Manufacturing Looks Bullish in 2012 and Impressive at the EXPO

Join dozens of local manufacturers for a two-day Manufacturing EXPO in the Galleria in downtown Cleveland on February 14 and 15. More than 3,000 attendees and 175 exhibitors from across North America will be meeting, sharing ideas and finding the last piece of the puzzle that leads to unbelievable success. The EXPO is the place to see what modern manufacturers are doing and put a face to the activities of some of the country’s and the world’s most innovative projects potential.

Manufacturing has expanded for the 29th consecutive month, according to the Institute of Supply Management. There is pent-up demand for consumer durable goods, especially in the automotive market. Many manufacturers began 2012 with leaner operations and better cash reserves. A continuing problem for manufacturers is finding people—people with manufacturing skills and a strong work ethic. Companies in our area find it difficult, at times, to find entry-level employees who are willing to work hard. Many of the new jobs will require strong math and interpersonal skills, along with a high school diploma. Manufacturing companies are working with schools to match what employers say they look for with what is taught. In addition to skilled entry-level workers, manufacturing companies throughout Northeastern Ohio need precision machinists and engineers.

As a participating sponsor of this inaugural event, we encourage you to check it out and tell us your thoughts about the EXPO in the comments section below.

MOCA OPENS THIS FRIDAY!

The Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art is on the move. This Friday, January 20 from 7–9pm, MOCA will be open its doors to the public at its new location in Cleveland’s emerging Uptown District. Located at the intersection of Mayfield Road and Euclid Avenue the new MOCA will be hard to pass by without a second look.

The new MOCA, designed by Farshid Moussavi of Foreign Office Architects, is leading the way in Case Western Reserve’s collaborative urban-revitalization project. The hexagonal shape at the base evolves over four stories into a square at the very top. The unique geometry is given form by black stainless steal, tinted and transparent glass. The varying trapezoid and triangular exterior walls lean in and away from the base, creating reflections of both the street below and sky above. Positioned among the University Circle’s academic life and cultural organizations, MOCA is certain to provide a new energy and life to the community.

Though contemporary art can, at times feel, aloof, strange or hard to relate to, the interior of MOCA has been designed to be as inviting as possible. There will be no charge for entrance to the first floor, as visitors are encouraged to gather, eat, shop and absorb all that MOCA has to offer.  For a modest fee, guests can explore the remaining three levels of exhibition space. The new MOCA is an exciting opportunity for the greater Cleveland community to experience local, regional and international art exhibitions.

For more information on upcoming events, follow this link to MOCA’s homepage.

Does Cleveland Rock?
Is Cleveland a Plum?
Are you down with C-town?

Studiothink Banners

How do you express your Cleveland Pride?
We want your best Cleveland-focused quote, quip, limerick, haiku, muse…however you want to say it – just say it!

Studiothink is hosting a “Cleveology” quote contest from September 16th through noon on November 1st.

We’re proud to have our roots and branches planted firmly in Cleveland – and we know that whether you were born here, transplanted, in school or just visited once or twice – Cleveland grows on you pretty quickly. The word on Cleveland is spreading and eliciting big interest (hence the “ology” part) and we want to continue to get the word out.  We’ve got great people, culture, cuisine, location, business, sports, weather (really!!), Cleveland’s got it all in a package that just keeps getting better and better.  Show your knowledge about all things Cleveland by entering our “Cleveology” quote contest.

Here’s the deal:
Post your cheeky, cool, clever, creative, quirky quote about Cleveland.  Please make it positive – and refrain from posting something that would make a sailor blush.

The winning author will receive a “Cleveology” prize pack, and their quote will be made into banners that will hang in some great places around Cleveland.

We’re also going to design a very cool t-shirt using the winning quote that will be available for purchase with proceeds going to local charities. Finally, we’ll be hosting a party where the guests of honor are the top five vote-getting quote authors. We’ll announce the winner and reveal the banner and t-shirt design at the party which will take place just after Thanksgiving.

Get your creative Cleveland juices flowing and leave your ideas under this post!

fine print:
1. Must be a quote about Cleveland
2. Must be posted under this specific blog post as a comment
3. Let’s keep it positive – wit wins.
4. Judging will be the task of a panel of really smart and creative Clevelanders.
Judges’ decisions are final.
5. Multiple quote submissions are welcome (and appreciated!)

Abbott Miller

The Monday rush is over and I finally have a moment to breathe. Which in turn, gives me a little time to blog.

This past Thursday, AIGA Cleveland hosted Abbott Miller from Pentagram. The turn out was great, maybe due to the fact that Abbott gave away Pentagrams ‘Black Book’ to pre-registered members as sort of a bonus. And let me tell you, this is a bonus indeed. This book is absolutely amazing. It’s 800 pages of case studies, large pictures in full color… unreal. It even has book marks for every chapter.

Having a book like this on your shelf makes it easy to stay inspired. And no, you can’t download it for your e-reader.