The Fund for Our Economic Future has awarded $5.3 million in grants to six regional economic development organizations collaborating to improve Northeast Ohio's economic competiveness. The Fund has been awarding these year-long grants since 2004.

"Part of what we do through grant making is develop a system in Northeast Ohio that we know hits on things that work," says Brad Whitehead, president of the Fund. "The purpose is to advance the economic agenda in Northeast Ohio."

The Fund for Our Economic Future is a collaboration of more than 100 foundations, organizations and philanthropists from across Northeast Ohio that strengthens the region's economic competitiveness through grant making, public engagement and research.

The grant recipients are: BioEnterprise, JumpStart, MAGNET, Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+, NorTech, and Team NEO. "Collectively, these six organizations have strengthened Northeast Ohio's economy contributing more than 2,000 new jobs, $47 million in payroll and attracting $371 million in capital," explains David Abbott, chairman of the Fund and executive director of the George Gund Foundation.

These six organizations best represent and support industries that have great growth potential -- namely manufacturing in emerging markets.

"Early on we identified the areas in which we need to work on, and we've tried to have constancy in these organizations," says Whitehead. "For a long time people thought that because we're a manufacturing economy that that was a bad thing. What we're learning is Northeast Ohio manufacturing is still an important part of our economy. We're turning old growth manufacturing into new growth products. Manufacturing is cool again."

Source: Brad Whitehead
Writer: Karin Connelly

Researchers at CWRU have invented a polymer coating that can repair itself. Stuart Rowan, CWRU professor of macromolecular science and engineering, along with his team and researchers from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and the Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, has spent the last three years developing a rubber-like protective coating that heals itself when an ultraviolet light is shined on it for just a few seconds.

"The idea was to develop a coating that, if it was damaged in any way, we could repair just by shining a light on it," says Rowan. "A lot of my research is creating stimulating response materials."

The science behind the technology involves taking a long chain of polymers and reducing it to small chains. When the UV light -- much like the light used in dentist offices -- shines on them, the polymers become temporarily unglued. They reassemble when the light is shut off, thus repairing the scratches.

"It works perfectly for coating penetrations," says Rowan.

The scientists envision that self-healing polymers like theirs could be used in automotive paints, varnishes for floors and furniture, and many other applications. "The material could be used in potentially any paint or coating use," says Rowan.

Their findings were published in the April 21 issue of the journal Nature.

The team is currently in talks with companies to see if there is an interest in commercializing the material.


Source: Stuart Rowan
Writer: Karen Connelly

More than 750 people turned out at the new home of Shaker LaunchHouse last week to welcome the business incubator and celebrate entrepreneurial business in the region.

Speakers included Senator Sherrod Brown, Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken, author and entrepreneur Ratanjit Sondhe, Benoy Joseph and Dick Pogue. Brown is the author of the Business Incubator Promotion Act and has spearheaded efforts to reduce brain drain in Ohio. Sondhe, founder of Poly-Carb in Solon, spoke about the importance of entrepreneurial communities. He mentioned that he wished LaunchHouse was around when he was starting out.

Pogue announced that the first corporate gift from the Shaker Heights Development Corporation for the economic development work at Shaker LaunchHouse is $25,000 from New York Community Bank.

Thirty-five companies exhibited in the 23,000-square-foot renovated car dealership, including LaunchHouse's 12 portfolio companies as well as area entrepreneurs educating visitors on their endeavors. Companies included everything from Wow! Cookies!, a gourmet cookie delivery company, to Sunflower Solutions, which develops and manufactures renewable energy products.

"The huge turnout for this event goes to show that this region is ready to support entrepreneurial efforts," said Todd Goldstein, co-founder of LaunchHouse. "I saw a lot of introductions take place that night so the networking alone is going to produce some real opportunities going forward."

Guests were treated to a buffet of hors d'oevres during the event, and the Umami Moto food truck was also on site. SLH plans to host regular entrepreneurial events in addition to weekly educational meetings.

Source: Todd Goldstein
Writer: Karen Connelly

Within3 has created a way for health professionals to communicate and consult with each other, no matter where they are or with whom they are affiliated. The Cleveland-based company builds online communities for health systems, medical associations, research institutions and health professionals. Within these communities, members can access advice and research that was previously unavailable. These communities provide networking opportunities with other health professions, information on HIPPA and compliance regulations and access to information on best practices within the industry.

"Our underlying vision is to completely change healthcare, to allow health care providers to connect and collaborate in real time," says Anthony Broad-Crawford, senior vice president and CTO. "Think of us as a highly specialized Facebook group."

Founded in 2004, Within3 developed their communities around extensive research on how medical professionals communicate best. Their clients include the top seven pharmaceutical companies and three of the top medical associations in the country. "All of our patents and studies are around how physicians make decisions and interact," says Broad-Crawford. "Our platform has brought them together in a way that historically has never been done before."

Within3 has experienced tremendous growth since its founding. "We've gone from three people in a room to 55 total spread around the country in four years," says Broad-Crawford. The company just hired a CFO and senior VP of strategic client development, and is looking to fill a host of other positions. "I personally am hiring 12 people," he adds.

Broad-Crawford finds Cleveland the perfect place to run a technology business.

"What really excites me about Cleveland is how much talent is actually here and how close-knit that talent actually is," he says. "You always hear 'Why Cleveland?' We always say, 'Why not Cleveland?' We're very thankful we've had the success we've had. It's not just a thrill, it's fantastic. "


Source: Anthony Broad-Crawford
Writer: Karen Connelly

Progressive Insurance in Mayfield Village plans to hire 125 customer service representatives in its Cleveland call center by the end of June. The company is the fourth largest auto insurer in the nation and aims to be the largest, according to spokesperson Brittany Senary.

"We're recruiting because the number of policyholders we have continues to grow," says Senary. "In fact, our auto policies are up six percent year over year right now and our special-lines policies are up five percent year over year. And we do want to be the top insurer in the country."

Progressive experienced a growth spurt last September when the company hired 260 customer service reps in its Cleveland and Mentor call centers.

"While there's not one specific thing I can point to as the reason for the growth, we do believe that drivers choose us because we make it easy to understand, buy, and use auto insurance," says Senary. "We have about 8,600 employees in Northeast Ohio and room for more."

Potential employees need to have a proven track record. "We are looking for a minimum of two years post-secondary education or two years work experience in a customer service environment, along with proven job stability of at least one year with a past employer," says Senary. "And we are looking for people who are enthusiastic about helping people with their insurance needs."

The company offers $12 to $15 an hour plus medical, dental, vision and life insurance in addition to perks such as tuition reimbursement, casual dress and on-site health and fitness services.


Source: Brittany Senary
Writer: Karen Connelly

The Center for Public History and Digital Humanities at Cleveland State University has made Cleveland history easily accessible with the launch of Cleveland Historical 2.0. The free mobile app is a combination of archival footage of Cleveland neighborhoods in the 1930s and 1940s as well as a comprehensive oral history.

"Imagine Cleveland as a living museum and we're trying to curate it," says Mark Tebeau, associate professor of history and co-director of the Center for Public History. "We're finding ways in which our own stories help us understand Cleveland better."

The app includes more than 700 interviews as part of the Cleveland Regional Oral History Collection and is a result of the combined effort by teachers, students, historians and community members. The organization has also posted many of the video oral histories on You Tube.

"As far as we know, no one else is using video for oral histories in this way," says Tebeau. "These are really great expert interviews. If you don't record it, you lose their voices."

The project has been recognized by the National Council on Public History as one of the best in the world, and received an honorable mention in the 2011 Outstanding Public History Project awards.

Tebeau has received requests worldwide to create similar apps in other cities. He is helping Spokane with a similar project through Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. Locally, he is currently working with the Detroit Shoreway and Gordon Square Arts District to build their walking tours into the app for Gordon Square Arts Day on June 11, as well as Cleveland Heights Historical Society and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

Source: Mark Tebeau
Writer: Karin Connelly

For 26 years, Nanofilm has been creating formulas for cleaning products and optical coatings in Valley View. Similarly, SDG Inc. in the Cleveland Clinic's Innovation Center has spent the last 16 years developing nanotechnologies in the medical and healthcare fields.

Until recently, the two were unaware of the each other's existence. Then, at a nanotechnologies networking meeting run by Polymer Ohio, Nanofilm's president and CEO Scott Rickert and SDG co-founder and senior vice president Robert Geho crossed paths. The meeting was the beginning of partnership in which each company brings their talents to the table to develop new products.

In early May Nanofilm and SDG Inc. signed a comprehensive joint development and licensing agreement to develop and commercialize nano-formulas that combine the two companies' technologies. Among the planned projects is development of technology to control the release and toxicity of bio-active agents at the nano-scale. Potential applications include longer lasting anti-bacterial surface treatments.

"I'm very excited about this," says Rickert. "Up until this point we have not had any way to do anything unique in the medicine and healthcare markets. We both have experience in the technology, but didn't know the other one's areas. This will allow us to take polymer films and make bioactive products that make our lives better and safer."

Rickert sees huge growth potential in the partnership. "It's going to be huge," he says. "Every time we come out with a new product announcement I see us hiring 20 more people." Rickert says they hope to announce their first new product development sometime this year.

Source: Scott Rickert

Writer: Karin Connelly

MedWorks in Shaker Heights was quick to come to the rescue of those ravaged by the tornado in Joplin, Missouri, this week. MedWorks, a non-profit organization that provides free healthcare clinics for the under insured and uninsured in Ohio, sent a truck full of medical supplies to Joplin just 24 hours after the disaster.

The MedWorks team was at WKYC Channel 3 on Tuesday for an unrelated meeting. While there, a Facebook friend of reporter Eric Mansfield volunteered to put them in touch with her brother-in-law, a doctor in Joplin who was working at a triage center.

With that, MedWorks founder Zac Ponsky and his team set to work compiling everything from disposable gloves and bandages to crutches and canes and other medical supplies. The supplies were put on a truck donated by Berman Moving and Storage in Cleveland along with numerous palettes of drinking water donated by Giant Eagle.

"It was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time," says MedWorks office manager Alyson Andrassy. "It was communication, the right resources and the right place. Our goal is to find a need and fill it. We're trying to be that liaison between Joplin and Ohio."

The truck left at 6:30 p.m. Monday, while Ponsky and director of operations Julie Namy were on a plane to Joplin Tuesday to further evaluate what is needed. "They will see who needs what and where," says Andrassy. "When the truck arrives the supplies will be distributed where it's needed most and they will assess what volunteers are needed and if they need other supplies."

Source: Alyson Andrassy
Writer: Karin Connelly

New Life Community and Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland (IHN) have come together to form Family Promise of Greater Cleveland, the largest organization in Greater Cleveland focused exclusively on helping homeless families transform their lives and achieve long-term stability while helping families remain together.

The two organizations officially merged on May 1. For the past two years, the organizations have worked to integrate staff, resources and programming to serve more families with even better outcomes at a lower cost per household served. Since 1990, New Life Community has helped more than 700 families. IHN has served more than 450 families since its shelter program was formed in 1998.

Family Promise will serve more than 100 families a year. "The goal is to definitely help families become self-sufficient and find new housing as rapidly as possible, and then maintain their housing long-term," says associate director Sarah Cruise. "By merging we've been able to combine our programming and serve more families long-term."

Two facilities -- an emergency shelter in Tremont for up to six days and interim housing in Mount Pleasant for up to six months -- a job preparedness program and case management services will give families all the resources to get back on their feet. "We're developing a relationship," says Cruise. "We can access services in the community and help with crises, the spiraling down that happens.

The home-based case management aspect of Family Promise is helping to serve more families quickly. "There is such demand for family housing," says Cruise. "By moving families faster, and individualizing the services, we're really serving families in a way that promotes long-term stability."

Source: Sarah Cruise
Writer: Karin Connelly

As a law student at CSU's Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Art Geigel noticed a flaw in the way he and his fellow students took notes in class. Almost everybody took notes using their laptops and Microsoft Word, compiling seemingly endless documents with no way of organizing the information.

"I kept thinking to myself, 'There's a better way to do this than to keep taking notes in one constantly growing Word document,'" says Geigel.

That "better way," says Geigel, is GroundBooth, an online program for law students to take notes, share outlines and collaborate. "The whole goal is to make technology work for law school students better than it has been. We're trying to tailor GroundBooth to the habits of law students."

The service is free. GroundBooth plans to earn income from ad revenue, supplemental sales of reference materials and additional website features. The company is currently in talks with Supreme Bar Review about a partnership. The website now supports 13 law schools including Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Marshall, Stanford, and Harvard.

Geigel, who just finished his second year of law school, studied computer science as an undergrad at Hiram College and was a web developer before creating GroundBooth. He officially launched the company with three friends in January, and has partnered with Shaker LaunchHouse, which has matched GroundBooth with several mentors and is providing office space, in addition to a cash investment.


Source: Art Geigel
Writer: Karin Connelly

What started as a business plan competition at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 has today turned into a thriving pet insurance business for CEO Laura Bennett and chief marketing officer Alex Krooglik. Embrace Pet Insurance offers comprehensive insurance plans for pets with a focus on customer service.

"It came about when a friend's cat got sick," explains Bennett. "She spent $5,000 to take care of it. We saw pet insurance had huge potential, it's an unpenetrated market." While 25 percent of pet owners in the U.K. have pet insurance, only sixth-tenths of one percent insure their pets in the U.S.

Pet care is a $50 billion a year market, according to the American Pet Products Association, $14 billion of which is spent on veterinarian bills.

"People are still spending on their pets, even in a recession," says Bennett. "This is for people who would spend anything to bring their pet back to health, to do what is right." The two won the business plan competition, graduated and decided to launch Embrace in Beachwood in 2003.

After a somewhat rocky start, they found funding through JumpStart in 2004 and sold the first policy, to Bennett, in 2006. They've received additional investments over the years, and have relied mostly on word of mouth for their growth and success.

Bennett, who has a background in finance, crafts the policies like traditional insurance plans for cars and trucks. Policy owners can pick and choose their level of coverage, and even hereditary and chronic conditions can be covered. "We give a lot of options, even a health spending account for pet wellness," says Bennett. "There's a lot of actuarial science behind it."

In an industry that is growing by 25 percent annually, Embrace Pet Insurance has grown exponentially. They now have 23 employees and are continuing to hire. "We want to build on that momentum," says Bennett. "I see us in the next five years going from 23 people to 50 to 60."

"Alex and I created this out of nothing, it was just something in our heads," says Bennett. "We've struggled, we've worked really hard, it's been fantastic."


Source: Laura Bennett
Writer: Karin Connelly

The John Carroll University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team recently won the SIFE regional competition for community outreach projects. They then traveled to the national contest in Minneapolis, where the team competed with 100 other teams from around the country.

SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.

The JCU students, under the leadership of Scott Allen, assistant professor of management in the Boler School of Business, were charged with developing sustainable business plans for organizations helping the needy. "SIFE pairs undergraduate students with business leaders in the community," explains Allen. More than 48,000 students on 1,500 university campuses in 39 countries participate in SIFE.

Working with locals businesses such as PNC Bank, Chase Bank, and Nordstrom, the JCU students developed community outreach projects. "The goal is to use the classroom to create real projects that have a real impact on the world," says Allen. "It was fun to see what the students came up with."

Four projects brought the JCU students to regionals this year. They included African Children Ministries, a skill building and fundraising program that raised $7,000 and helped purchase a truck for an orphanage in Zaire; Hope for Honduran Children Foundation, a partnership that created a micro-enterprise to establish sustainable revenue for the children; Elevate Your Future, an opportunity for students to learn about, practice and refine their interviewing skills through interaction with executives, including members of the John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association; and Sam's Club Environmental Sustainability Challenge, in a partnership with Geraci's Italian Restaurant and a grant from Sam's Club, the students developed methods to make the local eatery more environmentally sustainable.

While the team did not place in the top 16, Allen says he is "very proud of them."



Source: Scott Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly

Explorys has formed one of the largest healthcare databases in the world, helping medical professionals provide better patient care and diagnoses. Spun off from the Cleveland Clinic in 2009 by Charlie Lougheed and Stephen McHale, Explorys has become one of the world's largest data platforms with over three billion clinical events and partner agreements with major healthcare systems that span over 10 million patients nationwide.

In its short life, Explorys has gotten six major healthcare providers on board, with the likes of Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Summa Health System, MetroHealth and MedStar. These providers use Explorys solutions to discover actionable correlations and trends in treatments and outcomes to improve safety, increase quality, and to create cost efficiencies in delivering care.

"Explorys takes the data and puts it on a larger scale," says Lougheed. "We're changing the game in terms of how we treat populations and sub-populations of patients."

The company has grown to 25 employees. "We plan to double by the end of the year and double again next year," says Lougheed. "It's all in Cleveland and they're all high-tech jobs. We're pretty excited about what we can do in the community. We think we can grow this company into the hundreds in Northeast Ohio."

That growth will be possible thanks to $11.5 million in Series C financing led by Austin Ventures and Foundation Medical Partners, with follow-on investments from Santé Ventures and Cleveland Clinic.

"The validation that came from a group like Austin Ventures in a Cleveland-based company was really fulfilling," says Lougheed. "Others outside of Ohio really do see a good thing happening in this part of the country."


Source: Charlie Lougheed
Writer: Karin Connelly

COSE members will bring their causes to Columbus on Wednesday, May 25, for COSE Day at the Capitol. For the past five years, COSE members have used the day to meet with policy makers, network and bring their issues to the table.

"People don't have to be political," says Brynn Allio, director of government and external relations for COSE. "They just have to be willing to share their stories."

About 50 participants will board a bus in Cleveland at 6:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Independence and attend a reception breakfast at 9:15 a.m. in Columbus. Members will then spend the day talking to legislators -- speaker of the house William Batchelder, senate president pro tem Keith Faber, senate minority leader Capri Cafaro, and BWC administrator Steve Buehrer.

"They will break into groups to meet with the legislators and talk about their issues of concern," explains Allio. "Small business owners are really busy, but they are taking a day to talk with legislators. It's always nice when legislators connect with small business owners and we like to facilitate that when we can."

Some hot topics Allio expects to be covered include access to capital and healthcare. "Small business owners generally want to be able to offer health insurance to their employees, but it's increasingly difficult with rising rates," she says.

The day culminates with a reception before participants board the bus home to Cleveland. The event is only open to COSE members and costs $20 for the day. Call 216-592-2497 for more information.


Source: Brynn Allio
Writer: Karin Connelly

Adheris, the largest provider of direct-to-patient medication adherence programs, has chosen Cleveland-based CellepathicRx as its mobile platform provider. The partnership expands Adheris' delivery of its adherence-focused programs beyond mail to all mobile technology platforms -- text, email, web, and more.

"Medical adherence is a $300 billion a year problem," says Greg Muffler, CEO of CellepathicRx. "Our technology is a mobile platform that creates an ongoing intimate relationship with patients and their providers."

CellepathicRx's mobile health communication platform targets patients to help them understand and adhere to medication regimens, clinical trial protocols, health coaching, and health and wellness programs. The technology has been in development for more than two years, and was released in 2009.

"We chose CellepathicRx because of their deep knowledge of healthcare, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical industry technology, as well as the unique, flexible solution they offer," said Jim Rotsart, executive vice president of Adheris. "The use of mobile applications and texting is skyrocketing, so this relationship gives our pharmacy partners the opportunity to offer their patients choices regarding their healthcare -- whether it be receiving reminders, medication education, and/or copay assistance via email, mobile device, or traditional mail."

Muffler calls the relationship with Adheris a milestone for the company. "It's an inexpensive way to develop an ongoing relationship with patients," he says. "Our main goal is to ultimately improve patient outcomes, improve health and wellness, which we believe will have an impact on healthcare costs by getting people to take control of their own healthcare."


Source: Greg Muffler
Writer: Karin Connelly

As president and CEO of NorTech, a nonprofit technology-based economic development organization serving 21 counties in Northeast Ohio, Rebecca Bagley is always looking for ways for her Cleveland-based company to be more competitive regionally and nationally. Her recent appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce Innovation Advisory Board by commerce secretary Gary Locke will further her mission.

Bagley and 14 other board members will conduct a study of U.S. economic competitiveness and innovation. The study will help form national policies at the heart of U.S. job creation, competitiveness and global strength. "The idea is to do a study on how the United States can be more globally competitive," says Bagley. "It's obviously very exciting to be a part of this advisory board and the study."

Nominated by NorTech board chair Tim Reynolds, Bagley sees her background in finance, as well as her leadership at NorTech, as the reasons for her appointment. Before joining the company she worked in the private sector in investment banking and as deputy secretary for the Technology Investment Office of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

Bagley is a nationally-recognized expert in technology-based economic development. She brings that same expertise to the region in developing Northeast Ohio's technology initiatives. "We've been working in the region to increase Northeast Ohio's competiveness," she says. "For NorTech this raises visibility of the region and validates the work being done here."

The board's first meeting is in Arlington, VA in June. They will meet every three months.


Source: Rebecca Bagley
Writer: Karin Connelly

It's the Chinese year of the rabbit and the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation is celebrating by displaying 24 fiberglass bunny sculptures, painted and decorated by Northeast Ohio artists. Each sculpture is sponsored by a local business. They are being installed around the neighborhood today.

This is the sixth year the organization has hosted the public art event. The installation celebrates Cleveland's Asian, artistic and business communities in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

"St. Clair-Superior has one of the highest Asian populations in Northeast Ohio," says project coordinator Becca Britton. "We have a blossoming arts district here and we also have a thriving business community. The community really appreciates it and celebrates it."

The public has come to embrace the sculptures, which began with the year of the dog. In early years there was a lot of vandalism and theft, Britton says, which has diminished over the years. "Everyone leaves them alone," she says. "They really appreciate them."

More than 90 artists submitted designs this year. A panel of three professional artists chose their favorites, which were then put into a portfolio for companies to choose from. Winning artists receive a $400 stipend and two tickets to a gala event.

This year's favorites include a rabbit exploding with butterflies and another blowing bubbles on roller skates. "Every year the artists are getting more creative," says Britton.

The rabbits will be on display through Labor Day. They will then be auctioned off, with proceeds going to next year's project.


Source: Becca Britton
Writer: Karin Connelly

Sharie Renee finds the beauty in what most people would deem garbage. As founder and CEO of Cosmic Bobbins in the St. Clair-Superior District, she takes old paper materials -- such as magazines or brochures -- and transforms them into fashionable accessories.

Cosmic Bobbins puts an emphasis on social awareness. As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of funeral directors, Renee would contemplate on the meaning of life and the importance of giving back.

"When you're always watching the end of life, you think about what it's all about," she says. "We're all here for a period of time and what comes is an ideology on what business is all about and the social good of making the world a better place."

That ideology is the focus of Cosmic Bobbins. The company revolves around recycling -- or upcycling -- while also supporting and employing charitable organizations both locally and internationally.

Renee works with United Cerebral Palsy in Cleveland, employing up to 38 people in a sheltered work environment, and works with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, teaching sewing skills. Internationally, Renee works with a village outside of Mexico City, employing residents for her weaving and folding needs. "We're giving back to the world one magazine at a time," says Renee.

Most of her clients are businesses that also look out for the environment. She has created pencil holders from old annual reports for University Circle Inc., handbags out of old newsletters for the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and scissors cases for Paul Mitchell from old brochures.


Source: Sharie Renee
Writer: Karin Connelly

Kionte Watkins began riding the RTA HealthLine bus rapid transit to work about a month ago to save money on gas. On Friday, April 29, she received more than just a little savings at the pump from RTA when she became the HealthLine's 10 millionth rider.

As number 10,000,000 Watkins received a free one-year pass. "I was just about to buy a weekly pass after work," says Watkins. "It was very exciting. It just topped off my week."

Watkins also received tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a family pass to the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo, and gift cards to area restaurants. Other riders that morning received free one-week passes.

Watkins, 26, is an outreach specialist for the Empowerment Center on Euclid Avenue and E. 30th Street. She rides the #35 to Public Square and then transfers to the HealthLine. The HealthLine, which runs up and down Euclid Avenue between Public Square, University Circle and East Cleveland, has been increasingly popular since it was introduced in October 2008.

"Especially with gas prices rising, it's a good time to find an economic option for getting to work and play," says RTA spokesperson Mary McCahon. "The HealthLine has been growing fast and exceeding expectations. Ten million is a big number in two-and-a-half years."

The 10 millionth-rider event was held to thank RTA customers for their loyalty and support. RTA general manager Joe Calabrese presented Watkins with an oversized fare pass, as well as the other riders with their free weekly fare passes.


Source: Kionte Watkins
Writer: Karin Connelly

More then $140 billion in gift cards are purchased each year, generating more than $1.8 billion in associated transaction fees. SparkBase, a Cleveland company founded in 2004, is the industry leader in software processing of gift cards, reward and loyalty programs. SparkBase's software makes sure purchases are recognized when a gift card is swiped, measures demographics, and tracks buying habits on rewards cards.

This time last year, SparkBase had a handful of customers and seven full-time employees. Today, the company has grown to 20 employees.

"Lately we have grown exponentially," says Andrew Kraynak, vice president of marketing for SparkBase. "In the past six to nine months we have really seen things take off."

In fact, SparkBase is hiring 10 more people to keep up with current needs. The company is looking for everything from client service managers to Java developers. "We're staffing based on current needs," says Kraynak. "We'd like to be ahead of the curve and hire ahead of the curve."

Kraynak attributes SparkBase's success to hard work by the company's founders. "A small company takes time to get traction and for the message to resonate," he says. There was a lot of heavy lifting by the founders and we're beginning to see the fruits of that."

Kraynak also gives a nod to Cleveland's support of small business. "A lot of people believe in us," he says. "Clevelanders are working together and they are supportive of small business here. Many of our investors are from Northeast Ohio."

Source: Andrew Kraynak
Writer: Karin Connelly