accomplish more if we work together. A lot of people don't realize what's going on. We want to generate a lot of excitement."
Source: Dave Krapinski
Writer: Karin Connelly