Ctownrocks1

Alexander Mann Solutions narrows permanent office search to downtown Cleveland, CEO says CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Alexander Mann Solutions, a global recruitment-services business that chose Cleveland for its U.S. hub, will focus on downtown for its offices, the company's chief executive says. Until this week, the company's leaders were torn between sites in downtown Cleveland and University Circle. Since opening temporary offices at the Tower at Erieview seven weeks ago, Alexander Mann has hired 25 people here for its only U.S. operations center -- a facility that could employ hundreds of people within a few years. Chief Executive Officer Rosaleen Blair said Wednesday that the company was "love-bombed" into choosing Cleveland over Raleigh, N.C. She said company executives were impressed with the city's enthusiasm and its plans downtown. ................................. "Why Cleveland?" she asked a crowd of about 100 people at the Science Center. "Honestly, it's really, really simple. Cleveland absolutely embodies the values that we believe in. If we talk first about passion, I'm frankly lost for words. And anybody that knows me well will know that's very, very unusual. ... The enthusiasm from everyone we met was overwhelming." http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/09/alexander_mann_solutions_narro.html#incart_river_default

Resource management company to open first U.S. office in Cleveland, eventually hire 300 people The company expects to eventually hire 300 people in the area of recruiters, support and administrative, data and technology. Cleveland will be one of five locations around the world joining Great Britain, Philippines, China and Poland where they employ over 500 people in Krakow. The company was considering a number of other U.S. cities in North Carolina, Florida in Texas when at the urging of Team NEO, the business recruiting arm of Cleveland+, they tagged a quick visit to the end of their February U.S. trip. “Halfway through their first morning they ran to me and said R.B. this is us, you just got to be here,” said Mann Founder and CEO Rosaleen Blair of the reaction of her team to Cleveland, “and it just continued.” “We just got infected with this energy,” said AMS Managing Director Jerry Collier, “when we came here it was a no brainer, we had to be a part of this community.” A decision made bigger by the fact it was made in February. “It was freezing,” he admitted, “but we got to see past some of that stuff there’s some real substance in this community. ” Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/resource-management-company-to-open-first-us-office-in-cleveland-eventually-hire-300-people#ixzz26wwB9cb1

Microsoft to open pop-up store at Beachwood Place this fall BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Microsoft has announced plans to open 32 pop-up stores in the United States and Canada this fall, including a store at Beachwood Place mall -- its only Ohio location. "These holiday stores will allow customers to have hands-on experience with and identify the best Microsoft products for their personal and gift-giving needs," a Microsoft spokeswoman said via email. She declined to say how big the store would be or when the store would open, saying that more details would be unveiled in coming weeks. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/09/microsoft_to_open_pop-up_store.html#incart_river_default

Cuyahoga County wants to hide Amtrak station from convention center view CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland's downtown Amtrak station is so ugly that Cuyahoga County wants to hide it from visitors to its grand new convention center. "The Amtrak station is an unsightly obstruction," said Jeff Appelbaum, the county's point man for the $465 million medical mart and convention center under construction on the downtown bluff overlooking the tracks. The squat brown, 36-year-old building sits center stage in the vista from the convention center's floor-to-ceiling ballroom windows. So the county has hired a landscape architect to make suggestions -- possibly blocking the station -- before the convention center opens next July. Appelbaum also wants to replace the tall trees north of the station with something smaller, to open up the view to Browns Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame beyond. http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2012/08/cuyahoga_county_wants_to_hide_amtrak_station_from_convention_center_view.html

Cincy, Cleveland medical startups outdraw Columbus newbies for capital Health-care startup companies in Ohio attracted the biggest investments in the Midwest during the first half of the year, but funding to medical-related businesses in the Columbus region was a fraction of what went to Cleveland and Cincinnati, a new report says. But investments in Columbus-area health-care startup businesses represented a relatively small share of the funding for Ohio companies. Investors pledged about $8.1 million to six nascent Central Ohio health-care operations, but they sent $104.1 million to 34 companies in Cleveland and $40.2 million to five new businesses in the Cincinnati area, which includes northern Kentucky. http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2012/08/06/cincy-cleveland-medical-startups.html

Medical Mart and Convention Center booking big events in time for next years' opening Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 7:46 PM CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland's still being built medical mart and new convention center are starting to pull in big business. The convention center, due to open two months ahead of schedule on July 1 of next year, has booked the 24th Annual Case Management Society of America Conference & Expo for June 2014. The four-day event is expected to bring in more than $4 million and attract 2,000 attendees. It would be the largest healthcare association conference held in Cleveland, according to a press release from Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. Cleveland beat out Philadelphia and Orlando to host the event. Orlando ranks as the top city in the country for hosting healthcare meetings, said MMPI spokesman Dave Johnson. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/07/medical_mart_and_convention_bo.html

Price of Progress: Longtime businesses forced out of downtown CLEVELAND -- Downtown Cleveland is an area literally on the rise. The first private construction project in nearly 20 years is well underway -- a 23-story office building on the Flats East Bank. But as more businesses are setting up shop in the area, others are being forced out. Some say it's the price of progress. As property prices go up, so does the rent. Smaller "mom and pop" stores either go under or move out. "I think Cleveland has a great story to tell. We have a new convention center, medical mart, the casino," said Cresco Real Estate Principal Rico Pietro. ............................ Meanwhile, Pietro says big retail companies are now looking at downtown Cleveland to open new stores. He wouldn't give specifics, but says these are national brands that are looking to expand. http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/252544/16/Price-of-Progress-Longime-businesses-forced-out-of-downtown

Cleveland begins small-business micro-loan project CLEVELAND — Foundations and business leaders in the Cleveland area are launching a program to make available micro-loans of less than $50,000 for small businesses. The project with the nonprofit Economic and Community Development Institute was being unveiled Tuesday in Cleveland with the first businesses to get the micro-loans. The backers include the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Huntington Bank and the Cleveland Foundation. A study of small businesses in Cleveland and its suburbs estimated a demand for $38 million in loans under $50,000. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505248_162-57473893/cleveland-begins-small-business-micro-loan-project/

Horseshoe Casino Cleveland cracking down on sagging pants, inappropriate behavior CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Horseshoe Casino Cleveland has banned sagging pants and loitering as part of a code of conduct for customers. The Horseshoe, which opened May 14, quietly posted the rules within the last few days and issued only a brief prepared statement Wednesday when asked about the reasons for the move. "Like any large entertainment center, Horseshoe Cleveland upholds standards of guest behavior in order to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all visitors and employees," spokeswoman Christina Karas said in an email. "The guidelines posted at our entrances are to notify our guests of our policies." Patrons must wear "appropriate" clothing, including shoes and shirts. Clothing cannot display offensive pictures or phrases. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/06/horseshoe_cracking_down_on_sag.html

Newsnet5 has a video of the 3D opening ceremony. http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/horseshoe-casino-cleveland-officially-opens-lines-of-people-file-in

City of Cleveland to install electric vehicle charging stations for public use CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city of Cleveland will install three public charging stations for electric vehicles this summer, taking its first step toward embracing the technology and encouraging drivers to choose the alternative fuel. City Council voted Monday night to authorize Cleveland Public Power to spend $75,000 to install and maintain the stations for a three-year period. The stations will be built at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Municipal Parking Lot near the Browns Stadium on South Marginal Road, and a third undetermined East side location. Currently, there are 54 electric vehicle charging stations in Ohio, according to CleanFuels Ohio, a nonprofit agency that promotes the use of cleaner, domestic fuels and efficient vehicles. Ten of the stations are in Cleveland -- at Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Clinic, Cuyahoga County Community College and the Baker Electric Building on Euclid Avenue. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/05/city_of_cleveland_to_install_e.html

Cleveland ranks No. 14 for top transit systems in the country, survey finds CLEVELAND - Cleveland’s public transportation falls in line with some of the country’s top transit systems, making it fairly easy to ditch your car, a survey found. A survey conducted by Walk Score , a website that scores homes and neighborhoods for walkability and life without a person vehicle, found that Cleveland ranked No. 14 – one step below Denver and several steps above other major cities like Dallas (16), Austin (21), Las Vegas (23), and Columbus (24). Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/cleveland-ranks-no-14-for-top-transit-systems-in-the-country-survey-finds#ixzz1tAY7svw6

-If there is a better thread for this please move it I attempted a quick search. Hard Rock to unveil plans for Northfield Park slots-only casino NORTHFIELD, Ohio - Two weeks after announcing its partnership with Northfield Park to operate a slots-only racino at the harness racing track, officials from Hard Rock International will unveil their plans for the 115-acre site in northern Summit County. Northfield Park owner Milstein Entertainment partnered with Hard Rock to build and operate the $275 million gaming and entertainment center. ...................... The facility will be built adjacent to the existing grandstand and include a Hard Rock Café, premium steakhouse and generate around 1,000 permanent jobs and around 1,000 construction jobs. Milstein said a hotel is not planned in the first phase of construction but does factor into Northfield’s long-term plans. http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_summit/hard-rock-to-unveil-plans-for-northfield-park-slots-only-casino

Cleveland Museum of Art has big economic impact, new study says CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A new study shows that the Cleveland Museum of Art is more than a treasure house of masterpieces. It’s a nonprofit business expected to generate roughly $140 million in economic activity in Cuyahoga County by the end of its 2012 fiscal year on June 30. By spending $40 million a year on its operations, the museum triggers a total of $60 million in economic impact. The other $80 million in impact comes from spending by 109,000 visitors a year who come to the museum from outside Ohio, or roughly one-third of the audience. The out-of-towners bring new dollars to the community for everything from hotels and car rentals to restaurants and souvenirs.Their spending supported or created 663 jobs, the study says. ........................... http://www.cleveland.com/arts/index.ssf/2012/04/cleveland_museum_of_art_has_a.html

Michael Symon is trying to rally people but I think it might be too late. https://twitter.com/#!/chefsymon

Also if you vote from a different browser it will let you vote again from the same computer. I had chrome, firefox and IE and it let me vote from each one.

I tried getting some people but now we are going down quickly :(. Wonder what gave them a big push at the end here.

CLEVELAND - We all know Cleveland rocks, but we need to show Kansas City. Vote for Cleveland as the location for the Social Media Tourism Symposium. What is #SoMeT12? It's a conference that will be held Nov. 7-9 at a location determined by you. What makes the conference unique is that it's all based on the involvement of attendees throughout the entire process. You have a voice in everything from the location to the session topics and presenters. The symposium will consist of a combination of destination marketing organizations, hotels, resorts, attractions and any other tourism related entities sharing ideas and learning more about how social media is effecting promotion within the travel industry. Cleveland is trailing Kansas City in votes as of this post, but as Betsy Decillis commented on the symposium's Facebook page: Having # SoMeT12 in the city that houses the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame? Um, this is a no brainer! If you agree, help show Kansas City we are worthy of hosting the conference. You can vote for Cleveland by following this link: http://on.wews.com/HigAn9 https://apps.facebook.com/offerpop/Participate.psp?c=94604&u=24237&a=153839431317646&p=116634895018479&rest=0 Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/cleveland-needs-your-vote-to-host-2012-social-media-tourism-symposium#ixzz1qRJvQlqI

These are just some random shots I took while being in the crowd. I decided to enjoy myself a little more this year instead of just taking pictures :drunk: East 4th around 2:00 P1090224 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090218 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090217 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090223 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090222 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090227 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090219 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr More Random Shots P1090212 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090212 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090199 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090199 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090176 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090198 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090197 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090209 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090207 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090210 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090202 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090204 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090206 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090191 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090189 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090187 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090190 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090184 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090186 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090213 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr This was an hour or two after the parade P1090231 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090225 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr P1090194 by Ctownrocks1, on Flickr

It took me 25-30 minutes to cross E.4th street and at one point we couldn't move for about 10 miniutes. Some people were hanging out of the windows along east 4th and some were even dancing on a not so wide ledge. I think Public Square was not as bad as last year in terms of the crowd but almost everywhere else it was busier. I also took the bus instead of the rapid this year and luckily I picked up the bus in Old Brooklyn because after my stop it was already packed and the bus didn't really bother stopping at any other stops. We drove by at least 10 stops that had 15+ people waiting to get on. Also it didn't seem like the bus driver cared what was going on in the bus though because people weren't even hiding their alcohol and were openly drinking from cans and bottles and a couple of people were smoking on the bus as well. With that said it was still less rowdy and obnoxious then the rapid was last year. On the way back one guy made a comment to the bus driver saying their should be a law against this many people on the bus in which the bus driver responded there is a law but nobody cares... I'm sure since this only happens a couple times a year its not really a big deal.

High rental prices at Uptown apartments in University Circle may test the market (slideshow) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The apartments at Uptown in University Circle represent a different style of renting in Cleveland: Wide, curving hallways with a cool color palette, leading to modern, white living spaces. At $1,325 to $2,260 per month, those apartments also represent a stretch toward higher prices, in a city that's just starting to see modest rent growth spurred by strong demand. Local apartment occupancy is at its highest level in more than a decade, and developers are scouring downtown Cleveland and University Circle for new rental opportunities. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/high_rental_prices_at_uptown_apartments_in_university_circle_may_test_rates_at_other_buildings_slideshow.html

Cleveland casino: First slot machines arrive CLEVELAND -- Cleveland's new Horseshoe Casino has been taking shape, but lacking the cornerstones for a gambling emporium, gaming machines, that is until now. Thursday, the first of 2,100 slot machines began being unloaded and carried into the casino-in-the making. 1,100 machines are in this delivery http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/233293/3/Cleveland-casino-First-slot-machines-arrive

Tax relief for small Cleveland music clubs CLEVELAND (AP) - Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson has offered small music clubs a deal to help defuse a feud over the city's 8% admission tax. A new mayor's proposal introduced this week would apply the tax to only 25% of ticket money collected by clubs holding up to 250 concert-goers. The proposal would apply the tax to 50% of the money collected by clubs holding 250 to 500. http://www.wfmj.com/story/17053859/tax-relief-for-small-cleveland-music-clubs

This data is a bit old but in 2006 Ohio was ranked 27th for Violent Crime http://www.census.gov/statab/ranks/rank21.html

-Nothing much in terms of development or news but this story had a picture and caption of Steel Yard - Shoppers head into the Walmart store at the Steelyard Commons shopping complex in Cleveland in this Feb. 2 photo. Not sure if its just me but local pictures have been used a lot lately in national stories. Retail sales rise in January, with and without auto sales WASHINGTON – Americans rebounded from a weak holiday season and increased spending on retail goods in January, an encouraging sign for the strengthening economy Retail sales rose at a seasonally adjusted 0.4% last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Consumers spent more on electronics, home and garden supplies and sporting goods at department and general merchandise stores and at restaurants and bars. Consumers spent less on cars in January, the report showed, even though automakers previously reported higher sales in January. That suggests dealers offered discounts in order to boost sales. Low interest rates, better loan availability and new car models have helped drive sales higher in the last three months. http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/story/2012-02-14/retail-sales-inventories/53088312/1