Business & Finance

Bonefish Grill is the latest new restaurant to open up at the fast-growing Crocker Park. As the newest West Shore Chamber of Commerce member they took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Dennis Clough before opening to the public on Feb. 22. The restaurant chain was founded in 2000 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and specializes in market-fresh fish from around the world and many wood-grilled specialties.

The 6,352-square-foot restaurant features a spacious dining room with a large bar area including three large community tables and an outdoor patio that seats approximately 50. Overall, the restaurant has a seating capacity for approximately 260 patrons. The main dining room showcases a bonefish sculpture made of stainless steel and sequined scales while the atmosphere features a contemporary blend of warm earthy tones, golden hardwood accents, natural materials and metallically embellished wood flooring.

Fat Tuesday was celebrated in style at the Montrose Jaguar dealership with a Mardi Gras party for over 250 people. This event featured wonderful Cajun-style foods from Augustino's catering and wine tastings from LA Dick Imports. A Dixieland Jazz band entertained members from 10 different Northeast Ohio chambers of commerce.

Panera Bread received the Power of More Business of the Year award. Ashley Gay accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The West Shore Chamber of Commerce joined the Power of More for a speed networking opportunity that drew 90 people to the event. Bagels and Business Cards is held twice a year at Montrose Kia in Sheffield Village to give chamber members an opportunity to network with other chambers in a fast-paced event. One side of the table sits and the other side moves every 4 minutes so everyone has the opportunity to meet as many people as possible. 

This event brought in the largest group ever and included additional chamber members from the Lorain County Chamber.

Over 100 people attended the Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the Doubletree by Hilton as Westshore Chamber President Susan Uranker turned over the reigns to Jim Chilemi. Uranker, marketing director at Brookdale Senior Living, has served as the chamber president since 2014. Chilemi, a Bass Ohio realtor, began his term as the new president during this lunch. 

Uranker is not going far, however, as she will serve as secretary this year, joining Tina Roberts as vice president and Mark Getsay returning as treasurer. New board members were also introduced, Elizabeth Beard from Dave & Buster's and George Hihn from Residence Inn/Emerald Event Center.

TRG, a hardware solutions provider in the data collection and barcode printing industry, will be sponsoring a local student’s educational co-op trip. Jake Budde, a botany major from Kent State University, will be traveling to Costa Rica from Dec. 27 to Jan. 16. Focusing on exploring the intersections of mycology, entomology and botany, Budde will be experiencing tropical ecosystems firsthand to enhance his education and strengthen his career path.

Budde is a Kent State University senior scheduled to graduate in May of 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in botany. He currently interns as an assistant greenhouse technician at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron where he cares for exotic and domestic plants. He is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the Kent State Biology Club and the Environmental Conservation Group.

The final "Business Before Hours" networking breakfast for 2015 was hosted by Peter & Co. Jewelers in Avon Lake. West Shore Chamber members joined this joint chamber event in order to make new connections and increase their business opportunities. Guests enjoyed a hot breakfast and one lucky person, Trey Bell from PuroClean, walked off with a $250 jewelry gift certificate for the store.

Westlake’s trendy dining scene got a boost of rustic elegance on Nov. 2 as Burntwood Tavern opened its doors in the former Champp’s location in Crocker Park. The 8,000-square-foot, 250-seat space has been revamped with a blend of rustic woods, elegant hand-blown glass lighting fixtures, and a modern copper-topped bar.

“This space is an ideal location for serving our straight-forward, classic dishes as well as our signature cocktails. We’re excited to bring our total dining experience to our guests in Crocker Park,” said Bret Adams, founder and CEO of Burntwood’s ownership company, Chef Art Pour Restaurant Group.

Bringing the fine dining and high-energy nightlife of Miami Beach to the shores of Lake Erie, Miami Nights Grill, Bar & Lounge opens Friday, Nov. 6 at the corner of Columbia and Sperry roads in Westlake.

The hybrid restaurant/nightclub is a steakhouse by day, serving USDA Prime Certified Angus Beef as well as seafood and pasta dishes, and a party destination by night. After dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the space transforms into a club with a sophisticated light and sound system and a DJ playing dance music with raised dance platforms scattered throughout and lit from underneath.

Owner Peter "Taki" Diamatis recently opened the doors to his newest restaurant, Rue 254, with a ribbon-cutting and open house. The former Winking Lizard has been completely renovated and resembles a comfortable home atmosphere complete with TV's in every room. They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients from local farmers as well as decorating the space with a variety of paintings from local artists.

The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce proudly presents its 13th annual Business Expo on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 2-7 p.m. at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. You are invited to attend this lively event to network with business owners and individuals who offer products and services in the area. Admission is free when you present your business card.

Sept. 9 was the day West Shore Chamber of Commerce members have been waiting for all year. As part of the Power of More, members had the opportunity to add an entry into the Kia Optima drawing every time they attended a Power of More chamber event during the year. 

This all came to a happy close for one lucky member at Montrose Kia in Sheffield, who donated a three-year lease on the car. A variety of other prizes were given out as well, but the new Optima went to Fairview Park Chamber member Eileen Donahue. All members enjoyed cocktails and delicious food while enjoying another great evening of networking.

One of the many services offered by O’Neill Healthcare Bay Village is to provide health education programs to the community. We do this by hosting many events throughout the year, both on our campus and at the local senior centers. 

Last month our director of physical therapy, Kris Maiorca, presented a program on achieving positive outcomes from hip and knee replacement. The program was held the Westlake Center for Community Services, to an audience of over 50 seniors.

Opened in 1965, at the corner of Bradley and Center Ridge roads, Wagner’s of Westlake is celebrating 50 years as a catering facility. At that time, they were one of only a small number of banquet centers located in the United States. Today, Wagner’s has hosted more wedding receptions than any other banquet center in western Cuyahoga County.

Many of their guests began frequenting Wagner’s when they attended their prom at the facility and then went on to attend corporate events, bridal showers, fundraisers, and of course, wedding receptions  “What is really wonderful is when a mom comes in with the bride and groom and tells us she had her own wedding reception here,” says Mary Crawford, director of events.

Wagner's anniversary was acknowledged with proclamation from the city of Westlake.

The West Shore Chamber of Commerce held their annual Teacher Luncheon on Aug. 11 at LaCentre in Westlake to welcome the new educators joining the Westlake and Bay Village school districts this fall.

The Education Committee, co-chaired by Andrew Mangels, director of Westlake Porter Public Library, and Nancy Ralls, career development coordinator at West Shore Career Tech, presented welcome bags containing items donated from Chamber businesses to 20 Westlake teachers and nine Bay Village teachers. The teachers’ lunches were donated by St. John Medical Center.

Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough joined West Shore Chamber Executive Director John Sobolewski for the July ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Dental Care of Westlake on Center Ridge Road. Dr. Steven Woyat, his family and staff invited guests inside afterwards to see the new office and enjoy some refreshments.

Avon Oaks Country Club was the venue for this year's West Shore/Fairview Park Chamber golf tournament on Aug. 10. This joint effort between both chambers raised money for the scholarship funds for Westlake, Bay and Fairview Park school districts. 

Thirty foursomes began their scramble with a shotgun start and a delicious box lunch. Throughout the course there were various local sponsors who offered treats, snacks and even a massage from their sponsorship holes. There was no lucky hole-in-one winner this time to take home the new car prize. A brief rainstorm midday brought out the umbrellas but also cut the humidity. 

The day ended with a wonderful dinner and many great prizes that went out to some lucky golfers! Grand prizes were a flat screen television, a Kindle and $1,000 cash. Many other prizes went out from the generous donations of chamber businesses.

Glenn DiMauro of The Italian Cobbler in Westlake has been honored by his peers and awarded the prestigious Robert DiRinaldo Grand Silver Cup from the Shoe Service Institute of America. The top prize in an international competition, the Grand Silver Cup has been the most sought-after prize in the shoe repair industry since the 1930s.

Over the course of 14 months and several million dollars, the hotel at the corner of Crocker and Clemens roads has gotten back its gleam. The transformation of the former Holiday Inn into a Doubletree by Hilton was ceremoniously completed July 10 with a ribbon cutting and open house event.

“When this hotel originally came into Westlake, it truly was the jewel of the West Side. It is again!” Mayor Dennis Clough exclaimed, before thanking the hotel’s ownership group for reinvesting in the city.

On July 15 about 200 members of the Power of More, including West Shore Chamber of Commerce, gathered on the observation deck of the 100th Bomb Group Restaurant for an evening of networking on what turned out to be a beautiful and sunny evening.

Members from six different chambers had an opportunity to meet people doing business in other areas and make new connections. Even Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough came by to join us!

For those who have never participated in a 5K, the prospect can seem daunting. The answer for some may be found at Fleet Feet Sports, which opened last August in Westlake’s Jefferson Square plaza. The store sells running and walking shoes, insoles, accessories and many other fitness products, but considers education as their No. 1 product.

The West Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members:

Aligned Health Center LLC
Nicholas Bigrigg, 440-385-7357
2237 Crocker Rd., #110, Westlake
www.alignedhealthcenterwestlake.com

BMW of Westlake
Adam Moon, 440-887-0000
Putrri Padbatan, 216-303-6974
24690 Sperry Dr., Westlake
www.bmwofwestlake.com

Director of Alumnae, Director of Events and most recently, Senior Director of Student Life and Parent Engagement, are a few of the titles Mrs. Julie Sims Gibbons has held at Magnificat High School during her 18-year tenure. The 1980 Magnificat alumna is now the school’s first Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Business and community leaders of all types and sizes are invited to attend "Bagels and Business Cards," a before-hours business networking event from the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 8-9:30 a.m., enjoy networking and a bagel breakfast at Palace Business Centres, Suite 100, 24650 Center Ridge Road in Westlake.

This event is free to all business owners, managers and sales executives and no RSVP is required. All that is required is a desire to network with other business leaders to grow your business and of course, a lot of business cards. There will be drawings and prizes, including a free Palace Business Center office for a month and an Amazon gift card.

Dr. David Love is very pleased and excited to welcome Dr. Allison Riedl into the Westlake Animal Hospital family. Dr. Riedl was born and raised in Cleveland Heights. After graduating from Hawken, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Case Western Reserve University in 2001 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from The Ohio State University. She continued her education through a small animal internship at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in 2006-2007.

The Regional Income Tax Agency is offering help to all taxpayers who are required to file a municipal income tax return for any RITA municipality with free taxpayer assistance events across the state. The Northeast Ohio regional session will be held Tuesday, March 3, 1-7 p.m., at North Ridgeville City Hall, 7307 Avon Belden Road.

With a family lineage tracing her barbershop roots back to Italy, the newest addition to Rockport Barber Styling, Marie Simeone, is blending that heritage with her love for "All things Cleveland" to create a welcoming environment for all ages. A trip to Marie's chair at Rockport Barber Styling in Fairview Park's Ohliger Drug Store complex promises to be more than just a haircut.  

There are several reasons why shopping with small businesses and supporting them on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 is important. First off EVERY big business started small. Before Target was a chain, it was a single store in Minnesota. McDonald's started out as a food stand near an airport. Every business starts with a single location, product or idea. As the companies grew, expanded and multiplied they changed, becoming more generalized, less personalized and focused on each individual customer and their needs, wants and desires.

When was the last time you went into a big business as they were closing and they stayed open for you, the clerk volunteered to research a product or service for you that the store did not carry, or the owner commiserated with you over an illness or death in your family?

On Oct. 1, 2014, my team and I launched the Brad Larson State Farm Agency at 654 Dover Center Road, in the Dover Commons of Bay Village, where the previous agent, who is now retired, had a 39-year history with the Bay Village community. 

We now have the honor of providing both existing and new clients the comprehensive insurance and financial solutions that will protect valuable personal and business assets, and provide guidance in meeting financial goals and dreams.

Career Transition Center (CTC) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those seeking new career help. CTC teaches classes at libraries around Cleveland, including year-round classes at Westlake Porter Public Library. Beginning in November, CTC will launch its newest program, “The 2nd Stage Institute,” classes which will be held in Rocky River, in addition to CTC’s basic classes and job clubs.

It is a series of reasonably priced specialized classes and group coaching for mature workers in the managerial, professional, technical and upper-level administrative fields to assist them in moving into their next stage of life. Students will learn specific techniques that will help them handle the transition.

Annual Golf Outing

The West Shore Chamber's annual golf outing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, at Avon Oaks Country Club. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m. This is a joint event with the Fairview Park Chamber of Commerce. There are still openings and sponsorships available. Cost of $150 per person includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner. This event is open to the public. Advance registration is required. 

Local organization Tigress is on a quest to empower teen girls to become confident, creative and action-oriented leaders who can change the world.

A Westlake native, I founded this social enterprise after several compelling experiences reinforced how entrepreneurship and the creative arts are unique tools that empower women and lead to social change. It was especially evident while I was living in Latin America, the Caribbean and the UK supporting the growth of micro-entrepreneurs and local organizations founded by Bono of U2, Richard Branson and Ashoka Fellows.

On Wednesday, July 9, Northeast Ohio Personal Computers group will host “What’s New @ Microsoft: Devices, Clouds, Games & More!”, a discussion of all things Microsoft with a focus on the new and improved Windows 8.1. Have questions about Microsoft software or hardware? We have an expert here to give answers. Keith Mayer, a technical expert at Microsoft will cover several new updates across the Microsoft ecosystem: Windows 8.1 update, Windows Phone 8.1, Azure, Office 365 and Xbox One.

Trendi Paws! is a locally owned pet bakery/boutique formerly known as Just Dogs! Gourmet. In May, we relocated to the King James Plaza on Center Ridge Road in Westlake. 

We have a wide variety of yummy flavored treats including wheat free, grain free and organic. Our gourmet treats are hand decorated and all are handmade. For the doggies, fun items such as Yappy Meals, Yappy Hours or Tailgating in a Bag are ready to go for the impromptu play date.

Are you a thrifty shopper who goes against the grain, craving something different, a style all your own? Look no further than Articles Consignment, Etc. in Westlake. Our recently opened consignment boutique, formerly known as Classic Closet (and under new ownership), has been refreshed and revived.

Bay Villagers have come to love Greenisland as our hidden gem, tucked away between a gas station and a dry cleaner on an easy-to-miss side street off Columbia Road. After a rocky start, the Irish restaurant is now in its eleventh year of operation and was recently named as one of the top 100 restaurants in Greater Cleveland.

The restaurant’s unassuming exterior on Eaton Way yields to a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where regulars and first-timers are treated as old friends by owner Sean McConnell – who emigrated from the Emerald Isle in 1973 – and his wife, Connie. The friendly waitstaff are eager to explain the nuances of authentic Irish dishes like boxty and shepherd’s pie to the non-Irish among us, while the menu features more mainstream fare to appeal to a wide range of palates.

Around here we know it as Hyland Software, but globally the Westlake-based technology firm has made a name for itself with its enterprise application, OnBase. To solidify its identity worldwide, the company recently adjusted its marketing approach with new branding. Signage around the campus on Clemens Road has been changed to “Hyland creator of OnBase” and the international brand name of “OnBase by Hyland” was introduced to represent the evolution of the company from its founding more than 20 years ago.

“When we started talking about how our brand would continue to evolve, OnBase took center stage,” Bill Priemer, president and CEO, said in the company’s corporate blog. “Hyland serves as the creator and innovator of OnBase, but OnBase is the star.”

OnBase has more than 12,700 lifetime customers across the globe, a number prominently displayed on a large scoreboard inside Hyland’s headquarters. Every Monday during a company-wide staff meeting, the board is updated with new customers acquired during the previous week.

In celebration of the company’s new direction, Hyland welcomed Congressman Jim Renacci, State Representative Nan Baker, Mayor Dennis Clough and leaders of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for a tour of its campus April 21.

The Observer was invited to join the group on their afternoon visit with Hyland executives.

On April 8, the West Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomed Andrew Mangels, director of Westlake Porter Public Library to speak at the monthly luncheon. Andrew gave an overview of the Shep Hyken book “Amaze Every Customer Every Time.”

The first impression or experience a customer has with your service or business is "The Moment of Truth" – the checkout line, website, phone call or billboard. Within that moment, customer service is evaluated in one of three standards – mediocrity, misery or magic. In the "Moment of Mediocrity," customer service is neither good nor bad, it’s just OK. In the "Moment of Misery," customer service is mishandled, but can recover. And in the "Moment of Magic," a customer receives something a little better or a little more than they expected.

The idea to start a mobile yoga business began over a year ago when Rose Sabin, my mother-in-law, and I found ourselves talking about yoga and how it has changed our lives in a positive way. I have been practicing for over a decade and teaching since 2008 and have a degree in health sciences. Rose has owned and operated a successful local advertising agency for the last two decades. Plus, she has four years of yoga experience.

Combining our knowledge and experience, we realized it was time to blow the doors off of yoga and give the people of Cleveland something new. The mobile yoga concept is new to Cleveland, but not new to other cities. Los Angeles, New York and Chicago are already home to many pop-up yoga studios.

She greets every customer with enthusiasm. The aroma of hot pizza welcomes them too. Once inside, however, the captivating blue eyes of owner Andrea Coats keeps them in the door. 

That, and a really great pizza! From a place called Nirvana.

Why Nirvana? "Nirvana represents peace and happiness and that's what I'm all about," Andrea said.

Andrea spent years on the West Coast where she honed her business skills; even more on Cleveland's east side. This past November, she brought it all home to Bay Village. This time with the close support of family.

Westlake Animal Hospital has exciting news! We recently launched a very special Facebook "contest" and we are pleased to announce our first award recipient. Throughout the year we will sponsor local animal rescues or shelters, giving $1 for every new friend on our Facebook page. Last month we sponsored The Rescue Inn in North Olmsted, donating more than $450 to assist with their important shelter work. Take a moment to like Westlake Animal Hospital on your Facebook page and help us raise money toward the local rescues and shelters by encouraging your friends to do the same.