CLEVELAND (February 18, 2005) - In her State of the City address, Mayor Jane L. Campbell today announced the creation of an integrated economic development system underway at the
Charter One Global Enterprise Center that is directed at bringing jobs and economic growth to northeast Ohio. Developed by the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Charter One Global Enterprise Center houses tenants that offer integrated services to create jobs, build business and attract foreign investment to the region.
The Charter One Global Enterprise Center will help enhance Cleveland's competitive edge in the global economy. The agencies within it will act as a team to develop emerging entrepreneurs and businesses, foster technology firms and initiatives, implement large scale retention and attraction efforts, identify opportunities for Cleveland businesses in foreign markets and help international companies get their foot in the door in northeast Ohio.
“The Charter One Bank Global Enterprise Center will serve as a comprehensive continuum to attract investors, retain employers, support entrepreneurs and innovation, and will integrate those efforts within the international economy,” said Joe Roman, president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership.
The Charter One Bank Global Enterprise Center is located in the Historic Gateway District at 737 Bolivar Road.
“Charter One is pleased to invest in a plan that will cultivate programs to strengthen Cleveland's job creation and retention efforts, and enhance its competitive edge,” said Ned Handy, president and CEO of Charter One Bank, Ohio. “We are committed to supporting Cleveland's economy through new and innovative ideas like the Charter One Global Enterprise Center.”
The Charter One Global Enterprise Center includes:
- The Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition (NorTech) – A group of technology and business leaders with a vision to enhance the prosperity of the region through science, technology and innovation.
- Team NEO - A regional economic development organization formed through the collaboration of the region's leading business organizations to support and stimulate higher levels of targeted business attraction, retention and expansion.
- JumpStart – A collaboration that seeks to accelerate the growth of early stage businesses and ideas into venture-ready companies by delivering vital, focused resources to entrepreneurs and the community.
- One Cleveland/Digital Vision 2020 – A project that will unite the City's major institutions – the art museums, the school system, the government, and the health care community – around a high-speed, broadband network; and
- World Trade Center Cleveland – A group committed to helping northeast Ohio companies maximize the benefits of international business development.
The first floor of the building will serve as the international hub of the center. International companies looking to take their first step in Cleveland will be provided with a place to land and offered all the high-level resources needed to enter the marketplace, set up headquarters, and locate production or manufacturing facilities, as well as other background business support.
“We will have administrative and technology support, human resources and financial skills, including access to venture capital, all under one roof,” Roman said. “These strategic alliances will enable Cleveland to leverage its resources with partners who can supply complementary services.”
The Cleveland Foundation invested $250,000 in the global enterprise center initiative. In addition, the Fund for Our Economic Future is providing significant multi-year operating support for Nortech, JumpStart and Team NEO.
“We're pleased to have The Cleveland Foundation, the Fund for Our Economic Future and Charter One as partners in this endeavor,” Roman added.
In September, the Greater Cleveland Partnership announced its commitment to the creation of the center within six months as part of its strategic plan, Cleveland on the Edge – Securing our region's future now. The strategic plan sets forth an agenda to accelerate business growth and sustain economic self-sufficiency.
About Charter One Bank, N.A.
After its August 31, 2004 acquisition by Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Charter One Bank, N.A., is a $49 billion bank operating in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York and Vermont. It has more than 700 offices and 1,030 ATMs. Charter One is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $131 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,580 offices, approximately 2,800 ATMs and approximately 24,000 employees in 13 states.
About the Greater Cleveland Partnership
The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for the private sector in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and wealth, and improve the economic vitality of the region. Its priorities include technology, innovation and high-growth businesses; connected physical development; education and workforce development; and business attraction, retention and expansion. The GCP emphasizes service to its more than 16,400 members; advocacy on behalf of members and the region; diversity and inclusion; and internationalization of the region and its businesses. www.gcpartnership.com.