Stories
Northeast Ohio's convention and visitors bureau wants to change the conversation about Cleveland. The multifaceted branding enterprise is designed to bridge a communications gap that ideally will be crossed by millions of business and leisure visitors over the next few years.
latest report shows that cle is gaining, not losing, jobs
Despite the disheartening news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) monthly jobs reports, the latest news is that Cleveland actually is gaining jobs and moving forward.
The BLS’ monthly jobs report shows that Cleveland lost 2,100 jobs since May 2012, more than any other metropolitan area in the country. However, the latest BLS report, the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), released last week, shows that Cleveland in fact gained 7,669 jobs in the third quarter of 2013. While this report takes a little longer to come out than the monthly report, it is much more accurate. Cleveland had an average of 992,570 employed between May and September of 2013.
The difference, says Team NEO CEO Tom Waltermire, is that the monthly Current Employment Statistics (CES) report is based on data from only six percent of the country’s business community, while the QCEW is based on data from 98 percent of businesses.
“The CES data is very premature and should never have been released,” says Waltermire. “The numbers are so preliminary they’re inaccurate. What it means for Cleveland is we have been subjected to nine months of regular and increasingly inflammatory headlines that report we’re the worst big city region from a jobs perspective. That is not the case.”
The latest QCEW report marks the 13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year job growth in Northeast Ohio.
Team NEO is now working to reverse the impressions created by the monthly reports. The organization has teamed up with Cleveland State’s Levin College of Urban Affairs and the Cleveland Federal Reserve to better analyze the data. Team NEO also is working with the Greater Cleveland Partnership in lobbying Ohio’s congressional representatives about the way employment data is released.
“People should think of the economy in Cleveland as gradually growing,” says Waltermire. “Every month has shown a higher number of jobs than the year before. We’re on a winning streak here.”
Source: Tom Waltermire
Writer: Karin Connelly
The BLS’ monthly jobs report shows that Cleveland lost 2,100 jobs since May 2012, more than any other metropolitan area in the country. However, the latest BLS report, the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), released last week, shows that Cleveland in fact gained 7,669 jobs in the third quarter of 2013. While this report takes a little longer to come out than the monthly report, it is much more accurate. Cleveland had an average of 992,570 employed between May and September of 2013.
The difference, says Team NEO CEO Tom Waltermire, is that the monthly Current Employment Statistics (CES) report is based on data from only six percent of the country’s business community, while the QCEW is based on data from 98 percent of businesses.
“The CES data is very premature and should never have been released,” says Waltermire. “The numbers are so preliminary they’re inaccurate. What it means for Cleveland is we have been subjected to nine months of regular and increasingly inflammatory headlines that report we’re the worst big city region from a jobs perspective. That is not the case.”
The latest QCEW report marks the 13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year job growth in Northeast Ohio.
Team NEO is now working to reverse the impressions created by the monthly reports. The organization has teamed up with Cleveland State’s Levin College of Urban Affairs and the Cleveland Federal Reserve to better analyze the data. Team NEO also is working with the Greater Cleveland Partnership in lobbying Ohio’s congressional representatives about the way employment data is released.
“People should think of the economy in Cleveland as gradually growing,” says Waltermire. “Every month has shown a higher number of jobs than the year before. We’re on a winning streak here.”
Source: Tom Waltermire
Writer: Karin Connelly
humble wine bar on eater's list of '21 hottest pizza places'
Eater, an online repository for the nation's restaurant news, published its latest listing of "The 21 Hottest Pizza Places Across the US Right Now." Humble Wine Bar in Lakewood made the cut.
"Here are the 21 hottest pizza restaurants in the country. Please note these are not necessarily pizzerias, but rather restaurants that serve pizza and have opened in the past year or so. By and large, these restaurants were recommended by local Eater editors, in addition to Eater National's Heatmap correspondents."
Humble Wine Bar
Cleveland Scene dining editor Douglas Trattner wrote in his November Eater Heatmap: "On the heels of his successful gastropub Deagan's, Dan Deagan added this urban wine bar to his portfolio. Gleaming white subway tile, warm woods, concrete floors, and a 500-bottle mahogany wine cellar offer an update to the classic mold. The fare is limited to meat and cheese boards, finger-friendly starters, and thin-crust pizzas, which exit the blistering stone oven hot and crisp."
Check out America's best pies here.
"Here are the 21 hottest pizza restaurants in the country. Please note these are not necessarily pizzerias, but rather restaurants that serve pizza and have opened in the past year or so. By and large, these restaurants were recommended by local Eater editors, in addition to Eater National's Heatmap correspondents."
Humble Wine Bar
Cleveland Scene dining editor Douglas Trattner wrote in his November Eater Heatmap: "On the heels of his successful gastropub Deagan's, Dan Deagan added this urban wine bar to his portfolio. Gleaming white subway tile, warm woods, concrete floors, and a 500-bottle mahogany wine cellar offer an update to the classic mold. The fare is limited to meat and cheese boards, finger-friendly starters, and thin-crust pizzas, which exit the blistering stone oven hot and crisp."
Check out America's best pies here.
It's self-evident that there's a craft beer explosion in Cleveland, with several new breweries set to open this year alone. Now the beer boom is also spurring offshoot businesses, such as the playful, delicious Brewnuts. According to the company's Facebook page, it combines two of Cleveland's favorite things into "one epic treat: a craft beer based donut."
Brewnuts, which has been steadily growing for the past year and has occupied space at Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen, is expanding into a storefront on Professor Avenue in Tremont. The firm was recently selected to participate in the competitive Tremont Storefront Incubator Program. Owners Shelley Fasulko and John Pippin will test the waters for a new retail location while enjoying three months of free rent and seven months of reduced rent. After that time period, they'll hopefully make the leap to a permanent storefront in the city.
In a release, Tremont West Development Corporation, which owns and manages the space, stated that the Brewnuts application was "very strong" and will add vibrancy and a new type of business to the neighborhood. The hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, with morning pick-ups available during the week and evening hours that cater to hungry Tremont bar-hoppers and local residents.
"We chose Brewnuts because they were the applicant that could most effectively use the space, and the one that had the most potential to move on to a bricks-and-mortar space," says Cory Riordan, Executive Director of Tremont West. "It's a good fit within Tremont, because of the food businesses that are here."
The company creates delicious donuts that reflect the season. Currently "on tap" are the Doughboy, a cinnamon roll style 'nut made with Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale; the Symon, a chocolate peanut butter donut made with Willoughby Brewing Company's Peanut Butter Coffee Porter; and the Bernie, a lager-based donut made with Great Lakes Brewing Company's Dortmunder Gold.
Tremont West Development Corporation collaborated with the Hispanic Business Center to select Brewnuts to participate in the Storefront Incubator Program. Brewnuts plans to open its shop at 2406 Professor on Tuesday, April 29th.
Source: Tremont West Development Corporation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Brewnuts, which has been steadily growing for the past year and has occupied space at Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen, is expanding into a storefront on Professor Avenue in Tremont. The firm was recently selected to participate in the competitive Tremont Storefront Incubator Program. Owners Shelley Fasulko and John Pippin will test the waters for a new retail location while enjoying three months of free rent and seven months of reduced rent. After that time period, they'll hopefully make the leap to a permanent storefront in the city.
In a release, Tremont West Development Corporation, which owns and manages the space, stated that the Brewnuts application was "very strong" and will add vibrancy and a new type of business to the neighborhood. The hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, with morning pick-ups available during the week and evening hours that cater to hungry Tremont bar-hoppers and local residents.
"We chose Brewnuts because they were the applicant that could most effectively use the space, and the one that had the most potential to move on to a bricks-and-mortar space," says Cory Riordan, Executive Director of Tremont West. "It's a good fit within Tremont, because of the food businesses that are here."
The company creates delicious donuts that reflect the season. Currently "on tap" are the Doughboy, a cinnamon roll style 'nut made with Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale; the Symon, a chocolate peanut butter donut made with Willoughby Brewing Company's Peanut Butter Coffee Porter; and the Bernie, a lager-based donut made with Great Lakes Brewing Company's Dortmunder Gold.
Tremont West Development Corporation collaborated with the Hispanic Business Center to select Brewnuts to participate in the Storefront Incubator Program. Brewnuts plans to open its shop at 2406 Professor on Tuesday, April 29th.
Source: Tremont West Development Corporation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
#thisiscle promo video goes viral in 3- 2- 1...
On Wednesday, Positively Cleveland, the convention and visitors bureau for Cleveland, announced a new destination brand, presented new plans for its destination development initiatives, unveiled a local social media movement and highlighted a series of organizational accomplishments.
But without question, the most buzzed about element of the package was the following video, "A Cleveland Anthem," which promotes the theme: "Cleveland doesn’t follow anyone’s rules – it makes its own."
But without question, the most buzzed about element of the package was the following video, "A Cleveland Anthem," which promotes the theme: "Cleveland doesn’t follow anyone’s rules – it makes its own."
The second annual Mini Maker Faire will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the downtown Cleveland Public Library. This free event not only showcases some of the innovative ideas local makers have explored, it is also a hands-on event where attendees can learn to knit, or even create an LED light. It’s all about the growing maker movement, which includes everyone from tech enthusiasts and crafters to scientists and garage tinkerers.
“It’s an interesting movement,” says Mini Make Faire organizer James Krouse. “The maker movement runs the spectrum of people working in robotics and 3D printing to the more traditional people who do knitting. But it’s a thought process of how something is made.”
Approximately 100 exhibitors will be at this year’s Faire, including MakerGear, a Beachwood-based manufacturer of 3D printers and Robogaia Industries, which will have its web-controlled robot on hand. Threadwitch Light and Fabric, which specializes in electronic textiles, will teach guests how to light up a simple LED, while the Red Heart Method will teach metal hand-stamping for jewelry and kids’ crafts.
Many of the exhibitors will be selling their creations, but sales are not the primary goal of the event.
"It’s the world’s greatest show and tell,” says Krouse. “It’s where people say, ‘I’m going to show off what I’m doing.’”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
“It’s an interesting movement,” says Mini Make Faire organizer James Krouse. “The maker movement runs the spectrum of people working in robotics and 3D printing to the more traditional people who do knitting. But it’s a thought process of how something is made.”
Approximately 100 exhibitors will be at this year’s Faire, including MakerGear, a Beachwood-based manufacturer of 3D printers and Robogaia Industries, which will have its web-controlled robot on hand. Threadwitch Light and Fabric, which specializes in electronic textiles, will teach guests how to light up a simple LED, while the Red Heart Method will teach metal hand-stamping for jewelry and kids’ crafts.
Many of the exhibitors will be selling their creations, but sales are not the primary goal of the event.
"It’s the world’s greatest show and tell,” says Krouse. “It’s where people say, ‘I’m going to show off what I’m doing.’”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
toledo blade previews cleveland international film festival
In an article in the Toledo Blade titled, "Cleveland to heat up for film lovers," Kirk Baird previews the Cleveland International Film Festival, which he labels as Ohio’s biggest such event.
"The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) line-up of more than 350 independent films isn’t for everyone, particularly those who prefer movies with celebrity names in the credits," Baird writes. "But for those open to the concept of film as true art rather than commercial enterprise, the long-running festival has much to satisfy the soul and mind."
Baird goes on to offer a rundown of the offerings, noting the staggering growth of the decades-old event.
"Now in its 38th year, CIFF is a prominent regional -- and certainly Ohio’s biggest -- film festival, with a combined audience of 95,000 film lovers and filmmakers from around the world expected to attend -- a staggering growth in audience from its first year in 1977 when only eight friends watched a few weekend films at the festival’s first home, Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights."
Read the entire article here.
"The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) line-up of more than 350 independent films isn’t for everyone, particularly those who prefer movies with celebrity names in the credits," Baird writes. "But for those open to the concept of film as true art rather than commercial enterprise, the long-running festival has much to satisfy the soul and mind."
Baird goes on to offer a rundown of the offerings, noting the staggering growth of the decades-old event.
"Now in its 38th year, CIFF is a prominent regional -- and certainly Ohio’s biggest -- film festival, with a combined audience of 95,000 film lovers and filmmakers from around the world expected to attend -- a staggering growth in audience from its first year in 1977 when only eight friends watched a few weekend films at the festival’s first home, Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights."
Read the entire article here.
Those among us that emerge to the forefront of their professions and community have been honing their leadership skills for some time. Here are a few young African-Americans making waves around town through advocacy, talent and so much more.
northeast ohio entrepreneur expo focuses on making connections
JumpStart’s 2014 Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur Expo is slated to be the largest one yet with 1,000 attendees and 100 exhibitors expected for its seventh year. The event on Monday, April 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art is slated to be chock-full of resources and events for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
This year’s theme is “Connections Matter,” with a focus on helping entrepreneurs make the connections that will help their business succeed and move forward.
New this year is a speed advising session, during which entrepreneurs will be paired with investors, support organizations, service providers and the media to get quick tips on improving their pitches and selling their businesses. “All of last year’s attendees liked the energy and the people who were there, but they wanted more interaction,” says JumpStart’s Samantha Fryberger of the decision to add the speed advising. “This way we have more interaction.”
The session is followed by an investor panel discussion, “Attracting Capital Between the Coasts,” which will focus on raising money in Ohio. “Obviously, raising capital in Boston or the Silicon Valley is very different than in the Midwest,” notes Fryberger.
Returning this year is the Charter One Foundation Student Business Idea Competition. Six teams will be chosen by a judging panel and public vote, based on their business plans and a video. Three teams will be chosen to receive $400, $600 and $1,500 prizes.
The day will be capped off with a networking happy hour. The event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and is free to the general public. The cost is $85 for entrepreneurs, who have until Monday to register.
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
This year’s theme is “Connections Matter,” with a focus on helping entrepreneurs make the connections that will help their business succeed and move forward.
New this year is a speed advising session, during which entrepreneurs will be paired with investors, support organizations, service providers and the media to get quick tips on improving their pitches and selling their businesses. “All of last year’s attendees liked the energy and the people who were there, but they wanted more interaction,” says JumpStart’s Samantha Fryberger of the decision to add the speed advising. “This way we have more interaction.”
The session is followed by an investor panel discussion, “Attracting Capital Between the Coasts,” which will focus on raising money in Ohio. “Obviously, raising capital in Boston or the Silicon Valley is very different than in the Midwest,” notes Fryberger.
Returning this year is the Charter One Foundation Student Business Idea Competition. Six teams will be chosen by a judging panel and public vote, based on their business plans and a video. Three teams will be chosen to receive $400, $600 and $1,500 prizes.
The day will be capped off with a networking happy hour. The event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and is free to the general public. The cost is $85 for entrepreneurs, who have until Monday to register.
Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly
Mention the phrase "Paleolithic diet" and many will conjure the image of Fred Flintstone gnawing on a giant dinosaur leg. But nothing could be further from the truth, say adherents. The culinary movement is thoughtful, green, healthy and spreading like wildfire across Northeast Ohio.
cleveland state university to host popular ted event this fall
Cleveland State University announced that it will host the popular TED series in October. TED, which stands to Technology, Entertainment and Design, shares original ideas through talks and programs held around the world.
Sponsored by CSU’s Monte Ahuja College of Business to highlight the imagination, innovation and entrepreneurship of the Cleveland and CSU communities, TEDxClevelandStateUniversity will be held on October 3.
“We’re really excited we’re able to host a TEDx event,” says Colette Hart, senior director of outreach and engagement centers at the college of business. “The TED community works hard to identify potential TED hosts that are consistent with the goals and objectives to inspire and innovate.”
TEDxClevelandStateUniversity should put Cleveland in the national spotlight, at least among TED followers. “Most people who have heard a TED talk have been moved because it’s very personal,” Hart says. “It has a global following and our job is to make sure Cleveland State and Cleveland are part of that global community.”
Ahuja College dean Joseph Mazzola sees the TEDx conference as a growth opportunity. “For people who watch TEDx presentations, the whole idea is to be around innovative thinkers and innovative ideas,” he says. “They want to connect the dots and see the world in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”
While the speakers have yet to be chosen, interest has been high. “We’ve had people contact us globally who are interested in participating,” says Hart. “It allows us to showcase the talent of our local community on a global basis.”
Hart says they will be sure to include students and the community in the programming. A portion of the event will be dedicated to past TED talks.
Now that CSU has earned a TEDx license, the university plans to host regular events. October’s program will be an annual happening.
Source: Colette Hart, Joseph Mazzola
Writer: Karin Connelly
Sponsored by CSU’s Monte Ahuja College of Business to highlight the imagination, innovation and entrepreneurship of the Cleveland and CSU communities, TEDxClevelandStateUniversity will be held on October 3.
“We’re really excited we’re able to host a TEDx event,” says Colette Hart, senior director of outreach and engagement centers at the college of business. “The TED community works hard to identify potential TED hosts that are consistent with the goals and objectives to inspire and innovate.”
TEDxClevelandStateUniversity should put Cleveland in the national spotlight, at least among TED followers. “Most people who have heard a TED talk have been moved because it’s very personal,” Hart says. “It has a global following and our job is to make sure Cleveland State and Cleveland are part of that global community.”
Ahuja College dean Joseph Mazzola sees the TEDx conference as a growth opportunity. “For people who watch TEDx presentations, the whole idea is to be around innovative thinkers and innovative ideas,” he says. “They want to connect the dots and see the world in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”
While the speakers have yet to be chosen, interest has been high. “We’ve had people contact us globally who are interested in participating,” says Hart. “It allows us to showcase the talent of our local community on a global basis.”
Hart says they will be sure to include students and the community in the programming. A portion of the event will be dedicated to past TED talks.
Now that CSU has earned a TEDx license, the university plans to host regular events. October’s program will be an annual happening.
Source: Colette Hart, Joseph Mazzola
Writer: Karin Connelly
ceo of breakthrough schools testified to u.s. house on education reform
On March 12, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), held a hearing entitled, “Raising the Bar: The Role of Charter Schools in K-12 Education.” During the hearing, members discussed ways charter schools are empowering parents, pioneering fresh teaching methods, encouraging state and local innovation, and helping students escape underperforming schools.
Alan Rosskamm, CEO of Breakthrough Schools in Cleveland, described Breakthrough’s success in raising the bar on student achievement.
“In 2012-2013, Breakthrough students, on average, outperformed their peers across the city, county, and state in every subject,” Rosskamm said. “Nationally, Breakthrough Schools were recognized as 1st in reading growth and 4th in math growth among urban charter school networks in the United States in a study by the CREDO Institute at Stanford University.”
Mr. Rosskamm’s remarks underscore the unique relationship that Breakthrough Schools has with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The district sponsors eight of Breakthrough’s 10 schools, including Lakeshore Intergenerational School, which will open in Collinwood this August. Four of Breakthrough’s schools are housed in former district buildings and a fifth, Near West Intergenerational School, is in space leased from the district for $1 a year.
“Half of Cleveland’s top performing schools are public charter schools,” John Zitzner, President of Friends of Breakthrough School, added in a release. “Replicating high performing charters like Breakthrough Schools is critical to turning Cleveland into a championship city for education.”
Read more about the hearing here.
Alan Rosskamm, CEO of Breakthrough Schools in Cleveland, described Breakthrough’s success in raising the bar on student achievement.
“In 2012-2013, Breakthrough students, on average, outperformed their peers across the city, county, and state in every subject,” Rosskamm said. “Nationally, Breakthrough Schools were recognized as 1st in reading growth and 4th in math growth among urban charter school networks in the United States in a study by the CREDO Institute at Stanford University.”
Mr. Rosskamm’s remarks underscore the unique relationship that Breakthrough Schools has with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The district sponsors eight of Breakthrough’s 10 schools, including Lakeshore Intergenerational School, which will open in Collinwood this August. Four of Breakthrough’s schools are housed in former district buildings and a fifth, Near West Intergenerational School, is in space leased from the district for $1 a year.
“Half of Cleveland’s top performing schools are public charter schools,” John Zitzner, President of Friends of Breakthrough School, added in a release. “Replicating high performing charters like Breakthrough Schools is critical to turning Cleveland into a championship city for education.”
Read more about the hearing here.
If women indeed are the barometer of a healthy cycling city, then making women feel safe while cycling in Cleveland must be a priority, say local biking advocates. Female riders are less likely to cycle without infrastructure that makes them feel safe, including separated bike paths and physical barriers on roads that divide bikes and cars.