Business News

Cox Communications celebrates the 110 year anniversary of its parent company, Cox Enterprises, which was founded in Dayton, Ohio on August 15, 1898. Cox Communications’ parent company was founded in Ohio by former schoolteacher and reporter James M. Cox, whose ambition was to own a newspaper...

There are defining moments in a city’s development. Some are good; some are bad. Lakewood has been enjoying a pretty good summer in 2007. On the public side we have a new Library designed by a top architect, the largest new school building program in the state, the L.E.A.F. Community, residents developing ways to deliver farm fresh healthy foods to Lakewood tables, the Lakewood YMCA and Lakewood Hospital.

Madison Avenue Merchant's Association (MAMA) is a group of dedicated and passionate Madison Avenue businesses owners who are working together to build a vibrant and thriving shopping/dining experience in Lakewood. Each owner is a hard-working visionary committed to bettering this unique city with their family owned business. While they each value the uniqueness and charm of small city shopping, they recognize the enormous benefits of working together to beautify Madison Avenue and energize the entire area.

2008 marks the 21st year that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has recognized a member of the community for their outstanding business leadership and civic involvement. Over those 21 years, a veritable Who’s Who of Lakewood business men and women have been honored for their contribution to the community. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the 2008 recipient of Lakewood’s Business Person of the Year is Mr. Jim O'Bryan...

What do a policeman, hair stylist, fireman, cement worker, data analyst, retiree, and PR professional, all have in common?

All of them have sacrificed personal and professional time to help make a dream a reality.

Anticipation is growing for this year’s Light Up Lakewood event. Elsewhere in this issue you will see all the wonderful plans that LakewoodAlive volunteers have made for you. It is going to be a night of fun, fun, fun!

The Lakewood Observer has four great ways to get out any information about your group to the residents of Lakewood. All FREE!!

First Federal of Lakewood and Main Street Lakewood are hosting a two-day seminar entitled, ‘Start Smart: Women and Business Connections.’ The seminar will take place on consecutive Wednesdays, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at First Federal Lakewood, 14806 Detroit Ave. The program is designed to provide the knowledge, tools, and connections necessary to help women entrepreneurs succeed in their businesses...

On Friday, August 22nd the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 52nd Annual New Teacher Luncheon at Garfield Middle School. The lunch is sponored by The Ohio Educational Credit Union, and welcomes all the new teachers at both our public and parochial schools to Lakewood...

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood City Schools Community Education and Recreation Department announce the addition of antique identification to this year’s Home Show!

On Friday, May 15th the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce honored their 2009 Scholarship recipients at a breakfast at Pier W Restaurant.  Congratulations to Courtney Smith, Karmen Stovadinovic, and Ryan Walsh, current seniors at Lakewood High School; and Michael Carroll, a senior at St. Edward High School. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program focuses on students who perform exceptionally in the classroom, are active in extracurricular activities and hold down a part time job.  This year’s scholarship recipients were all exceptional.  Best of luck to each of them as they head of to college next fall!

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Hospice of the Western Reserve as its 2008 Outstanding New Member. Hospice joined the Chamber of Commerce in 2005 and has consistently been supportive to the Chamber and the community. According to Kathy Berkshire, CEO & President of the Lakewood Chamber, "Hospice and its employees contribute their time, talent and effort to make Lakewood a better place to live, work and do business..."

Saturday, May 3 marks a significant day in eco-conscious shopping as GreenSmartGifts, an earth-friendly shop, will open in Lakewood. Located at 14534 Detroit Avenue, directly across from Lakewood Hospital, the shop will promote “living green and giving green”...

First Federal of Lakewood, a community bank founded in 1935, received the Community Service Leadership Award at the 12th annual Business Leadership Awards, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Cleveland and the Cleveland State University Nance College of Business Administration. Gary Fix, First Federal president, CEO and managing officer, accepted the award at a May 15, 2008 reception in Cleveland...

On Friday, January 16th, 64 local business leaders braved the bitter cold and the inevitable bad news to attend a Lakewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring Mr. Guhan Venkatu from the Federal Reserve Bank. Mr. Venkatu discussed the national, state and local economic forecast.Mr. Venkatu opened his presentation with the sobering comment, "I'm probably not going to tell you anything you don't already know," regarding the sad shape of our region's economy. However, the information he conveyed was interesting and encouraging in the fact that, although there will be no quick fix for our current situation, we will recover.Mr. Venkatu's presentation covered the history of our economy, what specifically lead to the current recession, and what problems are unique to our region. The question and answer period led to an interesting discussion regarding how to bring jobs back to the region and strengthen our local economy.As daunting as the short term economic forecast appears, there was definitely a sense of purpose and determination as people left the meeting. Everyone seemed braced, and ready to roll up their sleeves and work hard to get things back on track.  

With 185 miles of sidewalks within 5.5 square miles, many consider Lakewood to be Ohio’s most walkable city. At Main Street Lakewood, we make a point to promote Lakewood’s walkability in all of our activities, ranging from the Detroit Avenue Streetscape Design to events like Walk+Roll™ Lakewood, scheduled for July 19th. Why? Because walking is not only good for our physical health, it is good for our economic health...

Who says fun and politics don't mix? The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours at the Winking Lizard, 14018 Detroit Avenue, on Wednesday, September 26th from 5:30 -8:00 p.m.

Owned since 1995 by the Wilburn family, the Shamrock Tavern & Restaurant (11922 Madison Avenue) is a friendly tavern on Lakewood’s East End. The family has close ties to Lakewood: Co-owner Del Wilburn is a retired Lakewood police lieutenant and his partner & daughter Micki is a lifelong resident. The tavern annually sponsors a Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer walker, raising money selling “shoes”, putting on a summertime garage sale, hosting celebrity bartender nights and other events. It also supports numerous other causes and events throughout the year. The Shamrock proprietors are also supportive of Lakewood Adult Recreation programs, sponsoring a dozen or more men’s and women’s teams each summer and fall. 

The Shamrock features the longest bar in Lakewood, a spacious rear dining room with kids’ play area (and a fireplace yet!), an outdoor patio with horseshoes and shuffleboard court, music and games. The dining room is also frequently used for birthday and retirement parties, showers and wedding receptions. The next big event?  St. Patrick’s Day, of course. On this day Shamrock traditionally serves 1,000 lbs. of corned beef sandwiches and dinners.  They’ll be selling $1 and $5 shamrocks for the Muscular Dystrophy Association too!

Cox Communications announced today the appointment of Daniel M. Carney to vice president of Cox Business for the Cleveland market. Carney will join the Cox Business team on September 2, 2008. Carney comes to Ohio from the Cox New England operation where he served as a senior account executive. Carney has extensive knowledge of Cox Business video, data and telephone products for the complex business environment. He brings more than six years experience as a top sales performer for Cox Business, supporting a variety of clients ranging from large Fortune 500 businesses to small start up operations...

Education is very important in our community and it is a long standing tradition that local businesses invite all new teachers and administrators in Lakewood to a banquet in their honor. This year the the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce invited 35 new public and parochial teachers to the 51st Annual New Teacher Luncheon.

AKEWOOD, OH – September 15, 2008: AGS Software today announced the appointment of Jerry W. Hoegner to its Board of Directors. AGS develops technology products and services for the publishing and media industries, as well as schools, communities and their city halls. AGS’ flagship product is its revolutionary NinthEstate multimedia platform, a software as service product that enables simultaneous publication of periodicals, multi-media(TV, Radio) and websites by as few as one or two people.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is always a busy place and the past year truly reflected our mission to promote Lakewood businesses in a positive light to the community...

The Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) awarded their Bright Stars for 2008 on Thursday, October 30th, at their semi-annual board meeting at Pickwick and Frolic’s Hilarities 4th St Theatre.

The Bright Star from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is Carol Leigh Mason, Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. The nomination was a result of Carol’s continuous support of the Lakewood Chamber and her active role in membership, economic development and public safety. ..

All Lakewood merchants are encouraged to start considering how they would like to participate during Light Up Lakewood activities, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. Main Street Lakewood and LakewoodAlive are collaborating to encourage residents and visitors to shop and play throughout Lakewood throughout the weekend.

Call it fate - a Manor Park resident with “step” in her name won the grand prize basket at the Lakewood Walks Main Street event on August 22. Catherine Step was convinced by her neighbor to participate in the event as part of their weekly trek to the Farmer’s Market. With kids in tow, they did the two-mile walk.

Sell Your Home Faster!

Traveling with the family is not easy! There's planning, packing, stressing over which liquids are allowed on board, in the luggage, or on your person; getting to the airport, checking luggage and ultimately going through security. And all this with time constraints. We decided to make it a fun event and got ExpressJet Airlines to organize it for our Playdate on May 13th, 2008...

Color is energy—energy made visible. As human beings, it's the only energy we can actually see. Choosing the right color for a room can be an intimidating experience. Most of us lean toward white and beige because we know it will match our furniture and décor. However, when you add color to your walls, it transforms your rooms into energizing spaces. Use these ten tips when choosing color for your home and you soon will feel inspired and energized by color!

As Observer readers know, Main Street Lakewood is a volunteer-based organization. From streetscape design to events like Light Up Lakewood, Band2Gether and Walk+Roll Lakewood, to working with City Hall to encourage investment in our downtown, resident volunteers make it all happen. On Thursday, April 19, four students from Lakewood High School’s freshman class came by to help collate material for Main Street Lakewood’s first-ever merchant membership drive...

When the Chamber of Commerce moved to their new building at 16017 Detroit Avenue, one great advantage was the opportunity to market Chamber businesses more effectively to the community...

You can stop wondering what is going to happen with one of the empty storefronts on the eastern portion of Madison Avenue. Innovative Auto Tech has opened for business in the former Donnelly Furnace & Heating building at 13415 Madison Avenue. Innovative Auto Tech (IAT) is a new automobile customs company. Their services include anything and everything to detail and customize your car, including car audio and video, alarms, remote starting, under-car lighting, and complete detailing. If you are looking to "pimp your ride", this is the place for you...

First Federal of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood have announced plans to convert a duplex into a single-family home at 2227 Bunts Road. The project is a combined effort between First Federal, the City and independent architect, Paul Beegan. Prudential Lucien Realty is handling the property sale. Construction is set to begin in mid-May, with completion forecast for late summer 2007.

Brothers and business partners Brad and Bryan Frey have launched their first issue of a hand-sized, full color, glossy magazine – Cleveland Bar Tab: Cleveland’s Restaurant, Bar and Nightlife Guide. Twenty thousand copies of the new guide were published and made available for free at bars throughout the city.

2009 marks the 22nd year that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has recognized a member of the community for their outstanding business leadership and civic involvement. Over those 22 years, a veritable Who’s Who of Lakewood business men and women have been honored for their contribution to the community.

We are proud to announce the 2009 Lakewood Business Person of the Year is Mickey Krivosh, the owner of Around the Corner.  Mickey's love for Lakewood is evident in both his professional and personal life.  He exemplifies the qualities the Chamber of Commerce has set forth for this award:  "An individual with a business interest in the community who works to better Lakewood in one or more ways; contributing time and effort in civic, recreational, school and/or church activities." 

First Federal of Lakewood is proud to sponsor the 15th annual Classic at Mastick 5K Run on Wednesday, August 8th at the Mastick Woods Picnic Area in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. The men’s race is set to begin at 6 p.m., while the women’s race will begin at 6:45. The entry deadline for runners is August 2nd, 2007.

Is the outside of your home starting to peel or look run down? It’s probably time for paint! Usually a home needs to be painted every six to eight years due to weathering and water damage. Before you decide to paint, make sure you ask yourself the following four questions:

Lakewood Community Progress Inc. named Mary Anne Crampton Executive Director effective June 19. LCPI is a nonprofit economic development corporation devoted to facilitating revitalization and economic development in the City of Lakewood.

Lakewood will soon be home to what has become a staple of good eats in Ohio City. If all goes as planned, The Souper Market, a soup and salad stop near Cleveland's West Side Market, will open its doors on Detroit Avenue in the location formally occupied by the Flora Café.

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.

Pet Pastries has joined the Lakewood community and has kicked off this month with new and exciting gourmet pet pastries...

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

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.

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.

by Tony Toy

“Less talk, more monkey,” because, “life is about having fun,” says Lynne Nagy, entrepreneur and creator of the online company Zendot3D.com. The aforementioned ape-referencing phrase is the registered tagline of the Zendot3d company and accompanies the adorable monkey logo (also registered) which graces the t-shirts that you have probably seen around town...

Part 1 of 2: Layering Tax Efficient Investment Tools might be a valuable strategy for portions of your wealth as we look into the future. There are a variety of tools that can lead to some sort of tax efficiency such as: IRAs, Roth IRAs, Roth Conversions, Tax-Free Municipal Bonds, Annuities, and Life Insurance. There is not a tax crystal ball to tell advisors and CPAs what the income tax structure will look like 10 years, 5 years, or even two years from now. What we do know is that we are currently at historically low tax rates and government debt continues to increase. A case can be made that potential tax increases in the future are a strong possibility. With that thought in mind, here are some strategies that in some cases can create tax flexibility in the future.

IRA’s, Pro: During your working years you might be in a position to set some excess money away for retirement. IRA’s as well as other retirement plans offered through your employer allow you to set that excess money in a place where you won’t pay tax on the contribution until you take it out. Although the initial tax deferral is a nice benefit, the real power comes from the compounding effect on the growth of the IRA. By compounding effect I mean the interest on the principal plus interest on the tax deferred growth. 

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!

On March 29, Gary Fix, president, chief executive officer (CEO) and managing officer of First Federal of Lakewood, presented a $1,900 check to the Cleveland Foodbank, as a result of its annual checking account promotion. It was the third consecutive year the organizations partnered for the promotion, with the 2006 donations spread between the Foodbank and eight charitable organizations in branch communities.

Founded in 1907, Lakewood Hospital is a 400-bed acute care, community-oriented hospital located on Detroit Ave in the heart of Lakewood’s Main Street. A member of the Cleveland Clinic health system and leader in Northeastern Ohio’s healthcare community, Lakewood Hospital provides high quality and innovative patient care for more than 130,000 patients each year, including a large percentage of Lakewood residents...

Entrepreneur Sarah Russell-Aerni is pleased to announce the grand opening of her petite spa, Simply Esthetics, at 18401 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood's western corner on October 1,2008. After working in various locations in and around the Cleveland area, Russell-Aerni opened the initial Simply Esthetics on the near West side of Cleveland in April 2007. Following a very successful year at that location she felt the need to expand and was thrilled to find what will be her current home at the corner of Maile, on the lot adjoining the popular India Garden Restaurant...

Tim Needles, President and CEO of Onix Networking announced this week that the company has nearly completed its relocation to their new world headquarters in Lakewood. Earlier this year, the 35 person firm purchased the Georgetown Row half of the former Bonne Belle building at the corner Detroit and Graber. “My wife Dianne and I have a significant history with the city are excited about our new location and continuing the growth of the company,” said Needles.
 
“An innovative company like Onix fits Lakewood’s spirit of creative entrepreneurism”, said Mayor Mike Summers, “We are delighted that Mr. Needles and his team are now part of our vibrant business community.”

Clean energy and socially conscious investing have been on a tear lately, even allowing for equity market volatility. Last year Wal-Mart became the largest seller of organic milk, the world’s leading buyer of organic cotton, and its CEO says he wants the company’s Sam’s Club gas stations prepared to sell E85, the 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline fuel that can reduce automobile carbon emissions. U.K.-based Tesco, the world’s third largest retailer, is spending more than $200 million on environmental technologies designed to reduce its overall energy use by 50 percent—and it’s paying customers not to use new plastic bags.

First Federal of Lakewood hosted its annual scholarship awards ceremony for the Classic at Mastick 5K run, Saturday, Nov. 22, at First Federal’s Lakewood headquarters.  The race took place Aug. 13, 2008.

The Board of Directors of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Patricia L. Ryan has been appointed to the position of President & Chief Executive Officer.

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.”

As you set foot in The Mind Body Sanctuary, shoeless as the note on the door suggests, you may feel the good, healing energy surround you, with pleasant aromas and meditative music in the air. Within this space, Cathie Drumm hopes to cut across all aspects of her clients--body, mind and spirit--to allow their energies to flow freely.

“I’ve always read about and been interested in healing arts,” said Drumm. Following the sudden death of her son, she experienced a health crisis, during which doctors had difficulties diagnosing and treating several of her symptoms. At the suggestion of a masseuse she visited, Drumm took a class in Reiki. That one class soon became dedicated training, and Drumm now boasts having been a Reiki master since the 1980s. After her start in Reiki, she also started seeing chiropractors and other specialists in holistic medicine and related healing arts. She continued to see medical doctors, but used other methods as well. And she started feeling better. “I got better and better using holistic modalities that addressed the 'whole' person,” Drumm said. Once she got healthy, she started studying.

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.

A number of Northeast Ohio Local Chambers of Commerce are pleased to announce a travel tour for Chamber members and guests to China in April, 2010.

Kathy Berkshire, President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce believes this trip will also support collaboration among its attendees right here at home. “A trip of this type is a great opportunity to bring small business leaders from across our region together to not only experience a unique culture and business environment, but also to create relationships with each other that will further collaboration right here in our own region—whether those that go on the trip decide to do business internationally or not.”  

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?

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has asked its members to submit nominations for the 2011 Businessperson of the Year and the 2011 Outstanding New Member awards. These two awards are presented each year at the June Chamber meeting & luncheon, to be held this year on June 17th at Around The Corner. In addition, Past Presidents of the Chamber will be recognized, along with Chamber members who are celebrating membership anniversaries (5 year increments) in 2011. The 2011-2012 Chamber Board of Directors will also be installed at the luncheon.