Crain's Cleveland Business articles from August 2006

Crain's Cleveland Business archives from August 2006

The Week in Quotes.(News)
August 7, 2006... "As costs kept escalating, it was a problem. We saw fewer parents wanting to commit their kids to a five-year program.'' - David Deming, president and CEO, Cleveland Institute of Art. Page 9 "The decision by the Ohio Supreme Court...

Eminent domain ruling further clouds Wolstein's project; Cities, developers now face stronger burden after Supreme Court rejects claim by Cincinnati suburb.(Flats East Bank )
August 7, 2006... Byline: JAY MILLER The changing landscape around eminent domain in Ohio may add another hurdle for the public/private development team trying to create the $230 million Flats East Bank redevelopment project. So far, no one on the...

New lawyer conduct rules protect clients.(Special Report)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... The Ohio Supreme Court last month adopted new professional conduct rules for attorneys that provide greater protection for clients' rights, according to information from the court. The Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct go into effect Feb....

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
August 7, 2006... Ohio high court wrong on eminent domain * The decision by the Ohio Supreme Court regarding eminent domain powers is a blown decision by justices who lack substantive credentials in the arena of real property and, most importantly, a blown...

MODERN MAKEOVER; Expansion allows Charter Steel flexibility to provide new products.(News)
August 7, 2006... Byline: DAVID BENNETT The region's steel industry and its role in Greater Cleveland's economy is akin to a log on a fire. You can take it out, but the result might not be so hot. Charter Steel, a unit of Mequon, Wis.-based Charter...

Going Places.(People)(Courtney Stanek and Cheryl Lanese joins Zinner and Co.)(Jeffrey Omslaer joins Robinson Memorial Hospital)(Francesco Pietro Roccato joins Intercontinental Hotels Cleveland)
August 7, 2006... Job Changes Financial service SS&G FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.: Terissa Brokaw to officer manager. SZARKA FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Rick Martin to senior financial adviser. ZINNER & CO. LLP: Courtney Stanek to staff accountant;...

Case student draws unique UN role.(United Nations)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... A student at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law has been working with the United Nations' International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, a court established to try war criminals associated with the conflict in Bosnia....

Penton sale could clear out company's debt; Experts predicting the publishing, trade show biz's price tag could reach the $500M range.(Penton Media Inc.)
August 7, 2006... Byline: JOHN BOOTH Its stock is worth less than 50 cents a share, it's carrying $317 million in debt, and it took a net loss last year of $8.4 million. But Cleveland-based Penton Media Inc. still looks attractive to buyers and could...

Leader, members picked for nonprofit's board.(Special Report)(Patricia Poole, David Kutik and Edward Icove appointed at Legal Aid Society )(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... Patricia Poole, a partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP and an active Legal Aid board member since 2003, is the new president of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland's board of trustees, the governing body for Legal Aid. In her new role for the...

Tax Liens.(News)
August 7, 2006... The Internal Revenue Service filed tax liens against the following businesses in the Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office. The IRS files a tax lien to protect the interests of the federal government. The lien is a public notice to creditors that...

Law, policy society chapters bring discourse to area; Attorney spearheads effort to start NE Ohio chapter of the American Constitution Society.(Special Report)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHARON SCHNALL Kathleen Havenar was in search of a like-minded forum for discussing legal policy and principles of law, one that recaptured the intellectual excitement of her years at law school and working in Washington, D.C. ...

The Big Issue.(Opinion)(real estate)(Survey)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... Are you concerned about a softening housing market in Northeast Ohio? James J. Bell Westlake I would say, because I am a former real estate agent, that it is an excellent buyer's market that allows the buyer the opportunity to...

On The Job; Eric Laubacher, Founding partner, Laubacher & Co.(Special Report)(lawyer)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SUE ANGELL When the pediatrician told Connie Laubacher that her son would never be able to walk, she refused to listen. And when her son wanted to play Little League football with his friends, she convinced the team's coach he...

Flats in Flux; Developer Tricarichi lands $3.3M in East Bank property, eyes restaurant projects.(Michael Tricarichi)(Telecom Acquisition Corp. )
August 7, 2006... Byline: STAN BULLARD A blue Makita power saw carrying case sits on the leather seat in the back of Michael Tricarichi's gold Lexus SUV. It's a tip-off to the hands-on way he and his partners plan to revive Old River Road south of Main...

Deals to provide for two major automakers have Lefco in motion.(News)(Lefco Industries LLC)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... Byline: DAVID BENNETT Lefco Industries LLC of Cleveland, a maker of pallets and container systems, is moving its operations to the city's far East Side and is adding 10 jobs. Owner Larry Fulton said the company is leasing a...

Short Takes.(Briefs)(Sikora Law LLC has moved to new location)(Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP's managent of employees)(Cleveland Bar Association's legal services)
August 7, 2006... * ON THE MOVE: Sikora Law LLC has moved its main office to 8532 Mentor Ave., Mentor, from 7340 Center St. in Mentor. Two attorneys, Michael J. Sikora III and Ann Marie Johnson, are working directly out of the new Mentor location, while Michael...

Community group to try its hand at retail development; Union-Miles Corp. looks at `untapped' city neighborhood.(News)
August 7, 2006... Byline: JAY MILLER A community development group on Cleveland's southeast side is testing its wings as a shopping center developer. The Union-Miles Development Corp. plans to break ground this fall on a $6 million rebuilding of an...

Market familiarity, trophy status likely to aid Fifth Third Center sale.(News)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... Byline: STAN BULLARD Fifth Third Center, one of downtown Cleveland's few trophy skyscrapers, is up for sale. 600 Superior Partners LLC, formed by Ashley Capital and Galbreath Co. principal Lizanne Galbreath of New York City, is...

WATCH YOUR STEP; Recent Supreme Court decision on retaliation has employers walking on eggshells around workers who've complained.(Special Report)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHAWN A. TURNER Local attorneys are predicting a surge in lawsuits now that the U.S. Supreme Court has broadened the definition of what can be considered a retaliatory action against an employee who files a complaint about his or...

Interim Case head works to restore confidence.(Insight)(Case Western Reserve University)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHANNON MORTLAND Case Western Reserve University's problems are no secret. The school's financial turmoil, internal dissatisfaction and the loss of its president and three college deans this summer have been highly publicized -...

Ruling on private judges likely to have greatest impact on malpractice cases.(Special Report)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHAWN A. TURNER The state Supreme Court's decision last month to ban hired, private judges from presiding over jury trials will likely have the greatest effect on medical malpractice attorneys, say many in the legal community. ...

What's New.(The Insider)(wax product from Aerosol-Ease LLC)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... COMPANY: Aerosol-Ease LLC, Amherst PRODUCT: Wax N' Go Wax N' Go is an aerosol wax product that's used to protect and shine automotive finishes. The company says Wax N' Go "provides the same benefits as conventional paste and...

Rushing into a turnpike lease could take toll.(Opinion)
August 7, 2006... Byline: MARK S. ROSENTRAUB Ohio's need to redevelop its older metropolitan areas is part of the campaign messages being delivered by both gubernatorial candidates. This focus on Ohio's population and wealth centers is important. With...

The Week: July 31 - August 6.(The Insider)(Akzo Nobel NV acquires The Flood Co)(merger between Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP and Bryan Cave LLP)(Champion Mortgage to be sold)
August 7, 2006... Cuts to the Chase: J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. plans to eliminate 290 home mortgage and equity loan collections positions in Tower City Center in Cleveland by the end of the year and will close its collection center there. The jobs are being moved...

Institute of Art cites rising tuition in shift to four-year plan; School to alleviate some financial strain on students by altering its five-year curriculum.(News)(Cleveland Institute of Art)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHANNON MORTLAND After 40 years of going against the grain, the Cleveland Institute of Art this fall will follow the lead of its competitors and change to a four-year curriculum from a five-year curriculum. The move by the...

Hefty credit to allow biotech firm to expand.(News)(Cellular Technology Ltd.)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHANNON MORTLAND Cellular Technology Ltd., which makes equipment to analyze blood and does contract lab work, has received an eight-year, $421,000 tax credit from the state of Ohio to expand its operations in a move that is...

Legal Aid Society eyes partnerships, strategic plan; Cleveland office offers legal services to shelter in Lorain County, plans to hire seven attorneys.(Special Report)
August 7, 2006... Byline: SHAWN A. TURNER The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will begin providing legal services by September to those seeking refuge at the Genesis House, a domestic violence shelter in Lorain County. It's the kind of partnership that...

Rework Burke.(Opinion)(Burke Lakefront Airport)
August 7, 2006... The Federal Aviation Administration isn't fond of decommissioning airports. It does not like to take runway capacity out of the nation's air traffic system. We nonetheless believe the administration of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson should...

Crain's on the Web.(News)(Brief article)
August 7, 2006... Blogging with Joel * Crain's reporter Joel Hammond weighs in with thoughts on the Cavaliers' firing of Michael Reghi as the TV play-by-play announcer in his "SportsBiz'' blog. Find his and other Crain's blogs at...

Late News.(Barnes Wendling CPAs Inc. and Wrabel and Company merge)(Cuyahoga County's energy policy)(Time Warner Cable vs. Federal Communications Commission)
August 7, 2006... WIND TURBINES TOP TASK FORCE AGENDA * Cuyahoga County commissioners plan to unveil this week a regional energy task force that will investigate alternative energy sources. Commissioner Tim Hagan said the task force's first order of...

Auto, appliance supplier K-Tec to invest $883K in expansion.(News)(Kinetic Technologies Inc.)
August 7, 2006... Byline: DAVID BENNETT Kinetic Technologies Inc., a company in Willoughby Hills that makes customized material handling carts for the automotive and appliance industries, is moving to Wickliffe and is preparing to spend nearly $900,000 to...

Financial experts' experience vital.(Special Report)
August 7, 2006... Byline: Albert Vondra In their deliberations, jurors talk a lot about money damages. For example, in a recent trial simulation, a national jury consulting firm rigorously coded the number of times specific issues were raised during the...

School watchdog group a solid bunch.(Opinion)
August 7, 2006... Byline: Brian Tucker Kudos to the Cleveland school board, and particularly member John Moss, for insisting on the rejuvenation of the watchdog group that will monitor the district's many construction projects. The group could not have...

Reporters' Notebook; Behind the news with Crain's writers.(The Insider)(Cleveland Clinic Health System looks to expand)(Pat Finley talks at the Young Leaders Group conference)(ProScout Video LLC lauches free web site)
August 7, 2006... Clinic's proposal to block artery doesn't get love * The Cleveland Clinic may have made a big tactical mistake in the way it unveiled a plan to spruce up its property by closing 20 blocks of the city's most illustrious boulevard to auto...

Bar association members turn up volunteer efforts a notch; 72,000 hours of service pledged by attorneys.(Special Report)(Cleveland Bar Association)
August 7, 2006... Byline: TIM TIBBITTS With more than 72,000 hours of pro bono and service work pledged for 2006, members of the Cleveland Bar Association are continuing to build on a focus toward community outreach that won the professional group accolades...

Take it to the bank; National City, Key rank high in recent customer survey.(News)
August 14, 2006... There's good news for both National City Corp. and KeyCorp in a new survey of banking customers published in the September issue of Consumer Reports magazine. In the survey, National City ranked with Commerce Bancorp Inc. and Wachovia...

MISSION: RECONDITION; Cleveland VA Medical Center launches major construction, renovation to keep pace with private competition.(Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center )
August 14, 2006... Byline: SHANNON MORTLAND Once a white-washed, drab hospital in University Circle, the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is getting a $250 million face-lift that will affect its services across much of...

Plastic surgeons forced to revamp, take on new roles; Influx of inexperienced, unqualified people botching procedures makes defending reputations, fixing problems top priorities for area doctors.(medical malpractice insurance rates )
August 14, 2006... Byline: SHANNON MORTLAND The woman just wanted a tummy tuck. What she got was a botched surgery, many complications and a mound of bills. Such stories are on the rise in Northeast Ohio as more non-plastic surgeons are performing...

Biz owners, bankers could be effective team.(Small Business)
August 14, 2006... Byline: Andy Birol Mention "banker'' to business owners or "business owner'' to bankers, and you are sure to spark a reaction. That's because while bankers and owners need each other, few supplier/customer relationships are so complicated....

Corrections.(Correction)(Correction notice)
August 14, 2006... * An Aug. 7, Page 8 story about the Miles Shopping Plaza in Cleveland's Union-Miles neighborhood misidentified the Ward 2 city councilman. He is Robert White III. * An Aug. 7, Page 20 story about the American Constitution Society for Law...

Grand Openings.(facilities of FasTracKids International Ltd)
August 14, 2006... FasTracKids Enrichment Center 16518 Pearl Road Strongsville 44136 www.fastrackids.com The Strongsville center of FasTracKids is the company's first in Ohio. FasTrac-Kids International has more than 150 centers in 25 countries that...

OPENING DOORS; Businesses in NE Ohio hope commitments to nonprofits are key to good will, other rewards.(Small Business)
August 14, 2006... Byline: DAVID PRIZINSKY Nonprofit organizations abound in Northeast Ohio, and many small companies see this market as a chance to support the community while creating good will and building future business relationships. Michael J....

Ground zero.(Opinion)
August 14, 2006... It's distressing, but not surprising, that when state report cards are issued this week, the Cleveland public schools will meet exactly zero of 25 educational standards. The school district scored a zero in 1999, the year the state standards...

Akron mom bags business with creativity.(Small Business)(Kristi Thomas)
August 14, 2006... Byline: JOEL HAMMOND Four years ago, Kristi Thomas of Akron was concerned only with helping her anxious daughter, Madison, get through a day of school. Now she has a bigger worry on her hands - helping Madison get through a day with...

Crain's on the Web.(News)
August 14, 2006... What's happening * Keep track of all the conferences, panel discussions and other events happening in Northeast Ohio by visiting the Crain's events calendar. You can also add your events to the calendar. To view the calendar, go to...

Newburgh Heights eyes Mittal site; Sides share goal of developing 60-acre plot, formerly a steel waste dump, into beneficial industrial park.
August 14, 2006... Byline: JAY MILLER Newburgh Heights is negotiating with Mittal Steel to open up 60 acres in the postage-stamp community for an industrial park. Mayor James Ciesla said the village and the steel company have entered into a memorandum of...

What's New.(The Insider)(jaws from Northbridge Manufacturing LLC)(Brief article)
August 14, 2006... COMPANY: Northbridge Manufacturing LLC, Rocky River PRODUCT: Easy-Cut Jaws If you've ever spent a few aggravating hours trying to remove from a sink or countertop a faucet that's corroded and locked in place, Northbridge Manufacturing...

Clarett's problems overcome promise.(Maurice Clarett has spiraled downward.)(Defeat of Joe Lieberman in last week's Democratic Senate primary.)
August 14, 2006... Byline: Brian Tucker Greed is an incredibly vile and powerful force. Witness the self-destruction of Maurice Clarett. The young man who led the Ohio State University football team to its first national championship in nearly four...

West Park financial planner finds niche - twice; Adviser uses knack for speaking to form second career, advance first.(Small Business)(Biography)
August 14, 2006... Byline: JOEL HAMMOND Ken Robinson has a lot to say on a lot of topics. Luckily, the West Park certified financial planner has the ability to say a lot of things on a lot of topics in a little bit of time. Need proof? Simply peruse...

Clarification.(Correction)(Correction notice)
August 14, 2006... * An Aug. 7, Page 2 Crain's On The Web promo item contained an incomplete description of DuneCraft Inc., a company run by Grant Cleveland. The Newbury Township company designs and makes toy terrariums and other toys, and it sells most of them...

The Big Issue.(Opinion)
August 14, 2006... Is Northeast Ohio a dying region? Jay Hudson Brooklyn No - no way. There's a lot here to do. It's a growing city. There are things we need. We need to fix up the lakefront. Build a convention center. And add a casino to get more...

Reporters' Notebook; Behind the news with Crain's writers.(The Insider)
August 14, 2006... When Al Weatherhead talks, Case officials listen * Albert Weatherhead III has some advice to help Case Western Reserve University's board of trustees fix the ailing school. In a 12-page proposal recently sent to Case trustees, alumni...

Marcus Thomas cuts lucrative deal with MTD.(News)
August 14, 2006... Byline: JOHN BOOTH Marcus Thomas LLC has snagged a multimillion-dollar advertising account with Medina-based MTD Products Inc. The Warrensville Heights ad agency will handle MTD's Yard-Man, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines and White Outdoor...

Competition, options slow Nat City's Chicago push.(National City Corp.)
August 14, 2006... Byline: SHAWN A. TURNER With a pair of billion-dollar purchases in Florida along with an acquisition of SSG Capital Advisors LP, National City Corp. looks to again be on the prowl for acquisition targets - but the bank so far hasn't been...

Rules govern use of background checks.(Small Business)
August 14, 2006... Byline: David Campbell The improving economy means that employers are beginning to hire new employees, and many of those adding staff will conduct background checks on applicants. One recent survey reported that 51% of employers...

IRS abandons tax on long-distance.(Small Business)
August 14, 2006... Byline: Peter DeMarco Any taxpayer who has purchased long-distance telephone service over the past several years - no doubt including small business owners - now can claim a refund on certain federal excise tax payments. After losing a...

Competitive Computer Services LLC.(Small Business)
August 14, 2006... Byline: John H. Tidyman Brian Wasko is a 25-year-old, self-taught computer technician who decided there was a market among small businesses and individuals for his technical services. "We think that because everyone has a computer,...

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
August 14, 2006... Rework Burke? Legally, practically impossible * Speaking for the tenants and users of Burke Lakefront Airport, I'd like to rebut your Aug. 7 "Rework Burke'' editorial. Your message, as is typical of many critics of Burke, was based on...

The Week: August 7 - 13.(The Insider)
August 14, 2006... Gold in the metals business: A Texas investment group plans to acquire Aleris International Inc. of Beachwood, the year-and-a-half-old aluminum products company, for $3.3 billion, and take it private. Texas Pacific Group of Fort Worth will...

The Week in Quotes.(News)
August 14, 2006... "They're essentially a regional bank, so they've been able to find deals in less competitive markets where the big sharks aren't playing as much.'' - Azim Nakhooda, chief financial officer, Cedar Brook Financial Partners. Page One ...

Late News.
August 14, 2006... COUNTY GIVES $150,000 FOR SQUARE SPRUCE-UP * Cuyahoga County commissioners last week awarded the Downtown Cleveland Alliance $150,000 for its minor face-lift of Public Square. The group, which represents downtown property owners and is...

Utah printer to expand NE Ohio operations.(News)(Brief article)
August 14, 2006... Byline: JOHN BOOTH AlphaGraphics, a Salt Lake City-based printing company with three Northeast Ohio franchisees, sounds like a regional booster as it talks about plans to open five more stores in the area during the next year. ...

Going Places.(People)(Emily Kocinski joins CBLH Design)(William M. Schneider joins Ciuni and Panichi Inc.)(Steven M. Dettelbach joins Baker Hostetler)
August 14, 2006... Job Changes Architecture CBLH DESIGN: Emily Kocinski to interior planner. CUPKOVIC ARCHITECTURE LLC: Michael B. Nilsen and Eric J. Greenberg to design associates; Bud R. Perry to senior design associate; Jason R. Colon to project...

Short Takes.(Briefs)
August 14, 2006... * MARKETING FIRM SCORES MORE SPACE: Home Team Marketing, winner of the second Council of Smaller Enterprises business plan competition in 2003, has set up shop at downtown Cleveland's Caxton Building. The sports marketer, which offers...

TOUGH TURNAROUND; Amid financial crisis and competition, drastic changes have the YWCA of Greater Cleveland back on track.(Young Women's Christian Association)(Organization overview)
August 14, 2006... Byline: SHANNON MORTLAND In the new millennium, the YWCA of Greater Cleveland had become a dinosaur. Its programs in child care, teen services and domestic violence still were attracting people, but they weren't growing. Its fitness...

Developer eyes vintage school for condo units; Junior Properties president buys historic Mentor property, also plans for townhouses, coach houses.(Junior Properties of Mentor)
August 14, 2006... Byline: STAN BULLARD With the 1912-vintage Center Street School as a focal point, developer Rick Osborne Jr. is pushing plans for something old and something new near Lawnfield, the historic home of President James Garfield in Mentor. ...

In search of broader sectors, ex-Oak officials start Broadleaf; Hudson firm offering about 30 stocks; sets sights on high net worth client.(News)
August 21, 2006... Byline: SHAWN A. TURNER Yearning for a wider scope of investments than they had at their former jobs, two former Oak Associates Ltd. officials have gone out on their own in starting Broadleaf Partners LLC in Hudson. Douglas S. MacKay...

Reboot, reuse, recycle; Local companies are trying to put a lid on electronics waste.(Technology)
August 21, 2006... Byline: KIMBERLY BONVISSUTO Technology changes everything. That cell phone you thought was state of the art when you got it last month already has been replaced by something sleeker and trendier. Your computer was probably one-upped by...

Reporters' Notebook; Behind the news with Crain's writers.(The Insider)
August 21, 2006... Pressed for space, Taussig center turns to HealthSpace * Some administrative offices in the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center have found a new home at HealthSpace Cleveland. Taussig chairman and director Dr. Derek Raghavan said...

NorTech solicits state for $15M; Group would use Third Frontier money, matching funds to boost tech startup activity.
August 21, 2006... Byline: BRANDON GLENN Several local incubators and investment funds are hoping to make life a little easier for Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs. Easier to the tune of nearly $23 million in assistance. A group led by regional...

The Week: August 14 - 20.(location of OEConnection LLC )(Brief article)
August 21, 2006... On the move: Richfield software company OEConnection LLC will move its headquarters to a 50,000-square-foot space under construction at 4185 Highlander Parkway, just up the street from its current 24,000-square-foot headquarters at 4150...

What's New.(product infromation of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co)(Brief article)
August 21, 2006... COMPANY: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Akron PRODUCT: Wrangler tire featuring SilentArmor Pro-Grade technology Goodyear's latest addition to its premium Wrangler line of tires is aimed at contractors, landscapers, boaters, horse...

Web conferencing used to ease costs, boost participation.(Technology)
August 21, 2006... Byline: JOEL HAMMOND Some Northeast Ohio companies are using improved web- and video-conferencing technology as a way to get around rising travel costs while increasing participation in meetings and seminars. "This is a great service...

ORG lands top-tier Beachwood office site Principals value Lakepoint well above county's mark due to quality, occupancy.(News)(ORG Holdings L.L.C.)
August 21, 2006... Byline: STAN BULLARD ORG Holdings Ltd. is set to buy Lakepoint Office Park in Beachwood from the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio in a deal that realty insiders watched closely because of the building's high-profile seller, quality...

Energy advocates work to meet solar challenge; Mystery company to bring plant to region if megawatt goal is met.(News)
August 21, 2006... Byline: JAY MILLER An out-of-state producer of solar cells has issued a "solar challenge'' to Northeast Ohio by pledging to bring a solar cell-making plant to the area if local homeowners and businesses over the next year install equipment...

The Week in Quotes.(News)
August 21, 2006... "We've never seen (from the state) this kind of money ready to invest in entrepreneurs and innovation. It just hasn't happened.'' - Dorothy Baunach, president, NorTech. Page One "If you want to have a strong inner city, then something...

Weed out unreliable sources with tips for web research.(Technology)
August 21, 2006... Byline: J Hudson The Internet is a great research tool because it contains information on almost every subject. This is true, in part, because almost anybody can create a web page and share his or her opinion with the world. How, then,...

Wage rage.(Opinion)
August 21, 2006... The state Legislature's failure to increase Ohio's minimum wage to a reasonable level could inflict serious non-wage pain on employers in the state should a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the minimum wage in Ohio win voter approval...

Consumer products biz to shift work to Orrville; Larger space awaits 27 Spectrum employees.(News)
August 21, 2006... Byline: DAVID BENNETT Spectrum Brands Inc., a diverse consumer products company based in Atlanta, is moving 27 workers to Orrville from Akron as part of an $8 million distribution center project. The planned 350,000-square-foot...

Acquisition revs Suburban Truck growth.(News)(Brief article)
August 21, 2006... Byline: DAVID BENNETT Suburban Truck and Car Repair of Cleveland doesn't consider itself small any longer. After tripling operating space at its headquarters and maintenance center on South Miles Industrial Parkway, the 15-person...

ASSERTING INDEPENDENCE; Landerwood Plaza's small, local retailers thriving despite lifestyle centers' popularity.
August 21, 2006... Byline: JOHN BOOTH Visually, Landerwood Plaza is unremarkable. The 46-year-old, two-story shopping center on Pinetree Road in Pepper Pike has nothing resembling European-inspired facades or faux small-town streetscapes. But with two...

Beachwood tech firm's software right on time; Scheduling software from TOA Technologies aims to pinpoint arrivals of deliveries, technicians.(News)(TOA Technologies)(Cox Communications Inc.)
August 21, 2006... Byline: BRANDON GLENN Yuval Brisker's company exists, he says, to "solve the problem of the cable guy.'' TOA Technologies of Beachwood develops software that aims to give customers a more precise estimate of when technicians or...

Browns' latest issue no cause for curse.(Opinion)
August 21, 2006... Byline: Brian Tucker There it was last week, all over again. Trouble for a long-suffering Cleveland sports team trying, like the city in which it resides, to regain its past glory, or at least a measure of respectability. The...

Retired GE researcher at helm of lighting biz.(Technology)(Dick Hansler)(General Electric Co.)
August 21, 2006... Byline: BRANDON GLENN Dick Hansler's idea of "fun'' probably isn't the same as most people's. Nor is his idea of "retirement,'' for that matter. After 42 years as a research scientist at General Electric's Nela Park research center in...