Newsmaker: Curt Werren, Regional Executive for the American Red Cross NEO Region
The famed disaster relief organization responded to local storm damage by providing shelter, warmth and food to northeast Ohioans. Red Cross teamed with municipalities and schools to help out hundreds of local residents left without electricity following the storm’s fierce winds. Additionally, the organization sent personnel and equipment to storm-damaged areas along the Eastern Seaboard.
Roundtable: Christopher Evans, editorial writer, The Plain Dealer; Bob Dyer, columnist, Akron Beacon Journal; Jay Miller, reporter, Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Storm Stories
More than a quarter million northeast Ohio homes and businesses were in the dark for days after the superstorm roared through northeast Ohio. Most of the damage was just inland from Lake Erie and it was the heaviest in the western suburbs, particularly neighborhoods with large populations of aging trees. FirstEnergy and CEI crews had about half the electricity restored by Thursday morning.
Campaign Winds Down
The major party candidates will light up the campaign trail in Ohio between now and Election Day as it’s become increasingly apparent Ohio will be the state to decide the Presidency. The race is a statistical dead heat nationwide and President Obama has a slight margin in Ohio. Obama will be back in Ohio over the weekend as will Mitt Romney. Surrogates for both men will make numerous appearances, including one by former President Bill Clinton in Akron.
Good Start for the MedMart
Cuyahoga County officials identified the Cleveland Clinic and GE Healthcare Systems as the first major tenants for the downtown Medical Mart. These are the first tenants to be named publicly. The building’s operator recently told county council that the facility has commitments for about half its space with other tenants expressing interest. The neighboring convention center has almost four dozen conventions booked. The two-building complex is expected to open next July.