The Clevelander

In this episode of The Clevelander, we’re teaming up with the Lay of the Land podcast to bring you more stories of innovation—and the people who make Greater Cleveland a great region on a Great Lake.Today, we'll hear from John Nottingham, co-founder and co-president of Nottingham Spirk.Nottingham Spirk may not be a household name – but their inventions are likely in your house. Swiffer Sweep+Vac, Crest Spinbrush, Dirt Devil, Jacuzzi, Little Tikes Playhouse, Duck Tape. These are just a few of the more than 1,500 patented products that the world's longest-standing design collaborative has created for clients in the consumer, business, and healthcare sectors.Founded in 1972, the company has generated more than $50B in sales, with a 95% commercialization success rate, and they've done it all from right here in Cleveland.For more stories of innovation and inspiration, be sure to subscribe to Lay of the Land wherever you get your podcasts, or visit layoftheland.fm.Note: The conversation with John Nottingham was recorded in March 2022.

What does it take to return to the Moon—and push beyond to Mars?In this episode of The Clevelander, we’re teaming up with the Lay of the Land podcast to bring you more stories of innovation—and the people who make Greater Cleveland a great region on a Great Lake.We'll hear from Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, Director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, on the history, impact, and future of one of Greater Cleveland's most important institutions. From its roots in aviation and manufacturing to its role in nearly every major space program, NASA Glenn has helped shape how we fly—and how we explore space.Today, that work is central to the Artemis mission. Glenn is leading integration of the Orion spacecraft’s European Service Module—providing propulsion, power, life support, and communications for astronauts traveling around the Moon. The center has also conducted rigorous, full-scale testing of Orion in simulated space environments, helping ensure mission success and astronaut safety.Looking ahead, NASA Glenn will continue to play a critical role as missions shift from short visits to sustained presence—developing the power, propulsion, and technologies needed to live and work on the lunar surface and beyond.For more stories of innovation and inspiration, be sure to subscribe to Lay of the Land wherever you get your podcasts, or visit layoftheland.fm

A collapsing hillside. A critical shipping corridor at risk. And now, a 25-acre riverfront park that will help connect Greater Cleveland in an entirely new way.Irishtown Bend is going from one of Cleveland’s biggest infrastructure risks to one of its most exciting public spaces — and a key link connecting a national park to one of our greatest natural resources.We break down what happened, what’s next, and why it matters.

Cleveland is making some of the biggest entertainment and development bets in its modern history. In this episode, we explore two major projects that could reshape the region’s economy, identity, and future: a new riverfront amphitheater in Downtown Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns’ new $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, which has officially broken ground.The 6,200-seat amphitheater along the Cuyahoga River is designed to bring major touring acts to Cleveland while anchoring a broader 35-acre riverfront redevelopment that includes housing, public spaces, and a new riverwalk.Meanwhile, the Browns’ new stadium project aims to create a year-round destination. The enclosed 67,500-seat venue will anchor a new mixed-use district with hotels, retail, residential space, and entertainment.Together, these projects represent a bold vision for Greater Cleveland — one focused on creating destinations, driving economic growth, and positioning the region as a year-round hub for culture, sports, and entertainment.

Cleveland just ranked ahead of cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Columbus in economic growth, once again challenging the old Rust Belt narrative. In this episode, we break down the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s annual Growth Rankings and what the numbers actually show.Business growth. Income growth. Record-low unemployment. A regional economy topping $293 billion. But there’s a twist: job growth is lagging — not because jobs aren’t available, but because talent is scarce.We explore what’s driving Cleveland’s momentum, where the challenges remain, and whether this moment represents a temporary spike or a durable shift in the region’s trajectory. See the latest growth rankings: https://bit.ly/3Mz29UQ

When people talk about innovation, they usually think Silicon Valley or Boston. But some of the most meaningful problem-solving is happening right here in Cleveland. This week, we dig into Case Western Reserve University’s global recognition, the real-world impact behind the ranking, and how university-driven innovation is helping position Greater Cleveland for its next chapter.TIME Rankings: https://time.com/7358185/top-universities-globally-2026/More on CLEANR: https://greatercle.com/bibvcleanr/

2026 is shaping up to be a hinge year for Greater Cleveland. From a new stadium campus and a reimagined Rock Hall, to long-awaited riverfront and lakefront access, major projects are coming online at the same time — and starting to connect. This episode breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it’s changing the way people experience the city.

2025 felt different in Greater Cleveland, and I wasn't because of one headline or one project.In this episode of The Clevelander, we look back at a year where momentum became tangible. Major employers expanded, transformative projects moved forward, more graduates chose to stay, and the region rewrote the playbook on revitalization.This year showed us what happens when long-term investments in industry, talent, and place start paying off at the same time.See more in GCP's 2025 Year in Review video: https://youtu.be/F41GNcCZctU

2025 was Cleveland's big year on the big screen. We break down Superman’s strong run after its 2024 shoot here, the recent announcement of $17M in Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credits, and what that could mean for the Superman sequel. We also stop into the Cleveland History Center’s Hollywood on the Cuyahoga exhibit, and spotlight the nationwide release of "Lost & Found in Cleveland."Making Metropolis - The real impact of the Superman film in Cleveland: https://greatercle.com/blog/gcp-news/making-metropolis-the-real-impact-of-the-superman-film-in-cleveland/Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

Decades after helping define Cleveland’s industrial rise, the Cuyahoga River is now powering its next chapter. From new trails and parks to riverfront housing, transformative developments are creating a more connected, livable city for everyone.Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

Greater Cleveland Partnership CEO Baiju Shah delivered a speech at the City Club of Cleveland titled “Embracing Abundance and the Future of Greater Cleveland.” His message: Cleveland is rising, but to realize its full potential, we must grow our population, super-skill our workforce, and embrace an abundance mindset.It’s Cleveland’s moment—if we choose to aim boldly.Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

GCP just hosted Best of Tech Day 2025—the 19th Annual Best of Tech Awards—and rolled out a Best of Tech List spotlighting 108 honorees across startups, mid-market tech, education/access, growth enablers, and community groups. See who made the list: http://bit.ly/4mn6pTi

Cleveland just crowned its newest small-business champions. In this episode, we break down the Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 8 finale—who won, what they do, and why the judges picked them. Meet Daisy Makes (3D-printed cake-pop tools), Be Browed Etcetera (PMU clinic + Ohio’s only state-accredited PMU school), and The Golden Room (salon care designed for senior women).Plus, a quick heads-up: COSE’s BIG Summit is Oct 16—a full day of ideas, workshops, and connections for small-business growth. Learn more and register at cose.org/big.

Rumors of a certain NFL star and global pop icon house-hunting in Northeast Ohio made headlines—but the real story runs deeper. In this episode of The Clevelander, we explore why Greater Cleveland’s housing market is drawing attention from celebrities and everyday buyers alike.Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

Greater Cleveland is one of the Top 10 metros and Top 5 in the Midwest for young, college-degreed professionals—as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. 🏙️🎓In a tightening job market, Greater Cleveland stands out with strong hiring, affordability, and growing opportunities in sectors like tech, finance and healthcare—according to a new study by the ADP Research Institute. For recent grads ready to launch their careers and build a life, The Land is the place to be.

In this episode of The Clevelander, we dive into how Cleveland played a starring role in the new Superman movie — not just on screen, but behind the scenes as well.From Public Square becoming Metropolis’ bustling city center to the Leader Building standing tall as the Daily Planet, our city’s architecture, history, and energy took center stage. But the real story? The $77.8 million in local production spending that’s driving jobs, hotel bookings, small business contracts, and a growing creative economy in Northeast Ohio.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recently launched its newest exhibit, "SNL: Ladies and Gentlemen...50 Years of Music." The immersive exhibit brings the largest collection of Saturday Night Live memorabilia outside of Studio 8H to Cleveland, including iconic outfits, rare musical performances, and a vibe that channels NYC energy.At the opening celebration, we had to chance to ask SNL alum Fred Armisen about his inspirations, his journey, and of course, Cleveland. Take a listen and hear what Fred had to say. Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global shift to remote work, a survey by the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) and Downtown Cleveland, Inc. (DCI) looks at the  return-to-office trend, and what it means for the region. Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

“What’s next” for Greater Cleveland? More than 1,000 business and civic leaders gathered at the Huntington Convention Center on May 6 to find out at the Greater Cleveland Partnership's 2025 Annual Event. It was an afternoon of energy, optimism and big-picture thinking about our region’s future.Learn some of the key takeaways on this week's episode of The Clevelander.

Cities nationwide are facing post-pandemic office vacancies—and many are looking to Cleveland for inspiration. From the Rose Building's transformation to a growing trend of office-to-residential conversions, Cleveland is leading the way. Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.

The O.H.I.O. fund is driving Ohio's growth with nine bold investments so far, and a 10th on the horizon. From real estate to biotech and small businesses, the fund is making a major impact. Modeled after Singapore's Temasek, it's already raised over $125M towards its $500M goal. With an expanding presence in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, the fund is accelerating Ohio's economic future.Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.

A coalition of Ohio’s leading business organizations is backing the effort to bring NASA Headquarters to Ohio, the birthplace of aviation and a national aerospace leader.  With assets like NASA Glenn Research Center, a strong aerospace manufacturing base, and top research institutions, Greater Cleveland is ready to support NASA’s missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The numbers are in: Greater Cleveland’s 2024 Annual Report highlights strong business growth, rising incomes, and two years of sub-4% unemployment. Now, we need more people to sustain the momentum.Hear more in Ep. 14 of The Clevelander. 🔗 View the Full Annual Report:https://greatercle.com/gcpannualreport2024

Three major expansion projects in health care, air travel, and manufacturing have secured state tax credits, bringing 161 new jobs and $21.6 million in payroll to the region.🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3CYxlrT

National Geographic has named Cleveland as one of the 10 Places Where Families Should Travel in 2025. 🌟The publication highlights Cleveland’s vibrant arts and culture scene, iconic locations featured in the upcoming Superman film, Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s 50th anniversary, and more.🔗 Learn more: http://bit.ly/41pTKaW

Cleveland's business confidence is on the rise. 🚀 A recent GCP survey shows nearly 30% of local business leaders are now active promoters of the region.Key survey highlights include:➡️ 12% rise in overall business friendliness➡️ 9% increase in positivity about business support➡️ 7% increase in respondents who said Cleveland is a great or good place to grow a business

Each week, we'll explore the top business headlines shaping our region to keep you informed and engaged with regional developments.This week, we're talking Cleveland's building boom. Downtown's historic Rose Building is poised for a major transformation, and the City of Cleveland processed nearly 15,000 commercial building permits in 2024, totaling a record-breaking $3.11 billion—nearly double 2023’s total and three times the amount seen in 2019. 🏗️Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.

Each week, we'll explore the top business headlines shaping our region to keep you informed and engaged with regional developments.This week, we'll look at the record numbers for Hopkins airport, and a major funding win for Cleveland's riverfront revitalization..Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.

Each week, we'll explore the top business headlines shaping our region to keep you informed and engaged with regional developments.This week, we're taking a look at some big sustainability wins in Greater Cleveland.Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.

For over a century, Cleveland has yearned to reclaim its lakefront. Grand plans—approximately 16 of them—have risen and faded like waves against the shore, each iteration shaping and reshaping the vision for what could be.  The story of Cleveland’s lakefront is not one of failure, but of persistence. Today, riding a wave of unprecedented momentum, Cleveland is poised to fulfill its century-long ambition. To appreciate this moment, we reflect on the city’s rich and complex history of lakefront planning—a story of determination, reinvention, and the enduring belief in the transformative power of place.Learn more about the redevelopment of the lakefront at GreaterCLE.com and ClevelandNorthCoast.com.

Each week, we'll explore the top business headlines shaping our region to keep you informed and engaged with regional developments.This week, we're taking a look at the year ahead.

This week, we're talking Cleveland in the global spotlight, and a homecoming for a certain superhero. 

Each week, we'll explore the top business headlines shaping our region to keep you informed and engaged with regional developments.This week, we'll discuss Cleveland's record-low unemployment numbers.

Each week, we'll explore the top business headlines shaping our region to keep you informed and engaged with regional developments.This week, we're taking a look at an op-ed on embracing a new Cleveland mindset from GCP President & CEO Baiju Shah. Read the full piece at CrainsCleveland.com

This week, we take a quick look at a potential women's pro soccer team, and an innovative new investment tool from the Cleveland Foundation. The Clevelander is brought to you by the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.

This week, we'll take a look at the population boom in Downtown Cleveland, riverfront redevelopment along the Cuyahoga, and Cleveland's bid for a WNBA team.The Clevelander is brought to you by the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Learn more at GreaterCLE.com.