Yeah, we hear you. We miss you guys, too.
But the world of work has changed fundamentally and permanently in some cases. Flextime, WFH, asynchronous collaboration, and the ubiquitous home office are here to stay. Studies show teleworkers are more productive, happier and less likely to quit. Universal wi-fi, education, health care and basic income are becoming recognized as human rights.
And the good news is our local entrepreneurs, businesses and non-profits are responding, evolving and finding opportunity. Check out our exclusive interview with Lakewood’s own Evergreen Podcasts, growing amidst the crisis. Our Maker Fairs are joining forces, and many musicians are selling merch and exploring Patreon to solicit support. BW’s world-class music business program is recognized by Billboard, and bookstores are strategizing how to reopen safely. Local businesses have some great Mother’s Day gift ideas and Holden Arboretum opens this week for members only.
Business will never be the same. Let’s hear it for that. –Thomas Mulready
Outdoor summer markets and fleas are the busiest season for local artists & craftspeople, but no one is sure when they’ll be able to start up again. Meanwhile, a group of NE Ohio markets has launched the Rust Belt Creative Coalition to help promote these micro-businesses. Read More
For the past six weeks, those who love to browse bookstores had to content themselves with online browsing. Relief is in sight! NE Ohio’s independent bookstores are starting to plan for safe, limited reopening so you can actually flip through books before buying. Of course, you can still order online. Read More
If staying home means you haven’t thought about what to give mom for Mother’s Day, don’t despair. Our fashion/small business maven Dru Christine has come up with a flock of distinctive gift ideas you can order from the virtual shops of local independent businesses, including her own. Read More
Baldwin Wallace University is known for its celebrated music theatre program, which produces Broadway stars. Now its music business programs have been recognized by industry trade publication Billboard as among the tops in the country. Read More
Waterloo Arts’ annual juried show will be all virtual June 5-July 25, with a gallery showing at a later date. Meanwhile it’s extended its deadline for submissions through May 10. Read More
Loganberry Books is soliciting entries for a contest to design the store’s new official bookmark, with the theme “Where Do Books Take You Without Ever Leaving Your House?” Read More
Lake County restaurant Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits is offering a 12-week Culinary Passport Expedition featuring foods from around the world and donating part of the proceeds to feed the area’s hungry. Read More
While we’re glutted with artists performing online concerts and soliciting donations if we like what we hear, some area musicians, such as Diana Chittester, are looking at Patreon, where subscribers pay a small monthly fee to access enhanced content. It also gives musicians a chance to work on and share projects that might not fit with their usual stage act. Read More
With solid financial backing, a flexible business model and a focus on high production values, Lakewood’s Evergreen Podcasts has grown from a half dozen locally developed podcasts to over 40 properties and brands across the U.S., and now they are ready to take on the world. They spoke with CoolCleveland about how they are navigating the global pandemic while evolving and growing their own business. They even offer a few cool podcasts to binge during the quarantine. Read More
First, congratulations to Judge Emanuella Groves for her solid victory in the 8th District Court of Appeals race against three other challengers. Her vote total more than doubled that of her nearest rival, which is quite an accomplishment, but not surprising considering her long, stellar service to the community… Read More
When the band didn’t end the song, but kept playing the chorus “Four Dead in Ohio” over and over and over again for what seemed like an eternity, peaceful pandemonium broke out. The screaming, crying, and wailing that erupted from the audience must have reached the heavens… Read More
I’d rather be called a wild-eyed alarmist, over-the-top speculator and wacky conspiracy theorist than to sit by and not do everything within my power to help remove the would-be fascist who now has the levers of power in his hands from office… Read More
However, even if Ms. Reade has ulterior motives, she and her allegations still deserve to be treated with the upmost respect, even while questioning them. That’s what the current occupant of the White House would do, isn’t it?… Read More