Inside Business articles from March 2007

Inside Business archives from March 2007

What do icebergs and business success have in common?(ABSOLUTELY)(2007 NEO Success Award)(Column)
March 1, 2007... This month we are honoring the 2007 NEO Success Award winners, an event that is marking its 14th anniversary. Yet sometimes it takes an unexpected experience to remind us why we do what we do, or in this case, remind us of why we celebrate the...

A reader disservice.(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... I was disappointed to read Michael Robert's recent column ("Bad Blood," February issue) about The Cleveland Clinic. It inaccurately depicts the institution, its accomplishments and its core mission of providing patients with world-class medical...

Correction.(Correction notice)
March 1, 2007... In February's Power 100 listing, Anthony Payiavlas, co-president of AVI Foodsystems Inc., was incorrectly identified as John Payiavlas.

Eye in the sky.(TRAFFIC)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Traffic cameras in Cleveland are known to catch stoplight runners and issue tickets. The City of Akron has a different take: cameras to help improve traffic flow. At no small expense, the Rubber City has installed 60 traffic cameras at 15...

Super fumble.(ADVERTISING)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... While the Super Bowl commercials, known for their comedic story lines and talking animals, flopped during this year's Midwest showdown, Cleveland public relations firm Liggett Stashower turned the disappointing ads into post-game entertainment...

Mad man.(RESTAURANTS)
March 1, 2007... Regional chef Richard Cicic is m-a-d, mad. And his Brunswick restaurant, Madd Chef's, reflects his anger. He is upset with today's chemically induced foods and believes, sadly, the American palate has grown accustomed to this "fake" taste....

Inspired by Truth.(analysis of global warning)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Jeff Friedman is a Web site expert by day, but at night the owner of Cleveland-based Webtego is one of 1,000 international "Climate Change Messengers" for The Climate Project, chosen to spread local awareness of global warming. Friedman's...

The cruelest season.(TAXES)
March 1, 2007... Everybody's least favorite time of year is here again: tax season. While our friends at the Internal Revenue Service don't have too many surprises for taxpayers this year, one viscous beast from years past is growing larger: The...

Youth movement.(MANUFACTURING)
March 1, 2007... James Griffith knows manufacturing has an image problem, primarily with the future of his workforce. Griffith, president and CEO of Canton's The Timken Co., which makes highly engineered bearings and alloys, is fearful that his industry will be...

$3.8 billion.(BY THE NUMBERS)
March 1, 2007... Amount in lost wages last year due to employee time spent on NCAA "March Madness" basketball tournament gambling and watching games online. SOURCE: CHALLENGER GRAY & CHRISTMAS INC.

Demand for suppliers.(DIVERSITY)
March 1, 2007... Andrew Jackson would frequently drive from Shaker Heights to Detroit for his previous job with consulting firm Accenture. "My commute is much shorter now," says the 45-year-old Jackson, who is in his first year as executive director of the...

First female President elected at case.(InsideTrack: The Region)
March 1, 2007... Barbara R. Snyder has been tapped as the next president of Case Western Reserve University, the first woman in university history to hold the top position. Snyder, who currently serves as executive vice president and provost of The Ohio...

YSU establishes $1 million trust for scholarships.(InsideTrack: The Region)
March 1, 2007... The estate of the late Robert G. and S. Ann Berich Maigetter has established a more than $1 million trust to provide scholarships for Youngstown State University students in geography, economics, philosophy and political science. ...

Vantage Financial promotes president to CEO.(Martin J. Uhle is the CEO of Vantage Financial Group Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Martin J. Uhle, president of Vantage Financial Group, an insurance and financial services company, was named the firm's chief executive officer. He succeeds Vantage's founder, George G. Szeretvai, who transitioned management duties to Uhle....

Cleveland labor firm combines with national practice.(Duvin, Cahn & Hutton merger with littler Mendelson PC)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Labor- and employment-focused law firm Duvin, Cahn & Hutton has merged its practice with Littler Mendelson PC, the nation's largest firm exclusively devoted to representing management in employment, employee benefits and labor law matters. ...

Celebrating success.(The Web)
March 1, 2007... Join Inside Business magazine in recognizing Northeast Ohio's most successful private and emerging companies at the 2007 NEO Success Awards Luncheon on March 22 at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, Medical...

Great meetings.(management of convention centres)
March 1, 2007... INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY CLEVELAND EDUCATION & CONFERENCING CENTERS 4100 Rockside Road Independence, OH 44131 5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 215 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 P: (216) 525-6160 F: (216)...

Showstoppers: this year's top picks from the annual consumer electronics show in Las Vegas.(E-INDUSTRY)
March 1, 2007... The computer industry sure has changed. Comdex used to be the big show for the tech world. Comdex, which stood for Computer Dealer Exhibition, evolved into the one huge gathering place (in Vegas, of course) for everyone involved with PCs. ...

Biz links: Northeast Ohio's business resource guide.(Directory)
March 1, 2007... Biz Links Northeast Ohio's business resource guide ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL PLANNING Grant Thornton LLP (216) 771-1400 www.gt.com Zinner & Co. LLP (216) 831-0733 www.zinnerco.com ADVERTISING/...

Impotence unbound: compiling power lists is a pleasant parlor game played by the media, but the truth is that Cleveland's lack of political power has destroyed our spirit of innovation find enterprise.
March 1, 2007... You see them regularly: lists in magazines and newspapers that rank a city's most powerful or influential leaders. It is a fun exercise, an endeavor for editors that is a little like playing Monopoly. It also gives editors a sense of...

Truly a family affair: the Shibley siblings of Yours Truly restaurants credit their gradual growth over 26 years to a lack of a master plan.(Ohio Entreprenuer)
March 1, 2007... For some brothers and sisters, sharing is the hardest part of growing up. But in the Shibley family, making sure everyone gets an equal share is not an issue--they all have an even cut of Yours Truly restaurants, the family business. At...

Money talks: Les Szarka of Szarka Financial Management is in the business of educating people on life after retirement.(Ohio Entrepreneur)
March 1, 2007... Throughout his 38-year career, Tom Bennett always had an eye in retirement. After spending 19 years at The Plain Dealer and 19 years at Painesville's Lubrizol Corp., respectively, Bennett, 66, was ready to begin planning for retirement. ...

Road map.(OHIO ENTREPRENEUR)
March 1, 2007... Ohio Entrepreneur is a partnership of companies, universities and economic development organizations dedicated to providing access to the information and services entrepreneurs need to start, locate and expand their businesses in Ohio. We...

Star player.(Andy Halko is the CEO of Insivia)
March 1, 2007... Andy Halko, 26 CEO, Insivia andy@insivia.com BORN LEADER: Originally from Pittsburgh, the "secondhand native" graduated from John Carroll University in 2002 with an urge to start his own business. "It's something in the family,"...

Wizards of Wal-Mart: Nottingham-Spirk creates the kind of innovative, but practical consumer products loved by customers, as well as the largest corporations in the world.(Cover story)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... Consider the paint can. The paint can was ignored for a century. It was round, metal and messy with a lid you needed to pry off with a screwdriver. That was until Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates invented a plastic paint container with a...

A moment in Time: what Time magazine's Henry Luce learned about publishing in Cleveland while headquartered here in 1925.(HISTORY)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... Every big city needs an honest mayor, a winning sports team and a chronicle of the life of the town that brings together the currents of our common humanity and the success stories produced by the community. The two years Time magazine was...

Jack of all trades: for 75 years, Cleveland law firm Walter & Haverfield has kept its midsized thriving by offering a diverse menu specialties.(IB's BIRTHDAY CLUB)
March 1, 2007... The year 1932 was not an ideal time to start a business. In the depths of the Depression, jobs were difficult to come by, especially for two recent law school graduates, Paul W. Walter and D. Rusk Haverfield. So the two attorneys ventured...

Saluting success.(achievements and awards of Forest City Enterprises Inc. )(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... For more than a decade, Inside Business has been proud to honor top-performing companies in Northeast Ohio with its annual NEO Success Awards. The following 104 companies exemplify the excellence in business essential for economic...

Legendary leader: NEO Success Awards keynote speaker Sam Miller has spent a half-century as a stakeholder and leader of Forest City Enterprises inc.
March 1, 2007... "It a little foresight and little luck," says Samuel H Miller, when asked what makes a company successful. On March 22, he'll address hundreds of businesspeople who've had both as the keynote speaker at Inside Business' 2007 NEO Success Awards....

Fuel to the fire: Developer Diversified Realty Corp.'s Scott Wolstein says its contrarian strategy drives the company's growth and success.(PUBLIC COMPANIES)
March 1, 2007... For Developers Diversified Realty Corp. CEO and Chairman Scott Wolstein, success starts with people, and a willingness to boldly make contrarian business decisions. "Everything starts with people, of course," reflects Wolstein from his...

Philosophy for success: after an uphill climb from asbestos litigation and a company restructuring, Frank Sullivan of RPM predicts continued growth in the future.(PUBLIC COMPANIES)
March 1, 2007... One benefit of a family-founded business is that it s sometimes easier to pass wisdom through the generations. Sixty years after his grandfather started RPM International Inc., Frank C. Sullivan, president and CEO, still fosters the founder's...

Breaking free: looking to shatter the glass ceiling, Regency Construction services Inc.'s Tari Rivera has built a career path in her male-dominated industry.(PRIVATE COMPANIES)
March 1, 2007... During much of her engineering and construction career, Tari Rivera was the only one. She was the only woman majoring in engineering (class of 1982) at the University of Akron where some professors inquired why she was taking their class....

In the fast lane: Len Pagon of Brulant in Beachwood credits his rapid growth to an intense focus on delivering results to his clients.(Brulant Inc.)
March 1, 2007... When a business is growing significantly faster than its competitors, it must be doing something right. Beachwood-based Brulant was ranked as the 36th-largest interactive marketing firm in the United States in 2005 by Advertising Age, and...

Man of his word: Drake Construction Co.'s Steve Ciuni credits his success to the company's philosophy: we don't make promises we can't keep.(EMERGING COMPANIES)
March 1, 2007... In the construction business, it takes a lot of strength for a general contractor to be honest and straightforward with clients who want their projects completed quickly and as close to cost as possible, with little room for profit margin....

The thunder rolls: what started as a part-time gig in college for Jason Therrien has struck a lightning-fast growth pace for thunder::tech.(managementn of Thunder Tech )
March 1, 2007... Thunder has a way of demanding attention. And thunder:: tech is no different. The full-service marketing firm has been grabbing the attention of many clients--170 to be exact. Not bad when you consider the company has been in business for only...

Public companies.(company sales and revenue of Eaton Corp.)(Financial report)
March 1, 2007... PUBLIC COMPANIES COMPANY INDUSTRY REVENUE in $ Charter One Bank * Banking 5 Billion + Eaton Corp. Manufacturing 5 Billion + FirstEnergy Corp. ...

Private companies.(company sales and earnings of Transtar Inc.)(Financial report)
March 1, 2007... PRIVATE COMPANIES COMPANY INDUSTRY REVENUE in $ The Tremco Group Construction 1-4.9 Billion Fairmount Minerals Mining 250-499 Million ...

Emerging companies.(statistics of revenue of business enterprises)(Statistical data)
March 1, 2007... EMERGING COMPANIES COMPANY INDUSTRY REVENUE in $ MemberHealth Health Care 1-4.9 Billion McPc IT Services 100-249 Million Antares...

By the numbers.(statistics of employment of business enterprises)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
March 1, 2007... Employment 2005 2006 PUBLIC COMPANIES 424,475 433,944 PRIVATE COMPANIES 14,007 15,799 EMERGING COMPANIES 1,457 1,727 Note: Table made from bar graph. ...

By industry.
March 1, 2007... ACCOUNTING Ciuni & Panichi Inc. Grant Thornton LLP Skoda, Minotti & Co. ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PR Adcom Communications Felber & Felber Marketing Rosenberg Advertising SCK Design Inc. thunder::tech ...

Welcome to Research Showcase 2007.
March 1, 2007... Dear Friends, Welcome to Case Western Reserve University's fifth annual Research ShowCASE, a free, two-day public event highlighting the best and brightest among our research community. Our annual program held April 11 and 12 at the Veale...

The information revolution: how our constant connection to information can both help and hinder our lives.
March 1, 2007... Former Ambassador Joseph Wilson has been called many things in the media over the last four years. He's been called a liar, clueless and even several expletives. But he's also been called courageous, discerning and an American hero. Wilson...

Funding the next big idea: securing the money to turn your business plan into reality.
March 1, 2007... For many innovators, the next big idea is always brewing. But bringing that idea to fruition is never an easy process. Whether it's one entrepreneur with an idea for a new product or an established company looking to expand, it all takes money....

Race issues and research: panel to discuss the increasing complexity of American race relations.
March 1, 2007... In the U.S., few discussion topics can energize or galvanize an audience as quickly and as powerfully as those related to race and racism. Attendees of this year's Case Western Reserve University Research ShowCASE will have an excellent...

Science nonfiction: with advances in bio-imaging technology, doctors will soon be able to boldly go where no one has gone before.
March 1, 2007... During any given "Star Trek" episode, a "red shirt" (a stock character whose sole purpose is to meet some violent fate) would inevitably end up in the sick bay in order to receive a futuristic medical scan. With one swipe of what resembled...

Schedule of events: Research schowCase 2007.(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... Research ShowCASE April 11 and 12, 2007 Case Western Reserve University Veale Convocation Center 2128 Adelbert Road Cleveland, Ohio 44106 The fifth annual Research ShowCASE will present research being conducted at Case Western Reserve...

Community Impact Awards: Dominion East Ohio.(achievements and awards of nonprofit organizations)
March 1, 2007... Each year, Dominion East Ohio and Inside Business recognize nonprofits that are working hard to make Northeast Ohio communities better places to live, work and play. From downtown revitalizations to new shopping centers to art projects to...

Worldly charm: Gregg and Regina Eisenberg of pepper Pike redesigned, literally, their dream home with accents from around the globe.(Off The Clock: At Home With ...)(Interview)
March 1, 2007... It took nearly 18 months for Gregg and Regina Eisenberg to complete a makeover of their Pepper Pike home, after stripping the entire interior before moving in almost five years ago. They joke the project made them full-time contractors on top...

Keeping his marbles: IBM technology architect Carl Fisher uses his engineering training to inexpensively recreate some of the world's most valuable tiny toys.(Off The Clock: Passions & Pursuits)
March 1, 2007... To some Nevada marble collectors Carl Fisher is known as that guy from Ohio who makes those clay marbles." On eBay, a few collectors reselling Fisher's contemporary marble creations refer to the Aurora resident as "I forget who made [this...

Cleveland Professionals Group Open House.(WORKING THE ROOM)
March 1, 2007... In February, the Cleveland Professionals Group (CPG), in conjunction with JumpStart Inc., hosted an Open House to benefit E CITY, a cutting-edge entrepreneurship program for low-income professionals. Many gathered at the Union Club for the...

NEO Top 25 Under 35: Movers and Shakers.(WORKING THE ROOM)
March 1, 2007... The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club, together with Inside Business, honored this year's young go-getters of Northeast Ohio at the Top 25 Under 35: Movers and Shakers Awards. Young and older professionals alike gathered at the Cleveland...

ERC Health Cleveland Corporate Challenge 2007.
March 1, 2007... PURPOSE: The ERC Health Cleveland Corporate Challenge is a team-building initiative promoting camaraderie, pride and fitness among employees. All activity levels are encouraged to participate. COMPANY SIZE: All companies will compete within...

Event schedule.(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... For More Information Go to www.hermescleveland.com/corp_challenge JUNE KICKOFF' PARTY Thursday, June 14 bet the Games begin! The 2007 ERC Health Cleveland Corporate Challenge Opening Party will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Blind Pig...

A little friendly competition: Cleveland Corporate Challenge allows employees to build confidence and teamwork in and out of the office.(Cleveland)
March 1, 2007... Sean Patton believes in teambuilding activities to help motivate and reward the 50 employees at Freeman Manufacturing and Supply in Avon. Traditionally, the company would hold an annual company picnic to help build teamwork between its 50 local...

ERC ready for corporate-size challenge.(2007 Corporate Challenge)
March 1, 2007... ERC is stepping up to the plate with its leading health insurance program, ERC Health, as the title sponsor of the 2007 Cleveland Corporate Challenge. "Sponsorship is an opportunity for us to support one of the better-run programs in...

No pain no gain: suffering a sports injury? Know when to press on or take a time out during the Cleveland Corporate Challenge.(2007 Corporate Challenge)
March 1, 2007... Whether it's a twisted ankle at the 3-on-3 basketball tournament or a pulled hammie during the 10K relay, sports injuries can happen to even the fittest of ERC Health Cleveland Corporate Challenge participants. And while exercising may be the...

North Coast 99: 99 great reasons to work in Northeast Ohio.
March 1, 2007... 2006 WINNERS ADP Inc. Aero-Instruments Akron Children's Hospital Akron General Medical Center Altercare of Ohio Inc. Anchor Manufacturing Group Inc. Antares Management Solutions Ashtabula County Medical...