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$1.50/OCTOBER 6 - 12, 2008

Community STRIKINGLY SIMILAR banks see Three men alive during the traffic push Depression have faith in the As big institutions falter, local little current economy, yet see familiar guys experiencing uptick in business trends in today’s troubles By ARIELLE KASS [email protected] By DAN SHINGLER [email protected] The country’s financial crisis is producing a steady stream of patrons — and questions — at community o most people, the Great Depression is SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY banks in Northeast Ohio. a large but distant specter from the lives ABOVE: Clevelanders line up for relief orders and surplus commodities on With large banks such as Wachovia and Washington of their parents or grandparents. But to Professor Avenue in what is now Tremont, in 1933. (Photo by James Meli). Mutual biting the dust and local giants such as KeyCorp people in their 80s or 90s, it is an event BELOW: Cleveland's unemployed gather at Public Square in 1930 to receive and National City Corp. posting huge losses, leaders at Tthat shaped their lives — and one they hope the hot coffee and rolls. (Photographer unknown.) some community banks said they’ve seen more deposits nation can avoid repeating. coming through their doors from customers who are Omer Blodgett was about to turn 11 when the nervous about the status of their accounts at other banks stock market crashed in October 1929. His family and are looking for a safe haven. in Duluth, Minn., owned 23 William Valerian, chairman, president and CEO of COMMENTARY: How the Great Lakes freighters that Liberty Bank, said customers with larger banks are Great Depression affected carried pulp wood from moving money to his Twinsburg bank. Neither he nor one family. Page 10 Minnesota to paper mills in officials at other banks would specify how many new Ohio, and salt and lime- customers they’re seeing nor how many new deposits stone to Duluth. they’re capturing. But all those who are experiencing “But that kind of work was going down, deposit increases said the numbers are significant, not down, down when the Depression was coming See BANKS Page 33 on,” said Mr. Blodgett, who at age 90 still works as a senior design consultant for welding products maker Lincoln Electric Co. in Euclid. FOR THE RECORD See DEPRESSION Page 31 CRAIN SURVEYS INVESTMENT MOVES ■ Financial news weekly Investment News and the four city “In both cases, the excesses business newspapers of Crain Communications Inc. are con- of people caused this ducting a three-question online survey to determine whether people are moving their investment dollars during the cur- problem, individual people.” rent financial market turmoil. Crain’s readers can participate – David Morgenthaler, founder, in the survey by visiting www.CrainsCleveland.com/survey. Morgenthaler Ventures continued on PAGE 3

Officials alter campaign strategies amid absentee changes

By JAY MILLER general against Republican Mike sure how much money his tion and 25 days before a presiden- [email protected] Crites. “It really changes the game.” campaign will have available to tial primary. This “no excuse” rule That’s not just a Democratic spend once it draws closer to the boosted voting in the 2006 elec- For some Ohio voters, Election notion. Nov. 4 finish line. tions, but will have its full impact Day has come and gone. “Early voting changes a lot of The change in absentee voting this year due to the interest in That reality, brought by the Sept. things” in terms of campaign rules actually came before the 2006 the John McCain/Barack Obama 30 start of absentee voting, has strategy, said Jim Trakas, a Repub- elections, but this is the first high- presidential campaign. altered the way politicians go about lican who’s trying to unseat U.S. turnout presidential campaign Whereas in the past 10% to 15% of the business of wooing voters. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, the Demo- under the new law. total votes statewide were cast in “Election Day is now 35 days cratic incumbent in the 10th The Ohio Legislature in 2005 advance, that percentage is expected long,” said Leesa Brown, communi- Congressional District. Mr. Trakas passed a law allowing any voter to to rise beyond 30% this year, candi- cations director for Richard Cordray, began his first wave of broadcast cast what used to be an absentee dates and campaign observers told the Democrat running for attorney ads last week, even though he isn’t ballot 35 days before a general elec- See VOTING Page 34

40 SPECIAL SECTION 6

Crain’s for the first time honors the region’s

NEWSPAPER coolest places to Entire contents © 2008

71486 01032 work ■ Page 17 by Crain Communications Inc. Vol. 29, No. 40 0 CCLB 10-06-08 A 2 CCLB 10/3/2008 1:29 PM Page 1

2 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008

CORRECTION COMING MARKET WATCH The full name of the author of a Page Homes in 25 Northeast Ohio counties in the second quarter of 2008 took nearly a 26 Adviser column in last week’s NEXT WEEK week longer to sell than they did in the like period a year ago, according to the Legal Affairs section was omitted. Fall 2008 edition of the “Real Facts” newsletter from Real Living Realty One. Not Stanley Dub, a Cleveland attorney Small Business surprisingly, months of inventory of homes on the market also has increased in 700 W. St. Clair Ave., Suite 310, who specializes in franchise law, wrote almost every category; the exception — homes priced under $100,000. Mother Nature can leave Cleveland, OH 44113-1230 the column. Phone: (216) 522-1383 nd nd businesses vulnerable to 2 quarter 2008 2 quarter 2007 Fax: (216) 694-4264 destruction after a disaster. www.crainscleveland.com REGULAR FEATURES Average inventory 33,412 36,794 Three businesses that were Publisher/editorial director: Months of inventory 9.7 9.3 Brian D. Tucker ([email protected]) Choice Bits...... 15 destroyed by fire last year Under $100K 7.3 9.0 Editor: Classified ...... 32-33 demonstrate how loyalty Mark Dodosh ([email protected]) and determination can pave $100K-$199K 10.0 9.0 Managing editor: Editorial ...... 10 Scott Suttell ([email protected]) Going Places ...... 16 the path for $200K-$299K 12.4 10.8 Sections editor: rebuilding. Amy Ann Stoessel ([email protected]) List: Accounting $300K-$499K 14.8 13.1 Senior reporter: Stan Bullard ([email protected]) firms ...... 28, 30 $500K-$999K 20.6 17.3 Reporters: Stocks...... 35 Shannon Mortland ([email protected]) Days on the market 102.3 97.6 Jay MIller ([email protected]) Tax Liens...... 12 John Booth ([email protected]) Median sales price $100,803 $119,414 What’s New...... 35 Chuck Soder ([email protected]) Dan Shingler ([email protected]) Arielle Kass ([email protected]) Designers/reporters: Joel Hammond ([email protected]) Kathy Carr ([email protected]) Research editor: Deborah W. Hillyer ([email protected]) Editorial researcher: Kim Ratliff-Null ([email protected]) Cartoonist/illustrator: Rich Williams Online editor: Jeff Stacklin ([email protected]) Marketing/Events manager: Christian Hendricks ([email protected]) Marketing coordinator: Laura Franks ([email protected]) Advertising sales director: Mike Malley ([email protected]) Account executives: Adam Mandell ([email protected]) Art Bouhall Jr. ([email protected]) Andrea Rubin ([email protected]) Dirk Kruger ([email protected]) Nicole Nolan ([email protected]) Classified advertising manager: Don Schwaller ([email protected]) Office coordinator: Toni Coleman ([email protected]) Western accounts manager: Ellen Mazen, 323-370-2477 ([email protected]) Production manager: Craig L. Mackey ([email protected]) Production assistant/video editor: Steven Bennett ([email protected]) Graphic designer: Kristen Wilson ([email protected]) Receptionist: Jodi Stirtmire ([email protected]) Billing: Susan Jaranowski, 313-446-6024 ([email protected]) Credit: Todd Masura, 313-446-6097 ([email protected]) Circulation manager: Erin Miller ([email protected]) Customer service manager: Brenda Johnson-Brantley (bjohnson-brantley@ crain.com) Crain Communications Inc. ou’ve built your practice and reputation providing personalized service Keith E. Crain: Chairman Rance Crain: President to a demanding clientele. So have we. At the Private Client Group, we’ll Merrilee Crain: Secretary Mary Kay Crain: Treasurer partner with you to provide your clients with strategic solutions for optimizing William A. Morrow: Executive vice president/operations and preserving wealth. Our fi nancial expertise and exceptional service quality Brian D. Tucker: Vice president Robert C. Adams: complement your services and expand your role as their trusted advisor. Group vice president technology, circulation, manufacturing The continuing objective is to enhance and preserve your clients’ wealth. Paul Dalpiaz: Chief Information Officer Dave Kamis: Vice president/production & manufacturing Patrick Sheposh: Trust is something we earn. Corporate circulation director G.D. Crain Jr. To experience the Private Client Group in Cleveland, Founder (1885-1973) Mrs. G.D. Crain Jr. call Barry Robinson, Market Executive, at 216.222.7272. Chairman (1911-1996) Subscriptions: In Ohio: 1 year, $59; 2 years, $102. Outside of Ohio: 1 year, $102; 2 years, $180. Single copy, $1.50. Allow 4 weeks for change of address. Send all subscription correspondence to Circulation De- partment, Crain’s Cleveland Business, 1155 Gratiot Av- WEALTH PLANNING | Investments | Private Banking | Trust & Estate Services enue, Detroit, Michigan 48207-2912. 1-888-909-9111 or FAX (313) 446-6777. NATIONALCITY.COM/PRIVATECLIENTGROUP Reprints: Call 1-800-290-5460 Ext. 136

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OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 3 Campaign on for $600M Solon megaplan

for the proposed “Central Park of as equal parts retail, office and CENTRAL PARK OF SOLON Developer, city officials urge voters to Solon” project that Coral wants to residential, with 25% of the acreage create. reserved for open space. It could ■ What it is: A plan to replace 70 pass referendum on mixed-use project At stake is a rezoning to “planned encompass as much as 3 million homes, a shopping center, a unit development” for 100 acres of square feet of space. lumberyard and other commercial By STAN BULLARD Those are a couple lessons Peter intensely developed property on the If Solon voters pass the issue, a properties with a $600 million [email protected] Rubin, CEO of the Coral Co. real southeast corner of Solon Road and master plan from Coral and Solon mixed-use development estate development firm, learned this SOM Center Road. The measure officials to be hashed out post- ■ When campaigning door to door, fall in the first political campaign of would clear the way to replace 70 election would cover details of the What The Coral Co. needs: after knocking, step back as the his 30-year career. homes, a shopping center anchored project. Passage of a referendum, Issue door opens. That’s the only way to Mr. Rubin’s Coral staff, as well by a Marc’s and Sears Grand store, “If” looms large now in the run-up 108, that would rezone 100 acres avoid a dog bite if the resident as hired campaign consultants Bill a sprawling lumberyard and dozens to the Nov. 4 election. at Solon and SOM Center roads canine is a biter. Burges and Jerry Austin and a of other commercial properties for More than 75 citizens in two ■ Who’s against it: No Central Also, don’t go door-to-door on phalanx of Solon city officials, are a proposed, $600 million mixed-use different organizations — NOCP, Park and Solon Taxpayers Against Sunday afternoons. Interrupting a campaigning to win passage of Issue development. which stands for No Central Park, Rezoning Browns game is politically unwise. 108 in the suburb. It’s a referendum Mr. Rubin describes Central Park See SOLON Page 7 FORTHERECORD “We have to find a way to continue to pursue the mission continued from PAGE 1 INSIGHT Results will be used in a future story. and reverse the shift in economics.” The last day to participate in the – Mark Moran (below), president and CEO, MetroHealth System survey is Monday, Oct. 6. — Mark Dodosh KSU chief BABIN BUILDING BUYS WAREHOUSE CABINETS reshapes ■ Babin Building Solutions has bought distributor Warehouse Cabinets for an undisclosed price. Warehouse Cabinets’ Broadview financial Heights showroom will remain open, though its Brecksville warehouse will close. Babin employs 38 workers; Warehouse model Cabinets employs 28. Babin co-owner Harry Mierau said some jobs may be lost as a result of Plan gives deans overlap, but the company roster will remain at “slightly over 60.” more budget control — John Booth By SHANNON MORTLAND OHIO RANKS POORLY [email protected] IN NEW TAX STUDY In a state with 14 public universi- ■ Ohio ranks 47th on a new list of ties, Lester Lefton is trying to make states’ tax systems when it comes Kent State University stand out. to business friendliness. The Tax With two years as president of the Foundation’s 2009 State Business school under his belt, Dr. Lefton is Tax Climate Index says Wyoming implementing a number of programs has the best tax system for that will alter the way Kent State edu- business and New Jersey, the cates its students worst. The Index measures how and handles its well a state’s tax system encourages JESSE KRAMER finances. investment by maintaining a broad “I am intro- tax base and low rates, the report ducing a lot of said. The index is available at change at Kent www.taxfoundation.org. State,” Dr. Lefton — Arielle Kass INSURANCE PLAN acknowledged. Perhaps one HOT BUSINESS LEADS Lefton RAD-CON TO LAKEWOOD of the biggest MetroHealth works to add commercial patients, changes that will take effect next July ■ Rad-Con, a maker of furnaces is a new financial model, called used in the production of steel addresses framework for care of uninsured “responsibility center management,” strip and wire, is moving its head- under which deans will be given a quarters to Lakewood from Bay budget and then told to “backfill” Village as it takes newly configured By SHANNON MORTLAND ■ [email protected] that budget, Dr. Lefton said. space at 13001 Athens Ave., Deans will be able to change the where it will consolidate its ware- curricula of their individual colleges house facilities. Rad-Con said it has ot one to hold its to more uninsured patients in to drive enrollment, increases in been growing largely because of order to keep them out of the which would create more money for exports to foreign steelmakers. breath for federal costly emergency department, their colleges that could be used as — Dan Shingler health care reform, they see fit. Any money brought in The MetroHealth said Mark Moran, president over a college’s original budget GIRL SCOUTS BUYS could go, for example, toward new NSystem is forging ahead with and CEO of MetroHealth. At MACEDONIA BULDING equipment or hiring new faculty for the same time, MetroHealth is ■ Girl Scouts of North East Ohio is its own plans to better manage that college. the new owner of the former its services to uninsured devising a plan to promote “It’s a business approach to higher Norandex Building Materials Inc. itself as a less expensive health education,” Dr. Lefton said. headquarters building in Macedonia. patients and boost the number James Gaudino, dean of Kent The organization paid $2.97 million of insured patients who enter care provider so it can become State’s College of Communications for the 35,000-square-foot building, a more attractive option for and Information, said he and many its doors. of his colleagues ultimately support said Simon Caplan, a principal of the county’s insured residents, the Cresco real estate brokerage The county-subsidized hos- the plan, even if they’re a little who represented the seller, pital is creating a plan to he said. nervous about the change and the Macedonia Investors Inc. The possibility that they would need to building will replace the Girl Scouts’ provide primary care services See HOSPITAL Page 29 make cuts if they didn’t create former headquarters on White Pond enough income. Drive in Akron and its former North “It fosters an entrepreneurial spirit Service Center in Cleveland. “If you can depress the ER, you can provide primary care in more appropriate settings.” among the faculty,” Dr. Gaudino — Stan Bullard said. – Larry Gage, president, National Association of Public Hospitals See KSU Page 34 CCLB 10-06-08 A 4 CCLB 10/3/2008 4:08 PM Page 1

4 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 Down economy weighs heavily on manufacturers lowered its guidance for 2008 earn- “There is concern among manufacturing leaders about In response, local firms lower earnings ings to a range of $1.45 to $1.60 per share from previous guidance of which way things are going to go, so many of them are forecast, delay expansion, hiring plans $1.75 to $2 per share. It attributed putting off their hiring and/or expansion plans.” the revision to “new widespread – Pamela Miller Holmes, vice president, WIRE-Net By DAN SHINGLER bring as many as 100 new jobs to weakness in the global consumer [email protected] the region.” electronics, telecom and automotive Rubber Co., which drew down $600 certainly, we’ve started to lose jobs Ken Mayland, president of markets.” million when it could not access again.” The credit crunch and the atten- ClearView Economics in Pepper Meantime, RPM told investors to cash it had in illiquid money-market Worse, Mr. Ewald said, Ohio has dant damage to the economy are Pike and an economist for more expect earnings as low as $1.75 per accounts. been losing manufacturing jobs at a starting to inflict a noticeable toll on than 30 years, said he believes the share, rather than the $1.85 per If companies are that worried faster rate than the rest of the nation, Northeast Ohio manufacturers. recession is under way and might share that analysts and investors had about accessing cash, they’re also while also adding jobs in its service Large, publicly traded manufac- be relatively long lasting. been expecting. likely to defer expenditures, Dr. sector at a slower pace than the United turers based in Greater Cleveland “GDP (gross domestic product) In the case of RPM, the company Mayland said. States as a whole. He said economists are reacting to expectations of a probably is going to fall more than expects to see less demand for its “Cash hoarding is putting (expen- who advise his bureau predict that the slowdown by lowering their fore- 1%, maybe 2% in the third quarter” coatings and sealants that are used ditures) on hold,” Dr. Mayland said. jobs picture won’t brighten until at casted earnings, and some mem- at an annualized rate, Dr. Mayland in industrial construction projects, “Why put new equipment in place least sometime in 2009. bers of WIRE-Net, a manufacturing said. “It will take some time for this largely due to the effect of tightening when the existing equipment isn’t The nation as a whole also is advocacy group on Cleveland’s to run its course, and I think it will credit markets. being utilized?” losing jobs. “It’s much less an issue with “Payrolls in September went West Side, are delaying capital take well into 2009.” More blows to jobs expenditures. “You may see the official reces- regards to our own liquidity and down 159,000, and my guess is that “There is concern among manu- sion call made shortly,” he said. access to capital, but more a concern Ohio is being hit particularly hard October is going to look worse,” Dr. facturing leaders about which way that construction activity, particularly by the current economic turmoil, in Mayland said. things are going to go, so many of Markets are weakening industrial construction activity, part because the state never recov- If there’s any good news, it’s that them are putting off their hiring Medina-based RPM International could be impacted by tighter credit,” ered from the last recession in 2001, the recession might not be a severe and/or expansion plans,” WIRE-Net and Cleveland-based Brush Engi- said Kelly Tompkins, RPM’s chief said Keith Ewald, chief of the Ohio as some are predicting, he said. A vice president Pamela Miller neered Products each announced last financial officer. “We’ve seen some Bureau of Labor Market Informa- recession in which the economy Holmes said in an e-mail response Thursday, Oct. 2, that they expect anecdotal evidence of projects being tion. shrinks between 1% and 2% is fairly to questions from Crain’s. earnings to slow. Both cited the broad postponed or deferred.” “We started to see some improve- mild, with a 2.5% decline in GDP “We know of one Cleveland-area economic climate and related credit Dr. Mayland said companies have ment in 2003, but then we peaked representing an average pullback company that has decided to hold crunch as the reasons for the expected begun drawing down their credit again in 2006,” Mr. Ewald said. “But and a decline of 5% representing a on a $5-$6 million plant expan- slump. lines simply to hoard cash. Among we were still way below 2000 levels, severe recession, Dr. Mayland said. sion,” Ms. Holmes said. “This Brush, a maker of beryllium the large manufacturers to do so so we never did really regain our jobs “Peak to trough, we’ll probably be expansion will, when completed, alloys and advanced materials, is Akron-based Goodyear Tire & from the last recession. … And down about 2%,” he predicted. ■

Valley National picks up acquisition pace

Valley National ON THE WEB Story from bulk propane and Gases LLC in Inde- www.crainscleveland.com welding supplies pendence has com- with locations in pleted one acquisition and inked an Martins Ferry, Dover, and Ashtabula, agreement to make another. Ohio, and Erie, Pa. IT’S JUST AN IDEA. The provider of industrial, medical Valley National has made eight and specialty gases completed the acquisitions since its acquisition purchase of L.P. Gas Co., a distribu- last year by private equity firm CI An idea worth protecting. So talk to us before you tell your golf buddy, tor of propane with one location in Capital Partners LLC. Joost Thessel- who tells his accountant, who tells her brother who happens to be married Bridgeport, W. Va. In addition, Valley ing, principal of CI Capital, said Valley National agreed to buy General National “plans to continue its strate- to the city’s most successful venture capitalist. Our Intellectual Welding Supply and its affiliates. Gen- gy of selective acquisitions with the eral Welding is a distributor of indus- aim of growing into new territories Property practice develops and protects the technology assets and trial, medical, and specialty gases, as well as in areas it already serves.” intellectual property of a broad spectrum of clients. While your Research & Development team is focusing on their next great idea, our IP team is already protecting it. When it comes to technical capabilities, communication skills, pragmatic legal counseling, and litigation experience, we go beyond the expected. Calfee – move forward with confidence.

Calfee, Halter & Griswold llp Volume 29, Number 40 Crain’s Cleveland Business (ISSN 0197-2375) is published weekly at 700 West St. Cleveland - 216.622.8200 www.calfee.com Columbus - 614.621.1500 Clair Ave., Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44113-1230. Copyright © 2008 by Crain Communications Inc. Periodi- cals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. Price per copy: $1.50. POSTMASTER: 1400 KeyBank Center, 800 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 • 1100 Fifth Third Center, 21 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Send address changes to Crain’s Cleveland Business, Circulation Department, 1155 Gratiot Avenue, De- troit, Michigan 48207-2912. (888)909-9111.

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6 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 Landerwood overflow Fly high. Go far. leads Palmieri to plan Beachwood office site

By STAN BULLARD Yes, the future looks [email protected] Luxury homebuilder and hair salon owner Dino Palmieri is plan- ning to pump up his presence in the suburban office market. brighter with . Shortly after inking a lease with Majestic Steel USA Inc. of Bedford Heights to fill the last space at his Landerwood Crossing building in Pepper Pike, which opened last spring, Mr. Palmieri began pursuing publicly a plan to build a 46,000- square-foot office building in the Chagrin Highlands corporate office park in Beachwood. His rationale is simple. “We had leftover tenants at Landerwood we could not accom- modate,” Mr. Palmieri said. “There is Leebow said, and expects to increase a need on the East Side for this type its staff as it is plans to add another of Class A office space. A lot of office distribution center. He declined buildings date from the 1970s or to provide details. Dennis Leebow, 1980s and do not have today’s Majestic CEO and Todd Leebow’s features. We’ll use as much green father, did not return three calls by technology as we can without going Crain’s deadline last week. overboard.” Mr. Palmieri, president of Palmieri Newer space is sparse Enterprises, on Sept. 25 received Office experts regard the East Side unanimous preliminary approval for as the city’s healthiest office market, the new, three-story building from as it has just a 13% vacancy rate in Beachwood Planning Commission. the second quarter of this year, Plans call for underground parking according to real estate broker and an entrance on Hotel Drive. The Grubb & Ellis Co. so-far-unnamed building would be Steve Egar, president of Egar constructed on four acres Palmieri Steiger Associates of Beachwood, Enterprises plans to buy from the said despite the nation’s financial Richard E. Jacobs Group, the devel- crisis and teetering economy, office oper of Chagrin Highlands. statistics on the East Side make the “There is a need on the East Side for this type of Class A office space.” – Dino Palmieri, president, Palmieri Enterprises Remember when you were younger, folding a simple sheet of paper into a plane and letting The site is between Jacobs case for a new building. it fly? The feeling of optimism, freedom and Group’s Chagrin Highlands I and II “Occupancy among Class A office office buildings. Mr. Palmieri said buildings is the highest that I’ve seen achievement? U.S. Bank knows that feeling. one requirement for acquiring the it in 20 years,” Mr. Egar said. “It Because since 1863, we’ve helped the site from Jacobs Group was that makes a lot of sense because there financial dreams of millions of businesses the new building complement the are definitely large tenants looking to and individuals take off. Fly high. Go far. distinctive contemporary design of move around. I wondered if people the existing buildings, which have would pay rents in the $21 a square Today, we are proud to be the 6th largest aluminum and glass exteriors. foot range, but with (Mr.) Palmieri commercial bank in the nation. And, the first Architect Gerry Herschman, leasing up Landerwood, he’s shown choice for more than 14.9 million customers for chairman of Herschman Architects they will.” commercial, corporate, payment processing, Inc., said the building would use That scarcity of newer space is materials similar to the existing wealth management, trust, and consumer what Majestic found, said Simon buildings, although the aluminum Caplan, a principal of the Cresco real banking services. and glass will be lighter colors. estate brokerage who represented We’ve delivered a dividend every year for the Mr. Palmieri’s work on the new the steel company. building came immediately after “There are few quality choices out past 145 years. And our stable financial position, Majestic Steel, a steel distribution there,” Mr. Caplan said. resulting from our prudent approach to banking, company, leased 20,000 square feet Bill Saltzman, a Grubb & Ellis strong balance sheet and solid capitalization, on parts of Landerwood Crossing’s senior vice president who’ll handle has put us in a position to better serve our first and second floors. leasing for Mr. Palmieri’s planned clients today and in the years to come. Majestic will move to the Pepper building, said rents for the structure Pike building from its current head- are not yet set but would likely range If we can do this well for our business, imagine quarters in Bedford Heights, where it from $22 to $25 per square foot. to what heights, together, we can take yours. occupies offices next to one of its Asked if construction is risky in a steel distribution centers, and from troubled economy, Mr. Saltzman Yes, the future looks brighter with us. another office in Mayfield Heights. said Mr. Palmieri is taking a calculated Todd Leebow, who described risk. himself as an executive at Majestic “There is demand for high-quality but declined to disclose a formal product in an outstanding location, title, said the company explored even in an unusual market like the building more offices at its site in one we’re in,” Mr. Saltzman said. Bedford Heights. However, he said For his part, Mr. Palmieri said, “I Majestic opted for the new building wouldn’t do this building if the because it is available and the other one weren’t full.” He said he company can move into it sooner also has a lender he declined to iden- usbank.com than it could build one itself. tify interested in providing construc- Member FDIC Majestic needs more than the tion financing. total of 16,000 square feet of offices it “They were when I talked to them has in the two current locations, Mr. last, anyway,” he said. ■ CCLB 10-06-08 A 7 CCLB 10/3/2008 4:17 PM Page 1

OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 7 Solon: Rubin envisions city ‘soul’ Alcohol & Drug Addiction continued from PAGE 3 ness-driven suburb; half residential what Coral spends in cash. Mr. and STAR, or Solon Taxpayers Against unbothered by its southern half Rubin wouldn’t specify how much Services Board Rezoning — formally oppose the that’s industrial,” Mr. Rubin said. he and partner Scott Wolstein, chair- of Cuyahoga County issue. The anti-referendum line-up “What Solon lacks is a gathering man of Developers Diversified, will includes former Solon mayor Robert place.” spend on the campaign, other than Paulson, two other unsuccessful Mr. Rubin said Central Park offers to say, “Enough.” The Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board mayoral candidates, and Richard that because the plan includes a Mr. Rubin said paid polling of of Cuyahoga County Gortz, a veteran campaign consultant proposed full-service hotel, an ice residents by Coral shows the project who lives on Solon Road near the rink, a large open-air performance passing citywide and, in a crucial recognizes project. Mr. Gortz was retained by area, and a blend of housing and Solon quirk, in Ward 6, where it is furniture dealer John Sedlak, whose commercial uses. located. Russell Johnson Sedlak Interiors store on Solon Road “People like to call it a shopping Mr. Paulson argues opponents are for his distinguished community service as adjoins the proposed Central Park center or a lifestyle center,” Mr. gaining momentum. He predicts site. Rubin said. “It’s neither. It’s a Central Park will fail by a big margin, a Board Member and Board Chair. combination of uses. It’s what at least 55% to 45%. But all that Past is prologue? makes Lakewood, and what makes really counts is who wins next month 2004-22008 Also weighing against the rezoning Cleveland Heights. It’s what makes at the polls. ■ is history. Shaker Square.” Long home to major industrial parks, Solon has a history for being Details, details tough on referendum issues, partic- Mr. Paulson, the former mayor, is ularly retail ones. UpTown Solon, a unconvinced. LIFE CHANGING RELATIONSHIPS Developers Diversified Realty Corp. “It’s too big,” he said. “This project anchored by a Borders and attempts to replace an existing HAPPEN AT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Mustard Seed Market, came into neighborhood of 50 acres (the site’s being only after the original devel- current residential portion) and PARENT OPEN oper, the late Larry Davis, went drop the project in the middle of HOUSE twice to the ballot before rezoning a Solon. They’re leading with retail Tuesday, Oct. 7th greenfield site one-fifth the size of because it’s sexy.” But, he added, Central Park in 1996. “There are eight multi-level parking 8-10:30 am More recently, a plan to rezone garages on the plan.” RSVP at www.us.edu Hawthorne Country Club to senior Also under fire by opponents is or call 216.831.2200 citizen housing was dropped after the tack of producing a master plan losing a second referendum last later, which Mr. Rubin said provides March 4. flexibility and more control than the “Our son was so influenced “People like to call it a shopping center or a lifestyle by the teachers in the Upper center. ... It’s what makes Lakewood, and what makes School that he has selected Cleveland Heights. It’s what makes Shaker Square.” his career path because of – Peter Rubin, CEO, The Coral Co. their mentorship.” –US Parent Mark Rantala, executive vice city now has over the land. president for brokerage at the “I call it a pig in a poke,” Mr. Paul- SHAKER HEIGHTS: Krone Group, argues the reason son said. “Do the rezoning. Then Kindergarten-Grade 8 Solon ironically faces the Central trust us we’ll get this done.’” HUNTING VALLEY: Park initiative today are require- The other debating point is Grades 9-12 ments limiting UpTown Solon traffic. www.us.edu stores to less than 30,000 square “The area has significant traffic feet. Mr. Rantala said that restric- problems,” Mr. Paulson said. “The tion kept out big discounters such city’s own studies show this will as Target, which now is nearby at increase traffic 250%.” Bainbridge Township’s massive Mr. Rubin said Central Park offers Marketplace at Four Corners center. a means to ease even existing traffic In Workers’ Compensation Group Rating, Many residents today cite their snarls. He maintains that a new proximity to the Marketplace as a road through the center of Central reason more retail space in Solon is Park to heavily traveled Bainbridge unneeded. Mr. Rubin argues other- Road would help traffic flow, as WHERE IS THE MONEY? wise. would potential traffic improve- “Solon needs a soul, a heart, to be ments at SOM Center’s interchange sustainable as the type of suburb it with U.S. Route 422, Solon’s four- Contact Benefits 1 Group for money-saving options is today in 60 years,” he said. lane link to interstates 480 and 271. Mr. Rubin refuses to discuss “The alternative to Central Park is and good workers’ comp rates. square footages of proposed prop- that more intersections will fail over erty types specifically because he time,” Mr. Rubin said. 877-765-4200 believes it misses the real issue, Opponents last week began though Coral has said no building distributing 200 yard signs, Mr. www.benefits1group.com/grouprating will be taller than four stories. Paulson said, vowing to make up “Solon was designed to be a busi- with the sweat equity of people

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FILE PHOTO/MARC GOLUB Peter Rubin, CEO of The Coral Co., has been campaigning door to door in hopes of winning a referendum to build Central Park of Solon. CCLB 10-06-08 A 8 CCLB 10/3/2008 1:38 PM Page 1

8 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 Clinic’s cardio center boosts Arteriocyte

That product — which uses adult Stem cell firm, with $496K from GCIC, speeds up stem cells to help repair damage caused by chronic coronary ischemia, plan for bringing therapeutic product to market a condition produced by insufficient blood flow to the coronary arteries — By CHUCK SODER The Cleveland stem cell company now could hit the market before the [email protected] not only doubled the size of its staff end of 2010, Mr. Brown said. and hatched plans for several new The company should have A year ago, Arteriocyte Inc. was products over the past year, but it also enough money on hand to get it like the small but promising fresh- believes it has knocked about four there as well, Mr. Brown said, given man on the high school football years off the time it should take to put that the Cleveland Clinic’s Global FILE PHOTO/MARC GOLUB team. This year, however, it’s a lot its first therapeutic product on the Cardiovascular Innovation Center Arteriocyte Inc. CEO Don Brown bigger and a heckuva lot faster. market, CEO Don Brown said. today, Oct. 6, was scheduled to an- nounce that it’s awarding Arterio- cyte $496,000 to help it complete the final clinical trial for the therapy. Arteriocyte previously was shooting to have the product on the market by roughly 2014, Mr. Brown said. “We think we have compressed four years out of the cycle,” he said. The company, which has 24 employees, put itself on the path to that compression last fall by acquiring the product rights to a medical Wherever your device called Magellan from Min- neapolis-based health care giant Medtronic Inc. It acquired the device through Arteriocyte Medical Systems Inc., business leads, which is co-owned by Arteriocyte Inc. and private equity firm DW Healthcare Partners of Salt Lake City. The existence of Magellan, which our health insurance separates stem cells and platelet- rich plasma from blood and already is on the market, allowed Arteriocyte to avoid developing and winning regulatory approval for the magnetic follows. blood-separation system it had been using, said chief medical officer and co-founder Dr. Vincent Pompili. “That acceleration of the business is something we all get very excited about,” Dr. Pompili said. The year brought plenty of other developments for the company, which spun out of Case Western Reserve University in 2004. For one, the acquisition of Magellan provides Arteriocyte with an imme- diate $10 million in annual revenue, whereas it previously had no products to sell. The company also received about $5.5 million in grants over the past year and has begun developing other ways to use stem cells. Among the possible uses are healing battle- field wounds, preventing infections, creating cartilage and growing large supplies of red blood cells for trans- fusions. Arteriocyte in March added a sales staff of seven, who operate in seven states outside Ohio, and last month opened a six-employee distribution facility in Hopkinton, Mass. Mr. Brown, who lives in Hopkinton, said cheap rent drew him to that facility, which includes a clean room for customizing pieces of the Magellan to order. Medtronic still builds Magellan, but before the end of 2008 Arteriocyte aims to move production of the device to Kluge Design Inc. of Rogers, Minn., Across Ohio or the nation, SummaCare has you covered. which already makes most of the parts for it, he said. Our expanded network includes hundreds of top hospitals and Arteriocyte plans to grow its staff of 11 at its headquarters and thousands of providers. And, with unexpectedly personal customer service, research-and-development facility in Cleveland, Mr. Brown said. consider SummaCare this enrollment season. To learn more, call your However, it needs a significant agent or visit www.summacare.com. out-of-state presence to find the expertise and resources that could allow it to one day run with major biotherapeutics players such as Amgen Inc. of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Genentech Inc. of South San Francisco, he said. “We intend to become a multi- state, multinational corporation,” Mr. Brown said. ■ CCLB 10-06-08 A 9 CCLB 10/2/2008 2:52 PM Page 1

OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 9 FAA mulls consolidating radar operations

tive at Hopkins, said he’s concerned “They need to better Hopkins could land dozens more jobs if that the move could reduce service manage the airspace.” and perhaps safety at the outlying other Ohio cities’ controllers come here centers, but he doesn’t yet know – Ricky D. Smith (right), director, enough about the FAA’s plans. Cleveland airports By JAY MILLER tower for air traffic operations at “It’s not that NATCA or Cleveland [email protected] Hopkins. Construction is expected controllers are against it,” Mr. Kerr 30- to 50-mile radius around an to begin in late 2009 and be ready for said. “It just needs to be a transparent airport. Once an aircraft comes within The Federal Aviation Administra- occupancy in 2012. It would process, and that’s just not the way it’s five miles of an airport, center tion is considering consolidating some include both a TRACON facility and been done.” controllers hand off the planes to of its northern Ohio radar operations an airport tower center. Mr. Kerr said Cleveland controllers controllers in an airport tower. at a new operations tower that would The National Air Traffic Controllers found out about the consolidation About 60 controllers currently work be located at Cleveland Hopkins Inter- Association, which represents the plan only when they were forwarded at Hopkins, handling both TRACON national Airport. controllers, generally suppors the new a letter from the FAA to U.S. Sen. and tower operations. The FAA opera- The move could bring dozens of center, though it has some reserva- Sherrod Brown’s office notify him of tions in the other Northern Ohio cities jobs, principally air traffic controllers, tions about the consolidation of the the plan. have 78 controllers in total, though Mr. to Cleveland from operations at outlying centers into the Cleveland A TRACON center is responsible for Molinaro said some of those would airports in Akron, Mansfield, Toledo tower. the safe separation of aircraft within a remain at the smaller airports for tower and Youngstown. Robert Kerr, the union’s representa- doughnut-shaped footprint that has a operations. ■ FILE PHOTO/MARC GOLUB “We’re looking at that,” said Tony Molinaro, an FAA spokesman in Chicago, though he added that no decision has been made. “From our point of view, (consolidation) makes sense.” The FAA is under pressure from airlines and Congress to update its air traffic control hardware in order to move travelers more quickly. “They need to better manage the airspace,” said Cleveland airports director Ricky D. Smith. MY CAUSE Because it’s difficult to build more airports or add runways, increasing the efficiency of air traffic control is IS TO NEVER SAY TO MY EMPLOYEES, a key factor in reducing the conges- tion in the sky. “We can’t afford health insurance anymore.” It’s also important to speed up the movement of aircraft in and out of airports because it reduces the time planes spend in the air waiting to land, thus burning fuel. Putting a large number of air controllers under one roof reduces the investment the FAA makes in radar and computer equipment, Mr. Molinaro said. It also gives the agency greater flexibility in staffing and can improve efficiency. In some cases it cuts costs, but in others it increases the service offered. The FAA has been consolidating terminal radar approach control, or TRACON, centers for more than a decade, usually when a new airport tower is built. Consolidated centers now operate in most of the busiest airspace, including Southern Calif- ornia, New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Some operate on airport grounds, while others are miles away. “We’re very fortunate,” Mr. Smith said. “There were other locations they had in mind.” An FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center in Oberlin employs more than 500 controllers. It’s one of the busiest centers in the country, mon- itoring long-distance air traffic over Wil Jr. and Dennis Castro six states. Scorchers Casual Eatery and Drafthouse, Lorain The FAA announced in August 14 employees that it plans to build a 300-foot-tall

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10 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Brian D.Tucker ([email protected]) EDITOR: Mark Dodosh ([email protected]) MANAGING EDITOR: Scott Suttell ([email protected]) OPINION No dice f all the ballot initiatives put before voters over the last two decades to bring casino gambling to Ohio, the latest measure may be the worst of all. It’s bad in so many ways Othat we can say without hesitation that Ohio voters should give a resounding “no” to Issue 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to permit a casino in rural Clinton County. The Ohio Constitution should not be used to allow a single entity to monopolize an entire industry. But that’s what Issue 6 would do — allow one privately COMMENTARY owned casino to be built near the town of Wilmington in southwestern Ohio. It would be a great deal for Lakes Entertainment Inc., a Minnesota-based casino A living legacy of Depression’s impact company that would run the operation, and Ohioans Rick Lertzman and Bradford Pressman, its partners an, I hope there’s not before dawn to milk cows, repeated the I understood none of it. My dad made in the endeavor. But they would be the only big another depression. The first process before bedtime, and tended a living at his day job; why did he need to winners under the arrangement they’re offering one nearly ruined my child- crops and other farm functions in work nights? We had plenty to eat and I Ohioans through the proposed amendment. hood. between. He appreciated the work and was an only child, so why were we growing MThe Great Depression reached me the good treatment he received, but more produce than a family of five could Yes, the casino would create hundreds of jobs. But because this casino would be far from an urban area, through the psyche of my father, who there was still a sense of shame I’m not have eaten? None of my friends, whose sure he ever shook off. the chances that it would drive other economic devel- was born in 1927 in rural Pennsylvania. parents were younger than my dad, lived It shaped his life like no other event — “At least I ate,” he’d later say. like this. Why me? opment are slim at best. At least the proponents of even World War II, which The Great Depression festered I was about 14 and complaining about previous casino initiatives didn’t make the gambling snatched him up at the age of DAN inside my dad and turned him work when I got an explanation. halls they were proposing islands unto themselves. 14, when he quit school, lied SHINGLER into a workaholic. Though he “You think work is so bad? Try living The casino’s obscure location an hour south of about his age and joined the had a job at Goodyear’s chemical without it,” Dad told me. Columbus off Interstate 71 also makes dubious the Navy. lab in Akron, Dad opened a “You’ve never seen anyone who claims by its backers that it would keep tax dollars My father’s family lost the drive-in restaurant. couldn’t find a way to feed their family — from leaving the state at 65 miles per hour as farm that fed them in the 1930s. He worked at Goodyear from 8 you don’t know the dignity that work Ohioans drive to casinos in adjacent states to do With no paying jobs to be a.m. until 4:30 p.m., then at the provides,” he said. “Besides, you learn to their gambling. Why would people from Toledo, found, the family split up, and restaurant from 5 p.m. until 11 hate a shovel now and maybe you’ll my grandfather went to live and p.m., sometimes 1 a.m. On week- learn how to make a living with your Sandusky and Cleveland drive three hours to a work in a Civilian Conservation ends, he toiled in a three-acre brain instead of your back.” middle-of-nowhere Ohio casino when they could Corps camp. The older kids garden that seemed to grow in That was when I learned what my jump in their cars and travel a shorter distance to struck out on their own, others lived with size each year behind our suburban home. father’s own childhood was like, and that gamble at the casinos of Detroit, where they also relatives. My father was loaned out. I was dragged along. At five, I was working I didn’t want to repeat it. could catch a ballgame, enjoy a nice restaurant or At nine, he was sent to live with a in the restaurant washing mugs in which It was also the day I stopped spend a night in nearby Windsor? And we doubt family named Oppel. The Oppels had a we served root beer. Every Saturday and complaining about work and decided to people in Youngstown and the towns along Ohio’s large dairy farm, but only a couple of Sunday, I was awakened by dad pounding be a writer, not a ditch digger. ■ eastern border suddenly would head a few hours boys to work it. In return for my dad’s on my bedroom door, yelling, “Let’s go, west rather than make the short jaunt to Mountaineer labor, they looked after him. we’re burnin’ daylight!” Each Friday night, Dan Shingler is the manufacturing Casino in West Virginia if they needed to scratch For five years, he awoke each morning I prayed for rain. reporter for Crain’s Cleveland Business. their gambling itch. As for the cut of tax money that counties across THE BIG ISSUE Ohio could expect from the casino’s proceeds, the proposed amendment gives its beneficiaries an out Do you think the debates will make a difference in how you will vote in the presidential election? from their potential tax bill. The amendment states specifically that the tax paid by the casino could be reduced from 30% of its gross receipts “to the lesser of the rate taxed on another casino or 25%, in the event another casino is permitted in Ohio in the future.” The casino’s backers strongly play down the possibility that an Indian tribe could establish a casino in Ohio. And, indeed, federal law would make that process long and difficult. But it could happen, and any revenue-sharing arrangement the state could make with a tribal casino could be inter- preted by a court as a reason to reduce significantly MONICA LAKOTA BRITTANY GONZALEZ WESLEY WASHINGTON JOE NOVAK the taxes paid by the casino created under Issue 6. Olmsted Falls Lorain Cleveland Cleveland We steadfastly have opposed casino gambling in I haven’t made up my mind. Probably, because (Sen. John) I’m definitely paying attention. I I don’t think it will have much to Ohio; we’ve argued that casinos profit largely at the Watching the debates will McCain is close to death, and if think McCain will have a better do with who becomes president. expense of lower-income people, who make up mean a lot for me. I want to he dies that means Sarah Palin presentation and will have They’re turning it into another many of the players in the gaming halls in their see how they do and what they will become president. I’ll better ideas about the economy O.J. Simpson trial: It’s all about states. This latest proposal does nothing to change say. definitely be watching. this time around than the first race ... rather than who can do time. But I’ve made up my the best to fix the economy and our opinion; if anything, its particulars only heighten mind — for Obama. other things we need. our opposition to it. Voters should say “no” to Issue 6. ➤➤ Watch more people weigh in by visiting the Multimedia section at www.CrainsCleveland.com CCLB 10-06-08 A 11 CCLB 10/2/2008 3:17 PM Page 1

OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 11 Progressive slashes Lack of investor interest prompts 2Q media spending Flashline to suspend fundraising By JOHN BOOTH GO FIGURE “Raising a first-time fund [email protected] Firm still plans on is always extremely Progressive Corp.’s ad spending difficult, and the current After starting the year with its did an about-face: smaller infusions highest single quarter of ad spending environment just makes ■ The numbers: The insurance in the past 3 ½ years, Progressive Corp. By CHUCK SODER company cut its second-quarter ad it more difficult.” cut that amount by more than 37% in [email protected] spending by 37% from the first the second quarter from the prior – Mark Heesen, president, National quarter. quarter, according to figures from TNS A new investment fund in Beach- Venture Capital Association Media Intelligence. ■ Competitors: Geico parent wood is going to be a lot smaller than Northeast Ohio’s biggest nation- company Berkshire Hathaway’s ad originally planned. money because of economic down- wide advertiser spent $62.6 million spending was up 36% in the like Flashline Partners LP about a turns. during April, May and June this year, period, and State Farm marked a month ago decided to stop raising Parties that invest in such funds according to New York-based TNS, 26% increase. money for now because it had trouble recognize that early-stage companies which tracks brands and ad dollars. finding willing investors, said Charles are largely immune from cyclical That figure represents the Mayfield Vil- naming rights deal with the Cleveland Stack, one of its three founders. Nearly trends in consumer spending and lage insurance company’s lowest Indians “reallocates about 1% of our all potential investors, including insti- stock prices because they are devel- quarterly ad spending since the first annual media spend.” tutions, endowments, businesses and oping products that may not be quarter of 2006, and a $37.9 million Among the insurer’s competitors, wealthy individuals, said they were released for a few years. drop from January-March, when Pro- Geico parent Berkshire Hathaway, the reluctant to invest in the fund because Mark Heesen, president of the gressive spent $100.6 million. industry’s top ad spender, shelled out of the unsettled nature of the economy, National Venture Capital Associa- In April, Progressive hired Larry $190.4 million in the second quarter, Mr. Stack said. tion, agreed, but he noted that a firm FILE PHOTO/MARC GOLUB Bloomenkranz as its new chief up 36% from the first quarter, and “The general response was, ‘wait such as Flashline Partners, which and see,’” he said. David Inglis (left) and Charles Stack of hasn’t raised money in the past, marketing officer. A message left for State Farm spent $119.6 million, a 26% Flashline Partners LP, which has sus- Mr. Bloomenkranz seeking comment increase. Allstate trimmed its quarterly Flashline Partners already has might have a harder time in a tough announced investments in three pended fundraising because it has had economy because investors might on the company’s marketing efforts spend by 8%, to $87.6 million. troubled finding willing investors. was returned by spokeswoman Kathy Even with the second-quarter young information technology be more likely to back fund managers Bell, who declined to comment either cutback, Progressive remains on a companies, and plans to make more with proven track records. on Progressive’s strategies or on the pace to surpass last year’s measured investments with the founders’ 1998. He would not say how much “Raising a first-time fund is always specific TNS figures. media spend. Still, it would take a money, though they will be fewer money the fund has now. extremely difficult, and the current In Progressive’s report on its sizable buy for Progressive to hit the and smaller. The firm will not proceed with plans environment just makes it more second-quarter results, president 20% increase in ad spending it has The three founders, who all had to hire Lynn-Ann Gries, who will con- difficult,” he said. and CEO Glenn Renwick said the averaged between 2003 and 2007. been executives at Cleveland soft- tinue as chief investment officer with Flashline Partners over the past company’s “brand development David Trainer, president of equity ware firm Flashline Inc. before BEA venture development organization year has invested amounts in the activities and current advertising cam- research firm New Constructs LLC Systems Inc. of San Jose, Calif., JumpStart Inc. of Cleveland. range of $250,000 to $1 million in paign seem to be resonating quite well in Nashville, said Progressive’s stock bought the company in 2006, in late Ms. Gries said in a phone inter- both BSKLive Inc., a company in with consumers as evidenced by remains attractive in the competitive July told Crain’s that the fund aimed view that she could not work for Bedford Heights that is developing improvements in advertising aware- insurance realm, and he commends to raise $30 million. Flashline because it would not be schedule management software ness and brand recall.” Mr. Renwick’s the company’s marketing tactics. They would have used that money able to pay her an adequate salary called StaffKnex, and Double Picture letter to shareholders also mentioned “It’s probably symptomatic of the to invest amounts in the range of without raising a larger fund. LLC, a company in Cincinnati that is the planned third-quarter testing of “a overall drop in the economy,” Mr. $50,000 to $2 million in young IT Officials from several regional funds developing a web site for sharing concept to allow consumers to name Trainer said of the recent ad spending companies in Ohio and nearby that invest in early-stage technology and selling photos at photrade.com. their prices as an input to their insur- drop. “Progressive seems to have a states. Investments now will top out companies said in conversations over It also invested roughly $50,000 in ance shopping process,” which could unique strategy: It’s their Internet in the $50,000 to $100,000 range, said the past few months that such firms search engine software company ■ indicate more spending to come. (advertising), their digital strategy and Mr. Stack, who founded Flashline in typically have little trouble raising iGuiders Inc. of Pepper Pike. The TNS figures reflect measured the transparency they are bringing and media such as television, print and an emphasis on bringing something outdoor advertising, but they do not unique to the table.” include unmeasured spending tied According to Progressive’s quarterly to things such as direct marketing reports, the company had more than and product placement. According 10.5 million personal policies and Now... you really can put all to Crain’s sister publication Advert- 557,000 commercial auto policies in ising Age, Progressive’s total U.S. force as of June 30, up from 10.3 ad spending in 2007 was $459.7 million personal policies and 545,400 your egg in one basket. million, with $321.8 million of that in commercial auto policies on March $ TNS-measured media. 31. The first six months of 2008 show In the company’s 2007 annual 3% growth in personal lines and 6% in report, Progressive officials did note commercial auto compared with the Access to that its $57.6 million, 16-year stadium first half of 2007. ■ $50 million in FDIC “ Now we’re the ones with Insurance. the ball, we’re the ones who Enjoy the convenience of our Certificate of Deposit carry it over the line, and Account Registry Service®, or it’s the other guys who are CDARS®. 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Deborah Wojnarowski or Pat White direct phone: 440-884-1112 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] INTERESTED? CALL TODAY, 440 575-7000 ~OR~ FOR MORE FROM OTHER COMPANIES VISIT American National Bank, Member FDIC. Funds may be submitted for placement only after a depositor enters into the CDARS Deposit Placement Agreement. The agreement WWW.SALESCONCEPTSINC.COM contains important information and conditions regarding the placement of funds by American National Bank. Please read the agreement carefully before signing it. CDARS and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service are registered service marks of Promontory Interfinancial Network, LLC. SELL MORE. CCLB 10-06-08 A 12 CCLB 10/2/2008 1:46 PM Page 1

12 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008

Date filed: Aug. 14, 2008 Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 LIENS RELEASED TAX LIENS Type: Unemployment, employer’s Type: Employer’s withholding withholding Amount: $22,162 The Internal Revenue Service filed tax Type: Employer’s withholding Armao Inc. Amount: $73,292 25571 Euclid Ave., Euclid liens against the following businesses Amount: $226,941 T & C Restoration Services ID: 34-1021780 in the Cuyahoga County Recorder’s JTEKT Automotive Tennessee- 4911 Commerce Parkway, Unit B, Bleacherlink Inc. Date filed: July 29, 1993 Office. The IRS files a tax lien to Vonroe Co. Cleveland 9795 Tannery Way, Olmsted Falls Date released: Aug. 4, 2008 protect the interests of the federal 1900 Richmond Road, Lyndhurst ID: 34-1845769 ID: 27-0004979 Type: Employer’s withholding government. The lien is a public notice ID: 34-1580736 Date filed: Aug. 27, 2008 Date filed: Aug. 6, 2008 Amount: $12,423 to creditors that the government has a Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 Type: Employer’s withholding Type: Unemployment claim against a company’s property. Type: U.S. source income of foreign Amount: $17,160 Amount: $20,885 Armao Inc. Liens reported here are $5,000 and persons, unemployment, employer’s 10804 Langton Ave., Garfield Heights Stiber Fabricating Inc. higher. Dates listed are the dates the B & C Tavern Co. withholding ID: 34-1021780 3829 Hamilton Ave., Cleveland documents were filed in the One Berea Commons, Berea Amount: $68,736 Date filed: April 9, 2003 ID: 34-1774978 Recorder’s Office. ID: 34-1514084 Date released: Aug. 4, 2008 Diamond Moving and Storage Inc. Date filed: Aug. 4, 2008 Date filed: Aug. 6, 2008 Type: Employer’s withholding P.O. Box 34, North Olmsted Type: Employer’s withholding LIENS FILED Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $5,348 ID: 31-0575699 Amount: $16,713 Amount: $126,645 Bleacherlink Inc. Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 Markis Brothers Management Co. Causgrove & Associates Inc. 9795 Tannery Way, Olmsted Falls Doll Transportation Inc. Type: Employer’s withholding 5787 Sleepy Hollow Road, Valley City 23611 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 235, ID: 27-0004979 P.O. Box 22493, Beachwood Amount: $39,809 ID: 34-1650166 Beachwood Date filed: Aug. 6, 2008 ID: 31-1506388 Date filed: Oct. 23, 1992 Greater Abyssinian Housing Corp. ID: 34-1515073 Date released: July 2, 2008 540 E. 105th St., Suite 100, Cleveland Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 Type: Employer’s withholding ID: 34-1446519 Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $20,156 Date filed: Aug. 6, 2008 Amount: $12,654 Executive Air Charter Type: NA Markis Brothers Management Co. Royal Towne Florist Amount: $37,540 5787 Sleepy Hollow Road, Valley City NO Delays 5620 Wallings Road, North Royalton ID: 34-1650166 Obon Inc. ID: 34-1916038 NO Hassles Date filed: March 14, 2002 14411 Caine Ave., Cleveland Date filed: Aug. 8, 2008 Date released: July 2, 2008 ID: 34-1649653 Type: Unemployment, employer’s YOUR Schedule Type: Employer’s withholding Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 withholding Amount: $9,759 Type: Heavy highway vehicle use tax, Amount: $12,454 Aitheras Aviation Group employer’s withholding Rosa Milkovich Inc. Donald C. Williams Co. LPA 216-298-9066 Amount: $32,109 T/A Ma Ma Rosas 1370 Ontario St., Suite 1378 ARG/US GOLD 1144 Elmwood Road, Shovel Head Productions Inc. ID: 34-1458096 Air Carrier Certificate # K45A458L Mayfield Heights 1991 Crocker Road, Suite 600, Westlake Date filed: Aug. 6, 2008 ID: 34-1492271 ID: 20-1682322 Type: Unemployment, employer’s Date filed: May 15, 2002 withholding Date released: July 2, 2008 Amount: $10,599 Type: Employer’s withholding Normans Transportation Inc. Amount: $6,287 2431 Center Drive, Parma Rudmann Inc. ID: 03-0434300 1555 Winchester Road, Cleveland Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 ID: 34-1708813 Type: Employer’s withholding Date filed: March 5, 2008 Amount: $10,587 Date released: July 14, 2008 A & E Auto Service Type: Employer’s withholding and Towing Inc. Amount: $9,204 4621 Broadway Ave., Cleveland Shark’s Seafood & Deli Inc. ID: 34-1874451 3826 Lee Road, Cleveland Date filed: Aug. 4, 2008 ID: 20-4732572 Type: Unemployment, employer’s Date filed: Nov. 5, 2007 withholding Date released: July 14, 2008 Amount: $9,355 Type: Employer’s withholding Silent Partner Online Inc. Amount: $5,074 540 E. 105th St., Suite 305, Cleveland Sherman Bros. LLC ID: 20-1561339 913 E. 222nd St., Euclid Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 ID: 20-1172053 Type: Corporate income Date filed: Sept. 5, 2006 Amount: $9,231 Date released: July 28, 2008 MTS Consulting Inc. Type: Employer’s withholding 22725 Fairview Center Drive, Amount: $7,806 Suite 100, Fairview Park T & C Services Inc. ID: 20-2709853 9200 Wade Park Ave., Cleveland Date filed: Aug. 11, 2008 ID: 30-0325854 Type: Employer’s withholding Date filed: May 5, 2008 Amount: $9,106 Date released: July 14, 2008 Gordon Cycle & Supply Inc. Type: Employer’s withholding, 762 E. 105th St., Cleveland corporate income ID: 34-6500243 Amount: $17,220 Date filed: Aug. 4, 2008 Wargo and Wargo Co. Type: Employer’s withholding 30 Park Drive, Berea Amount: $7,166 ID: 34-1319680 Best Care Inc. Date filed: May 23, 2007 12709 Craven Ave., Cleveland Date released: July 8, 2008 ID: 37-1451803 Type: Corporate income Date filed: Aug. 14, 2008 Amount: $38,038 Type: Employer’s withholding Webluk Machine Corp. Amount: $6,658 6354 Golden Oak Parkway, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Oakwood Village United States Department of Ohio ID: 34-1191973 4435 W. 131st St., Cleveland Date filed: May 28, 2003 ID: 34-0190755 Date released: July 28, 2008 Higher standards make better lawyers.TM Date filed: Aug. 14, 2008 Type: Employer’s withholding, failure Type: Employer’s withholding to file complete return Amount: $64,107 Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Amount: $6,304 Cleveland 216.479.6100 Akron 330.208.1000 Eagle Trucking Inc. William E. Crowe M.D. Inc. www.vorys.com 7730 Bond St., Solon 6681 Ridge Road, Suite 204, Parma ID: 34-0974760 ID: 30-0019966 Date filed: Aug. 27, 2008 Date filed: April 28, 2008 Type: Unemployment, employer’s Date released: July 8, 2008 withholding Type: Employer’s withholding Amount: $5,584 Amount: $34,973 CCLB 10-06-08 A 13 CCLB 10/2/2008 2:53 PM Page 1

OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 13

A CLOSER LOOK

Large clients boost Chagrin Falls tech firm’s revenue ■ The company: Park Place Inter- national, Chagrin Falls through much of its first decade. climbed from $28.9 million in 2006, ■ A more national focus helps provider of hardware Its business model changed after $19.8 million in 2005 and $13.9 What it does: Provides post- EMC Corp. of Hopkinton, Mass., million in 2004. Employment has warranty server maintenance and consulting, server maintenance notch gaudy figures acquired Data General in 1999. Park grown by about 10 employees this hardware consulting Place began providing post-warranty year and is way up since 2003, when ■ What it’s done: Has offered its By CHUCK SODER but post-warranty service is more support for Data General servers the company employed 30. computer hardware services in [email protected] profitable — and has more potential after EMC stopped doing so in 2001, A group of six Cleveland compa- more parts of the country; to do so, for future growth, said marketing and over the next few years it started nies referred to as the Minute Men it has placed engineers all across A few big customers have helped manager Amy Lombardo. supporting other brands because Human Resources System has been the United States put the “national” in Park Place “We have such a small tip of the nobody made Data Generals. a Park Place customer that entire ■ What has helped: Large International Inc. iceberg compared to what is out “We realized that if we didn’t get time. Dan Folino, director of infor- customers, such as Eastman Kodak Revenue growth at the Chagrin Falls there,” Ms. Lombardo said. out of the Data General space, mation technology for the group, Co. of Rochester, N.Y., and paper company has exceeded 16% for each Founded in 1991, Park Place has we’ve got a going-out-of-business said he recommended Park Place goods producer Georgia- of the last five years, and in some years come a long way since its days as a strategy,” said Mr. Kenty, who was after receiving good service from Pacific LLC of Atlanta was much higher, as a result of its reseller of Data General Corp. business senior vice president of service the company while with a previous drive to offer more computer hard- servers. Today, it has more than 130 operations for Technical and Logis- employer. That service hasn’t changed, ■ The results: On pace to reach ware services in more parts of the employees, including 52 at its head- tical Consultants when Park Place Mr. Folino said, noting Park Place’s $38 million this year, nearly five country, said CEO Ed Kenty. quarters, 38 at its Boston call center bought that company in 2004 for an flexibility and quick response times. times the firm’s 2003 revenue of Park Place, which provides post- and 40 scattered nationwide, though undisclosed price. “They’re there when I need $7.9 million warranty server maintenance and total employment hovered at about 25 The changes paid off, as revenue them,” he said. ■ hardware consulting to businesses, hit $33.6 million in revenue last year and is on pace to reach $38 million this year, which would be nearly five times the firm’s 2003 revenue of $7.9 million. Mr. Kenty attributed a large portion of the yearly increases to maneuvers Park Place made to serve a few large customers, such as East- man Kodak Co. of Rochester, N.Y., paper goods producer Georgia- Pacific LLC of Atlanta and health care products distributor McKesson Corp. of San Francisco. To serve those companies, Park “I’m a better doctor than I am a CFO. Place had to put engineers all across the United States. So it found more clients for them. My patients should be reassured of that.” “We became a national third-party service organization very quickly,” Mr. Kenty said. Dr. Bodrogi came to us for a checking account. But when we listened to her plans, we found other ways we The biggest win was the Kodak account. Park Place had worked with could help her business, with a line of credit, and even a retirement plan while she focused on her practice. printing products company Creo Inc. for years when Kodak acquired We also introduced her to Key4Women, where she found networking opportunities that led to a new lawyer and a that company in June 2005. Kodak then became Park Place’s business partner. Introduce yourself to Key4Women and get more of the story at moneyneedsattention.com biggest customer, and one of its most prestigious, Mr. Kenty said. “In terms of reference accounts, there aren’t many who are better,” he said. Park Place also has expanded its consulting division via its rela- tionship with health care software provider Medical Information Tech- nology Inc., which goes by Meditech. The company in Westwood, Mass., directs its customers to Park Place for guidance on what servers suit their needs. The extra consulting business helped grow revenue at Park Place,

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14 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 Colorado liquid crystal outfit restores NE Ohio base

patent upon which the technology current employees, including Mr. will use at Centennial Research Park. It Kent State’s tech reputation, grant spur is based and licensed it to the Bunting. The company has the has an option on another 10,000 company in March 2006. equivalent of 12 full-time employees square feet there. Pathogen’s plan to build local operations Pathogen Systems plans to start counting outside contractors, he said. The company wanted to be close building its manufacturing capabil- Pathogen Systems already has to Kent State and NEOUCOM, but By CHUCK SODER The Boulder, Colo.-based company ities at Kent State’s Centennial money for the expansion. The Ohio the Third Frontier money was a big [email protected] during the next 18 months plans Research Park in about a year and Third Frontier Project, a $1.6 billion factor in its choice to expand in to hire about 20 people in Portage would add sales employees as it effort to stimulate Ohio’s economy Ohio, Mr. Bunting said. A liquid crystal technology that County as it scales up efforts to draws closer to its first product through technology, last June “We could’ve put the boxes left Northeast Ohio for Colorado develop, manufacture and sell the release about two years from now, awarded NEOUCOM, Kent State together anywhere,” he said. more than two years ago is about to device, Mr. Bunting said. Mr. Bunting said. and Pathogen Systems $3 million, Pathogen System’s first device result in investment back home. Pathogen Systems already is More people could be added if which the company plans to match based on the technology would be Pathogen Systems Inc., which is looking to hire a scientist and a the first devices take off, he said. with $3.7 million, said Mr. Bunting, used to look for bacteria in beach developing devices that use liquid technician who will work out of a “The big ramp really comes when who would not disclose the company’s water, but future versions could test crystals to detect disease-causing lab at the Northeastern Ohio Uni- the product starts being delivered,” investors, none of whom are in for anything from sexually transmitted microbes such as E. coli or anthrax, versities Colleges of Medicine and he said. Northeast Ohio. diseases and bacteria on food to is in the first phase of a plan to build Pharmacy, where it now employs Pathogen Systems will remain The money will be used to hire anthrax and other chemicals used in its base of operations in Northeast one technician. Kent State Univer- headquartered in Colorado, which people, buy equipment and refurbish terrorist attacks, said Gary Niehaus, Ohio, said CEO Bob Bunting. sity and NEOUCOM developed the houses four of the company’s five 5,000 square feet Pathogen Systems a NEOUCOM associate professor who works part time as Pathogen Systems’ chief scientist. “It’s got very broad applications,” Dr. Niehaus said. The device tests for pathogens in liquid by adding antibodies that cause them to form clumps, which makes white spots appear in a liquid crystal matrix. It will be able to produce results in minutes, unlike lab tests that can take days, and most people could be trained to use it, Mr. Bunting said. “It could be a lifeguard on a beach. It could be a medical assistant in a doctor’s office,” he said. The company joins other nearby liquid crystal businesses such as AlphaMicron Inc., which is located in the same building; Kent Displays Inc.; and Oringen LLC, which licensed the same technology from Kent State and NEOUCOM. Pathogen Systems’ expansion puts the region closer to its goal of becoming a hub for liquid crystal companies, said Greg Wilson, asso- ciate vice president of economic development and strategic partner- ships at Kent State. “We’re helping to create this critical mass of talent,” he said. ■

ON THE WEB Story from www.crainscleveland.com Software developer adds three to team

Information technology company Thinsolutions of Lakewood has acquired You have a unique business. Why not have a unique Link Solutions, a custom software developer in the same city. approach to your communications? All three of Link Solutions’ employees moved into Thinsolu- tions’ office on Riverside Drive When your business is treated like any other business, that can’t be last week, said Thinsolutions Save up to 33% each month good for business. At Time Warner Cable Business Class we’ll treat your CEO Michael Fischer. He would on High-Speed Internet when not disclose terms of the deal. company like the individual business it is, with a unique approach to business Thinsolutions acquired the communications. You get a local, dedicated representative to help determine you also order either Business smaller company, which it had worked with in the past, because your needs, tailor a solution for your business and provide ongoing support Class Phone or Cable TV. Plus, it wanted to add to its team of when you need it. With reliable High-Speed Internet, Business Class Phone, and developers, Mr. Fischer said. get a $150 gift card! Thinsolutions, the name by Video, we will help you stay productive. which Netnowledge Inc. does Act by November 30, 2008. business, began providing custom software development Contact us to learn more about how after acquiring Fidelity Networks we can tailor a solution for your business. and Development Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in February 1-866-249-4260 2007. Thinsolutions afterward www.twcbc.com/neohio noticed that doing such work helped it develop stronger client Internet. Phone. Video. relationships and sell more of its other services, which include Subject to change without notice. Products and services not available in all areas. Some restrictions apply. network implementation, IT © 2008 Time Warner Cable. All rights reserved. TWNEO-6998 management, web and software hosting, database development and strategic consulting. CCLB 10-06-08 A 15 CCLB 10/1/2008 3:54 PM Page 1

OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS 15

CHOICE BITS Excerpts from recent Editor’s Choice blog entries on PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS CrainsCleveland.com. With these two, travel the newspaper. “They also criticize his spending record, saying he took plans not up in the air the state from a surplus to a deficit, Over the past 10 years, Roetzel & Andress has ■ The two most prominent airlines clouding the state’s fiscal prospects.” more than doubled its size in terms of number Democrats, meantime, acknowl- at Cleveland Hopkins International of offices and scope of capabilities. Our focus Airport — Continental and South- edge Ohio’s economic troubles “but west — earned the top marks in a point to the governor’s accomplish- today is the same as when the firm was founded Sept. 30 Forbes.com ranking of the ments on taxes and education as 130 years ago; to be responsive to our clients’ best domestic airlines. helping to improve its economy,” Southwest, the no-frills discounter, The Journal said. needs and to exceed expectations in providing took the top spot in the Forbes.com The smartest comment amid the high quality legal representation. list. Continental, the dominant back-and-forth blame game came carrier at Hopkins, was second. from Paul Beck, a political science We continue to expand in the communities The rest of the top 10, in order, professor at Ohio State University. was JetBlue, AirTran (which is big at He said that in Ohio, “economic we serve as a full-service business law firm Akron-Canton Airport), Delta, Alaska decline has been there for decades, partnering for success with our clients. Airlines, Northwest, American, United so it’s hard to attribute it to one and US Airways. (Interesting that party or another. Many voters, I three of the top four carriers are think, are more sophisticated than discount airlines.) that, and recognize that poor 240 attorneys. economies are the result of a lot of Forbes.com said it collected five 40 areas of practice. years of data related to on-time different factors.” arrival, cancellations, complaints 11 offices. and mishandled baggage from the Investors find merit One address: www.ralaw.com Aviation Consumer Protection Division of the U.S. Department of in an Akron bank Transportation. Delays and cancel- ■ These obviously aren’t great times lations, the factors most likely to ruin for banks, so it was noteworthy that a flier’s day, were given double a Sept. 30 video from Forbes.com weight. touted FirstMerit Corp. as a solid Southwest’s on-time performance option for investors. over five years was more than 80%; The Akron-based banking company 222 South Main Street Akron, OH 44308 330.376.2700 the average was 76.8%. was featured in Forbes.com’s weekly l l Guru Picks segment. A web site called One Cleveland Center, Ninth Floor l1375 East Ninth St. l Cleveland, OH 44114 l 216.623.0150 Marketocracy.com tracks more than 70,000 online stock portfolios. Of AKRON CINCINNATI CLEVELAND COLUMBUS FORT LAUDERDALE those, the top 100 performing portfo- FORT MYERS NAPLES ORLANDO TALLAHASSEE TOLEDO WASHINGTON, D.C. lios, the M100, are used to create a real-life mutual fund, the Masters 100 Fund. Each week, Guru Picks analyzes the buys and sells of the M100. Gourmet has good taste Forbes.com’s Josh Lipton said the best-performing online stock in our town’s cheap eats pickers are “starting to do some ■ Cleveland got some delicious selected stock buying” in the finan- treatment from Gourmet magazine cial sector. He said FirstMerit, with with a story about the best cheap assets of $10.6 billion as of eats in town. June 30 and 160 banking of- It’s an eclectic list from writer fices and 175 ATMs in Ohio Anne Trubek, who said Cleveland “is and Pennsylvania, is ap- in the midst of a decade-long pealing because foodie boom that has con- “expenses are well- vinced some coastal folk to controlled, the make a stop on their flyover.” credit picture is She listed eight great reasonable, and affordable dining options: the the company prix-fixe dinner at Light Bistro; a looks good from a scone and coffee at On the Rise; capital perspective.” the Kobe beef burger at Lolita’s happy FirstMerit investors also “enjoy a hour; lunch at Nate’s Deli and fat dividend yield rate of 5.3%,” Mr. Restaurant; dinner at Bar Cento; the Lipton said. brisket platter from Mr. Brisket; breakfast at Big Al’s; and local produce at North Union Farmers Market. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices. our At least one prof won’t busıness play the blame game is growing ■ Call it the Battle of Ohio, economy edition. The Wall Street Journal on Sept. 27 yours examined Ohio this campaign season and noted that the economic debate in our key swing state “is in by improving many ways the reverse of the national your profitability debate.” In most places, The Journal wrote, “Democrats are bemoaning the state of the economy and trying to blame the Republican president. But in Ohio, it’s Republicans pointing to the state’s economic woes and blaming Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, who’s in the middle of his first term.” The Republicans’ case against Susan Avsec Gov. Strickland “is that he did little 1-888-668-6501 to stem a tide of job losses in the www.cbiz.com state in recent years,” according to CCLB 10-06-08 A 16 CCLB 10/1/2008 1:54 PM Page 1

16 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM OCTOBER 6-12, 2008

associates. Fedele to vice president, new product GOING PLACES development. HEALTH CARE JOB CHANGES director, University Center on Aging MARKETING and Health. COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERS: Brad Gierowski to director of diag- AQUENT STUDIOS: Jessica Adams CONSTRUCTION CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY nostic services, Allen Community to project manager. CARL WALKER INC.: Kurtis Taylor COLLEGE, CORPORATE COLLEGE: Hospital; Cille Hale to director, Three AUTOMOTIVE EVENTS: Jeff to design engineer. Doug M. Brattebo to president; Jim West Tower medical/surgical unit, Emerine to executive vice president; Potantus to vice president. Barber Brattebo Potantus GRUNWELL-CASHERO CO.: Chad Regional Medical Center; Kirt Peterson Iain Dobson to senior vice president. Helms to estimator/project manager. KENT STATE UNIVERSITY: Mary to executive director, Physician Prac- Anne P. Saunders to director, Office tices. NONPROFIT of International Affairs. DISTRIBUTION AKRON ART MUSEUM: Gail E. Wild ABCO FIRE PROTECTION INC.: INSURANCE to chief operating officer; Elizabeth Todd Barber to vice president and FINANCIAL SERVICE DAWSON COS.: Libby Fero to M. Wilson to director of marketing general manager. BEACON FINANCIAL PARTNERS: account executive; Barbara Brown communication; Arnold Tunstall to Cynthia Spicer to registered practice to marketing/account executive. collections manager; Gina Thomas to EDUCATION manager. assistant educator. MANUFACTURING Spicer Steinhagen Adams CASE WESTERN RESERVE SCOTT SNOW FINANCIAL ADVISORS CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART: UNIVERSITY, FRANCES PAYNE LLC: Brandon Steinhagen to finan- RANPAK CORP.: Ryan Chesla to Marcia Steele to chief conservator. BOLTON SCHOOL OF NURSING: cial adviser. marketing analyst; Roger Fischer to CLEVELAND FOUNDATION: Nelson Diana L. Morris to executive director SS&G FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.: installation and field support engineer. Beckford to program officer; Evon and Evelyn G. Duffy to associate Jeremy Banchek and Karen Cull to US ENDOSCOPY: Christopher D. Glass to Lake-Geauga assistant; Tara

Emerine Dobson Cajigas Jefferson to public affairs associate; Shilpa Kedar to associate program director; Danielle Obloy to human resources generalist; Holly Selvaggi to gift planning officer; Gail Stachnik to receptionist. LAKE COUNTY YMCA: David Saifman to director of marketing communications. NEAR WEST THEATER: Julie A. Cajigas to director of marketing and associate director of development. RECOVERY RESOURCES: Debora Strictly Business Rodriguez to president and CEO. RETAIL MULHOLLAND & SACHS: Jessica Bell Semel to corporate sales specialist. SERVICE ANDREWS MOVING AND STORAGE: Reality Business Checking makes running your business easier. We know that thriving Jeff German to national account in business takes a keen eye on the bottom line. That’s why this account stresses real business sales representative. benefits and helpful rewards all for no monthly fee. FirstMerit’s Reality Business Checking CORPORATE UNITED: Marc Rosen is the best possible option for your business. to president. No Monthly fee PROFORMA: Melissa Banning to marketing manager, franchise devel- Get 1,000 transactions per month opment; Kelsey Anthony to manager, No Balance Requirement public relations and marketing commu- nications; Jessica Dorow to accounts No monthly fee regardless of balance receivable specialist; Ivan Skachko Activity Rewards to appointment setter. 5¢ for all debit card transactions (PIN and POS) SAFEGUARD PROPERTIES: Thomas W. Lang to controller. Free ATM Transactions Use other banks’ ATMs for free * TECHNOLOGY AVID TECHNOLOGIES INC.: Dragan Discount on Check Printing Dugandzic to senior program manager. Save money on your business checks PARAGON CONSULTING INC.: Geoffrey Harden, Michael Mickas Free VISA® Debit Card and VISA® Credit Card Management Reporting and Lev Vayner to systems consul- Summary and detailed reports available tants; Lilia Lipps to marketing director. THUNDER::TECH: Benjamin John Free Cancelled Check Return to flash developer. Receive your cancelled checks with your statement** BOARD Contact us for even more benefits and details on how to put AMERICAN HOLISTIC MEDICAL Reality Business Checking to work for you. ASSOCIATION: Dr. David Riley to secretary; Dr. John Neely to treasurer. The advantage is Yours. AWARDS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: Call: 1-888-283-2303 Click: firstmerit.com Visit: Any branch Antonette Walker (Construction Employers Association) received the Founder’s Trophy Award. *ATM owner may assess a fee when using a non-FirstMerit ATM and fees may apply on transactions made internationally. **Clients must request to have cancelled checks returned. WOMEN IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY: Rita N. Singh (S & A Consulting Group LLP) received the Fast 5 Award.

Send information for Going Places to [email protected] or kratliff-null@ crain.com.