In This Issue
The CEO's Corner - Recognizing the Best of the Best
Cavs+
Lordstown Plant Tops in Production
Ohio ICE - NorTech Technology Showcase
Best Damn Tech Show Period
2007 NorTech Innovation Awards - Call for Nominations
The CEO's Corner - Recognizing the Best of the Best
All too often we hear the negative side of Economic Development — company and job losses, while many of the wins go unnoticed. Meanwhile, hundreds of professionals fight the fight daily to help revitalize Northeast Ohio's economy. Local economic development efforts and organizations initiate programs to retain companies, create jobs, and bring foreign investment to the region.

Team NEO believes that it is time to honor these efforts. We did just that on June 7 at our first annual Team NEO Economic Development Impact Awards. More than 250 business and community leaders, economic developers and elected officials from throughout 16 counties gathered to recognize and reward the economic development professionals and successes that are positively impacting our economy.

Join me in congratulating the following exemplary award recipients:

New Job Creation
City of Orriville
City of Strongsville
Wayne Economic Development Council
Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber

Job Retention
City of Euclid
City of Fairview Park
City of Mayfield Village
City of Mentor

Economic Multiplier
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
Public-Private Paternership
Lorain County Growth Partnership
Medina County Economic Development Corp.
City of Middleburg HeightsK
City of Solon

Foreign Investment
City of Akron
Beachwood Chamber of Commerce

Green Sustainability
Cuyahoga County Dept. of Development

Minority Job Creation/Retention
Charter One Bank
Elsons International


In addition, we were delighted to honor the outgoing Governor's Regional Representatives Fran Migliorino, Julie Smith and Daryl Revoldt for their dedicated services. These three have worked tirelessly for the people of NEO and have been close working partners with Team NEO. We wish each of them the very best.

We also celebrated someone who had a vision about regional collaboration and was a true regional leader, the late Peter Burg, Chairman and CEO of FirstEnergy Corp., and the founder and first Chairman of Team NEO. This is the third year we have presented the H. Peter Burg Regional Vision Award and it was my distinct honor to recognize Les Vinney, president and chief executive officer of STERIS Corporation, as this year's recipient. Les exemplifies the legacy of H. Peter Burg, whose leadership, focus and passion inspired Northeast Ohioans to work together to drive the continued growth of this region. Les stepped in to succeed Pete when Team NEO was a fledgling organization. He then moved on to chair NorTech for the last three years where he has led development of a new technology strategy for the region. During this time NorTech also has helped create a resurgence in entrepreneurship and has been very successful in helping to attract over $300 million in State of Ohio Third Frontier investments in our region. Les has made a huge contribution to Northeast Ohio!

This sold-out crowd exemplified regional pride, unity and progress.

A strong region is made of strong communities...and great people!



Tom

For an overview of the winners, click here.
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Regional Business News
Cavs+
The Cleveland Plus Marketing Alliance (CPMA) is capitalizing on the hundreds of media in town for the NBA Finals. The group - consisting of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, Dix & Eaton, Doner, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Landau PR and Team NEO - is working hard to ensure that while National and International Media are in town, Northeast Ohio is well showcased.

The NBA agreed to hand out Cleveland+ press kits as the media checked in to town. The kits provide useful information to warrant additional stories/coverage about the region. The kits include:
  • Business Facts - highlighting facts about the region's powerful force in the world economy
  • Travel & Tourism Facts - highlighting the many assets and attractions of the region
  • "Plus Pass" Program - CPMA solicited for businesses to include a special "offer" for media when they show their credentials. The response was great and offers include activities throughout the region - from one free regular admission to Cedar Point to free admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • 2007 Spring/Summer Visitors Guide
  • Fun NBA Finals Facts - outlining facts about the recently renovated Quicken Loans Arena and the region's fans cheering on the Cavs for the first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history
  • Photo Opportunities - a listing of key areas of interest for photo opportunities
  • Constructions Facts - an overview of major construction areas highlighting the major transformation and resurgence of Cleveland
  • A regional map that features assets and facts about Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and surrounding neighborhoods
All of the data was provided in hard copy, as well as on disc electronically.
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Lordstown Plant Tops in Production
The Youngstown Vindicator recently reported that General Motors' Lordstown plant is among the top 10 most productive vehicle assembly plans in North America. According to The Harbour Report, the plant is operating more efficiently with the average number of work hours needed to produce a car in Lordstown dropping by 12 percent last year. For the full story, click here.
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Ohio ICE - NorTech Technology Showcase
See and hear about emerging technologies in Instruments, Controls & Electronics created by Ohio companies. Ten ICE companies will be spotlighted and there will be interactive poster sessions to view from more than 15 companies and universities. Registration is free and now open for the Tuesday, June 26 event to be held at Corporate College from 4-7 pm.
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Best Damn Tech Show Period
The Best Damn Tech Show Period (BDTSP) is a monumental show coming this November, an annual event that makes the declarative statement that tech is strong in Northeast Ohio. Join "Tech Czar" Michael DeAloia for a launch party on Thursday, June 28 from 6-9 pm at Idea Center, 4th Floor, hosted by ASM International. RSVP to mary.adams-morrow@asminternational.org. For more information, contact Michael DeAloia at 216.857.2628.
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2007 NorTech Innovation Awards - Call for Nominations
The NorTech Innovation Awards program honors individuals, companies and non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio for creating, developing, and successfully making their innovative ideas a reality. NorTech is accepting nominations through June 29, 2007, including self nominations. Click here for submission form. Contact Andrea McDonald, Director of Programs at amcdonald@nortech.org or 216.363.6881 for additional information.
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