See what a few Cleveland locals have to say about the historic and energetic city!
John Lane, CTP, Inglewood Associates LLC, former TMA Ohio Chapter President
"While I started off in Chicago, I've now probably spent about three-fourths of my life in Cleveland. I've really become a big fan of Northeast Ohio, which Is why one project became my favorite engagement. ...During the real estate bubble, I had a real estate developer who had some financial difficulties, like everyone else. Their lender was about to declare a default on one of their loans.
“...We were able to keep the lender from declaring an official default on the loan and to help the two parties work out their differences. Ultimately, the company was able to complete that project that it was co-developing. That was a $750 million project called the East Bank Project, which is helping to transform downtown Cleveland. It was a blighted area and now EY's headquarters is there and a couple of law firms are also headquartered there. They're building quite a number of restaurants and apartments. So, this whole area that was blighted is really becoming a gem.
“... This engagement was nowhere near the biggest that we've had, but it's certainly had the greatest impact on the community."
Daniel A. DeMarco, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, TMA Ohio Chapter President
Having lived in other great American cities like Chicago and Houston, I can say without hesitation that Cleveland is as vital and dynamic as the best cities in North America. Cleveland's culture is alive, and the range is breathtaking. The city that gave us Rock'n'Roll is also home to arguably the best classical orchestra in the U.S. Playhouse Square, the city's theater district and the heart of Cleveland's performing arts has been reinvented and has been a catalyst for the surge in residents in the Downtown area. From the shores of the Great Lakes to an unparalleled network of parks in the city and region, the great outdoors beckons. The ethnic diversity of the city is a heritage that is proudly celebrated in places like the Westside Market and in countless local restaurants. Consistently a leader in the charitable, community, and philanthropic endeavors, Cleveland is a welcoming city we are proud to call home. Join us for The 2019 TMA Annual and experience why!
Joseph Esmont, BakerHostetler, 2019 NextGen Vice Chair
The 2019 TMA Annual is being held, appropriately, in a city undergoing its own award-winning turnaround. Downtown Cleveland underwent remarkable renovation in preparation for the opening of the Huntington Convention Center, the Global Center for Health Innovation, and the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The conference hotel, the Hilton Downtown, is one of at least half-dozen recent major downtown hotel projects, many of which incorporated historic architecture from the turn of the 20th century. Across the street is the Mall, a 26-acre public park, and just a short walk away is the newly revamped Public Square, where the world's first electric streetlights were installed in 1879. Also within walking distance are the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and FirstEnergy Stadium, once known as the “Factory of Sadness,” where the Cleveland Browns continue their own long-awaited turnaround.
Though it may be a small city, Cleveland provides big flavor. Reflecting the city's blue-collar, ethnic roots, you’ll find "Iron Chef" Michael Symon's eastern-European inspired BBQ, Slyman’s Deli’s world famous (and comically oversized) corned beef sandwiches, inspired pasta, mouthwatering Lebanese dishes, and hundreds of different pierogi. Many of these, along with traditional steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, Urban Farmer, and Red are a short walk away or can be reached via the "Smile & Ride Free" Trolley. And while Cleveland has a carnivorous vibe, it also offers lighter and healthier options, such as Pura Vida and Restore.
Amanda Baker, BakerHostetler and Maria Carr, McDonald Hopkins, TMA Ohio and TMA NextGen Members
Not only are there numerous businesses and industries that are headquartered in Cleveland, but Cleveland is home to a large manufacturing industry, the globally recognized Cleveland Clinic, and a number of small biotech companies, and hosts large offices for various insurance companies including Progressive (headquarters), Geico, and Oswald. In addition, multiple national banks are headquartered or have large offices in Cleveland, including KeyBank, Fifth Third, PNC, and Huntington. The Cleveland downtown and adjacent neighborhoods have been revitalized in the past decade and are now home to a vibrant dining and social scene. Many of the restaurants are run by nationally recognized chefs, such as Michael Symon, and a number of craft breweries and specialty cocktail bars have opened in the area.
Cleveland is also the home of three professional sports franchises and the internationally renowned Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Just east of downtown is an area known as University Circle, home to Case Western Reserve University and several impressive museums, including the newly redone Cleveland Art Museum. Just west of downtown is an area known as Ohio City, which features the West Side Market, the famous Great Lakes Brewery, and numerous other cutting edge bars and restaurants.
With all of these options to explore, it is astounding how affordable and easy it is to both access and live in the greater Cleveland area!
