it may not sound like big doings... a water sensor company - a hotel - and rehabbing some old buildings. Not exactly earth-shattering in a region that needs jobs by the thousands.
But County Executive Ed Fitzgerald was more than enthusiastic in describing why spending nearly 1.1 million public dollars is a smart strategic investment.
One grant will fund a pilot program for Cleveland-based CFRC Water and Energy Solutions ...for a sensor-activated water flow device.
Fitzgerald said the 85K project could lead to mass production and major company growth.
ED FITZGERALD:
"We think that Cleveland has a future in terms of being a center of emerging technologies, and that part of the growth sector of our economy."
Another grant went to Notre Dame College in South Euclid, one of the nation's fastest growing colleges... but one which is cramped for space and needs to increase its' physical plant. The school has boosted employment, and hopes the upgrades of five buildings will attract more students and attention.
But the largest project from the office of development will go to University Circle, to assist in building a 27 million dollar, 150+ room Marriott Hotel along Euclid Avenue.
University Circle President Chris Ronayne said it's designed to cater to families of CASE students, families of University Hospital patients, and arts visitors.
CHRIS RONAYNE:
"We need also an accessible and affordable University Circle and this helps us meet a market niche."
He says to look for ground breaking this spring - with 2012 a conservative guess as to when rooms will be ready.
The announcements came as part of the 2011 Jobs Summit, convened by the county, with contributions from the city of Cleveland, local mayors, labor, and several business concerns.
