Inside Business articles from July 2003

Inside Business archives from July 2003

Remember the customer. (Editor's Column).(Editorial)
July 1, 2003... It seems like everybody I know is starting a business -- or wants to. Unfortunately, most will fail, depending on which set of figures you use, as many as 80 percent of all new businesses fail within five years. How can so many smart people...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
July 1, 2003... A feature in the June issue on asbestos attorney Mike Kelley ("Cleveland's King of Torts") misidentified Matt O'Connell.

A niche (farmers) market. (Growing a Business).(Chef's Garden Inc.)
July 1, 2003... A lot of small farms used to thrive in Huron. Before World War II, Erie County was known for its many small vegetable growers. But highways and pesticides took care of that, ushering in a new era of commercial domination. Now, the Jones...

The old-timers are back. (Associations).(membership has taken a renewed interest in rejuvenating The 100 Year Club of Cleveland)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The path to 100 years isn't an easy trip, and getting there is worth a tip of the hat, It's the impetus for The 100 Year Club of Cleveland's founding a half-century ago, and it's the reason its membership has taken a renewed interest in...

What's your purpose? If you don't know the answer, Rabbi Moshe Fine advises to search higher. (Five Questions).(Interview)
July 1, 2003... As business people devote more of their lives to their careers, they may leave less time for spiritual fulfillment. Rabbi Moshe Fine strives to harmonize the two. Fine believes assimilating aspects of spirituality into the workplace not...

Increase in values. (Frontlines).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Corporate America may be talking the talk when it comes to reintroducing values into the post-Enron workplace, but does it walk the walk? According to an American Management Association study of 175 AMA executive and council members, 76...

2003 Manny Awards luncheon. (Working the room).(leaders in Northeast Ohio's manufacturing community)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Leaders of Northeast Ohio's manufacturing community gathered in May to honor this year's Manny Award winners. The luncheon, which took place at Windows on the River, drew about 300 guests. Keynote speaker Mitchell Hecht, CFO of...

Have you looked into how an SBA loan can help start or grow your business?(Small Business Administration)(Illustration)
July 1, 2003... If you're looking to start or grow your business, contact the Cleveland Small Business Administration at (216) 522-4180 or Kim Gottfried, manager of Business Banking at FirstMerit Bank, at (216) 694-5692. FirstMerit is a Preferred SBA Lender...

World-class customer service. (Working the Room).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A sold-out crowd of more than 200 gathered at the May 6 meeting of the John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association to learn about world-class customer service from world-class experts. Jack Kahi bought Manco Inc. (now Henkel Consumer...

The Web.
July 1, 2003... See what Inside-business.com has to offer! Because business is a 24/7 proposition. Be There: www.inside-business.com/editorial/bethere_main_new.asp Features events from networking to business-development classes. Also, add your...

Convention wisdom.(Cleveland, Ohio's convention center project)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Two convention center schools of thought collided during a discussion at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs on May 29. Mark Rosentraub, dean of the Levin College, argued that rebuilding cities need neighborhood...

Awards aplenty.(Inside Business awarded best business magazine title at Cleveland Press Club Awards)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Inside Business is the best business magazine in the state, according to the Cleveland Press Club. Inside Business won the title at the 2003 Cleveland Press Club Awards on June 13. And Joe Frey's "I Learned It At a Dot-Com So You Didn't Have...

Carpe tabula microsoftus: notes on personal computing's next step forward. (E-Industry).
July 1, 2003... Sometimes it's good to step back and take a look at how we do our routine tasks. Dump all our preconceptions and approach things with a fresh start -- a blank slate. Or for those of you who speak Latin -- and who doesn't? -- a tabula rasa, a...

Six to know: follow these tenets of the successful salesperson. (Customer Service).
July 1, 2003... When I first started my sales career at Xerox Corp.,! was taught a few things that have stayed with me for close to 27 years. These basic principles allowed me to be the No. I1 salesperson at Xerox out of a national sales force of 11,000, and...

Connecting with clients: hudson-based Quatech is flying high because of a customer-first philosophy. (Akron).(Hudson, Ohio)
July 1, 2003... There are about 25 companies in the world that specialize in serial connectivity solutions. Quatech, based in Hudson, stands out for a few reasons. One -- the most important -- is that since Steve Runkel, now the president and CEO,...

On a mission. (Director's Column).
July 1, 2003... Following the first general meeting of Ohio Entrepreneur partners, I left with the overwhelming feeling that we know we are on a very important mission. Somewhere in the past 30 years, Ohio has lost sight of one of its most important...

Taking the world stage: risk! intrigue! increased revenues! coming to an international entrepreneur near you. (Expansion).(Bombay Bistro)(import-export business)
July 1, 2003... For most of his adult life, Rad Singh has put his understanding or global business to work for other people. Five-star hotel manager. Overseer of the world's third-largest U.S. Embassy commissary in his native land of India. Dinner boat...

Dad knows best. (Lessons Learned).(Automation Mailing and Shipping Solutions)(Mary Johnson)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Mary Johnson's clients are like family to her. "A business is built on relationship building," she says. Growing up, Johnson watched her father run a thriving automotive repair business. "He always did more than what [the customer]...

Recognition for business-friendly communities. (Roundup).(Greater Cleveland Growth Association)(Greater Akron chamber)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Eastlake, Cleveland Heights and Solon are the first cities to be named business friendly under a new program by the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and Greater Akron chamber. The two groups met last fall to devise a way to recognize...

Support for tech companies. (Roundup).(CAMP Inc.; Enterprise Development Inc.; and NEOSA)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- CAMP Inc., Enterprise Development Inc. (EDI) and NEOSA recently announced the beginning of a network of incubation facilities for new and developing technology-based companies. The three organizations have combined their...

COSE honors one of its own. (Roundup).(Council of Smaller Enterprises)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- The Council of Smaller Enterprises lauded one of its founders at a luncheon in May. Fred M. Crosby was presented the COSE Entrepreneurial Leadership Award in commemoration of his lifetime dedication to the small-business...

A guide for entrepreneurs.
July 1, 2003... SERVICE PROVIDERS Ernst & Young LLP Northeast Ohio: Todd Trehan, (330) 255-5906 todd.trehan@ey.com Northwest Ohio: Larry Davenport, (419) 321-5505 larry.davenport@ey.com, www.ey.com Ernst & Young provides accounting,...

The $500 million question: is a convention center best use of half-billion dollars?(Cover Story)
July 1, 2003... Craig James has an interesting take on Cleveland's convention center debate. Slice $500 million -- the commonly proposed price tag for a new convention center -- into 2,500 even pieces of $200,000, says the founder of CatalystStrategies...

Charitable conversation: the Cleveland Foundation's new chief, Ronn Richard discusses where he's been and where his organization is going. (Interview).(Interview)
July 1, 2003... An executive change at a community foundation is worthy of attention from the business community. But when the change is at the Cleveland Foundation, the oldest and second-largest such organization in the country, a more serious interest is...

A franchise for all ages: Canton's Merle Griff is spreading her intergenerational approach to elderly day care. (Franchising).(Senior Adult Recreation and Health Adult Day Services)(Merle D. Griff)
July 1, 2003... It was a little girl who provided the flash of brilliance that Merle D. Griff needed to find her entrepreneurial pathway. The little girl, a regular visitor to Griff's adult day care center in Canton, one day informed Griff that, at...

Ready to refinance? Businesses are turning to banks--and their online functions--to lock in lower interest rates. (Special Section).
July 1, 2003... With interest rates hovering at historic lows, prudent business owners throughout Northeast Ohio are taking advantage of refinancing and lending opportunities to reorganize their debt. Area banks specializing in small-business loans report...

Financial services. (Resource Directory).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... CHARTER ONE BANK (866) COB-4BIZ WWW.CHARTERONE.COM CONTACT: MICHAEL CHERAVITCH MCHERAVITCH@CHARTERONEBANK.COM Call (866) COB-4BIZ today to find out how Charter Ones dedicated Business Banking Group can provide...

The e-MBA: more MBA students are getting their degrees without ever stepping into the classroom. (Special Section).(master of business administration)
July 1, 2003... For James Haywood Jr., earning a master's in business administration was a natural complement to his under graduate degree in Spanish and his career as an inside sales representative for The Sherwin-Williams Co. The 28-year-old of...

Thinking outside the company: companies can save money with human resources outsourcing. (Special Section).
July 1, 2003... Skyrocketing medical insurance costs had Mark F. Polzin worried last year. The president of Moreland Management Co., a Pepper Pike firm of 17 professionals and staff, knew he had to find a way to cut back on his benefits costs. His...

Staffing solutions. (Ask the Experts).(cost-effective staffing)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Answering HR questions Q: WHEN IT COMES TO STAFFING, WHAT ARE SOME COST-EFFECTIVE MEASURES A COMPANY CAN EMPLOY? A: "Large and small companies alike are seeking new and more cost-effective methods of staffing, especially with our...

KA Inc. Architecture. (Architecture).
July 1, 2003... (216) 781-9144 www.kainc.com Providing innovative, practical design and extraordinary client service is the goal of KA Inc. Architecture. The Cleveland-based, award-winning design firm specializes in serving corporate and commercial...

Diskcopy Duplication Services. Inc. (CD-ROM Replication).
July 1, 2003... (440) 460-0800 (800) 551-3475 www.diskdupe.com Contact: Marc Braun sales@diskdupe.com CD/DVD replication, CD-R/DVD-R duplication, 8 cm minidiscs, rink-shaped and rectangle-shaped business card compact discs, diskette...

Builders Exchange of Akron. (Construction Consultants).(Akron, Ohio)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (330) 434-5165 www.bxakron.com The Builders Exchange of Akron's Web site illustrates its commitment to be the single source of information for the construction industry. The site offers the ability to view projects out forbid, sign...

Hughie's audio-visual & computer. (Audiovisual Rental).
July 1, 2003... (216) 361-4600 (800) 449-4115 www.hughies.com Hughie's, the area's premier audiovisual rental and staging company, specializes in the rental of audio, video, lighting, rigging and staging gear for literally any type of local or...

Beachwood chamber of commerce. (Economic Development).(Beachwood, Ohio)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (216) 831-0003 www.beachwood.org Beachwood, Ohio -- a city for today and tomorrow. More than 2,700 businesses call Beachwood home. In the 5.25 square miles of the city, more than 100,000 people come each day to work, shop and visit....

The city of solon. (Economic Development).(Solon, Ohio)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... www.solonohio.org (440) 349-6327 Solon Excels in Business -- 800 businesses are located in the city of Solon because of our excellent city services, convenient location, safe environment, favorable tax rates and attractive business...

Lake Erie College. (Education).
July 1, 2003... www.lec.edu (440) 352-3361 Lake Erie College, founded in 1856, is a private, coeducational liberal arts college with just under 1,000 students. LEC offers 22 undergraduate majors in the divisions of arts and sciences, equine...

Champion Staffing. (Employment).
July 1, 2003... www.championpersonnel.com (216) 781-5900 Champion Staffing specializes in interim, interim-to-direct and direct-hire staffing in office, administrative and industrial. Offices throughout Greater Cleveland.

Kent State University's Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development. (Biz Links).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... www.techtrans.kent.edu (330) 672-2692 Kent State's Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development is the one-stop resource for licensing Kent State's intellectual property and developing technology-based partnerships. Kent...

Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University. (Biz Links).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... www.wcba.ysu.edu (330) 941-3064 YSU offers a BSBA degree and MBA degree, including the flexible part-time MBA Program and the Executive MBA Program (21 months, Saturday only). Undergraduate students may select a major in accounting,...

Clear Channel Entertainment/Tower City Amphitheater. (Entertainment).
July 1, 2003... www.towercityamphitheater.com (440) 247-2422 Tower City Amphitheater is an open-air amphitheater with an extraordinary riverfront setting to enjoy the country's top performers. TCA rocks from April to October! Looking for the best...

Events Xtraordinaire. (Event Planning).
July 1, 2003... (888) 222-0961 www.eventsx.com Events Xtraordinaire is a full-service events and meeting-planning company. We have expertise in destination events such as corporate sales meetings, incentive and team-building trips, product launches...

FirstMerit. (Biz Links).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (216) 694-5692 www.firstmerit.com If you're looking to start or grow your business, call Kim Gottfried (216) 694-5692), manager of business banking at FirstMerit. FirstMerit is a preferred SBA lender and has a dedicated staff of...

Oswald Financial Inc. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 367-8752 www.oswaldfinancial.com Oswald Financial Inc. specializes in the marketing, development and servicing of retirement plans to meet a company's specific needs. Our process includes plan design, implementation,...

Charter One Bank. (Financial Services).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (866) COB-4BIZ www.charterone.com Call (866) COB-4B1Z today to find Out how Charter One's dedicated Business Banking Group can provide customized solutions tailored to meet your business' specific financial needs. Charter One offers...

Grant Thornton LLP. (Biz Links).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (216) 771-1400 www.GrantThornton.com Grant Thornton is the leading global accounting, tax and business advisory firm dedicated to serving the needs of middle-market companies. Founded in 1924, Grant Thornton serves public and private...

Skoda, Minotti & Co. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (440) 449-6800 www.skodaminotti.com Skoda, Minotti & Co. is a broad-based accounting and financial services firm focused on helping clients grow their businesses. Clients range from closely held businesses and individuals to...

Anthem. (Health Care and Benefits).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (800) 551-3119 www.anthem.com Dedicated to improving "the health of the people we serve," Anthem is the only licensed Blue Cross and Blue Shield provider in the state of Ohio. Nearly 1 million members in the Buckeye State - and one in...

Forum Health. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (330) 884-1000 * www.forumhealth.org Forum Health, the third-largest integrated health care delivery system in Northeast Ohio, represents the area's leading hospitals, medical centers, ambulatory campuses, home care agencies and other...

The James B. Oswald Co. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 367-8787 * www.jamesoswald.com The James B. Oswald Co. risk-management, insurance, employee-benefits and corporate-retirement-plan team can address the distinct requirements of more than 2,800 clients in multinational corporations,...

COSE--the Council of Smaller Enterprises. (Biz Links).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (216) 621-3300 * www.cose.org COSE is a valuable strategic business partner and resource for nearly 16,700 member companies. The Web site (www.cose.org) provides information on group purchasing programs such as health insurance, workers'...

Herbruck Alder. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 623-2600 * www.herbruckalder.com Herbruck Alder is a regional employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm. Since 1963, we have delivered cost effective benefit solutions supported by superior service. Visit our redesigned Web...

NOACC (Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce). (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 447-9900 * (866) 466-6222 * ((866)-GO-NOACC) www.noacc.org NOACC (Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce) is a regional partnership of more than 100 chambers of commerce delivering competitive and cost-saving benefits and services...

Employers Resource Council. (Human Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (216) 696-3636 * www.ercnet.org ERG is the area's largest employers' association assisting organizations with attraction, retention and motivation of great employees. ERC's new enhanced site offers its members access to online HR...

Digibahn Ltd. (Internet/Intranet Consulting and Design).
July 1, 2003... (216) 261-5154 ext. 73 * www.digibahn.com Digibahn is a leading technology consulting firm offering world-class expertise in autonomy integration, Web and software development, e-marketing and online market research. The Digibahn...

The Karcher Group Inc. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (330) 493-6141 www.thekarchergroup.com If you're looking for professional Web design, e-commerce solutions, reliable Web hosting or increased Web site traffic, then you're looking at the right place. At The Karcher Group, we...

Magna HR Inc. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 896-9301 * www.magnahr.com Magna HR provides human resources outsourcing and administration services, utilizing our 100 percent Web-based HRIS and fully integrated payroll. Our service offering includes benefits administration,...

DigitalDay Creative Group. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (330) 908-3454 www.digitaldaycreative.com DigitalDay Creative Group is a company of passionate, inventive professionals committed to crafting exceptional online experiences that enhance, elevate and endear our clients' brands to...

Lunar Cow Design. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (800) 594-9620 * www.lunarcow.com Lunar Cow Design is a visual-communications firm specializing in brand unification over Web, print and multimedia touchpoints. Our team members are experts in Web development, multimedia, graphic...

Maddox Marketing Group Inc. (Internet/Intranet Consulting and Design).
July 1, 2003... (800) 949-5208 * www.maddoxmarketing.com Maddox Marketing Group is a team of experienced communications strategists helping companies innovate, communicate and grow. From Web site development to e-promotion, from branding strategies to...

October-Design. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 623-0995 * www.october-design.com Is your Web site working for your business? October-Design developed an online proofing system, ClientNet, that allows our clients to view their projects in progress. The ClientNet solution results...

Sitempower by Walking Stick Communications. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (866) 340-8179 * www.siteMpower.com Frustrated with your outdated Web site? Empower your organization to manage your Web presence with siteMpower by Walking Stick Communications. No more waiting for IS. No more paying outside resources...

Malonezeris LLC. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (330) 564-0300 * www.malonezeris.com MaloneZeris LLC is a technology-driven specialist agency with a proven track record of helping businesses drive sales and retain customers through a strategic combination of innovative nontraditional...

SCK Design. Inc. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 522-9740 * www.sckdesign.com SCK Design's unique approach combines graphic designers with programmers to develop a unified marketing system. Our complementary talents maximize the effectiveness of the Internet, intranet and custom...

T1 Company LLC. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 595-0286 * www.t1company.com Now offering voice-over IP and IP Centrex service. High performance, high quality, affordable dedicated Internet and point-to-point service, business ADSL, DS3 and local and long-distance voice...

Vittal Resources Inc. (It Consulting and Staffing).
July 1, 2003... (440) 333-0600 www.vitalres.com Vital Resources' high-caliber IT contract professionals have the critical skills and positive attitudes required to successfully complete projects. Our core competency is providing value to our clients by...

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLP. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (800) 686-2825 * www.bdblaw.com Seeking information about new legislation, legal updates or a lawyer who can assist your company? The Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs Web site can help -- it outlines the firm's capabilities and...

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co. LPA. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 696-1422 * www.mccarthylebit.com Founded as a tax boutique in 1959, our practice now includes litigation, corporate, finance, real estate, bankruptcy, estate planning, probate, family law and intellectual property. We treat clients...

Bricker & Eckler LLP. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 523-5405 * www.bricker.com Founded in 1944, Bricker & Eckler LLP is one of Ohio's leading law firms. The firm is dedicated to providing superior client service through an industry-focused approach. Located in Columbus and...

Duvin, Cahn & Hutton. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 696-7600 * www.duvinlaw.com Duvin, Cahn & Hutton, a 50-member law firm with offices in Cleveland and Detroit, represents employers nationally in all areas of labor relations and employment law. Our representation includes numerous...

Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP. (Biz Links).(law firm offers a variety of services)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... (216) 241-2838 (Cleveland office) * (513) 381-2838 (Cincinnati office) www.taftlaw.com Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP has offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and northern Kentucky. The firm provides a broad range of legal...

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. (Law).
July 1, 2003... (216) 479-6100 * www.vssp.com Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 340 attorneys in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va. Attorneys in our Cleveland office offer...

Aztek. (Marketing).
July 1, 2003... (440) 614-5500 * www.astekworks.com Aztek is a business solutions firm that specializes in providing custom marketing and technology solutions, ranging from business software to the design of corporate communications. Aztek staffs both a...

CrossCurrent Solutions. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 241-8185 * www.crosscurrentsolutions.com Looking for a communications partner with the ingenuity and facility to cut across shifting business currents with a steady, on-target message to your marketplace? At CrossCurrent Solutions,...

Camp Inc. (Manufacturing).
July 1, 2003... (800) NOW-CAMP * www.camp.org CAMP is a professional organization dedicated to improving the operations and performance of manufacturing companies by providing expert, hands-on engineering, business and training services.

Caler & Co. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (330) 535-8053 * www.caler.com Business is a game. Will the move you make today match your strategy for tomorrow... next quarter... next year? Reevaluate your business development plan. Discover how to optimize sales through strong...

Midwest Direct Marketing Services. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (800) 686-6666 * www.mw-direct.com Midwest Direct Marketing Services can help your business or organization save up to 25 percent in postage! Midwest Direct assists businesses that have frustrations or concerns regarding direct-mail...

Ohio Envelope Manufacturing Co. (Marketing).
July 1, 2003... (216) 267-2920 * www.ohioenvelope.com Ohio Envelope Manufacturing has been providing its customers with all types of plain and printed envelopes, in quantities from 500 to more than a million, since 1936. Our employees, most of whom have...

The Forum Conference Center. (Meeting/Event Facilities).
July 1, 2003... (216) 241-6338 * www.forumcc.com The Forum features 12 meeting rooms, 400-seat auditorium, 17,000 feet of meeting space. On-site executive chef provides a full complement of menu items. In-house A/V and video presentation equipment and...

LaCentre. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (440) 250-2000 * www.lacentre.com LaCentre is Northeast Ohio's newest and grandest conference and banquet facility. With 26000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 10,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and private executive...

Zarney Creative. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (216) 464-6469 * www.zarney.com Working as a creative resource for branded products and services, Zarney Creative always finds a way to craft a compelling and unique personality for a new product introduction or brand repositioning. Call...

John S. Knight Center. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (330) 374-89001 * (800) 245-4254 * www.johnsknightcenter.org With 123,000 square feet of space, the John S. Knight Center is Summit County and Greater Akron's showcase for great events! Features include: state-of-the-art...

Sawmill Creek Resort. (Biz Links).
July 1, 2003... (419) 433-3800 * www.sawmillcreek.com Sawmill Creek Resort, Lodge and Conference Center is nestled on 253 acres located on Lake Erie. Capacity for the meetings/conferences is from 20 to 2,000 with a Tom Fazio 18-hole golf course, marina,...

Walden Country Inn & Stables. (Meeting & Event Facilities).
July 1, 2003... (330) 562-5508 www.waldenco.com For business and social gatherings, choose from a variety of impressive options, including the distinctive wide island theater. See why Walden was voted best business retreat by Inside Business for two...