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 - 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!

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!