COSE Mind Your Business September/October 2016

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

WWW.COSE.ORG

Mind Your Business TIPS, TRENDS, IDEAS AND INSIGHTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

PROJECT ROUNDUP

A list of development projects underway in Northeast Ohio and what they mean for small business [5]

VOTERS GUIDE

What you need to know about the critical measures that will be on the ballot in November [10]

WISH LIST

These are the economic development gaps Northeast Ohio needs to address, according to our panel of local execs [14]

MOVING FORWARD

Northeast Ohio is matching its time in the spotlight with a bevy of projects going on around the region. We give you the rundown of what’s going on and what’s needed to keep the momentum going.

Every Great Business Starts with Great Employees A competitive benefits package that includes a high-quality health insurance plan can help you find the best employees for your small business team. As the oldest and largest health insurer in Ohio, we partner with COSE to offer benefit plans that work for small businesses. So, whether you’re hiring your first employee or growing your business, we have a solution.

To find out more about Medical Mutual plans offered through COSE, please contact your broker or the COSE Benefits Team at Medical Mutual at (440) 878-5930.

2 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

contents 4 MEMO 5 FORWARD MOMENTUM

Northeast Ohio is riding high right now amid a bevy of economic development projects. But how do they impact you as a small business owner?

A number of important issues are going to be on your ballot this year. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision at the polls.

VOTE

10 VOTERS GUIDE 12 EXPERT’S EDIT

Casey Gerald, co-founder and CEO of MBAs Across America and a keynote at this year’s BizConCLE, explains the biggest threats to your business in 2017 and what you should be doing to overcome them.

14 VIEW FROM THE TOP

From the RNC to massive downtown redevelopment to a NBA title, Northeast Ohio has found itself in the spotlight quite a bit. Our panel of business leaders discuss what the next focus areas should be to keep the region in the limelight.

18 ON THE SCENE

Couldn’t make it to the OHTec and to the OHTec and GCP CIO Symposium earlier this month? Not to worry! We have you covered (in pictures, at least).

20

DIVERSITY

BY THE NUMBERS

Diversity is key to a growing economy.

Here’s a by-the-numbers look at how Northeast Ohio stacks up.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 3

MEMO

Momentum. Got it.

Keep it. Grow it.

M

omentum. It can make the difference in the way you look at your business, your opportunities and your day ahead. Some say that the most important ingredient for success is the way you approach your work and the attitude you

bring to it every day.

Right now, Northeast Ohio is seeing some of that momentum. For years, we’ve been quietly rebuilding our city, its amenities and its connectivity to our neighborhoods and outlying suburbs. This summer was a bit like an unveiling. First we put more than a million people downtown for our NBA victory celebration — without significant incident or difficulty. Then we brought more than 50,000 people, including 15,000-plus members of the media to the region — occupying hotels from Sandusky to Lake County and south to Akron for the Republican National Convention. The recognition and double-takes Northeast Ohio received this summer were fun to see and a point of pride for many in our

Mind Your Business

A PUBLICATION OF THE COUNCIL OF SMALLER ENTERPRISES COUNCIL OF SMALLER ENTERPRISES STEVE MILLARD Executive Director smillard@cose.org MEGAN KIM Managing Vice President, Membership Development & Marketing mkim@cose.org SHAWN A. TURNER Content Director sturner@cose.org DAN ROMAN Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations droman@cose.org

community. It would be an understatement to say that good things have been happening.

CONTRIBUTORS KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE

There is still work to do, however. Unfortunately, our city and its profile has attracted

ALLISON HALCO DRANUSKI

some unwanted attention. Outside groups have brought two ballot petition initiatives to raise the City of Cleveland’s minimum wage to $15/hour and to create a “Parttime workers bill of rights.” That’s the kind of national attention we don’t want. If the outsiders driving these initiatives win, it will set back Cleveland as a place to locate and grow your business. Fortunately, as you will read, we’ve dodged those issues in the November election. Two additional issues serve to support continued progress in Cleveland’s schools and neighborhoods and need your support.

And, while we accelerated the build out of our region’s infrastructure in advance of the RNC, this issue provides some insight from small business owners about the impact of the work done to date and ideas for continuing our revitalization.

Just like in our businesses, the region will always have a little more work to do. I hope this issue will provide some insight and continue to build your confidence that our forward momentum will continue!

STEVE MILLARD Executive Director, COSE

smillard@cose.org | 216.592.2436

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TERRI KEVANY MCKINLEY WILEY STACI BUCK Art Director COSE.ORG CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Design and Production Services

Downtown development is driving a more robust regional economy that creates promising opportunities for businesses and those who live, work and play in Cleveland.

B M

G M

U IL IN OM D U ENT

By KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 5

W

e proved it to the world. Cleveland can handle one of the largest events with rustbelt revival style, grace and seamless execution.

Preparing to host the Republican National Convention meant revamping infrastructure, building accommodations from the ground up and wiping the grit off of “old downtown” to reveal a character-filled, amenities-rich city center that could serve as a successful venue. Actually holding the event honed our expertise as the ultimate concierge for thousands of travelers.

“We demonstrated that Cleveland can do that level of planning and we are in a new era for the hospitality community here,” says Joe Roman, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Hotels, restaurants, housing and other businesses that have populated downtown in the last several years contribute to a vibrant place for young professionals and companies. “If you want to attract top talent, you need those kinds of (urban) housing options connected to great transportation,” Roman says.

The infrastructural investments throughout Northeast Ohio tell the story of a comeback city.

The region is seeing unprecedented growth in tourism and jobs, with more than $3.5 billion in new visitor-related development completed or underway in Cuyahoga County and more than $4.6 billion throughout Northeast Ohio, according to a Destination Cleveland report.

For business owners, “The investment in this region has helped propel Cleveland’s reputation as a visitor destination and people are definitely starting to take notice,” says Jennifer Kramer, senior communication manager for Destination Cleveland. “In addition to our amazing culinary scene, hotels and world-class attractions, the businesses that are moving downtown offer our visitors wonderful retail options.”

Kramer cites two anchors that relocated downtown this year — Geiger’s and Heinen’s.

Seeing the city rise up is inviting — and inspiring.

Vince Salvino, president, CodeRed LLC, has lived downtown for three years and located his business there in early 2016.

“We’re right on Public Square, and the

The $50-million project to renovate Public Square changed the landscape of downtown’s central gathering space. Photo courtesy of ThisisCleveland.com. revamping of that area has had a direct impact on us,” he relates. “It used to be that people didn’t want to come downtown to meet, but now it’s a draw. It’s a selling point — ‘Why don’t you come down here for our next meeting and check out what’s going on at Public Square?’”

Surrounding development has resulted in amenities that make living and working downtown easier, Salvino adds. “As a small business owner, I save a lot of time by living and working downtown. I can walk and get what I need without leaving — all the essentials are here.”

Michael Stanek, owner of Cleveland Cycle Tours, spends hours weekly touring the neighborhoods, specifically Tremont and Ohio City, where redevelopment began sooner than downtown. He has

6 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

watched these pockets evolve and, today, reach a point of maturity where they are true, destination districts. Now he’s looking forward to connecting the dots — development that will “pave the way” between the city’s neighborhoods.

Roman refers to “gap-filling projects” in downtown’s city center such as redeveloping historic buildings like the 925 Euclid Building, formerly Huntington Bank.

Year-to-date, projects such as these have helped bring in more than $270 million in total investment to Greater Cleveland.

“There is potential for new mixed-use development in the Warehouse District where there are surface parking lots,” Roman says. “And there is new housing potential at Playhouse Square.”

Room for further growth exists, as the

GCP business development team has identified more than 1 million additional square feet of commercial/industrial real estate for business attraction, retention and expansion activities.

Perhaps the ultimate gap filler will be the completion of a pedestrian bridge that Roman says is “unfinished business” from the RNC, as re-visioning and rehabilitating Public Square took precedence. “That will provide an exciting way for people to get from our downtown business district to the lakefront,” he says. Seventy-five percent of the dollars for that bridge is committed, Roman says. And, every lakefront plan in the last 35 years shared one common feature: a pedestrian bridge to connect downtown and the lake. “We need to make sure that happens.”

Businesses naturally benefit from all of these efforts.

“The small business community is front and center,” Roman says, pointing specifically to the hospitality industry that has boomed in the last couple of years.

“We have all of the amenities here now — including one of the finest convention centers in the country — and a track record for handling very big events. So small business needs to be a part of that.”

Listed below are some key downtown development projects both completed and in progress. Each contributes to a strong economic development picture downtown — a boon for businesses.

A PUBLIC SQUARE REDESIGN The $50-million project to renovate

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“WE NEED TO SHOW THAT THE MARKET ALONG THE LAKEFRONT IS STRONG, AND THAT IS WHAT THESE PROJECTS (THE FLATS AND CLEVELAND LAKEFRONT DEVELOPMENT) ARE STARTING TO DO.” — Joe Roman, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Public Square changed the landscape of downtown’s central gathering space. It’s now ripe land for concerts, movies, farmers markets and other programming. A café, splash zone in summer and ice rink in winter are drawing people of all ages to come out and play downtown.

“This is where people are meant to come together to eat, talk, play and with the addition of the fountains and café, it has brought people back and Public Square is back to its original use,” Kramer says.

Salvino notes how Public Square has made meeting clients more of an “experience” because of CodeRed’s location front and center to the renovated gathering space. “The food trucks, café — the entire venue gives you a way of getting to know

clients better,” he points out.

Plus, a vibrant city center draws talent to companies like CodeRed. And, the momentum of developments like Public Square are bringing more businesses into the core. Salvino says, “I know of at least four new businesses that I have encountered during the last year here.”

PLENTY OF ROOM AND BOARD The hotel scene has gone from basic to above-and-beyond in Cleveland, a byproduct of making room for RNC guests and accommodating a growing tourist population. In 2014, 16.9 million visitors

8 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

traveled to Cuyahoga County, according to Destination Cleveland.

Hotel development included adding The Metropolitan Hotel at The 9, The Westin Cleveland Downtown and Aloft Hotel Cleveland Downtown. Additional development occurred at The Schofield Hotel, Drury Plaza Hotel and Hilton Cleveland with the $260-million, 600-room convention center.

“Before, a lot of organizations had overlooked Cleveland because we did not have a convention center or the hotels to meet attendees’ needs.”

Hospitality is booming downtown, Roman affirms. “And the hospitality industry is really driven by entrepreneurs and small businesses,” he says of restaurants and related amenities for visitors.

REVIVING THE FLATS The Flats has experienced ups and downs over the years, Stanek acknowledges. “It has changed significantly and is definitely

in an ‘up’ now,” he says. And there are no signs of stopping.

Specifically, The Flats East Bank Project Phase II rejuvenation brought new restaurants, entertainment and a 1,200 square-foot riverfront boardwalk. Additions include Punch Bowl Social, FWD Day & Night Club, Crop Rocks, and Zack Bruell’s Alley Cat among others.

Meanwhile, development continues on the West Bank, Kramer says. “Nautica continues to thrive,” she notes. Plans are “in the works” for more revitalization on the river’s western waterfront.

Stanek’s business will pursue adding cycle tour routes in The Flats. “We’d love to be part of everything that is going on down there,” he says, relating how a growing downtown means potential expansion for his small business.

DEVELOPING CLEVELAND’S LAKEFRONT A joint venture between Cumberland Real

Estate Development and Trammel Crow Company includes a strategy for the Cleveland Lakefront Development at a 20-plus acre site around North Coast Harbor north of Browns Stadium. Plans for a vibrant, mixeduse neighborhood will boost downtown’s residential portfolio by more than 1,000 apartments — along with 80,000 square feet of office and 50,000 square feet of retail space.

“We need to show that the market along the lakefront is strong, and that is what these projects (The Flats and Cleveland Lakefront Development) are starting to do,” Roman says.

Stanek says the Lakefront Development will “bring a neighborhood to downtown, which is something we have never had — with a school, shopping, residential space, parks, the whole bit.”

CONNECTING THE DOTS Downtown is ripe for development and in many places, under construction. Guiding

people to revitalized areas is critical for capitalizing on the investments and further driving demand downtown.

Destination Cleveland’s wayfinding and connectivity initiatives are designed to do just that. It began installing downtown’s new wayfinding system in November 2014 and was completed in time for the RNC. Those consist of 50 large pedestrian wayfinding signs, such as “heads-up” mapping to draw attention to attractions and landmarks. Plus, a five-minute walking radius prompts walkers to wander, discover and learn.

Signage is helping people find their ways to the exciting new development. Kramer says, “All of this helps to enhance the visitor and resident experience.”

With more to see and do downtown, businesses of all sizes are creating “homes” downtown and connecting the dots to each other, Salvino relates. He says, “As a small business owner downtown, the physical proximity to people who are in the same building, across the street or next door creates opportunities to do business together.” MYB

COSE extends a warm welcome to the following new members: Abel Metal

HLMS Sustainability Solutions

Rebuilding Together NEO

Advanced Surface Technologies

JACO Manufacturing

Reserve Home Health Care

Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS®

JESS HOLDINGS INC

Rino’s Woodworking

Marshall-Shaw Financial Services

Ronald S Ricci DDS Inc

Athenian Village

Mary Catherine Barrett Co LPA

Rose Brian, Inc.

Max Clean LLC

Russell Products Company Inc.

Near Westside Multiservice Corporation

Security USA

Bethlehem Family Child Care Bike Cleveland

NEO Realty Group

Sue Colelli Consulting LLC

Clear Channel Airports

New Life Cathedral

The Finicky Feline & Fido, LLC

Dakota Software Corp.

Northern Ohio Truck Center

The Krueger Group

E-Accounting Inc. CPAs Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law, LLC

Pembroke Kids Child Development Center Inc

The Pipe Line Development Company

ETHODE LLC

Phillips Electric

Transaction Realty

Gilbride & Company

Plumbing 911, Inc.

Wadsworth Real Estate, Inc.

Grob & Associates, CPAs LTD

Prugh Law, LLC

Wisr

Harrison Fleet Tire Service

Ray Gidich Heating & A/C, Inc.

YWCA of Greater Cleveland

Authentic Courier Express Avalon Image Group

Sonni Kwon Senkfor

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 9

VOTE Mind Your Business

VOTERS GUIDE: 4 ISSUES TO KNOW Learn more about the positions the Greater Cleveland Partnership and COSE is taking on four key issues and why you should care about them.

ELECTION

2016

10 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

T

he Greater Cleveland Partnership and COSE have taken a position on four issues originally expected on the November 2016 Cleveland ballot. In recent weeks, one issue has been removed from the November ballot (Cleveland part time workers’ amendment), two remain on the November ballot (Cleveland schools and income tax), and one will be voted on during a special election after November (Cleveland minimum wage). Got all that? Well, just in case you don’t, here’s a high-level summary that will go into more detail as well as reveal where COSE and GCP stand on these important issues.

November 2016 Ballot Measures CLEVELAND SCHOOLS LEVY RENEWAL HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH The GCP, COSE and their members played an instrumental role in developing The Cleveland Plan, passing the needed state legislation, and generating support for the related operating levy in 2012. The positive results of this effort is starting to show and the impact on small business is clear. “A stronger foundation for education in the City of Cleveland means small businesses will have a high-quality

talent pool to draw from to fill in their staffing needs,” says Kevin Johnson, co-chair of the GCP government affairs council and chair of the COSE caucus. The graduation rate is up, reading and math scores are improving, the college remediation rate is going down and student enrollment is growing in the district which includes high performing charter schools.

The 15 mill levy passed in 2012 is set to expire

at the end of 2016. This levy also includes a portion of funds for high-performing charter schools in our community — demonstrating the essential public/private partnership aspects of this initiative. Our membership voted strongly in support of this levy in early 2016 and is committed to raising funds to secure passage in November. This is a top priority for both COSE and GCP.

CLEVELAND INCOME TAX INCREASE HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Mayor Frank Jackson proposed an income tax increase from 2% to 2.5% to enhance services to grow and develop Cleveland neighborhoods and to lessen the impact of other revenue cuts recently imposed on the City of Cleveland. Following a lengthy

review and analysis, the GCP board voted to fully endorse the proposal that will appear on the ballot this fall. “City leaders have a strong track record managing the City budget — especially through the challenges of the late 2000s. The additional

revenue (estimated at roughly $80 million annually) ensures Cleveland remains structurally balanced and improves services desperately in need of additional resources — especially for public safety,” Johnson says.

Measure Removed from the November 2016 Ballot CLEVELAND PART-TIME WORKERS’ AMENDMENT HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH A Michigan businessman financed the signature gathering to attempt to force an issue onto the Cleveland ballot that would have fundamentally altered the relationship employers have with their part-time employees. While it was in-line to appear on the November ballot, it has since been

withdrawn by petitioners and City Council granted the request and repealed the proposal.

This charter amendment would have required specified advance notice of part-time hours, limited on-call shifts, and required pro rata equal pay and benefits between full and part-time employees working at the same

organization. The promoter of the issue acknowledged he chose Cleveland (and Youngstown) for this effort because he hoped it would impact the turnout model for the national election and because of the low signature threshold to appear on the ballot.

May 2017 Special Election CLEVELAND MINIMUM WAGE HIKE HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH A multi-state union targeted Cleveland for an almost immediate increase of the minimum wage to $15 per hour, the highest minimum wage location in the country.

The promoters modified their proposal to $12 (with steps in succeeding years to $15 per hour). A vote will not take place in November on a Cleveland-only minimum wage increase. The measure is,

however, expected to appear on the ballot in May of 2017. The GCP and COSE have opposed this initiative based on its aggressiveness and the limited geography of the proposal. “We have not stated a position against a thoughtful discussion of the state’s current minimum wage threshold, but believe a city-only wage rate would

have a devastating impact on our economy, employers and employees, and the impact of such a cost increase would have a particularly harmful effect on the small business economy,” Johnson says. MYB

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 11

EXPERT’S EDIT

My Small Business Challenge(s)

By SHAWN A. TURNER

Casey Gerald, the co-founder and CEO of MBAs Across America and a keynote speaker October 14 at BizConCLE, knows a thing or two about the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs today. During the past three years, he’s sent teams of business students more than 50,000 miles across the United States to 41 cities (including Cleveland), in 25 states, to work with nearly 75 small business owners. Detailed below are some of the most common issues he’s heard related to him from barbers to retailers to restauranteurs — and some of the advice he has to solve these problems.

MEET THE EXPERT:

Casey Gerald

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, MBAS ACROSS AMERICA

E DIT O R’S N O TE: Fo r a e lit tl e he lp on th it h (w s es oc hi ri ng pr cu s on a pa rtic ul ar fo ec k out ch inte rvie w in g), hi ri ng w w w.c os e. org/

EDITOR’S NOTE PART 2: Sorry to interject again, but Casey’s right: You do need to get out more. One way to do that is by attending one of the sessions at BizConCLE. Might we suggest the session on Oct. 13 at 2:45 p.m. titled “How to Get the Right People on the Bus and the Wrong People off”?

Learn more at www.bizconcle.com.

12 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

CHALLENGE NO. 1: Social Capital

Everyone knows finding talent is tough, but for me and my it extends beyond just a lack of talent; it’s a lack of social c on an island by myself here.

CHALLENGE NO. 2: Financial Capital

And not only is social capital a big issue for me, but just reg isn’t exactly easy to come by either. I’m in a critical growth capital is my lifeblood!

CHALLENGE NO. 3: Reinvention

As my business has grown, I’ve come to realize that my bra with it. I feel like I need to reinvent the branding I’ve been I’m not sure where to start?

What you really should be concerned about is evolution. Are you moving to your truest self, to your highest self? Are you grounded in the real story of why you do the work you do? Do you know what the world might look like when you succeed?

When you’re clear on those questions, reinvention happens as a byproduct because, as my grandmother says: “When you know better, you do better.”

EXPERT’S EDIT

I hear this all the time. “I spend so much time working in the business, that I don’t have time to work on the business.” This doesn’t need to be a lonely journey. Get back to building relationships with your suppliers, peers, etc. You never know when one of these people that you meet is going to be able to help you out down the road. The more names you have in your Rolodex, the more potential solutions you have.

small business, capital. I feel like I am out

gular old cold hard capital h stage right now and

You’re not dreaming.

So m e 7 0 % of all venture ca pital g o es cities. A n to t hree d t h at d o e sn’t e ve n a d d r ess the chall eng e sw small b us it h g et ting iness loa n s or a ng el in vestors.

EDITOR’S NOTE PART 3: OK. Last time, we promise! Getting love from a small business lender can be difficult, we know. But if you click on over to www. cose.org/myb/lenders, you’ll learn what you need to have prepared when sitting down with a capital provider.

Also, check out our Financial Resource Guide for more tips. www.cose.org/myb/ financialissue

and hasn’t really grown using on my business, but

be a Reinvention ca n da ng erous goal n lead s beca use it ofte time in not folk s to invest real ly are. being w ho th ey id e perspective Sometimes outs ab out cused thinking fo h it w lp he n ca ic tegy. Tw o sp ecif grow th and stra e ar la bl e to help resources avai al l achs 10,0 00 Sm th e G ol dman S 0k sb) ram (tri -c.edu/1 og pr s se es in us B urse egic Pla nning Co at tr S s E’ S CO rse) and tegicp la nningc ou ra st g/ or e. os .c (w w w

NEXT STEPS Want to hear more from Casey Gerald? Attend BizConCLE and listen to his keynote, as well as keynotes from Mel Robbins, creator of “The 5 Second Rule” and author and entrepreneur Gary Schoeniger.

Learn more about what you can get out of attending BizConCLE by visiting www.bizconcle.com.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 13

VIEW FROM THE TOP

WHAT I WANT IS . . .

Sure, there are plenty of economic development projects going on in and around Cleveland these days. But, hey. We’re greedy.

We want more! And so do the business leaders we sat down with.

Read on for what they want our civic leaders to focus on next.

By TERRI KEVANY

N

ortheast Ohio has been enjoying a wave of positive local, national, and, yes, even international media attention of late. Between the spotlight on Cleveland’s hosting of the Republican National Convention, the Cavaliers’ NBA Championship win, the opening of the beautifully renovated Cleveland Public Square, and Ohio’s crucial role in the upcoming presidential election, there has been no shortage of media stories about our people, our community, and our economy.

Beyond the flashy headlines, though, Northeast Ohio is experiencing a genuine revitalization — a strengthening regional economy, growing job and housing segments, and the lowest unemployment levels in a decade. Yes, things are looking up. According to rethinkCleveland.org, $8 billion in new development has been invested in the city from 2011-2015, and there are numerous large-scale development plans in the works.

As small businesses play a leading role in economic development, we asked several COSE members to weigh in with their thoughts on where to focus the region’s resources next. This might come as no surprise, but they had strong opinions.

14 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Mike Baach

Sharon Toerek

Philpott Solutions Group

Toerek Law

WHAT I WANT IS: A Culture Shift

WHAT I WANT IS: A Seat at the Table

“T

“F

he recent development in the city is incredible,” says Mike Baach, president and CEO of Philpott Solutions Group in Brunswick that employs approximately 50 people. “The influx of investment, the creation of business activity and commerce — it benefits us all. Any resources spent on economic development activity can create a turnover of those dollars many times over.”

That doesn’t mean that there isn’t more that can be done in Northeast Ohio. Specifically, Baach is looking for a jobs and culture shift. He wants a greater investment in what is required to get a great paying job.

“Economic development, coupled with an able-bodied workforce, is essential for continued growth,” says Baach.

“We need a culture shift that goes against social norms and encourages and respects the decision to go into trades and manufacturing versus the college path,” he says. “These are high-paying, skilled jobs, and there is not only demand but funds and programs in place to train people. We just need to encourage people to enter those programs.”

ocusing economic development dollars on downtown Cleveland was the right starting point,” says Sharon Toerek, principal at Toerek Law in Cleveland.

“You have to start in the center city — making it attractive for residents, businesses and visitors — and then ideally you can begin to capitalize on that momentum.”

What’s important going forward is that small business owners get a seat at the table as future projects are discussed, she says.

“I’d like to ensure that small businesses are seen as a priority and completely integrated into the economic fabric of the region,” says Toerek. “Small business must continue to have a seat at the table along with government and corporate leaders when establishing economic development priorities. COSE and the Greater Cleveland Partnership are doing a great job of giving small business a voice, and now small, middle-market, and enterprise-level corporations need to work together to keep things moving in the right direction.”

Oh, and one more thing made her list. Toerek wants big business to make a significant investment in small business.

“I’d like to see enterprise-size companies get in the game by participating in small business entrepreneurship — whether by investing directly in small businesses or creating and funding programs that help establish and encourage entrepreneurs,” she says. “Big companies should be taking calculated risks in communities that are important to them through mentoring and investments in small businesses.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 15

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Deborah Rutledge Rutledge Group

WHAT I WANT IS: Community Development

D

eborah Rutledge, COO at Rutledge Group in Cleveland, is pleased with the development of the CLE brand.

“All the new hotels and entertainment centers will serve us well economically in the long run,” she says.

“Building up the brand of CLE helps attract more residents, businesses and travel to the city, which can have a huge impact on the economy.”

And now that Cleveland has made an investment in its entertainment neighborhoods downtown, it’s time to start looking farther out, she says.

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VIEW FROM THE TOP

Tim Reynolds Tribute, Inc.

WHAT I WANT IS: More Forward Momentum

T

im Reynolds, president of Tribute, Inc., in Hudson, wants to keep the momentum the region gained during the past several months moving forward.

Reynolds believes that one thing Cleveland’s hosting of the RNC proved was the region can handle big conventions and large-scale events.

“The region can benefit from increased convention business,” he says. “As we look forward, travel, tourism and convention business

NEXT STEPS

will be a real contributor to the economy.”

And, striking a similar note as Rutledge, this will also necessitate investment in neighborhoods that surround Cleveland.

“It’s important to invest in neighborhoods that make a significant difference in not only the physical landscape and overall economic condition, but that create conditions where a quality workforce is available for area businesses,” says Reynolds. MYB

A lot of development has taken place in Cleveland of late with a lot more to come.

We asked our sources to give us their take on what they’re most looking forward to.

View a rundown of their responses by visiting www.cose.org/myb/development.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 17

ON THE SCENE

Attendees network during a break in the CIO Symposium.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MCKINLEY WILEY

OHTec’s CIO Symposium

O

n September 8, approximately 200 technology executives from across Northeast Ohio gathered for OHTec and the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s 17th Annual CIO Symposium.

The full-day event, the longest-running gathering of CIOs in Northeast Ohio, featured

a number of deep-dive “Tech Talks” from leading technology experts. This included a

discussion on the leadership lessons learned by Dr. Janet L. Kavandi, an astronaut and current director of NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center.

In addition to the Tech Talks, attendees had the opportunity to sit in on a number of breakout sessions that centered around topics such as next gen IT security; mobile strategy; and monetizing business intelligence. Also, the CIOs of the Cleveland Indians and Cuyahoga Community College shared stories of enterprise adaptability; enabling technologies; and data-driven strategic planning.

To learn more about the CIO Symposium, visit www.ciosymposium.org.

18 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ON THE SCENE

Approximately 200 technology executives from across Northeast Ohio gathered to learn about topics such as mobile strategy, next gen IT security and more at the 17th Annual CIO Symposium.

ABOVE: An attendee asks

a question during one of the sessions at the CIO Symposium.

LEFT: OHTec Chairman

Astronaut and director of NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center talks about the leadership lessons she’s learned.

Gabriel Torok addresses the approximately 200 attendees of the CIO Symposium on September 8.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 19

STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY 14 NUMBERS THAT MATTER

presented by

A program of

GREATER CLEVELAND PARTNERSHIP

Economic growth cannot be sustained without diversity. But how diverse is our region? That’s what the Commission on Economic Inclusion defined with its 15th annual diversity survey of Northeast Ohio’s employers.

More awareness of diversity by mid- and large-sized businesses leads to an environment in which opportunity is created for minority and woman-owned companies. Following are 14 key findings from the Commission’s “2015 Greater Cleveland Employers Survey on Diversity” that illustrate the diversity that exists in Northeast Ohio.

PERSPECTIVE

Data represents percentage change from 2001 to 2015

As a PERCENTAGE OF SENIOR MANAGERS, minority inclusion grew to 14.5% from 9%

MINORITY INCLUSION on boards grew to 16.2% from 14%

As a PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL WORKFORCE, the number of minorities increased to 26% from 22%

DIVERSITY IN ACTION Data represents 2015 aggregate survey results The following is based on the survey results of 85 employers representing 159,861 employees and $4.3 billion total spend in Northeast Ohio.

Percentage of non-white representatives in each category:

BOARD COMPOSITION

16.2%

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

14.5%

WORKFORCE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY

86.6%

The percentage of CEOs who REVIEW AND SIGN OFF on diversity metrics and progress

26% 8.5%

81.8%

The number of employers that LIST DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT GOALS and objectives in business and strategic plans

62.3%

Employers that HOLD MANAGERS ACCOUNTABLE to reaching diversity goals

55.4%

The number of employers that INTEGRATE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY into business plan goals

Learn how diversity and inclusion efforts can benefit your small business. Visit www.cose.org/myb/diversity

20 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

WE’RE GOING DIGITAL In 2017, Mind Your Business will be available exclusively at cose.org/myb.

So, what are the benefits to you?

1

MORE INTERACTIVE

CONTENT

2 TIMELY ANALYSIS OF THE LATEST TRENDS IMPACTING YOUR BUSINESS

3

DELIVERY DIRECTLY

TO YOUR INBOX

Questions?

Contact Shawn Turner at sturner@cose.org

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 21

Goldman Sachs provides scholarships to small business owners to grow their business.

Are you looking to grow your small business but don’t have the resources you need? Do you want practical knowledge and one-onone advice to take your business to the next level? The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is making a $500-million investment in small businesses just like yours. And, if you are selected, participation is at no cost to you.

Through a unique partnership with COSE and Cuyahoga Community College, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is offering you access to a practical business education program. Tri-C is one of only 13 sites nationally to offer this best-in-class program designed by Babson College, the nation’s leading entrepreneurship school. And you’ll get the opportunity for potential access to capital that will help your business grow and create economic opportunity for our community and the countr y.

Already, we’ve produced many success stories nationwide. You can be next. Learn more at www.tri-c. edu/10ksb or go to the next page for testimonials from the alumni of the program. The deadline for application is October 13.

October 13, 2016

22 | COSE Mind Your Business | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NEAL GROSSMAN Grossman Inc. The biggest thing I learned was how to put together a business plan that worked for me and could also work for the banks.

Using what I learned from 10,000 Small Businesses, I put a plan together and got three loan offers.

MONICA GREEN So Curly, So Kinky, So Straight, The Salon I learned adding a new salon isn’t the only way to grow. I obtained the Beauty and Barber Empowerment Center, which will have cosemetology, barbering and advance training programming. This will help me train others who can help me expand my business.

ELISABETH SAPELL All City Candy Sometimes it’s best to take a step back and look at things from a new perspective. Collaborating with other small business owners has helped me to gain unique perspectives on the challenges facing my business and to find the solutions for those challenges.

Learn more about how the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program can help your business by visiting www.tri-c.edu/10ksb/.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | COSE Mind Your Business | 23

OCTOBER 13-14

CLEVELAND, OHIO FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

CASEY GERALD

MEL ROBBINS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

CO-FOUNDER & CEO, MBAS ACROSS AMERICA

CREATOR, ‘THE 5 SECOND RULE’

GARY SCHOENIGER

AUTHOR AND ENTREPRENEUR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

HR Professionals, CPAs and lawyers: Earn continuing education credits while you attend workshops at BizConCLE.

The 2016 Small Business Convention will be held as part of the new BizConCLE, a convention bringing together Northeast Ohio businesses of all sizes for education and connections!

presented by

For more information

visit www.bizconcle.c

or to register,

om or call (216) 592

-2390