Table of Contents

Cleaning Up Cleveland

Find Out What the City Can Do for You

A Cleveland Success Story: Shoreline Products

Putting Cleveland's Best Face Forward

Photos show the clean up of Booth Avenue in Cleveland

During conversations with several manufacturers in late 2008, CIRI Industrial Development Managers uncovered one common challenge faced by several Cleveland businesses - presenting an appealing image to customers and employees. Lack of curb appeal and the inability to wow customers with the visual appearance of their location was an issue for many.

CIRI's first step in addressing the companies' concerns was to introduce company leaders to city resources and the people who could help. The purpose was to let manufacturers know what to expect from their city, and also to thank them for their outstanding contribution to our economy.

Next, CIRI organized its first Curb Appeal meeting, designed to share positive news about the City of Cleveland. The event, held in December 2008, featured speakers from different city departments, sharing how their department would work with the manufacturing community to address issues ranging from safety and security to dumping prevention and community relations. The informal tone of the meeting gave participants the chance to meet city leaders and network with fellow manufacturers. Those who attended the event walked away encouraged that they could once again invite customers into their factories.

CIRI is planning a similar event next month. For more information, contact Joe Gross at 216.383.1266.

Cleveland is proud of you! We want you proud of us!

Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative presents Curb Appeal, a no nonsense, straightforward conversation about how to resolve the neighborhood issues that trouble you most . . . dumping, graffiti, street cleaning, abandoned property, security, and safety.

Be proactive. Meet your CIRI Industrial Development Managers. Sign up for a free safety audit. Connect with those in the know and those who know how to help you. This free event is designed especially for manufacturing companies in wards 8-11 in the City of Cleveland but is open to all manufacturing companies that want to improve their Curb Appeal.

Join us on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM at the Cleveland Foodbank, 15500 S. Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH 44110.

Guest Speakers include:

• Sabra Pierce Scott, Councilwoman, Ward 8
• Roosevelt Coats, Councilman, Ward 10
• Michael Polensek, Councilman, Ward 11
• Richard Raynolds, Representative, Community Relations Board
• Wayne Drummond, Commander, 5^th District
• Randell Scott, Commissioner, Division of Streets

Register online by May 1, 2009. For more information, contact Joe Gross at 216.383.1266.

Shoreline Products: Growing in Cleveland

Shoreline Products is a manufacturer specializing in making double end threaded rods and u-bolts for trucks, military vehicles, and the commercial construction equipment. The company has 22 employees between its two facilities, one in Cleveland and another in Canton. Over the past year, the company was faced with the decision to either expand their Cleveland location or relocate entirely to Canton. With the help of the City of Cleveland Department of Economic Development, a Vacant Property Initiative (VPI) loan was approved by the city that will allow Shoreline to purchase an adjacent abandoned building allowing them to consolidate their facilities in Cleveland. Through this program, the city was able to retain and grow another company. Shoreline plans to add another three to five employees with the additional manufacturing capacity. Speaking about the VPI, Bob Arth of Shoreline said, "This type of commitment by the city shows the business community and the residents of this area that the current leadership is committed to making this city a greater place to work and to live."

VPI loans are designed to overcome barriers to the full re-use of abandoned, idled, or underutilized commercial and industrial properties. This funding is up to 45% forgivable. Vacant or underutilized buildings or land with prior commercial, industrial, or institutional usage are eligible, if it is at least 20 years old and has been 40% vacant for two years. Loans may be used for property acquisition, environmental site assessments, site clearance and demolition, and new construction.

For more information about this and other city programs that can help retain and grow your business, contact CIRI Program Director Kareemah Williams at 216.588.1440 ext. 117.

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