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.”
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Team Spin, and the City of Lakewood would once again like to thank West End businesses and residents, the numerous volunteers, amazing cyclists, enthusiastic spectators, and especially our generous event sponsors for supporting the Lakewood Criterium. We have received lots of positive feedback from the community and we hope to bring this event back to Lakewood in 2012.
that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has a different “theme” each month? August is Education month!
Thursday, September 8th
“Mad Men” Business After Hours Networking Event
5:30-7pm, Three Birds
www.lakewoodchamber.org
Each August the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce continues the long standing tradition that is the New Teachers Luncheon. The business community recognizes the importance of preparing students for the workforce demands of the 21st century, and it demonstrates that awareness by inviting all teachers, support staff and administrators who are new to Lakewood to a banquet in their honor. This year the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce invited 38 new public and parochial school teachers to the 55th Annual New Teacher Luncheon.
A new boutique called Just 4 Girlz opened up on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood on August 1.
Cornucopia/Nature's Bin, the full service natural and organic foods market on Sloane Avenue, recently received CARF International accreditiation for three years in the following areas - Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job Development; Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job Supports; Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job-Site Training; and Employment Services: Employee Development Services. Cornucopia has been continuously CARF Accredited since 1989.
Timothy J. Holmes, senior vice president and group manager of corporate banking at PNC Financial Services Group, has 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.
Beshé has always been known for its bath and body products and is now re-launching its store by having a grand re-opening introducing its exciting new product line.
The focus of Beshé has always been about promoting a positive self-image for all ages from girls to women, making them look and feel good one customer at a time.
Among the list of new products being introduced will be the make-up line. It is sure to be a welcome new addition and complement to Beshé’s extensive bath and body line. You must come and visit. When you do, please check out Beshé’s blending bar, boasting almost 100 different choices including essential oils and blends as well as fragrance and cologne oils. These oils are available to mix into the unscented products, allowing you to custom blend your own scents.
Based on our location along the Great Lakes (sometimes called “the fourth seacoast”), it should come as little surprise to learn that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has a number of Freight Forwarders as members. A Freight Forwarder is a firm that specializes in arranging cargo movement to an international destination. A Freight Forwarder usually provides a full range of services including - but not limited to – shipment tracking, preparation of export documents, booking cargo space, warehousing, and negotiating freight charges. An international freight forwarder is an agent for the exporter and can move cargo from dock to door.
that you can find out what's going on in Lakewood via your smartphone? Download EXP Lakewood on your iPhone or Droid. Lakewood...there's an app for that!
Saturday, July 30th
The Lakewood Criterium
1pm-7pm, Lakewood's West End
www.lakewoodcriterium.com
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Lakewood City Schools, Lakewood Catholic Academy, Lakewood Lutheran School, and St. Edward High School, will extend a warm welcome from the greater Lakewood business community to all new teachers and new administrative staff members at the 55th Annual New Teacher Luncheon. This year’s luncheon, sponsored by Ohio Educational Credit Union, will be held on Friday, August 19th at Garfield Middle School and will be catered by Italian Creations.
The Sweet Spot, an American gelateria and treats shop, newly opened this July directly across the street from the Beck Center for the Arts. Featuring homemade gelatos made from all natural ingredients, most of which are local and/or organic, it also serves all natural pies, cookies and cupcakes made from local certified home bakers (Humble Pie Baking Co., Lakewood Cookies, Rosy Girl Baked Goods).
The shop was originally conceived by Lakewood residents Celeste Blau, her husband Patrick Cleary, and brother Zack Blau during a trip to Italy. They were inspired by the rich and creamy Italian gelatos and saw a need for an all natural frozen desserts shop that Cleveland could claim as its own. During the shop's development, parents Jack and Becky Blau also joined the effort.
Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, reports a new review of 182 recent cholesterol studies that found people who consumed higher levels of plant-based oils, known as stanols, had an average decrease in LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, of 17 percent.
Lakewood, OH – Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood was recently voted West Shore Live Well “Best of the West 2011” for organic foods.
Nature’s Bin was one of the top West Side picks in 57 categories from shopping to dining to healthy living. A “Best of the West” party was held in April at LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility where finalists were on hand to showcase what has made them the local best. All guests in attendance received one ballot to vote for their favorite in each category. Nature’s Bin was voted “Best of the West 2011” for organic foods. Winners were recently revealed in the summer issue of West Shore Live Well.
Lakewood, Ohio – June 22, 2011 - First Federal of Lakewood and Keller Williams Realty of Northeast Ohio have entered into a marketing agreement for residential lending products. Under this agreement, First Federal of Lakewood mortgage loan specialists will offer mortgage loan products to Keller Williams customers throughout Northeast Ohio, through Keller Williams Market Centers located in Mentor, Pepper Pike, Solon, Stow, Strongsville and Westlake.
Cornucopia, Inc., which operates Nature’s Bin, a full-service natural foods market in Lakewood, was recently recognized as one of the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s “Top Workplaces 2011”, a list of the best places to work in the Cleveland area.
Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin was one of more than 1,200 local businesses who were nominated or invited to apply for this year’s program, which for the second year was done in cooperation with the reputably established research firm Workplace Dynamics.
Friday, July 15th
Monthly Meeting
Economic Development Update, 11:30 a.m., Sweetwater Landing
Sponsored by the City of Lakewood
At the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s June 17th luncheon at Around The Corner, 49 businesses were honored for their long-term membership in the Chamber. Seventeen members have been members for 5 years, 12 are celebrating 10-year anniversaries, eight are 15-year members, and four have been Chamber members for 20 years. Special recognition was bestowed upon the five members who celebrated 25-year anniversaries: Broestl & Wallis Fine Jewelers, Castlewood Apartments, Cerny Shoes, Agility Logistics, and Styling Tips Hair Salon. The longest-term members honored in 2011 were Prudential Lucien Realty (35 years), Lake Avenue Marathon Service (40 years), and Lakewood Hospital (90 years).
That a number of Lakewood Chamber of Commerce members are located outside of Lakewood, but join the Chamber because they do business in Lakewood?
On July 30th, the Lakewood Criterium is coming to the West End of Lakewood. A Criterium is a popular form of high-speed bike racing that showcases the speed, agility and power of the cyclists. The course is a one mile loop starting on Detroit Avenue, turning onto Edanola, Sloane, West Clifton and back onto Detroit. With as many as 25 laps in a single race, racers' legs will be tested and spectators are sure to be entertained.
It has been fun to hand out things at the 4th of July parade. This year Carabel Beauty Salon & Store wants to kick our hand outs a bit. We sketched out 1,000 flyers. We will distribute them as we march in the Lakewood parade. We will award 13 prizes. The first will be a make over for a female. She can pick 3 services, this can include hair color, cut, waxing, manicure or pedicure. The best entry wins, based on skills and colors used. The other 12 will be random drawings with the prize to be one princess package for a female 4 thru 11 years of age. This includes hair, nails service and a hair accessory. We hope that many will participate we can't wait to award our prizes. See you on the 4th!
What pops into your mind when you hear the word “renaissance”? A cultural rebirth, an explosion in the creative arts or economic development? Think of all three and you have Gordon Square Arts District and the Detroit Shoreway area on the near west side of Cleveland, Ohio. I had come to this area many times as a child, visiting my cousins who lived at the end of W. 65th. Street. I remember an area characterized by aging warehouses, factories, and empty storefronts. It was exciting to explore the empty buildings as a kid. Today, however, there is a different excitement going on in the area. We have a vibrant growing community populated by entrepreneurs, the arts, entertainment, and excellent dining. Renovated homes and new residential development have replaced the empty lots, dilapidated houses, and empty warehouses knew as a child.
For those residents of Lakewood and Northeast Ohio who have had an idea for a new business or product but have not had the chance to bring it to life - the time may be now.
Startup Lakewood, the City of Lakewood, and University Tees have partnered together to create the first ever Lakewood Ideation Challenge, a business plan and pitch competition geared to bring the best ideas out of Lakewood and Northeast Ohio residents.
Congratulations to Gatherings Kitchen, selected as the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Outstanding New Member for 2011.
What began as a few intimate dinners in homes across Cleveland has grown into Gatherings Kitchen. Chefs Doug Zimmer and Ruth Kostadinov bring exceptional cuisine and impeccable service to any event – from a birthday party at home or on the beach, to a corporate cocktail party in an art gallery or office to fund-raising galas and weddings. Gatherings Kitchen also offers Friday evening supper clubs, kids cooking classes, prep school classes and special occasion cooking parties at their Lakewood location at 17004 Madison Avenue. Gatherings Kitchen provides a complete range of services including creative menu development, budget flexibility and logistical planning.
Congratulations to Ms. Mary Anne Crampton, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive, who has been selected as the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Person of the Year.
Mary Anne Crampton has served as the Executive Director of LakewoodAlive since June 2007. LakewoodAlive is a 501-(c)(3) economic development organization dedicated to facilitating economic stability and growth in the City of Lakewood, a first ring suburb of Cleveland. Mary Anne leads LakewoodAlive’s nationally accredited Downtown Lakewood Main Street™ revitalization program, its housing outreach service program that works to protect Lakewood’s housing stock and LakewoodAlive’s community engagement efforts that keep residents informed on topics of economic import to the city.
The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River gave one of its highest honors to a Lakewood business owner. Maryann Hanson, President and C.E.O. of Hanson Services Inc. received an honorary, lifetime membership to the Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River surprised Maryann with the announcement at the June 6th meeting.
Why would a church join The Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance (DLBA)? Why would a congregation elect to connect with LakewoodAlive? Why would any “faith community” foster partnerships with neighborhood leaders and merchants? Why? Because we believe it’s the right thing to do!
For more than 100 years, the ministries of Lakewood Baptist Church (LBC) have provided hope and healing for hundreds of people. As contemporary Christians, we honor the ways God cares about hospitality, liberation, and servant-hood. Obviously, none of us is perfect. We all have our short-coming and challenges. We all have “junk” in our lives. But as our church bulletins remind us each week:
PNC is offering free Lolly the Trolley rides from noon-5pm on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 on a looped route along Detroit and Madison Avenues in support of Lakewood business owners, the City Wide Street Sale and Ohio Chautauqua. In addition, on those dates, PNC will be hosting games and activities at their Lakewood branch located at 14205 Detroit Avenue.
Blue Onion Take Out & Catering opened in September of 2006 by two Lakewood residents. They offer lunch items that are generous in size, huge in taste and really reasonably priced. You’ll find chicken-apple-walnut coleslaw, macaroni, pasta, turkey, Swiss and fettuccini salads and mixed greens with chicken and fresh veggies along with a salad of the week that can be quite exotic, and fresh seasonal fruit salads daily. Try the Blue Onion Blueberry Vinaigrette house made dressing and you’ll be hooked.
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.”
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.
Serving the greater Lakewood community for over 100 years, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is the leading membership organization for the advocacy and advancement of business interests. As a member of NOACC (Northern Ohio Chambers of Commerce), the Lakewood Chamber is able to offer discounted rates on a variety of products and services, plus networking events, educational and marketing opportunities, and increased visibility for its members. Find the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce online at www.lakewoodchamber.org and ‘Like’ the Chamber on facebook to receive Lakewood business updates and event information.
Did You Know…
that Lakewood Chamber of Commerce members receive a 15% discount on ads placed in The Lakewood Observer? (New advertisers only. One discount per customer.)
Friday, May 20th
Monthly Meeting
Annual Scholarship Breakfast, 7:30am, Pier W
Sunday, June 5th
8th Annual Taste of Lakewood. 4-7pm, The Clifton Club
Do you know a person or organization that goes above and beyond in service to their community? Do they spend more time helping others than they do themselves? This is your chance to give back to that special person or group by nominating them for the 2011 Neubert Painting Charity Paint Giveaway.
Since 2008, Lakewood-based Neubert Painting has provided a free and complete exterior paint job, valued at $10,000, to outstanding people and organizations as a way of giving back to the Cleveland community in which it has operated since 1975.
American Roofing Inc. of Lakewood received a GAF Master Elite Installation Excellence Award on Friday, April 8, 2011 in Savannah, Georgia at the annual GAF Materials Corporation Roofing Conference. This recognition is awarded to less than two percent of roofing contractors in the country who demonstrate exceptional roofing installation capabilities.
Norris Family Chiropractic is a female-owned and operated chiropractic and massage practice that opened in January of 2004. Dr. Allison Norris, a Lakewood resident, received her undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University and her doctorate from Logan College of Chiropractic. NFC offers chiropractic adjustments, nutritional & weight loss advisement, massage therapy, physicals, and other diagnostic and therapeutic services. NFC, currently at 15517 Detroit Avenue, will be opening at their new location at 14520 Detroit Avenue (former site of Kathy’s Creative Sewing) on May 2. For more information on NFC, go to www.norrischiro.com.
Thursday, May 12th, 5:30-7pm
Business After Hours
Vision 21, 1495 Warren Road, Lakewood
Twenty-two of Lakewood's best restaurants and caterers are participating in the 8th Annual Taste of Lakewood on June 5th, 2011. Save the date!
As part of the year-long celebration of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s centennial anniversary, the Chamber presented the Frank L. Thurber Award for Business Leadership to The Geiger Family at The Centennial Gala on April 9, 2011 at the Beck Center for the Arts. The award is named after the first president of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Frank Leslie Thurber, and is given in recognition of service to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and to the business community.
I have always said small business owners are those who jump off cliffs. So in 2002 I did just that. Having a degree in Interior Design and working in the retail as well as wholesale end of the furniture industry as a manager, trainer and buyer, i felt it was time I venture out on my own. The street level space on the corner of Lincoln and Detroit had sat vacant for quite sometime and after numerous phone calls to the building's current owner a lease was drawn up and I signed on the dotted line.
Nine years later, Plantation Home has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the varied sea of furniture retailers in Cleveland. Our customer base not only comes from all over northern Ohio, but also all over the country. At least a few times a month we hear customers who say "I'm here visiting and I always make a point to come into your store whenever I'm in the area" which does my heart good. Over the years celebrities have also shopped here. "In the Middle's" Patricia Heaton, HGTV's Vern Yip as well as David Copperfield have all shopped at Plantation Home!
There is a shop on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood unlike any of the other store in our city; it’s uniquely its own - it’s Hixson's.
For those of you new to Lakewood, it’s the store across from Giant Eagle on Detroit Avenue, the one with the big Raggedy Ann doll in the window. Many residents new to Lakewood may be unsure of just what that store is all about. Many people think it’s a florist - it's not.
Hixson’s is many things to many people. To me, growing up some 50 years ago, it was a place to look forward to going with my mom to find treasures we could take home with us. As I grew into adulthood, I would take my own children shopping there, and now they are adults, and we still shop there together.
Why? Because Hixson’s is a cool store - plain and simple; that’s why it’s lasted so long - people enjoy shopping there. Hixon’s is a cultural experience - it adds something to your life. It makes one feel better.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2011. In partnership with The Lakewood Historical Society and supported by our Centennial Sponsor, Cox Business, the Chamber will be hosting The Centennial Gala on April 9th, 2011 at the Beck Center for the Arts. Join the Chamber as we celebrate 100 Years of Business in Lakewood.
Frank Leslie Thurber, a man of spirited public service and leadership, was the first president of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce in 1911. To pay tribute to Mr. Thurber and to celebrate the 100th year of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, the Thurber Award will be presented at The Centennial Gala on April 9th at the Beck Center for the Arts.
The Chamber of Commerce is not a government agency and is not financed by city government. The Chamber is made up of local businesses and is financed in large part by membership dues.
Saturday, April 9th, 6pm
The Centennial Gala, Beck Center for the Arts
In Partnership with The Lakewood Historical Society
Supported by our Centennial Sponsor Cox Business
A number of years ago, a little known folk rock band, Timbuk 3 had a popular song with the refrain, “The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.” Don’t be surprised if you see Lakewood entrepreneurs wearing sunglasses these days.
Several years ago, many e-retailers seemed to be offering the same products, raising prices and shipping/handling fees, and providing customer service which left a lot to be desired. The concept for Paisley Monkey was based on our desire to provide a unique offering of products and a higher standard of service to the online community.
The doors are open and the coffee is always on! This has been true for almost two years since downtown merchants have been collaborating and working together as the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance (DLBA). They meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month; no RSVP required. From these morning gatherings, the group has formed friendships; most members having met their business neighbors for the first time at these meetings. Today DLBA members are sending customers to each other’s stores, cross-checking product line offerings and even spending free time together. With laughter and an understanding that can only come from peers, DLBA has created a feeling of belonging, connectedness and pride among Lakewood merchants.
The DLBA is open to any representative of any business in the downtown Lakewood district; and also welcomes Lakewood businesses from outside the district to participate in the Thursday meetings.