-
Reasons for Hope
Categories:
This morning WCPN, Cleveland’s public radio station, aired a report on the many responses AdvanceNortheastOhio.org received regarding why you and your fellow residents of Northeast Ohio have hope for the future.
Thank you to everyone for sharing your reasons for hope, and if you’d like to add your thoughts please feel free to comment on this post. Or you can read the original post here and join the conversation.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Trackback URL for this post:
http://www.advancenortheastohio.org/trackback/269
-
More Reasons for Hope
Categories:
The reasons for Hope for Northeast Ohio keep streaming in. These ideas from you — the residents of the region — should inspire us all to build a brighter future for everyone.
You can read the full compilation by following the links available here.
And below are a few more e-mails that I’ve received recently:
Three recent local stories indicate some very positive implications for Northeast Ohio.
1. Major focused development in East Akron to build new headquarters for Goodyear, re-develop a large area, and re-use existing corporate structures. The investment should have major positive impact on Northeast Ohio. It has helped to focus local and state government involvement.
2. Akron schools just completed the first phases of a new educational program to provide an additional aid to school children to make better choices in dealing with problems and avoiding gang activity.
3. Within the last week there have been reports of a new ‘high-tech’ additive the Akron is adding to the salt-brine for snow/ice control – beet juice. It’s reported to improve melting action at low temperatures and reduce salt damage to streets and cars. Also, it is non-staining, not beet red. Seems to be a great idea, something new, simple, and effective.
I offer three suggestions, although they are not unique of novel:
– Cleveland solidifies a reputation (building on its past in this area) as a center for innovation for the future – in medicine, fresh water studies, alternative energy and others. Creativity does not cost a dime! We need to market ourselves as such so others think of us in this way and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
– Similar to the above, I believe that we have the ability to truly become, in perception and reality, a world medical center.
– Perhaps most importantly, my hope is that Cleveland becomes a region that believes in itself. This could be our biggest impediment to future growth.
More latent talent/capacity to make a difference than most urban environments. Due to the low cost of living, more people are able to work flexibly, retire, stay at home to raise kids….than in other big cities. So, we have some very talented people who could mobilize with the right leadership and call to action. Picture, “Moms against poverty”, “Jews/Christians/Muslims against poverty”, “Retirees for Entrepreneurs”, “Grandmothers for Mothers and Children”. Also, we have a culture of getting truly involved in community issues. There is (due to a hungry gap, but still) a great embrace for people who are willing to take on leadership, regardless of sex, race, age.
Truly distinctive assets in early childhood development. Our society as a whole has vastly underinvested versus the potential for brain growth in years 0-5, as have we, but we have some remarkable institutions that have treated parents as partners for 50 years. Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development and the Center for Families and Children, to name two. I was blown away by Geoffrey Canada of Harlem Children’s Zone (did you see him? I hope so), but I also could see where we have some distinctive and practical knowledge that could help him in this area.
Truly distinctive technologies and unique models for driving commercialization, particularly in the Third Frontier funded centers in Northeast Ohio. I’ll attach the 5 things to know about each area doc we put together a couple of years ago (before the legislator breakfast that helped pass Issue 1).
Actually, I do think the above reasons are high priority reasons for hope….which may be hidden.
My other one would be:
A collaborative culture. Yeah, I know, we’ve struggled. But still, I feel things have progressed well in economic development over the last 5 years….more to do of course…….but now the challenge is to bridge all of that good work to help the vast population of people in poverty. Those connections are beginning to take hold.
1. Take a look at the recent listing of the largest employers in the region. Cleveland Clinic was number one. A previous number one employer was General Motors. GM had far less than the 30,000 employees that the Clinic reports. Think about this: the vast majority of clinic employees use their brains, not their brawn in their daily work. I’ll bet that the per capita annual income at the Clinic is much higher than GM. Our current employment situation offers a higher quality of life than you could have ever expected from a steel mill or auto manufacturing environment.
2. We have a very strong core of twenty and thirty year olds who recognize the amazing value of living here. They are ager to build businesses, make things happen and lead.
3. The Cleveland “Robber Barons” of the late 19th and early 20th centuries left us a magnificent cultural and civic environment that we can access at a fraction of the cost that you’d pay in Chicago, New York, LA, Atlanta, etc. And one more thing, because our commutes are so much shorter, we have a significant leg up on the Green Revolution where automotive pollution is concerned.
The link below discusses a movement to make Northeast Ohio the world leader in the commercialization of flexible LCDs. The Akron area is a hotspot for the polymer industry. With research facilities such as the University of Akron Polymer Science/Engineering and the Kent State Liquid Crystal Institute, Akron is a prime location for companies in the polymer industry who can benefit from the use of such facilities. As the Research and Commercialization Program matures, existing businesses in the area will flourish, and additional business will be attracted.
http://www.kentdisplays.com/corporate/print/KD12152006.htm
I have limited time so I will site one great example: The development of the Canalway from Lake Erie to New Philadelphia…more than 70 of the 101 miles of the towpath trail have opened since the region was designated as a Heritage Area; the Scenic Railroad has been extended to Canton; the first of 4 “Gateway” visitor centers has been opened in Stark County; the $10,000,000 investment of federal funds has resulted in over $400,000,000 being invested by local government and private industry/businesses throughout the Canalway and usage has grown exponentially. This resource is a big benefit to quality of life in NE Ohio and accordingly the impact economically is growing daily.
Bob Fonte
Director, Stark County Park District
Many of us who are fortunate enough to have lived here as well elsewhere are hopeful, although we sometimes feel like the minority. I agree with the comment about the general lack of hope in some circles. Also, I think many Clevelanders are phobic about change, rather than embracing it and taking advantage of it, mainly because of misplaced loyalties.
1.) Population density: Many people reside in, and visit, NE Ohio, and they all need services and products.
2.) Because of a reasonably non-politicized Ohio Insurance Department, our insurance costs (I am an insurance agent) compare favorably with any other region in the country. This is good for families, businesses, and people wanting to relocate here. Absence of hurricanes, mudslides, brush fires, and other natural disasters also contributes to predictable, stable insurance rates in NE Ohio.
3.) The Cleveland Art Museum, the Symphony, and University Circle are big-city amenities that draw people to the region. Same for Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
4.) A Governor and Lt. Governor who are competent, creative, and who seem to actually have the interests of all Ohioans at heart. This is a welcome change.
-
Overwhelmed with Hope
Categories:
The response of Advance Northeast Ohio residents to my query regarding what gives us hope for the future has been, in a word, overwhelming. It’s been a real challenge to keep up with the comments and I apologize if I haven’t responded to each of you individually. But I hope you’ll keep the comments going.
Below is a partial compilation of the responses I received via e-mail. I will be adding more over the weekend.
I hope you’ll comment directly on this site as to what gives you hope for the future of the region, but if you’d rather contact me via e-mail, you can do so here.
We have wonderful natural and cultural resources in our region that make it a great place to live.
I am involved in my day to day work with changing the economic environment through entrepreneurship. While the work is very hard, I can feel that conditions in the region are shifting for the better. We need to keep pushing and this ship will turn!
Where there is great need, there is also opportunity and I observe there are lots of opportunities in NEO to make a difference for the future.
– Deb Hoover
I am an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas (in the classroom, not online) so I get to talk to a lot of students about their plans after graduation.
MANY of them ARE planning to move south when they graduate.
But there ARE reasons (and ways) for them to want to stay.
1. The success of the Progressive Insurance Company proves that, with the right management, companies CAN succeed here.
2. There is a lot of family pride here, and that will keep people in the area, continuing to fight to raise the area.
3. The new superintendent of the Cleveland schools is continuing to make a very positive effect on the future.
In successful areas, the educational institutions seem to take the lead (Silicone Valley, Boston area, Austin area). This seems to be starting.
We need a much stronger mayor in Cleveland, and a state that is committred to helping us succeed.-Gregory Czar
1. Lake Erie and amazing park space
2. a new partner in Susan Goldberg at the Plain Dealer–in her City Club speech last Friday she too questioned why there is no hope
3. the news of Michael Symon becoming an Iron Chef gives us proof that Cleveland can produce unique products that others will value
-Anonymous
1. Commitment to green space
– Cuyahoga Valley National Park (an amazing National Park in our backyard!)
-Metroparks
-Nature Centers like the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
-Dike 142. Commitment to culture
-University Circle
-Theatre District
-Civic Theatre in Akron3. Nationally recognized colleges and universities
-Kent State University’s Fashion Design program & Liquid Crystal Institute
-Cleveland Institute of Art
-University of Akron’s work with polymers4. Commitment to developing local leadership
-Cleveland Leadership Center’s wide spectrum of programs
-Leadership Taskforce
-Leadership Akron/ Hudson/ Stark County
-Junior Leadership Akron
-Summit-Portage Leader Institute
-Gund Foundation’s Executive Director Institute
-Center for Non-Profit Excellence5. Commitment to the environment
-Green City Blue Lake
-Entrepreneurs for Sustainability
-City of Cleveland’s green neighborhood initiative
Don’t forget those of us in extreme NE Ohio. We have:
1. Available land (residential, industrial and commercial) 2. Lower costs for real estate 3. Lots of parks, covered bridges and beachfront to enjoy the scenery and promote tourism
One of the biggest negatives to this area that I have heard repeatedly, we have to do something to get the utility rates down. If we could do that, you may just see some of those companies come back to our area. We have a major resource that some locations would dearly love more of, water.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Trackback URL for this post:
http://www.advancenortheastohio.org/trackback/257
-
An Equation for Hope
Categories:
Paul Gaston, a professor at Kent State University, sent me a math equation after I asked about the need for more hope in the region.
You will have to click on the Read More link below to see the equation. He prefaced his math by saying:
Well, yes! As a transplant myself, I continue to be astonished by the “glass nearly empty” perspective when I find the “glass nearly full.” The attached math problem responds to your request for reasons to have hope. There are more than three.
Northeast Ohio
+ – Major League baseball Winter’s not for wusses The Cleveland Clinic A Great Lake Radiant autumns NBA basketball Abundant live theatre The Cleveland Orchestra Flowing springs, gentle fens University Hospitals Exciting minor league baseball teams First-rate regional orchestras Major regional art museums Cleveland’s downtown resurgence Luminous park systems The nation’s largest arboretum NFL football & the NFL Hall of Fame Five universities, many superb colleges A dynamic National Park The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Superlative restaurants The Cleveland Art Museum Two vibrant airport hubs Heavenly summers Two prized NPR stations The list continues . . . . Can you do the math?
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Trackback URL for this post:
http://www.advancenortheastohio.org/trackback/258
Comments
# Submitted by Carole Cohen (not verified) on Sun, 12/16/2007 – 01:46.
Kick A#$*& Iron Bridges
The Beachland Ballroom and homegrown music in general
Gorgeous Historic Homes
-
Finding Hope in Regionalism
Categories:
I recently asked a transplant from Texas who works with growing companies that are in search of more talent what is the biggest difference between employers in the Lone Star State and Northeast Ohio. He gave me a very sobering one word answer: “Hope.”
Employers everywhere are desperate for workers that are trainable and motivated. In Texas, companies are convinced that they will be able to do what is necessary to find the workers. And that, eventually, things will get better and the business will grow. In Northeast Ohio, the transplant observed, employers are frustrated by their difficulties in finding and attracting workers. So frustrated that they no longer have hope. Although the transplant sees nothing but great things in our future, many of the employers he is working with no longer have faith that things will get better.
I found this assessment distressing, but not too surprising. As a transplant to the region (17 years ago), I am very familiar with the lament of locals that things are getting worse and will only get worse. I don’t share that view and wouldn’t stay here if I did.
The Texas transplant challenged me, as a teller of stories about how Northeast Ohio is building a brighter future, to reinvent the narrative that is Northeast Ohio’s story. This new Northeast Ohio story needs to be rust free. It needs to be a story that gives people hope for a brighter future.
So, I turn to you for a few suggestions. Give me three things that give you hope for the year ahead and future of Northeast Ohio.
Post your ideas by commenting to this post or send me an e-mail, and I’ll compile them and create a master list and add to it over time. And we can all use the list to start telling our own stories that provide hope for our region’s future.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Trackback URL for this post:
http://www.advancenortheastohio.org/trackback/253
from Fioricet. on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 23:27
Fioricet. Fioricet and blood work. Fioricet morphine.
from Preteen models. on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 21:33
Preteen models.
from Payday loans. on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 18:19
Extended payday loans. Payday loans. Laws about payday loans.
from Weight gain and celexa. on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 11:37
Celexa lexapro dose. Celexa.
from Lesbian orgy. on Mon, 10/06/2008 – 09:34
Lesbian orgy.
from Fatal dose of soma carisopradol. on Fri, 10/03/2008 – 05:39
Soma. Ashes of soma lyrics. Drug soma.
from Payday loan. on Fri, 10/03/2008 – 03:01
Payday loan wisconsin. Payday loan. Ten dollar payday loan.
from Meridia. on Fri, 10/03/2008 – 02:46
Meridia.
from Soma. on Thu, 10/02/2008 – 18:52
Soma.
Codeine available in dallas texas hospital.
from Codeine. on Thu, 10/02/2008 – 12:55
Tylenol with codeine elixir concentration. Codeine us pharmacy. Tylenol with codeine elixir dosing. Codeine 3. Codeine vicodin. Codeine.
from Tramadol. on Thu, 10/02/2008 – 08:51
Tramadol maintenance. Tramadol.
from Preteen models. on Wed, 10/01/2008 – 00:28
Preteen models. Free galleries of preteen models.
from Prednisone. on Wed, 10/01/2008 – 00:14
Prednisone. Prednisone and elevated wbc s. How long does prednisone stay in body. Warnings side effects of prednisone. Prednisone side effects.
from Paydayloan. on Tue, 09/30/2008 – 12:19
Paydayloan. Magnum paydayloan.
from Hudrocodone. on Tue, 09/30/2008 – 08:22
Hudrocodone.
from Ephedrine hcl. on Tue, 09/30/2008 – 07:20
Ephedrine suppliers. Sell ephedrine. Ephedrine products. Ephedrine weight loss products. Ephedrine hcl. Vaspro ephedrine. Extracting ephedrine.
from Soma next day. on Tue, 09/30/2008 – 00:17
Soma intimates. Soma without rx. Soma.
from voyeurism on Mon, 09/29/2008 – 21:16
voyeurism
from Cialis. on Mon, 09/29/2008 – 18:29
Cialis.
from Virgins pussy. on Mon, 09/29/2008 – 12:02
Virgins pussy. Virgins pussy video.
from XXX Videos on Fri, 09/26/2008 – 05:37
XXX Videos
from Oxycodone. on Fri, 09/26/2008 – 04:24
How long does oxycodone stay is system. Oxycodone hydrochloride. Oxycodone.
from Easy cash loans. on Fri, 09/26/2008 – 01:20
Fast and easy cash loans. Easy cash loans.
from Online phentermine. on Thu, 09/25/2008 – 21:38
No prescription phentermine. Buy phentermine. Phentermine. Phentermine cheap. Phentermine hcl.
from Buy diazepam news. on Thu, 09/25/2008 – 17:36
Order diazepam cheap pharmacy. Diazepam mg. Diazepam.
from Easy cash loans. on Thu, 09/25/2008 – 16:13
Fast and easy cash loans. Easy cash loans.
No nude preteen little girl models.
from Preteen models. on Sat, 09/20/2008 – 19:19
Preteen models. Naturist preteens nude preteen models.
from Buy percocet online. on Sat, 09/20/2008 – 18:39
Percocet. How long is percocet in your system.
from Payday loan no fax. on Sat, 09/20/2008 – 12:33
Payday advance loan utah. Payday loan. Instant payday loan. Default payday loan.
from Preteen models at csm child super models. on Sat, 09/20/2008 – 06:57
Preteen models. Preteen models at csm child super models.
from Lipitor. on Sat, 09/20/2008 – 02:35
Buy lipitor online cheap pharmacy. Is there a generic equivalent to lipitor. Side effects of lipitor. Lipitor.
Colorado florida jumbo loan mortgage.
from Auto loan. on Fri, 09/19/2008 – 18:17
Auto loan calculator. Loan mortgage calculator. Payday loan. E loan. Colorado florida jumbo loan mortgage. Aurora loan services. Small business loan. Business loan.
from Sex animal. on Fri, 09/19/2008 – 17:58
Animal sex movies. Real animal sex. Free animal sex pics.
from Buy cialis generic online. on Fri, 09/19/2008 – 11:07
Generic cialis. Cialis.
from Phentermine. on Fri, 09/19/2008 – 08:48
Phentermine.
Guaranteed approval payday loan.
from Payday loan wikipedia the free encyclopedia. on Thu, 09/18/2008 – 22:46
Payday loan wisconsin. Payday loan. Payday loan no fax.
from Phentermine. on Thu, 09/18/2008 – 20:50
Phentermine. Phentermine without prescription. Phentermine no prescription.
How long is percocet in your system.
from Percocet. on Thu, 09/18/2008 – 19:19
Percocet.
from How long does levitra last. on Thu, 09/18/2008 – 08:28
Levitra online consultation us. Levitra heart probelms. Levitra. Levitra cialis viagra.
from Phentermine cash on delivery. on Thu, 09/18/2008 – 07:36
Discount phentermine. Phentermine. Generic phentermine. Phentermine no prescription. Phentermine cod.
from Chrome Daily Blog on Thu, 09/18/2008 – 02:44
Your blog is very interesting…thanks for writing on this topic. I learned a little something today.
from Order ephedra. on Wed, 09/17/2008 – 22:25
Order ephedra.
from Buy c heap phentermine online. on Wed, 09/17/2008 – 19:33
Buy phentermine. Buy phentermine no prescription cod. Buy phentermine online. Buy phentermine online no prescription. Buy phentermine diet pill.
from Phentermine side effects. on Wed, 09/17/2008 – 19:04
Phentermine. Xenical hgh phentermine quit smoking detox. Generic phentermine. Phentermine 37.5. Phentermine florida. Phentermine ingredient. Free phentermine.
from Effexor. on Tue, 09/16/2008 – 19:08
Effexor xr. Effexor.
from Phentermine no prescription. on Tue, 09/16/2008 – 14:01
Phentermine without a prescription. Phentermine diet pills. Phentermine. Phentermine prescription. Phentermine free shipping. Phentermine florida. Phentermine dosage. Phentermine blue.
from Premarin vaginal cream. on Tue, 09/16/2008 – 07:05
Premarin cream dosage. Premarin cream. Premarin vaginal cream.
from Cialis best price buy online. on Tue, 09/16/2008 – 07:00
Cialis how it works. Cialis.
from Zyban. on Mon, 09/15/2008 – 19:09
Zyban.
from Buy phentermine 37.5 overnight. on Mon, 09/15/2008 – 19:08
Buy phentermine 37.5mg.
from Schnittke quasi una sonata lp. on Mon, 09/15/2008 – 05:56
Sonata discount. Piano and cello sonata in e minor by brahms. Concord sonata. Sonata 10mg. 2006 hundai sonata consumer reports. Listen to moonlight sonata. Sonata.
from Extra cheap phentermine. on Mon, 09/15/2008 – 05:41
Extra cheap phentermine. Re phentermine cheap no prescription extra cheap. Buy phentermine online extra cheap phentermine.
from Pictures of prozac. on Mon, 09/15/2008 – 05:40
Prozac pictures. Pictures of prozac.
How quickly does amoxicillin work.
from Can greyhounds take amoxicillin. on Sun, 09/14/2008 – 18:42
Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin online homepage.
from Prozac truth. on Sun, 09/14/2008 – 16:06
Prozac truth.
Lorazepam to valium conversion.
from Valium. on Sun, 09/14/2008 – 16:05
Valium during pregnancy. Trazadone valium interaction. Valium generic. Valium 5mg how long in system. Buy valium c.o.d.. Generic valium no prescription. Valium.
from Pharmacokinetics of percocet. on Sun, 09/14/2008 – 09:42
Percocet withdrawal symptoms. Side effects of percocet. Percocet. Description of percocet. Order percocet online. Percocet effects.
from Soma prescription medicine. on Sun, 09/14/2008 – 07:14
Soma radio. Soma overnight. Aura soma products. Soma online sales. Soma. Drug soma. Prescription medication side effects for soma.
from Can you buy ultram in mexico. on Sun, 09/14/2008 – 07:04
Buy ultram pharmacy online. Buy ultram cheapest site. Buy ultram.
from online gambling on Sat, 09/13/2008 – 12:34
Having a connection to constant resources connected with this is wonderful.
from online gambling on Sat, 09/13/2008 – 12:18
It can periodically become challenging to separate the acceptable taxi info from the abominable.
Comments
# Submitted by cthompson on Mon, 12/10/2007 – 15:36.
1. Northeast Ohio is home to world-class assets that most other regions would love to have, including the Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center, NASA Glenn Research Center and the Liquid Crystal Institute.
2. The new University System of Ohio promises to dramatically improve our state’s ability to enroll and graduate more college students.
3. Elected officials appear to be committed to throwing out our present, ineffective system of economic development and replacing it with one that enables all communities to share in and benefit from the region’s economic growth. The revenue sharing study offers hope that our region can indeed make changes to build a brighter future.
# Submitted by cthompson on Tue, 12/11/2007 – 12:58.
An Advance Northeast Ohio reader sent me an e-mail with these thoughts on the region:
We have our problems, but we are finally doing something about it.
1. The cost of living & our affordable housing.
2. Top notch medical from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. (with so much room to grow).
3. The unions no longer control our future, we do.# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:11.
1) A beautiful metroparks system, with a bike trail when completed will connect Akron –> Cleveland and Mentor
2) Read the newspaper there is a serious effort to analyze our problems the next step is working on correcting those problems
3) zipcode 44105 has been billed as the epicenter of the foreclousure mess, drive through Slavic Village and notice the many new homes, the faith (all the beautiful churches), and a corporation (Third Federal Savings) that is so committed to the area.# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:41.
NEO has many reasons for hope, including:
1) An abundance of natural resources, especially water, which is in scarce supply in many parts of the country and presents a potential barrier to future growth in those places.
2) An excellent transportation system, especially enough roads to move people and goods efficiently around the area and to other parts of the country.
3) The availability of many public and private institutions for higher education, including some very affordable sources like Tri-C and lakeland Community College. Many parts of the country (and even the state) have little in the way of local, affordable education options. We need to make better use of these resources.
I also agree with what people have said in other posts about the importance of our cultural assets and affordable cost of living.
We need to change the negative mindset that permeates such a large part of our population. Problems are not nails in a coffin, they are challenges that can be creatively addressed. I believe they will be.
# Submitted by karlwhess on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:49.
We have gotten rid of a whole raft of corrupt officials – from the board of elections, the governor’s office, attorney general, secretary of state. We have replaced them with competent, and so far as I can tell, honest officials.
So far the predatory lenders have gotten away with a lot of ill-gotten gains. When we start to see them in handcuffs, we will have much more reason to hope.
# Submitted by Patrick Kelly (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 12:23.
1. Water-To drink, to use for production, for recreation and to live by. Witness the problems that the south and the west have been experiencing.
2. We’re Genuine. A key point uneartherd by the research for the Cleveland Plus campaign. Young people do not want to shop at cookie cutter malls, live in modular homes but rather they want a unique urban experience. With the plans for new downtown residential developments or the regentrification of neighborhoods, we are on our way towards achieving that type of environment.
3. Educational infrastructure. We have the tools in place for more of our residents to take advantage of higher education (although we need two year/community college/associate degree opportunities outside of the urban core (Cuyahoga, Lake and Lorain). Two year technical degrees are an important part of our workforce development plans. Now we need more people, better prepared, to enroll and graduate with a degree.
# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 20:16.
We have the new concept of Regionalism in this area. Will we use it to: 1. Work more efficiently in purchasing and maintenance.
2. Strip local control and proximity of Police and Fire protection.
3. Manage a way to extract more funds from employed
Taxpayers to ensure several more generations of Cleveland
residents and ex-residents never have to even attempt at
working a job, buying their own health care, food, housing,
transportation, and all the secondary issues coming from
the “culture” of crime.I am not completely without hope, but maybe a timeline of success
should be the answer. If we do succeed then we all get something out of it. With the failure, then the only othersocial welfare money I want to spend locally is a big wall keeping the Cleveland exodus back, like the ugly walls along I-90 East.# Submitted by Sandy A. De Santis (not verified) on Fri, 12/28/2007 – 10:22.
Our area is blessed with a multitude of rich natural resources and culture, for example Mill Creek Park with its natural beauty, bike and nature trails that encompasses several of our cities and townships;
Our area has a wealth and wide variety of ethnic heritages that helps in developing very strong and deeply rooted family values, a strong moral character and willingness to do their part towards improving their community;
We have generations of a diverse and highly skilled workforce with a strong work ethic and “can do” attitude.
# Submitted by Gretchen (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:17.
Most coastal real estate is now so high, even upper middle class individuals are priced out of most waterside communities. Although options for lakeside living and vacationing may not be readily available in Cleveland, there are several gems along Ohio’s north coast that are affordable options (Linwood Park in Vermilion is the best one)!
# Submitted by Tom Sudow (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:22.
There is no hope in Northeastern Ohio – if you are hoping for pessimism. It is not that we look at the glass as half full or half empty — WE WANT TO DENY THERE IS A GLASS. I am tired of this attitude that life is bad here. Our young people a fleeing to Boston – Well here is what the Boston Globe says – “Part of the problem in Massachusetts is we are not keeping enough young people here,” said Jay Doherty, Cabot, Cabot & Forbes president. “They want more public transportation options and more amenities in their lifestyles. They want more shopping and restaurants than prior generations, and if they can’t find it here they will go somewhere else.”
The sky is falling mentality is all over, we have just perfected it here in Northeastern Ohio. The sky is not falling, it is just snow! If you are one with no hope and you keep you head in the sand – look what you are missing – THREE SPORTS TEAM IN THE PLAYOFFS IN THE SAME YEAR (NOT BOSTON – CLEVELAND) A wonderful new transit system named the best in the US. New VCs moving into the area to promote new investments and new companies. International companies selecting Northeastern Ohio, Goodyear staying, colleges, theatre, no commute and a reasonable standard of living. NOT SO BAD.
So, if you have no hope — move to Boston, where the sky is really falling if you consider the big dig.
At this time of year — if you do not have hope — what is left. AND WE HAVE SO MUCH MORE THAN HOPE IN NORTHEASTERN OHIIO
# Submitted by Melissa Keating (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:24.
We have several reasons to be hopefull.
1 – Great cultural centers: Playhouse Square/Cleveland Playhouse, Museum of Art, and Severance Hall just to name a few.
2 – Lake Erie – our region is finally starting to capitalize on our tourism potential surrounding the lake.
3 – Higher Education – we have some of the best facilities from community colleges like Lorain County Community College to four year institutions like Case & OSU# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:28.
1. Quality of life if Northeast Ohio is good. There is lots of good culture here. There are museums, theaters, world renowned medical care and universities. Turn on the news and view the middle-east! Wake up, we have tons of blessings to enjoy and share! Never give up hope!
2. There are lots of of different types of people who live, work, and act as leaders in our area. This shows a good quality strong area and strong individuals. There are all kinds of people who care about all kinds of people here. This is an extension of ideals this country was built on. Wake up Benjamin Franklin and ask him. He would be thrilled with NE Ohio today!
3. I think the world economy has become to complex to be able to determine the future. So what else is new! No one has ever predicted the future. There will always be good times and bad times. Look at the quality of the area and don’t compare it with other places they have different qualities!
NE Ohio / Cuyahoga Co./Cleveland Resident
# Submitted by Keith Cox (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:31.
1. The number of individuals and organizations working together to promote sustainability in order to thrust NE OH to the front of the “green revolution.” Our innovative, entrepreneurial sprit will win the day.
2. The “conversations” in NE OH are definitely shifting (e.g., regionalism) which truly opens the doors to new possibilities. As new ideas surface the action is sure to follow (and in some cases already has).
3. All major sports teams in the playoffs (GO BROWNS) in the same year!! It has to be one of the most hopeful things a Clevelander can dream of (or a sure sign of the apocalypse)!
# Submitted by Kevin Ziegler (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 11:37.
1. I am 23 years old, my generation doesn’t know the “glory days.” For those of us who are here in Cleveland now, it has only gotten better and will continue to get better while we are here.
2. Our cost of living is low, we have economics in our favor. If we start promoting the existing career opportunities we have and swing our attitude to one that attracts newcomers, they will easily be sold on how affordable it is compared to other major cities.
3. Cleveland has authentic culture. You can’t buy or build that anywhere, it happened here naturally and it stayed. I would never move somewhere without culture, and people are willing to move here to find it.# Submitted by Doron Kutash (not verified) on Thu, 12/13/2007 – 01:49.
He has just explained 3 very important reasons we have hope. And, he is 23, along with his friends and co-workers, a whole new generation of knowledge workers, lawyers, doctors, bankers, entrepreneurs, techies, scientists, and more. These young professionals are the future of Cleveland, the leaders of tomorrow. We have hope because Cleveland is rising up, people are coming back into the city to re-build “The American City”. The suburbs will always be the diverse, rich communities, and fabulous places to live. This lackluster attitude is what needs to be changed. Maybe you didn’t see industries changing, and you weren’t able to adjust quickly, but it’s not over, opportunity is all around. Cleveland, and northeast Ohio is the heart of America, where you will find the best people around, and we are here to stay.
Doron Kutash, 25, from Cleveland Hts., BBA & MBA Kent State University
President and Founder, Go2Go Taxi (Kent, Ohio)
www.MyGo2Go.net# Submitted by Bill Barrow on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 12:19.
One hopeful sign is the collaborative spirit evidenced by the region’s libraries, historical societies and other community groups in creating on-line access to their historic resources through the Ohio’s Heritage Northeast site (http://www.OhiosHeritageNE.org). Akron-Summit County Public Library, Alliance’s Rodman Public Library, Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland State University Library, Oberlin College’s Archival Services and Westlake’s Porter Public Library have all joined together to enable people to search all their holdings on the region’s history simultaneously from OHNE. Institutions who don’t have their materials up on the web yet are using Cleveland State’s Cleveland Memory Project (http://www.ClevelandMemory.org) to mount their images and behind it all is a large group called the Greater Cleveland History Digital Library Consortium, coordinating the details of this emerging regional resource. If we’re all going to market ourselves as members of the same region, then touting the shared heritage of that region is a good way to help build a sense of identity.
# Submitted by Grover (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 12:34.
1. Continental Airlines expansion
2. Playhouse Square
3. $300,000 Condos, which are sold, in Lakewood and Detroit-Shoreway neighborhoods show that the pendulum of urban sprawl is swinging back – at least for some.P.S. Why does the Plain Dealer hate Cleveland?
# Submitted by Craig Wickstrom (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 14:13.
1. WATER – NE Ohio is blessed with abundant water. When the south and west dry up and have to spend untold $ on providing water, NE Ohio (if we don’t squander it first), will have the most important natural resource we need to grow.
2. CLIMATE – We may gripe about the weather, but our climate is mild by any standards. If global warming happens it will still be mild. If global cooling happens, it will begin to be frigid, but we will be at the livable edge of frigid. In short, we are very well situated for the future.
3. POTENTIAL – Because we have a negative attitude about outselves – and still get along pretty well – imagine how we will do if our attitude changes!
# Submitted by Larry Lallo (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 14:26.
Frankly of you ask me, its the other states that need Hope.
Ohio beat Texas last year in Plant Expansions1. Number 1 in Plant Expansions of over $1 Million dollars for 2006!
2. Ohio had 431 Plant Expansions of over $1 Million Dollars in 2006.
3. Ohio had 84 projects in excess of $10 Million Dollars in investment in 2006
4. 25% of these projects were not manufacturing related, and 75% were!
7. 25% of Ohio expansion projects listed above had some foreign investment
8. 96 Logistics and distribution projects
9. Ohio is #1 in the Steel Industry
10. #1 in Polymers
11. #1 in Automotive Parts
12. #1 in Industrial Machinery
13. #2 in Automobile Production
14. #1 in Exports and is the fastest growing export State
15. #3 in manufacturing overall
16. Ohio created 21,000 new jobs last year associated with new plants and expansions
17. Honda’s largest engine plant in the worlds is in Ohio. 1.2 Million Engines per year!
18. All Honda motorcycles are made in Ohio, and exported across the globe.
19. Team Ohio, a membership division of the OEDA will be promoting Ohio Internationally
20. CAT TAX – MAKING US COMPETETIVE
21. Governor Strickland intends to make Ohio a leader in business demand driven talent preparation
22. Manufacturing is not going to go away. It is just going to get more and more technical.
23. Ohio is within a days drive of 70% of the US Population. Truly a Crossroads State.
24. The People of Ohio at the End of the Day have a “Get it Done” attitude. WE create solutions – rather than dwell on problems.
25. Ohio has a very engaged Governor and State Development Team that are going to be strategically focused on Education and Economic Development# Submitted by JimS36 (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 14:32.
RTA was named Best Public Transportation System in North America for 2007. Cleveland Metroparks was voted Best Park System in the U.S. for 2007. These two publically funded organizations have become major innovators in regards to improving their services to the public and lowering costs besides. Now that we have Eugene Sanders following suit with the City’s schools, I believe very soon Cleveland will become a proud place on the map once again.
# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 16:52.
1. Many of our high schools were recently awarded top high schools in the country.
2. My daughter’s family of 6 just relocated to Elyria from Charlotte, NC because of all the region has to offer her 4 children.
3. Our outstanding sports teams on every level are receiving national attention.# Submitted by Patrick McBane (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 17:14.
Like all of you I truly believe in this region. Living in Youngstown for the better part of 20 years, I understand and hear the negative reports daily about Youngstown and the Northeast Ohio region. Whose report shall we believe?
NEO is a region of Hope because;
* We have a people group that is diverse and resilient
* We have an infrastructure that lends itself to existing development as well as future growth
* We have a God who loves us and has not abandoned this region or it’s future# Submitted by cthompson on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 18:02.
Patrick,
Thank you and everyone else for adding your thoughts. This conversation has generated the interest of one of our public radio stations, WCPN. They plan on doing a story on Hope for Northeast Ohio on January 2nd and will read some of the posts published here on the radio. I look forward to helping with that story and hearing from more of you about what gives you hope for Northeast Ohio.
# Submitted by Lori Miller (not verified) on Wed, 12/12/2007 – 21:39.
Through Leadership Medina, I have seen some great innovation expanding the markets and employment opportunities in NEO.
Great leaders in the area working to overcome the economic challenges.
A lot of opportunity, just think outside the box!
# Submitted by Doron Kutash (not verified) on Thu, 12/13/2007 – 01:59.
Cleveland…
Most liveable city in the US
Little traffic
2nd biggest theater district in the US
University Circle – leading research campus in the nation
Growth in downtown housing in Cleveland, we will soon have a thriving community
Battery Park project
Flats project
Euclid Corridor project
Warehouse District thriving, with room to grow
E. 4th St. thriving, trendy
Ohio City
Tremont
Cleveland Hts.
Lakewood
Shaker Hts.
Beachwood
Cultural diversity
Knowledge economy growing
University system
Polymers
Liquid Crystals
Jumpstart
Cleveland sportsThis list can go on forever…
# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/13/2007 – 12:27.
1) All across Northeast Ohio, there are unique “Pockets of Passion” where dynamic individuals and groups of volunteers are contributing their time and energy by creating new nonprofit organizations and programs which tackle the social challenges our residents face.
2) The college students I speak to, regardless of their age, are placing increased value on preparing for the future by learning new skills and updating old ones.
3) The employers I speak to, regardless of the size of their company, are planning for the future by developing new products and services in order to keep their business competitive in the region, in Ohio and in a global economy. They are planning for SUCCESS!
__
Our region continues to recognize diversity in all forms – diversity in race and culture, diversity in religion and age, diversity of opinion, diversity of experience, diversity of leadership…we have begun to welcome and embrace CHANGE.# Submitted by Deborah Hammerle (not verified) on Thu, 12/13/2007 – 13:13.
I am married to a contrarian. When he says condone he means condemn. When he says bad he means good. When he says some he means all. It may not be easy at first attempt, but the key to proper listening is not to deceive yourself with your heart’s interpretation of what your ears hear or your eyes see. I do not think hope is in any way connected to worldly circumstance. Rather, I believe it is an inherent characteristic of the human/divine coincidence. The key to finding hope is to nurture it in yourself. Those who love the light will live in the light and will perpetuate the light and, like it or not, others surrounding them will be bathed in that light. There is no competition between those who love. There are no boundaries encompassing the human spirit. With that being said, we are on the threshhold of new ways to ennoble the human condition and why not embrace them as a “region”.
Why I have hope for the Cleveland region:
1. Because I have seen it in the Malz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood.
2. Because I have heard it in Fairview Park City Council meetings.
3. Because it is being activated by R. A. Vernon, Pastor of the Word Church in Warrensville Hts. and others like him.# Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/14/2007 – 12:21.
there are so many more than three reasons, but here’s a few:
1. Amazing + beautiful natural resources, from our clean (yes, it is pretty clean now!) lake to our parks to the trees in all of our neighborhoods.
2. Accessibilty to pretty much all of your interests, in a world-class way: sports, music (classical and modern), art (from ancient to emerging artists), restaurants (ethiopian to pierogies and pasta), enriching + fun activites for your children (ever go to the zoo or either of our greenhouses on a dreary winter day?), hiking? probably a park within a few miles… you name it, you can probably find it.
3. The people: they are kind, supportive, intersting, funny, creative, hard-working, and generous (Just look into the Cleveland and Gund Foundations). We are sometimes too proud to let go of what was a great past in order to make a better future though. So Cleveland, let’s get it together and look on the bright side. We get more sun than we think.# Submitted by Wayne Zeman (not verified) on Fri, 12/14/2007 – 14:55.
I’d like to respond to your request on things that bring hope for NE Ohio. These are my suggestions:
1. Over the last 13 years in which I’ve been involved in technology-based entrepreneurial development, I’d have to say that the support mechanisms are at their highest and continue to grow. Entities like NEOinc, TechLift, BioEnterprise, JumpStart, and the various seed funds are starting to “hit their stride” and should continue to create increased positive contributions in the future. Those entities are now staffed with increased numbers of very highly skilled, talented, and dedicated individuals that really want to impact the region.
2. There seems to be an increased attitude of “if we don’t do it ourselves, who will?” I see an increasing number of people and organizations stepping up and trying to make a difference on the region. The Fund for our Economic Future is just one great example of “us helping us” activities., and not only are those efforts helping tech-based business development, there’s a growing emphasis on helping ALL parts of the economic development engine.
3. I also sense an attitude and momentum shift that while we’ve still go a way to go, we have turned the corner and a lot of great things are happening in the region. I think people are starting to take note of the progress and are more willing to talk positively about our accomplishments rather that sustaining the inferiority complex that we grew accustomed to.
# Submitted by Laura Neidert (not verified) on Thu, 12/20/2007 – 12:11.
Here are my three reasons of HOPE for Northeastern Ohio:
1. Education: I saw many students at Ursuline College who gave me hope. They are working incredibly hard to make Cleveland a better place when they graduate, against a great deal of personal odds. About 85% of them do stay in Cleveland. Northeastern Ohio offers a diversity of educational institutions unlike just about anywhere else.
2. Quality of life: we recognize and treasure our resources that make it a great place to live.
3. Welcoming: I am a NE Ohio native, and I just moved to central Virginia. The South is not as welcoming as you think! I feel that if someone were to come to NE from a different place, they could easily become part of the community with the right information and a push in the right direction.
