How to get by

When I started this blog I wanted to dedicate it to good news in the area. I would find a story about something positive in our region and share the link. My original goal was to find the stories that were not already part of the main news stream. Unfortunately, I have not been out enough to hear what is happening on the street. I had a great idea last week, I wanted to encourage everyone to shop local and put the money back in the local economy - the next day the Cool Cleveland newsletter had already done it. I'm still going to provide that info and maybe someone that didn't see it on Cool Cleveland will see my blog and buy locally.

I am going to change the focus of my blog going forward. I haven't been updating because I didn't want to just regurgitate what is already out there. I've been out of work since February, trying to build a business of my own, raising 3 kids, doing side work and some days just barely hanging on. The GOOD news is that along the way I've found some very helpful ways to make it through. I will be sharing my experiences and the resources I have found along the way. I am very good at searching, finding, sharing, and connecting. It's time to pass this info along, and maybe help someone else hang on for a little bit longer.

As I said earlier, I am going to share the shop local information. This is what I was able to find, do you have your own local business you would add to this list? Please share!

Gary Baney, CEO of Boundless Flight pulled together this list last year. I've copied and pasted the details below. http://realneo.us/content/boundless-flight-blog-invest-local-companies-close-home-holidays.

As I mentioned, Cool Cleveland came out with an incredible list of local and sustainable shopping opportunities. Check out their latest issue. http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php/Newsletter/Current. I was having trouble accessing their holiday gift guide link, I will try back later. One I wanted to point out is the Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe. Check out their essay contest too.

One of my favorite local businesses is Fezziwigs Baby Gifts and Gear. I'm not aware of too many eco-friendly baby stores offering natural and organic products. This place is awesome!

Happy Holidays and Happy (Local) Shopping!

Here's the list from Gary:

1. We will only buy American Greetings/Carleton holiday cards. If we don't see one of these brands on a card, it isn't going to be purchased. If we don't find what we want on those shelves, I'll be giving my IT compatriot Doug Rommel, one of their marketing gurus, Art Bergstresser, or my former student Kyle Ludwick a call.


2. One of the corporate gifts we will be giving will be Malley's giftbaskets. Adele, if we don't find what we want, I will be giving you a call. Remember me, I used to be a friend of Dianne Walsh ... 'nuff said. (;>)


3. For my friends with children, I will be buying STEP2 products. STEP2, by the way, enormously supported the efforts of our own Nivi Engineer's Summer Santa project by donating TRUCK LOADS of toys the children in Iowa during the summer flood disaster.


4. Two of my friends are doing remodeling. Paint? ... Sherwin-Williams. Tom, if my friends give me push back, I'm giving YOU a call.


5. Adult gifts for those around me who might (or might not!) appreciate such? I am told Ambiance has quite a selection. Again, if I can't find a reasonable stock of tasteful and reasonable items, I'm calling Jennifer Downeyto let her know.


6. One of our favorite corporate gifts is to send our customers packages of high-quality coffee with the tag line "Call Boundless Flight for GREAT Java!". Corny, I know .. but I actually had a fellow board memeber of the CITe Board at Akron U. tell me he thought it was really a nice idea. Our favorite local coffee? PHOENIX !! We love their roasting, their bean selection, and their staff. We even like Sarah Wilson-Jones .. but will not hesitate to hold her accountable if the goods aren't up to our expectations.


7. I know lots of folks in the Smucker's senior IT team and will specifically select their products from here on out .. but also let them know if I get any negative reviews.


8. Know any teenage girls who need a something special under the tree?? Bonnie Bell - you can't go wrong. As a father of three daughters, they LOVED their lip smacking products and would be really upset if they couldn't find them. We've been to the top of the marketing group at Bonnie Bell; no problem walking right over there and making a point if needed.


9. Pat Catan's has always been one of the area's class acts. I will be going there for all our decoration and crafty goodies this year. You can still find several of the Catan family directly involved in the business. Even going back to Pops, I could always get his ear with recommendations if I could keep up with him bringing in carts from the parking lot!


10. Holiday food preparation? It will be Heinen's for us this year. We have had a Boundless Flight check cashing card from Heinen's almost sinceday #1 - we just haven't used it enough. Jeff, if anything doesn't look quite right, I'm coming straight to you.


11. Brewski's ... we are going with Great Lake Brewery . My son, Ben,is the "President of the Great Lakes Brewery Club" at Illinois State University. He graduates from there this December and when he leaves, that whole school is going into depression because there won't be any more Papa Baney Dortmunder beer trains coming in from Cleveland. Papa Baney will also be going through withdrawal ... there are some cute, cute, CUTE girls at that school that I will lose contact with ... . Anyway ... Mark Hunger, if the quality EVER starts slipping, we will let you know right away!!


12. Candles? LOTS of people have never heard of AI Root down in Medina. It is one of the most memorable browsing experiences you will ever have as the place ALWAYS smells perfectly heavenly!


13. Having been born in Walla Walla, WA, I have always supported the outstanding wines of the Columbia Valley. This year, though, we will be focusing on our OHIO vinyards . If the taste isn't quite competitive with a CA syrah or WA merlots, I am going to bite my tongue and remind myself that my dollar only went 60 miles away and not 3,000.


14. Last but not least, we will be buying lots of gifts this year from the artist community in Cleveland. This has *nothing* to do with our recent hiring of Bridget Ginley! (;>) The Don Drumm Gallery is a GREAT collection of local artwork. River Arts is another and maybe the best is the Museum of Contemporary Art . As these times get tougher and tougher, let's do our best to see that our local creatives stay well fed!I think you get the idea.

Cleveland's good nature

Last week I had a meeting in Chagrin Falls and was amazed at all that I have forgotten about NEO. We take for granted and rarely give the credit to all the wonders of our area. I can drive 5 miles down the street and be at the lake. When was the last time you went to the lake to watch the sunset or rise? It is beautiful. The lake might not be the best swimming water, but there are other things you can do. At Mentor Headlands you can grill, there's a playground for kids or you can relax and read a book and not be tempted to do a load of laundry.

If you would prefer not to be by the water, the Metropark System is unbelievable. I was in awe of the beauty driving to Chagrin last week. I remembered as a little girl my grammie taking me to feed the ducks at Strawberry pond. Next time the kids ask if we can do something I won't say I don't have the time or the money, I'll take the opportunity to create a memory and enjoy NEO.

The great thing about the Lake and the Metroparks is that it's not an Eastside or Westside thing, you can enjoy either from both sides of town.

Good News Comes from Helping Others

Negative news continues to dominate, however, it's not difficult to find good news. The last few weeks I have come across several examples of people pitching in to make a difference. Here are a few examples of what I've found. I would love to hear a story you know about people helping people.

iPRADCO donating self-assessment testing to Breaking the Cycle - iPRADCO has a product line of assessments designed to assist job seekers stand out and employers find the right candidate. Breaking the Cycle is a nonprofit that assists ex-offenders transition from incarceration to self-sufficiency. These assessments, based on a behaviorally based index, allow the ex-offenders to offer a prospective employer a glimpse of their strengths. If you are interested in helping out, Breaking the Cycle is hosting a job fair on August 20, 2009 at the U.A.W. Union Hall in Parma. Please contact Mike Jones for more information at (216) 799-8867. Information on the iPRADCO assessments can be found at www.ipradco.com.

Ohio Department of Development unveiled the Ohio Ambassador Program - This new program is designed to help Ohioans share what they love about living and working in Ohio. Whether it is through conversations with friends from out of state or in discussions with business partners across the world, Ohio Ambassadors will share why Ohio is the "state of perfect balance." For more information visit http://ambassador.ohio.gov/OhioCommodores.aspx.


EfficientGovNow Names Nine Project Finalists - The EfficientGovNow program, presented by the Fund for Our Economic Future as part of the ANEO Choice Awards, aims to accelerate government collaboration and efficiency by providing as much as $300,000 in funding to as many as three collaborative government projects from throughout Northeast Ohio. For more information visit http://www.efficientgovnow.org/


Fidelity Voice and Data offers Co-location Grant Program - Fidelity Voice and Data understands what it takes to start a technology based business having done so themselves right here in Cleveland over 10 years ago. We believe Cleveland is a tremendous place and home to a great deal of talented technology companies that are doing very interesting things. They will be selecting 5 start up ventures less than one year old, having less than $250,000.00 in annual revenues and headquartered in Ohio to utilize space in our world class co-location center in downtown Cleveland. For more information visit http://www.fidelityvoice.com/grant.htm.

Resource Directory for job seekers and employers

Have you heard that Ohio's unemployment rate has topped 10%? Did you hear there is a great new resource for employers and job seekers?

Let's focus on the good news - there's hope, people are trying, this is a regional effort and you're not alone...

The website, www.wheretofindhelp.org, is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Regional Talent Network in an effort to provide one source for employers and job seekers to find the information they need. This information has been pulled together by volunteers and is continually looking for updated information. If you have information you can add please visit their website.

Please pass this information on to anyone that is in need of a job or may know of a resource that would assist in the job placement process.

Ford plant reopen - reasons to celebrate

The Ford plant in Brookpark that has been idle since 2007 reopened with a big celebration today

Why celebrate? Let me list the reasons...

1. The plant reopened after almost 2 years
2. People are returning to work
3. The product that is being made is geared toward fuel efficiency
4. This story was carried in USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, CTV.ca (Canada!), The Wall Street Journal and many other national news organizations
   - this is an extremely positive picture for Cleveland!
5. The engine has 15% lower CO2 emissions
6. There is the potential for much more work for this plant

Be grateful today Cleveland and celebrate - there is good news!

MHS Science Olympiad finishes seventh at national tournament

Congratulations to the students at Mentor High School for finishing seventh out of sixty teams in the national science Olympiad tournament.

Additional details are available on the Mentor High School website

Ohio Recovery - Good news

Do you know about the State of Ohio American Recovery and Reinvestment Act? As federal funds trickle to the state level the website http://www.recovery.ohio.gov/ provides information on where the money is being spent and what funding is available.

There are four types of funding opportunities:

• Individuals (money distributed through appropriate channels)
• Funds distributed by the state
• Funds distributed by the local organizations
  
• Funds distributed by the U.S. government

To find out what opportunities there are visit their website

Entrepreneur looking for funding? Deadline noon, May 15

Project: Cuyahoga County New Product Loan Fund

Entrepreneurs and companies under $50 million in revenue are eligible to apply for the Cuyahoga County New Product Development and Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.

The current application round is now open. The deadline is noon on Friday, May 15, 2009.

For full details visit the MAGNET website

Want more good news? Check out the post Positive Change in Northeast Ohio - April 2009 Recap on NEOinc.

YWCA Women of Achievement 2009

I had the pleasure of attending the YWCA Women of Achievement awards luncheon yesterday. The event was wonderfully put together at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland. I was happy to see that despite the tough economic times there appeared to be a full house.

The luncheon began with Loree Vick, Director, Media and Public Relations, University Hospitals, who welcomed the group and announced the Women of Professional Excellence. This honor was given to 57 participants from area companies. The award is presented to women whose contributions have been recognized by their employers. Each recipient had a chance to walk across the stage and receive their award before returning to their seat.

The YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by U.S. Representative Marcia L. Fudge to the family of the late U.S. Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The speech by Representative Fudge and and slide show of Representative Tubbs Jones were inspirational. We were offered a glimpse of why Stephanie Tubbs Jones lived up to the honor of an exceptional woman who exemplified the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. She truly deserved this recognition.

Barbara Danforth, President & CEO of WYCA Greater Cleveland, informed the audience of some of the new initiatives. Two incredible programs worth noting are the Nurturing Independence and Aspirations (NIA) and Peer Awareness Communication Training (PACT). These programs, geared toward teen and young adults, provide transition and life-skill training to girls coming out of foster care or that are in disadvantaged areas.

The Dr. Jennie S. Hwang award was presented to Maya Alunkal at Case Western Reserve University. Ms. Alunkal is a Environmental Geology major with a 4.0 GPA.

The Women of Achievement Award was established in 1977. Since then, 194 women have been recognized with this distinguished honor. The five women honored this year;
Virginia Albanese, President & CEO, FedEx Custom Critical
Judith A. Feniger, Executive Director, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Gena C. Lovett, Plant Manager, Cleveland Works, Alcoa
Maria Jose Pujana, M.D. Neurologist and Neurophysiologist/President, Marise Jewelry Designs Co.
Marcia J. Wexberg, Esq., Partner, Estate & Succession Planning Group Chair, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Overall this was an incredible event. I strongly recommend that all women look into the YWCA and see what they have to offer. There are many programs geared toward career and life advancement.

Congratulations to all.

NEO continues to thrive in the new technologies market

Northeast Ohio dominates latest round of Third Frontier grants
Six companies and three institutions that won the grants received nearly 75% of the $40.1 million that the Ohio Third Frontier Commission awarded Tuesday afternoon. The awards are contingent upon State Controlling Board approval.

Read the full article on Crain's Cleveland

Good news indeed - JumpStart helps grow local economy

A new report out of Cleveland State University's Center for Economic Development proves that the money invested in local nonprofits to assist start up and early stage companies is paying off.

The article in the Akron Beacon Journal indicates that because of the investments by JumpStart Inc. the regional economy grew $75.7 million in 2008. Specifically the following achievements were highlighted:

• Helping to generate $8.3 million in taxes.

• Creating or retaining 502 jobs.

• Producing $20.9 million in household income.

Kudos to JumpStart! Read the full article

Back on track and looking for good news

I had to take a break for a bit to get some other things taken care of but I'm back now and more determined then ever to pass around success stories in Cleveland. I'll continue to share links to published stories I find, but I want more!

There are companies that are making profits, hiring new employees, landing new deals, creating new products - things that never make the news. These are the stories I want to share. So give yourself some credit or give someone else some credit, we're all in this together.

Cleveland is a city that is thriving, now let's get the news out!

Perk Up Cleveland - The mug is overflowing with good news

New Projects
Timken signs deal with Chinese wind power company
http://crainscleveland.com/article/20090309/FREE/903099978
Local firms in on FBI project in Indy
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090309/FREE/903069935
A. Schulman enters into development pact with nanoScience Engineering
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090310/FREE/903109955
PolyOne, Zyvex Performance Materials enter development agreement
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090312/FREE/903129968/1088/rss01&rssfeed=rss01

Grants Received
Think-a-Move wins $75,000 grant
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090309/FREE/903069932
Cleveland State researchers snare nearly $3 million in grants in '09
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090310/FREE/903109968
Case Western Reserve medical school wins almost $1 million in grants
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090310/FREE/903109965
Cleveland Clinic shares in $2.2 million federal grant
http://crainscleveland.com/article/20090311/FREE/903119969/1007/rss01&rssfeed=rss01

Awards
Cleveland Public Library ranked as one of the top libraries in the nation
http://pureblogneohio.blogspot.com/2009/03/cleveland-public-library-ranked-as-one.html
Economic development magazine names Ohio top project winner in 2008
http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2009/03/economic_development_magazine.html

Stimulus Projects
NOACA identifies $53 million for stimulus-aided infrastructure projects
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090312/FREE/903129966/1004/rss01&rssfeed=rss01

Earnings & Financial
Lincoln Electric Holdings and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. both got good news from analysts
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090310/BLOG01/903109949
Preformed Line Products sees fourth-quarter earnings climb
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20090312/FREE/903129963/1103/rss01&rssfeed=rss01
Progressive Corp. posts big increase in February earnings
http://crainscleveland.com/article/20090311/FREE/903119967/1099/rss01&rssfeed=rss01

Perk Up Cleveland - Send me your good news

Let's start of the week with a positive attitude! If you know of someone that has won an award, a company that is doing well, an organization that has had a success - let me know. Any good news is welcome!

You can leave me a comment or send an email to dclark@2aTconsulting.com.

Perk Up Cleveland - Yes, Cleveland is a success! 10+ stories to prove it

There are so many great stories about successes in Cleveland -

Cleveland: Mayor Jackson delivers 'State of the City' speech - everyone should read this article in the PD, it provides highlights from the speech that were provided to the media. I can only hope this makes the front page tomorrow because THIS is what we need to hear! Here are just a few highlights:

1. Cleveland's budget is balanced - without layoffs (how many major cities can say this???)
   
2. Cleveland is providing loans to local businesses
3. Mayor Jackson is investing $1.5 billion in our neighborhoods
4. There is and will continue to be increased regional cooperation
5. Partnering with Cuyahoga County to make Cleveland a leader in wind power generation, both on-shore and off-shore
   
6. In August, Mayor Jackson will host a three-day summit, bringing together everyone from CEOs to students to create an action plan for building a green economy for Cleveland's future.

As a follow up to yesterday's yippie skippy on the CAVS, I can add that they clinched a playoff spot! Read the article from the PD

LaunchTown is being proactive and encouraging the success of tomorrow. Read about the contest encouraging college students to submit ideas for new products or services.
services.

Congratulations Michael DeAloia, James DeRosa and Francis Valencheck. Three out of the 53 emerging American leaders awarded the prestigious Marshall Memorial Fellowship are from Cleveland! Congratulations gentlemen, this is a great achievement.

Another winner this week is Caroline Keleman. She won first in the state for a doll she submitted at the Ohio Latin Convention in Columbus over the weekend. Congratulations Caroline!

Hats off to Women of Excellence that will be recognized next week; SARI FELDMAN, Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library; APRIL MILLER BOISE, Partner-in-Charge, Thompson Hine; TINA HAMRICK, President, NAWBO & Partner, SJK Beringer Group Read the bios of these fascinating women

There's been a lot of publicity regarding the PNC deal, here's a bit of good news to come out of it - they are donating $2 million to introduce preschoolers to the arts

Sheffield Lake has a plan for a green economic development opportunity. If their wind turbine plan is successful it will become one of the first cities in Northeast Ohio to use the turbines to support part of its downtown.

Cleveland's Hopkins Airport's AirMall lands seven new tenants!

Our friends in Akron are having a lot of success too!

University of Akron ranks seventh in tech revenue - best efficiency in U.S. Ken Prestn, associate vice president for research and director of technology transfer for the university said, ''We have the ability to convert research into commercialization and revenue at a better rate than other schools that have vastly more research going on, these numbers are great for 2007.'' For all the details, check out the article on ohio.com.

The PD is reporting that developer Stuart Lichter plans to keep Ohio projects moving. I love this quote "We are not dropping anything," Lichter said. "There's no choice but to believe there's a future and we're going to get past this." The specific project mentioned is the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s new world headquarters.

Cleveland Success Stories Come Rolling In

I am so excited by the responses I am getting regarding this blog! Thanks to everyone that is sending information my way. There is a lot to report - but I know there's more out there so keep on sending me updates!

Thank you Mary Patton for the update on the Cleveland Carbon Fund. This project is definitely a success on many different levels.

1. This is the FIRST community-based, open-access carbon reduction fund in the United States
2. This was a collaborative effort between the Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Cleveland Clinic, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the City of Cleveland
3. There is a direct benefit to Cleveland neighborhoods
4. The program will result in local carbon reduction
   

If you are in a position where you need to give gifts to clients or to speakers (or anyone else for that matter) I encourage you to make a donation online in their name (seriously, how many clocks does one person need). There is a space to indicate if it is in some one's memory or honor.

You can find out more information by reading the following PD article Community carbon reduction fund established to help environment


Good news from the CAVS camp just keeps coming. In addition to a 47-12 record, they have just agreed to terms with forward/center Joe Smith on Tuesday evening. Find out more from the News Herald article.

Thanks for reading - remember, the mug is half full so perk up!

Links to good news!

Check out the following links for some more great stories

From The Plain Dealer

Developer Stuart Lichter plans to keep Ohio projects moving

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2009/03/developer_stuart_lichter_plans.html

JumpStart to use $1.7 million to mold job-creating businesses

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2009/03/jumpstart_to_use_17_million_to.html

Local Businesses Expanding and Receiving Loans

It was great to receive so many positive comments on the concept of the blog. Please keep sending stories!

Dryck Bennett of National Development Council passed along some great information on local businesses expanding in the area. Growth Capital Corp, a local SBA lender, has approved over $20 million dollars in loans since October 2008. In January, the SBA approved 2 SBA 504 loans for Growth Capital totaling $543,000 creating as many as 17 new jobs in the State of Ohio.

These are the types of stories we need to hear more about!

This Is Gary Gnu. And The No Gnews Is Good Gnews Show. The Only TV Gnews Program Guaranteed To Contain No Gnews Whatsoever

Ah, the Great Space Coaster and the loveable Gary Gnu with his famous intro "This Is Gary Gnu. And The No Gnews Is Good Gnews Show. The Only TV Gnews Program Guaranteed To Contain No Gnews Whatsoever." As a news junkie I spend hours every day reading news articles, comments, blogs and just about anything else that catches my eye. Lately I feel like I've stumbled into the world of Gary Gnu - a world without good news.

The one thing I've learned is that Cleveland has a lot of success stories; unfortunately, most of them are never heard. It's time for something new which is why I've started this blog, "Perk Up Cleveland." The only news will be good news. If you have a success, send it my way, I'll be glad to post it. I'll be reaching out to the many contacts I've made over the years and asking for them to contribute as well.

You can send your success stories to me at dclark@2aTConsulting.com.

The goal is to focus on the positive so please keep comments in check. So, Perk Up Cleveland, the mug is half full!