Stories
cwru prof urges vietnamese entrepreneurs to dream
Michael Goldberg, a professor at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and a managing partner of a venture capital fund that invests in early stage medical device companies, certainly has a bevy of knowledge and experience to share with others. He is currently taking some time off teaching in Cleveland to focus his attention on a different part of the world.
In this article, published in Vietnam, he urges Vietnamese entrepreneurs to dream and take risks.
“I was honored to be awarded a Fulbright fellowship to teach entrepreneurship at the National Economics University (NEU) in Hanoi," states Goldberg in a lengthy feature in VietNamNet Bridge.
“I had the opportunity to co-teach a course on entrepreneurship and new venture creation with Mr. Ha Tung, a talented Vietnamese lecturer.”
“It was a great experience designing a course alongside a Vietnamese professor as we were able to incorporate points of view and practical experience from the US and Vietnam into the syllabus.”
“Although Vietnam is incredibly entrepreneurial, many business people in Vietnam are afraid to fail. Thus, often times Vietnamese entrepreneurs do not take as many risks with their business as their counterparts in other countries. We also tried and push our Vietnamese students to “dream big” when they think about starting companies.”
The feature goes on to discuss in detail the strategies and challenges he faces in his efforts working with these Vietnamese students.
Read the full article here.
In this article, published in Vietnam, he urges Vietnamese entrepreneurs to dream and take risks.
“I was honored to be awarded a Fulbright fellowship to teach entrepreneurship at the National Economics University (NEU) in Hanoi," states Goldberg in a lengthy feature in VietNamNet Bridge.
“I had the opportunity to co-teach a course on entrepreneurship and new venture creation with Mr. Ha Tung, a talented Vietnamese lecturer.”
“It was a great experience designing a course alongside a Vietnamese professor as we were able to incorporate points of view and practical experience from the US and Vietnam into the syllabus.”
“Although Vietnam is incredibly entrepreneurial, many business people in Vietnam are afraid to fail. Thus, often times Vietnamese entrepreneurs do not take as many risks with their business as their counterparts in other countries. We also tried and push our Vietnamese students to “dream big” when they think about starting companies.”
The feature goes on to discuss in detail the strategies and challenges he faces in his efforts working with these Vietnamese students.
Read the full article here.
An annual JumpStart survey indicates that tech startup companies that receive assistance from mentors, advisors and investors make a significant contribution to the region’s economy, even in the early stages. The Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs surveyed 121 JumpStart and North Coast Angel Fund companies to measure their economic impact on the region.
The report showed these companies had a $220.5 million economic impact in 2011 in Northeast Ohio, creating 776 direct jobs within the companies and 864 indirect jobs, for a total of 1,640 regional jobs.
“This is great for an economic region -- showing small growing startups are contributing,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer for JumpStart. Belk emphasizes that the surveyed companies are not even a comprehensive list of all small tech companies in the region. However, many of the companies receive support from multiple organizations in addition to JumpStart and the North Coast Angel Fund.
Sixty-three companies included in this 2011 impact analysis also were surveyed in 2010. In one year, those companies increased their aggregated Northeast Ohio employment by 111, payroll by $8.7 million and expenditures by $20.6 million.
“All of this shows that Cleveland is one of the best places in the country to start and grow your business,” says Belk.
Source: Cathy Belk
Writer: Karin Connelly
The report showed these companies had a $220.5 million economic impact in 2011 in Northeast Ohio, creating 776 direct jobs within the companies and 864 indirect jobs, for a total of 1,640 regional jobs.
“This is great for an economic region -- showing small growing startups are contributing,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer for JumpStart. Belk emphasizes that the surveyed companies are not even a comprehensive list of all small tech companies in the region. However, many of the companies receive support from multiple organizations in addition to JumpStart and the North Coast Angel Fund.
Sixty-three companies included in this 2011 impact analysis also were surveyed in 2010. In one year, those companies increased their aggregated Northeast Ohio employment by 111, payroll by $8.7 million and expenditures by $20.6 million.
“All of this shows that Cleveland is one of the best places in the country to start and grow your business,” says Belk.
Source: Cathy Belk
Writer: Karin Connelly
Jim Russell, a geographer studying modern migration patterns, writes frequently on the topic of "Rust Belt Chic." The phrase, which refers to the increasing appeal of Rust Belt cities, has been popping up like mad in the national media. Recently, Russell put boots on the ground in C-Town.
Tremont Electric has released its nPower PEG Energy Charger after releasing a prototype in 2010 and making improvements to the current model. The nPower charger is the first passive kinetic energy charger that can be used to power handheld devices. The device can be placed in a backpack or bag and harvests the user’s energy during walking, running and biking. That energy can then be used to charge smart phones, MP3 players, GPS systems or any other handheld device.
“There’s a loop at the top to hang it from a backpacks, it has a much larger battery pack with more available capacity,” says Tremont Electric founder and CEO Aaron LeMieux. “It can power a 3G device 100 percent, and a 4G device 80 percent.”
The nPower is manufactured almost completely in Ohio and distributed through a company in Streetsboro. “Anything we can get locally, we use,” says LeMieux.
Tremont Electric now has seven employees. LeMieux most recently hired two engineering technicians. He expects the company to continue to gain momentum. “We’re awfully busy these days,” he says. “We expect the next year to be pretty robust.”
Source: Aaron LeMieux
Writer: Karin Connelly
“There’s a loop at the top to hang it from a backpacks, it has a much larger battery pack with more available capacity,” says Tremont Electric founder and CEO Aaron LeMieux. “It can power a 3G device 100 percent, and a 4G device 80 percent.”
The nPower is manufactured almost completely in Ohio and distributed through a company in Streetsboro. “Anything we can get locally, we use,” says LeMieux.
Tremont Electric now has seven employees. LeMieux most recently hired two engineering technicians. He expects the company to continue to gain momentum. “We’re awfully busy these days,” he says. “We expect the next year to be pretty robust.”
Source: Aaron LeMieux
Writer: Karin Connelly
draft calls cleveland 'beertown, usa'
A recent feature in Draft Magazine calls Cleveland "Beertown, USA," in which it reports that, "there’s no doubt that Cleveland is in the midst of a Rust Belt Renaissance, and at the heart of its resurgence are beer-loving foodies."
The feature includes a nice round-up of local breweries, bars and restaurants, including Great Lakes Brewing, Market Garden Brewery, Happy Dog, La Cave du Vin, and Melt Bar & Grilled.
Drink in the rest right here.
The feature includes a nice round-up of local breweries, bars and restaurants, including Great Lakes Brewing, Market Garden Brewery, Happy Dog, La Cave du Vin, and Melt Bar & Grilled.
Drink in the rest right here.
Westleigh Harper, Brian Bernstein and Michael Horton like to share their view of Cleveland through their designs. The three -- Horton and Harper are project designers and Bernstein is a landscape architect -- often work 16-hour days at their day jobs, yet they repeatedly find themselves working on public art projects in their spare time.
So the three formed Maker, a multi-disciplinary design studio to create projects that have a positive impact on the city.
“Basically, we’re just an entity to enter design competitions,” says Harper. “It’s something that the three of us get together and look at the city a little differently.”
Their perspective has made an impact of various sites within Cleveland. Harper lists their recent projects: “Over the past several years the three of us have collaborated on small projects that pique our interest, including a four-level live/work space on Prospect Avenue, an installation for the June 2012 Made in the 216 event, and a proposal for re-conceptualizing the Euclid Arcade as an emerging design-based incubator.”
Maker is currently working on a small public art project along W. 25th Street for MetroHealth Hospital's 175th anniversary. The project was the result of a conversation the three had with LAND Studio in March.
“The three of us expressed a desire to get involved with local community organizations that we felt aligned with our motivations to positively impact our city,” explains Harper. “We've found that there are a lot of other people out there that want to maintain the sense of urgency to keep the momentum going in Cleveland, so we proactively seek out those opportunities and hope we can add to it.”
Source: Westleigh Harper
Writer: Karin Connelly
So the three formed Maker, a multi-disciplinary design studio to create projects that have a positive impact on the city.
“Basically, we’re just an entity to enter design competitions,” says Harper. “It’s something that the three of us get together and look at the city a little differently.”
Their perspective has made an impact of various sites within Cleveland. Harper lists their recent projects: “Over the past several years the three of us have collaborated on small projects that pique our interest, including a four-level live/work space on Prospect Avenue, an installation for the June 2012 Made in the 216 event, and a proposal for re-conceptualizing the Euclid Arcade as an emerging design-based incubator.”
Maker is currently working on a small public art project along W. 25th Street for MetroHealth Hospital's 175th anniversary. The project was the result of a conversation the three had with LAND Studio in March.
“The three of us expressed a desire to get involved with local community organizations that we felt aligned with our motivations to positively impact our city,” explains Harper. “We've found that there are a lot of other people out there that want to maintain the sense of urgency to keep the momentum going in Cleveland, so we proactively seek out those opportunities and hope we can add to it.”
Source: Westleigh Harper
Writer: Karin Connelly
The State of Ohio has awarded $35.8 million in tax credits to 18 owners who are planning to rehabilitate 44 historic buildings across the state. Two of the projects, the Vincent building and the Truman building, are located in downtown Cleveland.
The Truman building, located on Euclid Avenue between E. 9th and 12th streets, will be renovated to include retail storefronts, office space, 18 market rate apartments and parking. Construction is expected to create at least 50 jobs.
The Vincent Tower, whose upper floors were refurbished for the digital marketing agency Rosetta, will be rehabbed to include 85 market rate apartments. The building, which is located at 629 Euclid Avenue, will receive a $7 million investment. The project will retain 400-plus jobs and create at least 50 construction jobs.
Both projects will feed the strong demand for apartments downtown. Currently, occupancy rates are at about 96 percent and many buildings have waiting lists.
Source: Ohio Department of Development
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Truman building, located on Euclid Avenue between E. 9th and 12th streets, will be renovated to include retail storefronts, office space, 18 market rate apartments and parking. Construction is expected to create at least 50 jobs.
The Vincent Tower, whose upper floors were refurbished for the digital marketing agency Rosetta, will be rehabbed to include 85 market rate apartments. The building, which is located at 629 Euclid Avenue, will receive a $7 million investment. The project will retain 400-plus jobs and create at least 50 construction jobs.
Both projects will feed the strong demand for apartments downtown. Currently, occupancy rates are at about 96 percent and many buildings have waiting lists.
Source: Ohio Department of Development
Writer: Lee Chilcote
ght's matt danko selected as eater 'young gun'
Each year the popular culinary focused website Eater.com announces their Eater Young Guns Class, which honors the most distinguished young industry professionals who are a mere step or two away from becoming a culinary star.
“[This year’s] class of 16 is composed of four women and 12 men; nine chefs, two sommeliers, two pastry chefs, and three front-of-house leaders. The youngest person on the list is 25 and the oldest, with just two-and-a-half years in the business, is 32.”
Among the 16 honored is pastry chef Matt Danko of The Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat.
“Matt started at Greenhouse Tavern on the savory side of the kitchen, but has made pastry his own over the last year. He's now the pastry chef at both Greenhouse and Noodlecat and has become the dessert guy in Cleveland and beyond. He's on the cusp of serious national heat, too: his selection committee champion was none other than Marc Vetri.”
“[This year’s] class of 16 is composed of four women and 12 men; nine chefs, two sommeliers, two pastry chefs, and three front-of-house leaders. The youngest person on the list is 25 and the oldest, with just two-and-a-half years in the business, is 32.”
Among the 16 honored is pastry chef Matt Danko of The Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat.
“Matt started at Greenhouse Tavern on the savory side of the kitchen, but has made pastry his own over the last year. He's now the pastry chef at both Greenhouse and Noodlecat and has become the dessert guy in Cleveland and beyond. He's on the cusp of serious national heat, too: his selection committee champion was none other than Marc Vetri.”
Read the full eater.com feature here.
An Olympic-style cycling track is being assembled by a group of dedicated volunteers on a patch of scruffy, vacant land in Slavic Village where St. Michael's Hospital stood until it was demolished years ago.
The Cleveland Velodrome met its initial $300,000 fundraising goal for the 166-meter, wood and steel banked track thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation and generous lead donors.
Later this month, cyclists should be able to go for a spin on the velodrome, which is the only one of its kind between the East Coast and Chicago. Backers of the project hope to eventually construct a multipurpose domed athletic center that will allow avid Cleveland cyclists and area youth to ride during the winter months, as well.
“After many years of hard work, we are thrilled to bring a velodrome track to Cleveland,” said Brett Davis, Board President or Fast Track Cycling, in a release. “Phase I allows Fast Track to implement youth and adult programming and will serve as a tool to raise additional funds to enclose the track for year-round use. While we are very pleased to reach the Phase I target, fund-raising will continue towards the ultimate goal of an enclosed, year-round track and sports center.”
“This is a terrific opportunity for Broadway Slavic Village,” said Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development. “The velodrome is a perfect fit for us, because of our central location, and our community’s commitment to active lifestyles and physical fitness. The velodrome will complement the gymnastics programming at the adjacent Sokol Czech Cultural Center, the community’s two new athletic fields, the First Tee Golf Course, and the Morgana Bike Trail.”
Fast Track Cycling is leasing the 8.4 acre site from the City of Cleveland for $1 per year. The Cleveland Velodrome is located on Broadway Ave. near Pershing Ave.
Source: Brett Davis, Marie Kittredge
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Cleveland Velodrome met its initial $300,000 fundraising goal for the 166-meter, wood and steel banked track thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation and generous lead donors.
Later this month, cyclists should be able to go for a spin on the velodrome, which is the only one of its kind between the East Coast and Chicago. Backers of the project hope to eventually construct a multipurpose domed athletic center that will allow avid Cleveland cyclists and area youth to ride during the winter months, as well.
“After many years of hard work, we are thrilled to bring a velodrome track to Cleveland,” said Brett Davis, Board President or Fast Track Cycling, in a release. “Phase I allows Fast Track to implement youth and adult programming and will serve as a tool to raise additional funds to enclose the track for year-round use. While we are very pleased to reach the Phase I target, fund-raising will continue towards the ultimate goal of an enclosed, year-round track and sports center.”
“This is a terrific opportunity for Broadway Slavic Village,” said Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development. “The velodrome is a perfect fit for us, because of our central location, and our community’s commitment to active lifestyles and physical fitness. The velodrome will complement the gymnastics programming at the adjacent Sokol Czech Cultural Center, the community’s two new athletic fields, the First Tee Golf Course, and the Morgana Bike Trail.”
Fast Track Cycling is leasing the 8.4 acre site from the City of Cleveland for $1 per year. The Cleveland Velodrome is located on Broadway Ave. near Pershing Ave.
Source: Brett Davis, Marie Kittredge
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When Alison Musser and her husband traveled to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the vacation turned stressful when they couldn’t find a crib for their one-year-old daughter. “We called every hotel to see if they had a crib available,” recalls Musser.
While the Mussers were able to eventually rent a crib, the difficulty of finding one prompted the idea for Babies Travel Too. The company rents cribs and other baby equipment to parents traveling to Cleveland who don’t or can’t lug all the necessities with them.
“It seemed like a no-brainer,” Musser says of the business idea. “It’s impossible to bring everything you really need for a child when you’re traveling. If you’re flying into town, we’ll meet you at the airport.” Musser will also deliver to area hotels, Cedar Point or someone’s house.
Musser researched the idea and found she could provide a resource for traveling families. “What we found out was that even large hotels – with 300 rooms – only have three to four cribs.”
Babies Travel Too rents everything from cribs and car seats to baby monitors and bouncer seats. “We do a lot of high chair rentals,” Musser says. “We even do boxes of toys. That’s been really popular.”
Babies Travel Too recently won $25,000 in Bad Girl Ventures’ business plan competition, which Musser plans to use for marketing. “People don’t even know they can look for this type of service,” she says.
The long term goal is to expand Babies Travel Too to a national level. In the meantime, Musser is hiring a couple of delivery drivers to help her out with the summer peak season.
Source: Alison Musser
Writer: Karin Connelly
While the Mussers were able to eventually rent a crib, the difficulty of finding one prompted the idea for Babies Travel Too. The company rents cribs and other baby equipment to parents traveling to Cleveland who don’t or can’t lug all the necessities with them.
“It seemed like a no-brainer,” Musser says of the business idea. “It’s impossible to bring everything you really need for a child when you’re traveling. If you’re flying into town, we’ll meet you at the airport.” Musser will also deliver to area hotels, Cedar Point or someone’s house.
Musser researched the idea and found she could provide a resource for traveling families. “What we found out was that even large hotels – with 300 rooms – only have three to four cribs.”
Babies Travel Too rents everything from cribs and car seats to baby monitors and bouncer seats. “We do a lot of high chair rentals,” Musser says. “We even do boxes of toys. That’s been really popular.”
Babies Travel Too recently won $25,000 in Bad Girl Ventures’ business plan competition, which Musser plans to use for marketing. “People don’t even know they can look for this type of service,” she says.
The long term goal is to expand Babies Travel Too to a national level. In the meantime, Musser is hiring a couple of delivery drivers to help her out with the summer peak season.
Source: Alison Musser
Writer: Karin Connelly
Vocon, a Cleveland architecture and design firm, had been looking for a way to improve its partnership with BDG Architecture and Design in London. The two firms have had a partnership for a couple of years, but they wanted to take it a step further. So they sent Vocon project designer Lindsey Masarik to London for three weeks in May, while BDG associate Geoff Anderson came to Cleveland in a job swap.
“We discovered the firms had a lot of the same philosophies,” says Susan Austin, head of human resources and strategic marketing for Vocon. “We decided to do a swap to find out how we could do things better.”
The exposure to new cultures was highly stimulating for Masarik and Anderson. Both employees noticed that design is dictated by the amount of space available. Cleveland has more space, while real estate is at a premium in London.
“You’re working with a smaller footprint in London,” says Anderson. “It dictates the way you approach your design. It was interesting to see how the American market works.”
Both Anderson and Masarik say it was great experience. “We have the confidence we could work together, we approach things in the same way,” says Anderson. “If we have a joint project we could be in the same room and feel comfortable with each other. It’s an opportunity I hope everyone can experience. It’s very beneficial.”
Sources: Lyndsey Masarik, Geoff Anderson, Susan Austin
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We discovered the firms had a lot of the same philosophies,” says Susan Austin, head of human resources and strategic marketing for Vocon. “We decided to do a swap to find out how we could do things better.”
The exposure to new cultures was highly stimulating for Masarik and Anderson. Both employees noticed that design is dictated by the amount of space available. Cleveland has more space, while real estate is at a premium in London.
“You’re working with a smaller footprint in London,” says Anderson. “It dictates the way you approach your design. It was interesting to see how the American market works.”
Both Anderson and Masarik say it was great experience. “We have the confidence we could work together, we approach things in the same way,” says Anderson. “If we have a joint project we could be in the same room and feel comfortable with each other. It’s an opportunity I hope everyone can experience. It’s very beneficial.”
Sources: Lyndsey Masarik, Geoff Anderson, Susan Austin
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization is looking for a few good shops to add to the charm of the Gordon Square Arts District. To bring additional retail business to the area, the group is holding a Best Business Plan competition.
First place wins free rent for a year; second place gets six months of free rent; and third place gets three months. Additionally, Cleveland councilman Matt Zone and the Charter One Foundation Growing Communities initiative are offering grants of up to $5,000 to assist the winning businesses with build out and start-up costs. Additional financial resources are also available to businesses in the district.
“This is aimed at attracting local retail startup businesses to the district,” says Nick Fedor, Director of Economic Development with DSCDO. “We feel that we have a great base of restaurants and a strong base of assets to build on. We’re hoping this type of contest incentivizes more businesses to locate here.”
Ideally, the area could use a home furnishings store, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories store, and a hair or nail salon, Fedor says. “We’re looking for complementary shops to what we have now,” he says. “We are looking to increase the number of reasons why people would want to come to Gordon Square by having a wider variety of retail shops.”
The deadline to apply is Friday, June 29th by 5 p.m. Fedor said 40 to 50 people have already expressed an interest in applying. “We’re expecting a robust turnout,” he says.
The winners will be chosen July 13th and are expected to open shop in September.
Source: Nick Fedor
Writer: Karin Connelly
First place wins free rent for a year; second place gets six months of free rent; and third place gets three months. Additionally, Cleveland councilman Matt Zone and the Charter One Foundation Growing Communities initiative are offering grants of up to $5,000 to assist the winning businesses with build out and start-up costs. Additional financial resources are also available to businesses in the district.
“This is aimed at attracting local retail startup businesses to the district,” says Nick Fedor, Director of Economic Development with DSCDO. “We feel that we have a great base of restaurants and a strong base of assets to build on. We’re hoping this type of contest incentivizes more businesses to locate here.”
Ideally, the area could use a home furnishings store, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories store, and a hair or nail salon, Fedor says. “We’re looking for complementary shops to what we have now,” he says. “We are looking to increase the number of reasons why people would want to come to Gordon Square by having a wider variety of retail shops.”
The deadline to apply is Friday, June 29th by 5 p.m. Fedor said 40 to 50 people have already expressed an interest in applying. “We’re expecting a robust turnout,” he says.
The winners will be chosen July 13th and are expected to open shop in September.
Source: Nick Fedor
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit community development group serving Glenville and Hough, recently completed a green renovation of the historic Doan School building into affordable apartments.
According to the Famicos Foundation website, "Originally constructed in 1904 and expanded in 1906 and 1950, Doan School, located at 1350 East 105th Street, is a national landmark that fell victim to the foreclosure epidemic. The structure was designed by Frank Barnum, a prominent Cleveland architect who designed many early twentieth-century public schools. In 1985 the building was converted to 45 units of low-income senior housing; in 2008 it became vacant and boarded."
Last year, Famicos began the $7.4 million renovation of Doan Classroom using low-interest deferred Neighborhood Stabilization Program loans provided by the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.
Famicos also contributed its own tax credit equity to the deal. This equity was provided by the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing through syndication of federal Historic Tax Credits as well as Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
The Doan Classroom Apartments project not only demonstrates the principles of historic renovation, but also shows that they can be married with green building.
"This was a large school building that was not built for residential use, yet we were able to renovate it so that it meets Enterprise Green Community standards," says Chuck Ackerman, Associate Director of the Famicos Foundation.
Source: Chuck Ackerman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
According to the Famicos Foundation website, "Originally constructed in 1904 and expanded in 1906 and 1950, Doan School, located at 1350 East 105th Street, is a national landmark that fell victim to the foreclosure epidemic. The structure was designed by Frank Barnum, a prominent Cleveland architect who designed many early twentieth-century public schools. In 1985 the building was converted to 45 units of low-income senior housing; in 2008 it became vacant and boarded."
Last year, Famicos began the $7.4 million renovation of Doan Classroom using low-interest deferred Neighborhood Stabilization Program loans provided by the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.
Famicos also contributed its own tax credit equity to the deal. This equity was provided by the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing through syndication of federal Historic Tax Credits as well as Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
The Doan Classroom Apartments project not only demonstrates the principles of historic renovation, but also shows that they can be married with green building.
"This was a large school building that was not built for residential use, yet we were able to renovate it so that it meets Enterprise Green Community standards," says Chuck Ackerman, Associate Director of the Famicos Foundation.
Source: Chuck Ackerman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Architect Joe Hanna's design work can be found in restaurants and buildings from the Gordon Square Arts District to downtown Cleveland and Shaker Square. As owner of the Caxton Cafe in the early 1990s, he claims to have pioneered the rebirth of the Gateway District.
Recently, Hanna has set his sights on the funky, independent-minded Larchmere district, where cozy antique shops nudge up against friendly taverns and hip new boutiques. Twenty years later, Hanna has returned to the restaurant business, this time in a charming house-turned-cafe smack in the middle of Larchmere.
Bon Vivant, a French bistro that opened earlier this month, occupies the former Vine and Bean and Cafe Limbo space at Larchmere and East 127th Street. Hanna says the cafe will feature classic French dishes such as steak frite as well as vegetarian favorites favored by patrons of Limbo and Vine and Bean.
"Our goal is to give people another reason to frequent Larchmere," says Hanna, who has partnered with investor Marie-Rose Andriadi, chef Tom Rindleisch and artist James Longs on the cafe. "People have always loved the patio, so we've really made that an emphasis."
In addition to the cute backyard patio, Hanna spruced up the postage stamp yard in front and added five tables with umbrellas for a sidewalk dining experience. He has also added two outside bars on the rear patio and an outdoor lounge area. Finally, he renovated the interior with white marble tables and a fresh look.
Most of Bon Vivant's entrees are priced under $20, and Hanna plans to eventually open for lunch. For now, though, Bon Vivant is open daily from 4 pm until 12 am.
Source: Joe Hanna
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Recently, Hanna has set his sights on the funky, independent-minded Larchmere district, where cozy antique shops nudge up against friendly taverns and hip new boutiques. Twenty years later, Hanna has returned to the restaurant business, this time in a charming house-turned-cafe smack in the middle of Larchmere.
Bon Vivant, a French bistro that opened earlier this month, occupies the former Vine and Bean and Cafe Limbo space at Larchmere and East 127th Street. Hanna says the cafe will feature classic French dishes such as steak frite as well as vegetarian favorites favored by patrons of Limbo and Vine and Bean.
"Our goal is to give people another reason to frequent Larchmere," says Hanna, who has partnered with investor Marie-Rose Andriadi, chef Tom Rindleisch and artist James Longs on the cafe. "People have always loved the patio, so we've really made that an emphasis."
In addition to the cute backyard patio, Hanna spruced up the postage stamp yard in front and added five tables with umbrellas for a sidewalk dining experience. He has also added two outside bars on the rear patio and an outdoor lounge area. Finally, he renovated the interior with white marble tables and a fresh look.
Most of Bon Vivant's entrees are priced under $20, and Hanna plans to eventually open for lunch. For now, though, Bon Vivant is open daily from 4 pm until 12 am.
Source: Joe Hanna
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Don Hayes has a new vision for Cleveland's fashion industry, and the design coop that he's building in a renovated factory on the near west side is helping to make it real by spotlighting young, local designers.
"The fashion scene in Cleveland has a lot of potential," he says. "There are a number of designers here, but people aren't necessarily aware of them."
Recently, Hayes launched Design Lab Inc., a fashion co-op consisting of three separate companies: Cloud 9 Boutique, Project Model Academy and Cloud 9 Event and Royal Wedding Planning. Cloud 9 boutique showcases 11 local designers.
In a former torpedo factory off of Clark and West 33rd with exposed brick walls and lofted ceilings, Hayes and another designer create and sell clothes on site.
"You can literally watch clothes go from the sewing machine to the rack," Hayes says of the 2,500 square foot space, which is at once a studio, office and store.
Hayes also partners with Collinwood High School to offer interns the opportunity to work in the fashion industry. "You don't have to leave Cleveland to be successful, and it's helpful to have a mentor on that journey."
Source: Don Hayes
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"The fashion scene in Cleveland has a lot of potential," he says. "There are a number of designers here, but people aren't necessarily aware of them."
Recently, Hayes launched Design Lab Inc., a fashion co-op consisting of three separate companies: Cloud 9 Boutique, Project Model Academy and Cloud 9 Event and Royal Wedding Planning. Cloud 9 boutique showcases 11 local designers.
In a former torpedo factory off of Clark and West 33rd with exposed brick walls and lofted ceilings, Hayes and another designer create and sell clothes on site.
"You can literally watch clothes go from the sewing machine to the rack," Hayes says of the 2,500 square foot space, which is at once a studio, office and store.
Hayes also partners with Collinwood High School to offer interns the opportunity to work in the fashion industry. "You don't have to leave Cleveland to be successful, and it's helpful to have a mentor on that journey."
Source: Don Hayes
Writer: Lee Chilcote
hgtv’s front door praises cycling in cleveland
Once a center of industry and mass-production, Cleveland is becoming recognized for green initiatives and sustainability. What a turn of events for the place we call home.
The latest bump of good press comes in the form of HGTV's article, "The 10 Greatest Cycling Cities in America."
“The underdog of this list, this historic rust belt city is home to an impassioned and persevering community of bike riders." states the writer.
In comparison to the leaders on the list, which contain the likes of Portland, New York, and San Francisco, it is easy to see why Cleveland is once again referred to as an “underdog.”
"Cleveland was one of the first cities in the country to temporarily close streets to motorized traffic so they can be enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians," say local rider Jeff Sugalski.”
The article also notes, “Another exciting feature of Cleveland's urban cycling scene is its Metroparks, or nature preserves with walking, hiking and bicycling trails along river paths and creeks.”
The latest bump of good press comes in the form of HGTV's article, "The 10 Greatest Cycling Cities in America."
“The underdog of this list, this historic rust belt city is home to an impassioned and persevering community of bike riders." states the writer.
In comparison to the leaders on the list, which contain the likes of Portland, New York, and San Francisco, it is easy to see why Cleveland is once again referred to as an “underdog.”
"Cleveland was one of the first cities in the country to temporarily close streets to motorized traffic so they can be enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians," say local rider Jeff Sugalski.”
The article also notes, “Another exciting feature of Cleveland's urban cycling scene is its Metroparks, or nature preserves with walking, hiking and bicycling trails along river paths and creeks.”
Check out the full series in addition to the Cleveland piece here.
cleveland’s trans fat ban draws national attention
In light of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposing a ban on the sale of large-sized sugary drinks, Joe Palazzolo of the Wall Street Journal points out that citizens need to look no further than Cleveland, Ohio, when it comes to local government determining what can and cannot be consumed by residents and guests.
“The Cleveland city council passed a law last year to ban restaurants from using cooking oils containing trans fats.”
In the meantime, those both for and against the ban have been battling it out in court whether it is within the local government’s jurisdiction to impose such a ban.
On Monday, June 11, “Cuyahoga County Judge Nancy Russo sided with the city, finding that Cleveland was within its powers to outlaw trans fatty cooking oils.”
This might serve as proof that local government may have more say about what its citizens can and cannot do than anyone ever thought.
Read the full WSJ story here.
“The Cleveland city council passed a law last year to ban restaurants from using cooking oils containing trans fats.”
In the meantime, those both for and against the ban have been battling it out in court whether it is within the local government’s jurisdiction to impose such a ban.
On Monday, June 11, “Cuyahoga County Judge Nancy Russo sided with the city, finding that Cleveland was within its powers to outlaw trans fatty cooking oils.”
This might serve as proof that local government may have more say about what its citizens can and cannot do than anyone ever thought.
Read the full WSJ story here.
If there's one thing we Clevelanders can count on, it's that when the weather heats up, so too does the festival schedule. Summers here are filled with all matter of artsy, edgy and just-plain-fun festivals. Here is a visual tour of some of the best in town, including Parade the Circle, Cleveland Asian Fest, Hessler Street Fair, Gay Pride, the Feast, and more.
Designer Will Kesling recently launched Pixel Thought Foundry, a web, motion and print design studio, in a cozy 750 square foot office suite above Geiger's Sporting Goods in downtown Lakewood.
In doing so, he not only gladly gave up his cluttered home office, but also joined the ranks of a growing number of entrepreneurs who are choosing Lakewood.
"Lakewood is really supportive of small businesses," says Kesling, a Pittsburgh native who moved to Cleveland to work for a major firm before going out on his own. "There's a lot of opportunity to start a business and keep your overhead low. Space is affordable, so you don't have to worry about whether you’ll make rent."
One of the advantages of doing business in downtown Lakewood, Kesling says, is that there are a bevy of like-minded firms within walking distance -- or even in the same building. Pixel Thought Foundry, for instance, is located on the same floor as Sprokets, another small, Lakewood-based web development firm.
"There's a really good network here, and we can provide the same services as larger companies by teaming up," says Kesling. "That's how we get our A team."
Pixel Thought Foundry specializes in helping clients to develop research-driven marketing and web development strategies. Recently, Kesling says, he's carved out a successful niche by helping authors to develop trailers for their new books.
Source: Will Kesling
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In doing so, he not only gladly gave up his cluttered home office, but also joined the ranks of a growing number of entrepreneurs who are choosing Lakewood.
"Lakewood is really supportive of small businesses," says Kesling, a Pittsburgh native who moved to Cleveland to work for a major firm before going out on his own. "There's a lot of opportunity to start a business and keep your overhead low. Space is affordable, so you don't have to worry about whether you’ll make rent."
One of the advantages of doing business in downtown Lakewood, Kesling says, is that there are a bevy of like-minded firms within walking distance -- or even in the same building. Pixel Thought Foundry, for instance, is located on the same floor as Sprokets, another small, Lakewood-based web development firm.
"There's a really good network here, and we can provide the same services as larger companies by teaming up," says Kesling. "That's how we get our A team."
Pixel Thought Foundry specializes in helping clients to develop research-driven marketing and web development strategies. Recently, Kesling says, he's carved out a successful niche by helping authors to develop trailers for their new books.
Source: Will Kesling
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Now in its fourth year, Larchmere PorchFest has blossomed into one of the most beloved of summer festivals. This homespun event does more than bring music to the front porches of this diverse Cleveland neighborhood; it highlights local independent businesses, fosters a sense of community, and markets the area to future residents.