Get Linked (11/23)

Mr. Bierut (11/13)

Friday, November 13th, 2009

You won't want to miss this one,. I've heard Mr. Bierut speak numerous times, and each time he sheds a bit more light to my industry, my passion and my excitement for the design world around us.

The Cleveland Institute of Art presents a rare opportunity for professionals to network and hear Michael Bierut, partner in the leading international design firm Pentagram, talk about how great design can transform a business that is merely surviving into one that is thriving.



Register now for this special event happening after work on Friday, November 13, in CIA’s Aitken Auditorium and Reinberger Galleries. Before and after Mr. Bierut’s presentation, mingle over wine and cheese and enjoy two traveling exhibitions of outstanding design in our Galleries: “17 Swedish Designers” and “AIGA 365.”

4:30 - 6:30pm $20. To register www.cia.edu/bierut

"Nude" Networking (8/12)

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

Have you had a chance to get to the new galleries at the Art Museum? Up for a game of find & seek? Adventure through the galleries on a hunt to find all of the nudes of the museum....please people, keep your clothes on!

The nude scavengar hunt is just one of the fun events happening at this weeks "Art on Tap" event- a new social event for young preofessionals that puts art and networking on tap together.

5:30-9pm, Enjoy live music, thematic gallery strolls, food, and drink all night long. Free admission all night; bars, food, & parking additional. (Be aware it is Wade Oval Wednesday so parking may be at a premium, give yourself a few additional minutes to find a parking spot.)

For more information visit www.clemusart.com

Symon Says

Hello fellow Clevelanders,
As most of you know, I usually write about things happening in the future, not ones that have already occurred. For this I MUST make an exception.

Yesterday I had the honor of attending the 2008 COSE Small Business Conference. After the morning keynote speaker, I knew the day would be a treat...and therefore I had to share.

Michael Symon, born & raised Clevelander, Restauranteur, Hipster & Food Network Big Shot Iron Chef wowed the audience with the stories of starting a small business (Symon now manages over 140 employees..hardly small?) “Nothing is more frightening than owning your own business” proclaimed Symon.

As the morning continued Chef Symon filled our eager minds with the top 5 most important pieces of advice he could give to any small business owner. (This is where I started to get giddy with excitement...six pages of notes later) Since many of you have entrepreneurial minds, I thought I would pass along his wise words.

#1 : HAVE PASSION
Be passionate. Start with passion. Figure out what drives you..and THEN how you possibly could make money through your passions.

#2 : HAVE A MISSION
When Symon first opened Lola’s, the mission was to create a restaurant where Clevelanders could get good food at a reasonable cost...casually!
What is your mission?

#3 : HIRE AMAZING PEOPLE
Whomever you hire is a reflection of you, the owner. Treat every employee like family. “Let them drink the Kool-Aid!”

#4 : BE YOURSELF
What you see is what you get. Build your business around yourself, around your personality (“Unless you’re an asshole,” Symon chuckled his infamous giggle).

#5 : SUPPORT OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES
You want good faithful clients. You want people to believe in you and support you..then in turn you MUST support your peers. Shop locally. Drive the extra 2 miles for your hardware. Choose Heinens over Giant Eagle. Eat at Lola (he says it shamelessly) vs. Applebee's...although he now calls his restaurant Lolita the Applebee's of Tremont (the place where neighbors go to get a good affordable meal...“a nosh.”)

As Symon’s talk drew to a close he mentioned that while the state of the nation’s economy is plummeting...the income at Lola & Lolita is skyrocketing. (GO CLEVELAND!) His theory? “When we have less, or make less, we want–we need something we know is a definite GOOD THING; something we trust, something that will make you feel good all over.”



Although early yesterday morning, as the clouds parted and I was on my way to the conference I was dreading the usual small talk, business card passing crowd. Now after reflecting on the day, I am pleased to have put my conference stereotypes away and am still glowing in the excitement of hearing Mr. Michael Symon speak of his success, his experiences and his passion for what he loves in a city that supports him.

For the entire podcast of Chef Symons talk visit www.cosemindspring.com (it should be available next week)

Art on Friday (10/10)

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Come to the West 11th Street pedestrian bridge for a one-night outdoor celebration, including:

> circle remains : David Jurca; Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
> Where RU? Here or There? : Patsy Kline Gallery U-Haul
> drops of light : Gauri Torgalkar Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
> street sofa : Alex Tapie & Wes Johansen

plus…

> Miss Melvis and the Buford Pusser Experience
> One Dollar Hat
> Stargazing, Congolese dances, music, storytellers and Capoeira



Food and drink from Gypsy Beans Café, Fresh produce from Hooper's Farm

The event is free and all are welcome. The West 11th Street bridge is two blocks south of Lincoln Park on West 11th Street (or) one block north of Clark Field on West 11th Street (parking at Clark Field) In the event of rain, Bridge Mix will be rescheduled for Saturday, October 11th from 6-11pm.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/popupcleveland

A Pop Up City production, sponsored by the Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative with the support of the Civic Innovation Lab, Tremont West Development Corporation, and Progressive Urban Real Estate.

Run, Crawl (6/21)

Saturday June 21, 2008

Runners throughout greater Cleveland will be pleased to know that the Cleveland area's most unique urban running event will return to the 2008 summer race calendar. The Ohio City Run & Crawl, an evening 5K run through the streets of Cleveland's historic Ohio City neighborhood followed by a pub and restaurant crawl featuring dozens of local establishments.



The Run & Crawl continues to grow in popularity, with last year's event marking a substantial growth from the inaugural edition in 2006. Hundreds of runners are expected this year to fill the Ohio City streets and take in the sights, sounds and suds of the neighborhood. This year promises to be even bigger, with more establishments offering specials for participating runners, live music in Market Square Park, post-race refreshments, a goody bag for runners, a short-sleeved race t-shirt, and awards for the top finishers in various age groups and categories.

To pre-register for the run, visit www.hermescleveland.com or call 216.623.9933.

Farmers Ball (4/28)

Monday, April 28th, 2008

All are welcome at tonight's North Union Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh Spring Benefit. The North Union Farmers Market is a non-profit community organization that operates and promotes farmers' markets in the greater Cleveland area. The markets sell only food and products grown and produced by local farmers and artisans.

The benefit hosted by ETON Chagrin Boulevard (West Entrance) will feature a feast from dozens of top local chefs, wine and beer stations, musical entertainment by Grupo Brazil and a silent auction. Festivities kick off at 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $80



For more Information call (216) 751-7695 or visit www.NorthUnionFarmersMarket.org

Kentucky to Cleveland (5/03)

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Get your tickets and start decorating your hat for the second annual "From Kentucky to Cleveland - A Derby Celebration." You can WIN, PLACE, and SHOW at this year’s Junior League of Cleveland fundraiser.
 
WIN : Win an assortment of great prizes in the silent auction and hat contest! An assortment of gaming will also be happening throughout the evening.
 
PLACE : Place your bets. Kentucky Derby will be televised live and you can get in the fun by naming a horse for $20 in the “Night at the Races” events.
 
SHOW : Show your support for this wonderful volunteer organization, tickets are only $50 a person. Bring your friends & family.
 


Tickets are $50 a person, or $90 per couple including fabulous food & drinks; soda, beer and wine included in ticket price. Cash bar for mixed drinks and $6 Mint Juleps. Grand Stand attire (no jeans please). To purchase your tickets visit www.Blacktie-Cleveland.com or mail your check made payable to The JLC, attn: Derby Party, 10819 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106.
 
Questions? contact Vanessa Stanbridge, derbyparty@jlcleveland.org

Clubbin' with the Kids (4/12)

Saturday April 12th, 2008

Rock-n-Tot is here! A VIP afternoon "on the town" party for kids and their parents.

From 2-5pm, Clevelands-own Velvet Dog Nightclub will be transformed into a kid-friendly party zone. The dj plays adult music and you'll find free airbrush tattoo artists for the kids and complimentary massages for the adults, not to mention free juice boxes and snacks!

The DJs play today's club mixes, no "kid" music here, just clean lyrics, a great beat and encourage everyone to get their booties shakin. When you just need to get away from it all, check out the lounge, stuffed to the brim with toys, puzzles, and books. Best of all, it is in a separate location from the dance floor, rejuvenate yourself and the kids here! For all those little Rock stars in our lives (kids 8 to 12) we know that sometimes they get tired of hangin' with younger siblings and just need to relax and chill with kids your their age, check out the rock star area and spend time getting to know other kids (that don't still take naps), play some games, and take some time for yourself.



Most importantly parents, services will vary month to month, but may include : mini-massages, paraffin wax dip, eyebrow waxing, golf pro tutoring - just to name a few! These services are complimentary, they just ask that you consider tipping the folks that have graciously offered these services. Also each family walks away with a fantastic goody bag filled with . . well, you'll have to wait and see!

Juice boxes and kid-friendly snacks are provided by Rock-n-Tot. Please remember to bring any necessary items such as bottles, sippy cups, wet wipes, etc. The bar is open (cash or plastic) for those parents not driving, who wish to have a drink.

Pre-walkers are admitted free, everyone else must have a ticket. $12 a ticket. For more info, or to purchase tickets visit www.rock-n-tot.com

A Taste of Wine (3/27)

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

Rozi’s Wine House invites Clevelanders to a special wine tasting featuring Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel Wineries.

Featured Wines Include:
Far Niente Vineyards—06' Estate Bottled Chardonnay—05' Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon—04' Dolce Late Harvest
Nickel & Nickel Vineyards—05' Harris Vineyard Merlot—06' Suscol Ranch Merlot—06' Medina Vineyard Chardonnay — 05' Dyer Vineyard Syrah—06' Searby Vineyard Chardonnay— 06' Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay—05' Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel— 05' Bonfire Vineyard Zinfandel—05' Darien Vineyard Syrah



James Perko will also be on hand to present gourmet dishes that complement the featured wines. $20.00 admission per person will be collected at the door No reservations required.

For more information call (216) 221-1119 14900 or visit www.rozis.com
Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Cleveland FIlm Fest (3/6-16)

Thursday March 6th - Sunday March 16th, 2008

The films are coming! The films are coming! This weeks marks the beginning of the 32nd Cleveland International Film Festival. So many great flicks and not enough vacation days to take off for every show. Below are a few of the films on my "must-see" list. Get your tickets early these shows are sure to sell out!

PRICELESS : Directed by Pierre Salvadori
Ah, life among the jet set on the French Riviera. A whirlwind of parties, shopping, champagne, and caviar. Nice work if you can get it, which gorgeous young party girl, Irene (Audrey Tautou of “Amelie” and “The DaVinci Code.”), certainly can. Jean is one of the have-nots, a mild-mannered bartender in one of the chicest hotels who takes on all the little jobs he can find for the cash. Crazy rich ladies hire him to walk their dogs; sad drunks tell him their stories in the bar late at night. When Irene and Jean’s paths cross, he fakes being a millionaire. Eventually, though, they find they have something in common; a lack of personal finances and a taste for the good life. When Jean begins to take tips from Irene, he soon finds it’s much easier to escort older ladies than to wait on them. In French with English subtitles. Saturday, March 15 at 7:15pm



AMERICAN TEEN : Directed by Nanette Burstein
A huge hit at the recent Sundance Film Festival, winning the Documentary Directing Award for director Nanette Burstein. Burstein spent the 2005-2006 school year shooting footage of seniors at Warsaw Community High School in Indiana. Her film chronicles some of their hopes and lots of their fears as they navigate the tricky waters of small-town high school life and impending adulthood. AMERICAN TEEN is not your grandma’s talking-heads documentary. Burstein uses brilliant animated sequences to express the kids’ fantasy lives, plus a pop soundtrack, voiceovers and graphic collages in the style of MTV’s “Laguna Beach.” It’s a new style of documentary for a new generation totally at home in front of the camera. Sunday, March 16 at 7:00pm

WORLD'S BEST COMMERCIALS!
Ballets have “The Nutcracker.“ Classical theaters have “A Christmas Carol.“ The CIFF has “World’s Best Commercials.“ Buy your ticket early. This one always sells out. Friday, March 14 at 12:00pm

Advanced ticket prices for most films are $9 per film for CFS members and $11 for non-members. Day-of-show ticket prices are $10 for CFS members and $12 for non-members. Tickets are available online, by telephone (1-866-865-FILM),or at the CIFF store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas. For more information on the 290+ films that will be shown at the Cleveland International Film Festival, log on to www.clevelandfilm.org.

Network @ BYOB (3/12)

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee invites you,your associates, friends & family to the 2nd annual B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Brush!) at Tomorrow’s Hair Salon. RSVP today as spaces are filling up fast!

Indulge in some chic cocktails & munchies while the Tomorrow's team fill you in on what is happening with their successful, growing, women-owned Rocky River business. Explore the world of specialty salon services such as pedicure’s, waxing, and more. Enjoy discounted pricing on most products, including their fabulous makeup line, and walk away with a killer gift bag of goodies, mini-samples, and discount coupons.

If you'd like, bring your own products and equipment (flat iron, blow dryer, curlers, clips, etc.) for a one-on-one session to update your look or make your style fresher, funkier, quicker-whatever your goals are, the stylists at Tomorrow’s Salon are there to help.

It may not be golf, but hanging out at the salon is a wonderful way to network, so plan to join us. Bring your business cards! RSVP to the Chamber office at 440.331.1140 or info@rockyriverchamber.com by Friday March 7, 2008. The cost is just $5 for Rocky River Chamber members & their employees and $10 for non-members. This is a great opportunity to invite your daughters, granddaughters, or nieces to hear an inspiring story for a successful women business owner.

All Play & No Work (2/7)

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

If you can get out just one night this month, make it the COSE Game Night. Not only will you network with COSE Members, but best of all, it's at Dave & Buster's in Westlake where it's okay for you to break out of your business-mode and have a little fun. For $10 ($20 if you are a non-member) you'll get appetizers and a $10 game card. Sounds like fun...skee ball anyone?

Dave & Busters. 25735 First Street Westlake, OH
To register visit http://www.cose.org/

Great "Pairings" (2/7)

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

This Valentine’s Day season, Whole Foods Market would like to help single shoppers get a heads up on finding a romantic interest. Research shows that people meet in places close to home where they feel safe and comfortable enough to talk to friends of friends and even strangers. With this in mind, they believe that there is no better place to meet than in the aisle of their store. Expect some creative ideas to break the ice and help you meet that special someone. If all else fails you’ll enjoy healthy food, live music entertainment, sustainable door prizes and you may get some grocery shopping done.

Whole Foods Market : 13998 Cedar Road University Heights, OH 44118. For additional information call 216.371.5320 or visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
6-9pm.

Cleveland 20/30 Club Happy Hour (1/3)

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

Come decompress from the holiday season at BAR CENTO for the Cleveland 20/30 Clubs January Around Town. BAR CENTO is located in historic Ohio City near Downtown Cleveland and serves a Roman-inspired Italian menu 365 days until 2am, as well as 100 Belgian Beers & 100 Wines from around the world.

Members drink specials include $4 house red, white, and sparkling pours as well as the house draft beer.

Bar Cento | 1948 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio
www.barcento.com