Initiatives for 2007

The partners in Advance Northeast Ohio plan to launch several specific initiatives in 2007. This site will provide regular updates on the progress of these initiatives and other initiatives that are part of the plan.

 

Initiatives planned or launched in 2007 include:

 

  • Cleveland +: A multi-million dollar marketing campaign to promote the benefits of the region to businesses, tourists and conventions.  The campaign highlights the strengths and diversity of the region as a whole and is aimed primarily at those out-of-town who make business and travel decisions, as well as encourage residents to be proud ambassadors of the region. Contact Cleveland Plus to include your organization's information in their monthly newsletter.

  • Minority Business Accelerator to assist mid-sized to large minority-owned enterprises to boost sales by more than 20% and more than double employment. Supported through $1 million grant by the Fund for Our Economic Future.

  • Regional High-Tech and Health Care Jobs Portal shines a spotlight on the large number of available jobs in the region’s health care, technology and biosciences industries. The portal went live in April and was updated in June.

  • Early stage capital fundraising campaign to help address the region’s need for $375 million in seed and early-stage capital over the next five years. This campaign is expected to get rolling this summer.

  • Pathway Innovation Project that will improve student transition from high school into higher education and/or the job market. The Gund Foundation, Cleveland Foundation and Jennings Foundation are working with the  Fund to identify the best way to proceed with this project.

Two major studies that are part of Advance Northeast Ohio will likely result in new programs.

  • Northeast Ohio Mayors and Managers Association’s exploration of revenue tax sharing.

  • Northeast Ohio Universities Collaboration and Innovation Study Commission, which is looking at the operations of the state universities in the area. Ohio Chancellor Eric Fingerhut has said he will use the recommendations from this commission to propose  reforms to the  Legislature by Jan. 1, 2008.