Business News

Twenty-six years ago my father Steven R. Clark packed up our family from West Park and began to establish roots in Lakewood. As my sister and I passed through Taft, Emerson, and Lakewood High School my father was growing Clark Financial Services with his trusted friend Randon Dobson. I would go on to join them at Clark Financial Services after completing college. After fifteen years at the INA building we were at a crossroad; do we stay in Lakewood or think about other suburbs?

Laskey CPA, a public accounting firm with nine employees, has purchased the property at 15514 Detroit Avenue that formerly housed Revelations Salon & Spa. Timothy P. Laskey paid $250,000 for the property and plans to invest about $50,000 renovating the duplex before moving into the building in May 2012.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce began its one-hundred and first year of serving the greater Lakewood business community by hosting marketing & motivational speaker Katherine Miracle of Miracle Resources at their January monthly meeting and luncheon at Brennan’s Catering & Banquet Center, sponsored by DMS Management Solutions. In keeping with the Chamber’s January theme of “Planning”, Ms. Miracle captivated and engaged the audience in a discussion of Planning for a Strong 2012. From branding to marketing to public relations to revenue development, Ms. Miracle is an accomplished businessperson who has done it, who teaches it, and who gave audience members specific take-aways so that they could be on a successful path for 2012.

Lakewood Chamber member DMS Management Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions to meet the needs of growing businesses. This Lakewood firm assists small- to mid-sized businesses in the areas of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Banking/Cash Management, Billing, Budgeting & Strategic Planning, Financial Reporting, Payroll, HR/Benefits Administration, and more. It’s that time of year – time to close the books on 2011 and plan for a strong 2012, and Mike DeStefano can help. Call Mike at 440-799-4615.

When you purchase at locally-owned businesses, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses and service providers!

Saturday, January 28
2012 Lakewood Criterium Neighborhood Meeting
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
18001 Detroit Avenue
7:00 p.m.

Do these names sound familiar? Barry, Biles, DeLorean, Fairchild, Ganley, Guthery Schreiber, Hale Zupan, Koepke, LaRiche, Lossman, Marc Lance, and Spitzer. They may not be if you were born after 1980. These new and/or used car dealerships dotted the Lakewood landscape for many years. Now only one full service dealership remains in Lakewood, Steve Barry Buick, located at 16000 Detroit Avenue.

Years ago, it was commonplace to go to the corner store to buy your groceries. The neighborhood hardware store was the go-to place for everything you might need to complete a home improvement project. Your wardrobe was bought from the local department store you had been shopping at since you were a child. But then the "big box stores" moved in and people stopped shopping local. So convenient to go to one place and get everything you needed, right? Wrong! Product quality and customer service were two of the most important factors that fell by the wayside. Small businesses began to flounder. That is why in 2009 the 3/50 project was born. Their tagline is, "Saving the brick and mortars our nation is built on."

LakewoodAlive is a non-partisan economic development corporation whose mission is to improve the quality of life of residents by creating alliances with community leaders, leveraging community assets and expanding the pool of available resources in order to facilitate economic stability and growth in the City of Lakewood.

At this time of year, it is not uncommon for New Year's resolutions to be made -- ranging from weight-loss goals to finally getting around to making that home improvement that's been discussed for years. One common resolution is easier said than done: starting a business.  

Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, was recently featured in the December issue of Natural Foods Merchandiser.

Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, reports that doctors from the University of Madison, Wisconsin said the medical community increasingly believes that three in four Americans are low in vitamin D and need to take 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day to reach the proper level.

Ronald W. Dees, Chairman of the Board of Directors for St. John Medical Center, which is co-owned by the Sisters of Charity Health System and University Hospitals, has announced the appointment of William A. Young Jr. as President and CEO of St. John Medical Center.  Mr. Young will begin his new role by December 31, 2011. 

As President and CEO, Young will oversee the daily operations and lead the medical center’s growth and service expansion plans as it continues to meet the needs of the west side community.  Specifically, he will manage the medical center’s five-year, $100-million strategic plan, which includes hospital renovations and adding specialty services and programs. Over the past year, several strategic initiatives were implemented such as opening the University Hospitals Neurological Institute at SJMC; expanding and relocating the Pain Management Center; installing digital mammography as well as adding a state-of-the-art special procedures room. In a few weeks, SJMC will open a Breast Health Center. Early next year, the campus will welcome a satellite location of the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, as well as the completion of a renovated entrance and front lobby.  

Imagine if you will, Little Johnny in marching band sitting in the bleachers with his tuba or baritone and all of a sudden the horn is at the bottom of the of the bleachers…of course nobody knows how it ended up there, or how all those giant dents suddenly appeared. Oh yea, Little Johnny says they were already there. Anyways, how in the world could that horn ever look like new again? The solution – take it to your local band instrument repair tech. But wait, what is it that these technicians in the back of your local music store, do to get a mangled horn to look like new again? How do technicians know the newest techniques and tricks of the trade? About 1300 band instrument repair techs are members of an organization called the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT). NAPBIRT is the largest non-profit international educational association dedicated to the advancement of the craft of band instrument repair.

We are reaching a time in history when our children will likely not outlive their parents. Statistics indicate that the obesity epidemic is claiming more than 300,000 lives each year. Type II diabetes, once only seen in adults is now diagnosed in children at alarming rates.

Do you remember...When you got dressed up to go downtown shopping? (it didn't matter which downtown!) When your purchases were carefully wrapped in tissue or gift boxes and placed in paper shopping bags? When stores had beautifully decorated display windows? When the "clerks" engaged in conversation and even smiled? When your parcels were carried to your car?

New Business News on Madison!  METRO! HOME. DESIGN. FOOD. WINE -- it all comes together at the new Kelley's Island Wine Company in Lakewood at Metropolitan Home Design's new space.  A wine bar, shopping for home décor and more, plus a great ambiance for relaxation and to get  those creative juices flowing! Located at 15218 Madison Avenue, stay tuned up for news about owner, Robby Zettler’s up-coming public opening on Thanksgiving weekend!

There is a chill in the wind and flip flops are put away for boots. The heat is on in the home and hands are getting drier- sometimes even cracking. Carabel Beauty Salon & Store has the warm foot soak, oils, and creams to moisturize the hands and feet. Right now a contest has been started at Carabel and with one entry winning a p.j. mani and pedi party for four gals. The winner can select friends or family to join her. The party will be held at the salon with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, conversation, good magizines, and P.J.'s to make it cozy. There are many polishes to choose from including glitters, shatters, the Miss Piggy collection of colors, and more.

Have you ever wanted to have a one-on-one conversation with the Mayor of Lakewood? Do you wish you could transport yourself and 9 friends to a special event in a limousine? Would you like to give the gift of Deagan’s, Pier W, Pacers, Angelo’s, Melt, Ranger Café, Cozumel, Around The Corner, 56West, Aladdin’s, or Players to people on your holiday shopping list? Have you ever wanted to be Principal for a Day at Lakewood High School? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the Third Annual Holiday Bid & Buy online auction is for you!

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s Seventh Annual West End Halloween Window Walk was a spook-tacular success! Pumpkins, spooky girl scouts, goblins, BFFs (Beast Friends Forever), ghosts, skeletons, and even Steve Jobs’ tombstone were painted on 112 windows along the west end of Detroit Avenue. Thanks to the business community who hosted the works of our local artists, and to the artists themselves who treated us all to a wickedly good show! Check out the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce facebook page for lots of photos, and for a list of the winners, go to www.lakewoodchamber.org.

that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 5th Annual Fourth Grade "Why I Love Lakewood" essay contest? The winning essay-writer will get to: ride in the Light Up Lakewood holiday parade, help "flip the switch" at the holiday lighting ceremony, and win $100 cash! Essays are due November 18.

Thursday, November 17
Joint Monthly Meeting with Rocky River Chamber of Commerce
Cox Business presents Author and Small Business Expert Jane Applegate
11:15 a.m., Westwood Country Club

Levey & Company, an Akron-based commercial real estate developer, will spend millions to completely renovate Lakewood Plaza. Levey and Company purchased the real estate with the goal of revitalizing and rebranding the center, located at Detroit and Mars Avenue in Lakewood.

The plans for the complete revitalization and ground breaking will begin this spring and will conclude at the end of summer.

Lakewood, OH – Join Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13 for a special “Tribute to Veterans.” All veterans, as well as active duty service men and women will receive a 10% discount at the store. (18120 Sloane Avenue).

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will end its 100th anniversary year much as it began – with a busy calendar of business-related programming and public events.

that payments for monthly meetings, membership dues, event tickets and raffle tickets can be made via our Chamber store website at www.lakewoodchamberstore.com? Thanks to the Lakewood Observer for hosting the site!

Friday, October 21
Monthly Meeting: Candidates Forum
Sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve
11:30 a.m., Sweetwater Landing

Friday, November 11  - Monday, December 5
3rd Annual Holiday Bid & Buy Online Auction
Grand Prize Sponsored by Costco Wholesale in Avon 

Thursday, November 17
Joint Monthly Meeting with Rocky River Chamber of Commerce
Cox Business presents Author and Small Business Expert Jane Applegate
11:15 a.m., Westwood Country Club

So, here’s a riddle: What has over 1,000 local residents and business decision-makers exchanging ideas with over 100 exhibitors, while enjoying great food, wine and beer from 15 local establishments?

Cox Communications awarded $1,000 in Cox Charities grants to two local non-profit organizations as part of its Cox Charities Employee Grant Program, an extension of the company’s philanthropic work in those communities where its employees live and work.

Nature’s Bin, a full-service natural foods market in Lakewood, reports a new study where people with chronic type 2 diabetes and nerve pain who took a vitamin and mineral supplement for four months had less severe pain compared to those who took a placebo.

Lakewood resident Chris Baggott is celebrating the 6th Anniversary of Lakewood-based Northeast Ohio Plumbing & Mechanical this year. To celebrate, Northeast Ohio Plumbing & Mechanical is offering a 10% discount for the elderly, police, fire, teachers, EMS, and active and retired military personnel for the rest of the year.

The Reagle Beagle was purchased by entrepreneur couple Sharbel and Anita Boutros in March 2011. Since, the couple has remodeled the facility adding to the menu of services. Traditional barbering with old world style including hot steam towel shaves. Performed by, General Manager and house barber Josie George Blackburn. The Couple believe that being the one of a kind salon and barber spa brings the ultimate experience to all men who appreciate being catered to by their attractive, talented, and experienced styling team. We specialize in giving you the most relaxing and fun experience you will ever have in any salon that will guarantee you that you will keep returning.

CLEVELAND, Ohio, September 15, 2011 – Team Northeast Ohio (Team NEO) announced today the appointment of Christine Nelson as vice president, regional business development for the JobsOhio Regional Office in Northeast Ohio. As one of six JobsOhio Network Regional Partners across the state, Team NEO will oversee the new office, which is expected to be operational by October 1.

Friday, October 21st
Luncheon Meeting: Candidates Forum
Sweetwater Landing
11:30 Networking; 12p Lunch
$15/members, $20/non-members
Sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve

October 23rd - November 1st
West End Halloween Window Walk Painting Contest

The City of Lakewood’s Planning & Development Department, LakewoodAlive, and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce receive calls every day from residents and businesses regarding economic development issues. Dru Siley, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Lakewood, stresses that there is no “wrong door” when it comes to economic development and that any of the above-named organizations are equipped to answer questions and point callers in the right direction. It is important to note, however, that each of these organizations has a specific mission and purpose.

It’s that time again!! Lakewood ChocolateWalk 2011 is October 27. This is the third year for this delectable event and tickets always sell out. With over thirty participating merchants ChocolateWalk is a chocolate lovers dream. For $20 one can peruse participating downtown Lakewood merchants gathering various chocolate entities all culminating in a fabulous hot fudge sundae! Tickets went on sale September 15 and like last year will sell-out quickly. Remember, general ticket sales begin September 15 at Plantation Home, Rozi’s, Geiger’s Lion and Blue and Paisley Monkey or by visiting www.downtownlakewood.org. See you there!

The 4th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade is fast approaching. Don’t miss out! Northeastern Ohio residents have made the Lakewood, Ohio Spooky Pooch Parade, “The Largest Halloween Dog Parade from Coast to Coast.”

Robert “Tony” Brice, senior consultant at Towers Watson and Larry Johnson, global healthcare marketing director at PolyOne Corporation have been elected to the board of trustees at Cornucopia, Inc.

Cornucopia, Inc. operates Nature’s Bin, a full service natural and organic foods market located in Lakewood, Ohio. This natural foods market serves as a training site for a unique and successful program that provides vocational training leading to employment for people with disabilities.

Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, reports the first study to show a direct link between vitamin K in the diet and bone quality. Men and women who consumed the most vitamin K had better bone mineral density and less-porous, stronger bone compared to those who got the least vitamin K.

A dilapidated, peeling and rusting produce market was reborn last week thanks to a generous Lakewood painting contractor and a prominent Cleveland corporation.

The once aged and tired-looking Coit Road Farmer’s Market in East Cleveland, a non-profit with an 80-year history, was chosen as the recipient of the annual Neubert Painting Charity Paint Giveaway. The market now boasts a barn-red hue that’s as fresh as the produce sold inside. 

“We couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out or with Neubert Painting’s generosity,” says Kevin Scheuring, vice president of the Coit Road Famer's Market Preservation Society. “This will make a huge difference to us and to the people in the neighborhood.”