Inspired Innovation

GCP’s Annual Event shares insight on the importance of public and private partnerships in moving Cleveland forward.

The gorgeous atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art was the perfect backdrop for Greater Cleveland Partnership’s (GCP) Annual Event, which hosted more than 1,000 Greater Clevelanders earlier this summer.

Carrying the theme of “Inspired Innovation,” the event featured a full slate of speakers and panelists who shared their insights and ideas on how public and private partnerships can move our region forward.

GCP Partnership Board Chair Paul Dolan opened by challenging the crowd.

“What if we constantly think bigger, act bolder and move forward with confidence? What if we embrace innovation and strive for excellence? What if we endeavor for impact on a global scale?” Dolan asked.

“In the last year, we have set our ‘All In’ vision and plan for Greater Cleveland to once again become one of the great regions in the Great Lakes. The foundation for our success is our ‘All In’ values, which start with being inspired and end with always acting in unity, for the community’s benefit.”

GCP’s “All in Vision for a Great Region on a Great Lake” has five key priorities: dynamic business, abundant talent, inclusive opportunity, appealing community and business confidence.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted delivered the keynote address, which focused on the importance of innovation for statewide growth.

“Innovation has been the key to progress for all of history,” Husted said during the address, not that innovation and “tech supremacy” are essential to Ohio and

America’s security and progress. More specifically, he spoke to the potential of Intel’s $20 billion investment outside of Columbus to impact the state and called on civic leaders to stop “putting up barriers.”

Husted also spoke about the benefits of Ohio’s TechCred workforce development program, which helps Ohioans learn new skills while helping employers build a stronger workforce with skills needed in a technology-based economy. He also cited the promise of Cleveland’s Innovation District.

“Ohio is a state on the rise,” Husted noted, identifying 48 companies that have recently moved here from the coasts.

Other speakers included GCP President and CEO Baiju Shah and Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) Executive Director Megan Kim.

“It is fitting to be talking about being inspired here at the Cleveland Museum of Art — a globally renowned museum and home to so many inspired artworks,” said Shah. “The museum was founded in 1916 by civic-minded business leaders, and more than 100 years later, their legacy of a museum ‘for the benefit of all people, forever’ endures.

“The spirit of business leaders engaging and advancing our community is at the core of the Greater Cleveland Partnership,” he added.

COSE’s Kim focused on entrepreneurs in the small business community in her remarks.

“The risk takers, the rebels, the innovators… the people who decided to follow their passion, those who dug their heels in, went against the grain and became the boss of their own destiny,” Kim said. “Those who define Greater Cleveland’s small business community, make it stronger, more diverse, more accomplished and more impactful.”

The evening concluded with the Shatten Award Presentation, given in honor of Richard Shatten, the late leader of Cleveland Tomorrow. GCP presents this award annually to recognize nonprofit professionals who have had significant impact while exhibiting qualities reminiscent of Richard Shatten’s spirit.

This year’s honorees are from the Cleveland Foundation: Ronald B. Richard, former president and CEO; Lillian A. Kuri, president and CEO; and India Pierce Lee, former senior vice president, programming.

“Throughout their time together, they have provided leadership on key civic priorities, leveraging their platform to convene the community, catalyze initiatives and drive impact that is felt throughout our region,” said Dolan.

COMMUNITY // BY LEE FISHER