The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion Forum Series brings the region’s most influential leaders together to engage in cross-sector conversations that leverage our existing economic inclusion programs and resources, ensuring that minority and women-owned business firms receive continued access to opportunities.

1. THE NORTHEAST OHIO
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
FORUM SERIES
THE TIME IS NOW.
“We are seeing historic investments, yet there “Historically, the people that helped to build
continues to be institutional barriers to access, the city of Cleveland called it home. I want to
stifling upward mobility for minority [and women] return to that tradition and make sure those
owned businesses all over our State. So, the question Cleveland residents, female and minority-owned
for us today as we build upon existing collaborative businesses, and local companies benefit from
efforts, is this: What does an economic inclusion this most recent significant investment in
agenda look like for our region?” our infrastructure.”
~ U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown ~ City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson

2. Collaborative action to move the
needle on economic inclusion in 2012.
With billions of dollars in new infrastructure and business investment in Northeast Ohio, opportunities abound for
sustained economic growth in our region. It has never been more important than now to ensure the success of small
businesses that create local jobs and fuel our economy – particularly minority, women and historically disadvantaged
small businesses.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion Forum Series brings the region’s most influential leaders together to
leverage our existing inclusion efforts while creating a new framework for success that ensures entrepreneurs receive
fair access to current procurement opportunities. In essence, the Forum Series seeks to collectively leverage the
great work of the Commission on Economic Inclusion, Jumpstart Inclusion Advisors, the Minority Business Center,
Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, National Association of Women Business Owners, Northeast
Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and several others.
THE NORTHEAST OHIO
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
FORUM SERIES

3. THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE?
At the conclusion of the forum series, participants will develop a regional plan for inclusion
– and collectively act upon that plan. Ultimately, the goal is to change in the economic
landscape by substantially improving the survivorship and growth of diverse suppliers
across Northeast Ohio.
This challenge cannot be taken lightly. The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion Forum
Series takes a strategic, sequential approach that builds on the deliverables from each
previous event toward collective action. Each event also leverages insight from women
and minority entrepreneurs. At the concluding forum, representatives from all stakeholder
groups will kick-off a year-long effort to effectively move the needle.
THE NORTHEAST OHIO
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
FORUM SERIES

4. THE NORTHEAST OHIO
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
FORUM SERIES

5. THE NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM SERIES
EVENT STRUCTURE
The forum series leverages the strengths of leaders in of each sector of our community. Public
sector leaders will work to identify the challenges to effective economic inclusion. Nonprofit
organizations, funders and mission-driven organizations will build on the work of the public sector
by designing recommendations. Private sector executives will design metrics and create a tactical
plan. Throughout the forum series, insight from minority and women entrepreneurs will inform
the discussion. Finally, representatives from all sectors will come together to ensure accountability
and evaluate progress as the region successfully “moves the needle” on economic inclusion in 2012.
PHASE ONE: Identify challenges. PHASE TWO: Define solutions.
NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM
PHASE ONE: IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES PHASE TWO: DEFINING SOLUTIONS
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR PERSPECTIVES FROM THE NONPROFIT SECTOR
MARCH 31ST, 2011 SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2011
Sixty-one elected and appointed officials from the public Approximately 150 executives from the nonprofit sector,
sector, including federal, state and local government offices, including foundations, arts and research organizations,
take the essential first step to improvement by identifying the universities, as well as CDCs and traditional economic
barriers to economic inclusion across our region and our state. development organizations, discuss how current best
practices can be applied and existing resources utilized to
address challenges identified in the public sector forum.
PHASE THREE: Design tactics. PHASE FOUR: Ensure accountability.
NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM
PHASE THREE: DESIGNING TACTICS PHASE FOUR: ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR PERSPECTIVES FROM ALL SECTORS
MARCH 5TH, 2012 SUMMER 2012
Top executives from the region’s business community assess Representatives from all sectors gather at the culminating event to
all forum feedback to date, using previous forums as a guide to individually and collectively embrace the results of their efforts – a
design an overarching economic inclusion strategy, a concrete defined, measurable course of action to be employed by all sectors,
and measurable tactical plan and associated success metrics. providing benchmarks and guidelines for accountability in 2012.
THE NORTHEAST OHIO
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
FORUM SERIES

6. NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM SERIES
EVENT STRUCTURE [ CONTINUED ]
PHASE FIVE: Move the needle.
NORTHEAST OHIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION FORUM
PHASE FIVE: MOVING THE NEEDLE
COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT FROM LEADERS ACROSS NORTHEAST OHIO
2012 THROUGH 2013
Although the forum series is a historic first step to designing a regional
framework for economic inclusion in Northeast Ohio, the most important element
of the initiative is collective action. After having framed the issue, uncovered the
challenges, designed recommendations and a tactical plan, leaders from across
the region will work toward defined success metrics to literally “move the needle”
– substantially driving growth among the region’s diverse suppliers.
Throughout 2012, economic inclusion milestones will be
documented and evaluated. Public, private and nonprofit sector
organizations will work individually and collectively to enact the
Northeast Ohio Regional Economic Inclusion Plan.
Most importantly, at the conclusion of this process, a substantial number of
diverse suppliers across our region will have improved survivorship rates,
achieved sustainable growth and profitability strategies, increased capacity,
expanded social capital, and attained better access to financial capital.
DID YOU KNOW?
• According to the U.S. Census, minority and
women entrepreneurs are the fastest growing
segment of small business, collectively owning
more than 50% of all small businesses.
– Over 65% of the jobs in the U.S. were created by small businesses
– Small businesses created 31% of U.S. export value in 2007
– Roughly 37% of all minority businesses are owned by women
– Women-owned businesses have sales receipts of over $1.7 trillion
THE NORTHEAST OHIO
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
FORUM SERIES

7. 12
Winter
Media
Contact:
Dr.
Rachel
Talton
216.461.0008
rtalton@synergyloyalty.com
FACT
SHEET
WHAT:
Northeast
Ohio
Economic
Inclusion
Forum
Series
No.
3
–
Designing
Tactics
Perspectives
from
the
Private
Sector
100
C-­‐LEVEL
EXECUTIVES
–
ONE
COMMON
GOAL:
Join
the
most
influential
corporate
executives
in
our
region
to
leverage
our
community’s
existing
inclusion
efforts
and
create
a
new
framework
for
success
that
will
fuel
sustained
economic
growth.
The
Northeast
Ohio
Economic
Inclusion
Forum
Series
brings
the
region’s
most
influential
leaders
together
to
engage
in
cross-­‐sector
conversations
that
leverage
our
existing
economic
inclusion
programs
and
resources,
ensuring
that
minority
and
women-­‐owned
business
firms
receive
continued
access
to
opportunities.
The
goal
is
to
help
create
prosperous
businesses
that
lead
to
flourishing
communities
with
new
jobs
and
improved
quality
of
life
for
Northeast
Ohio
citizens.
WHO:
In
this
third
forum
of
four,
you
will
hear
substantive
insights
from
Chris
Connor,
CEO
of
Sherwin-­‐Williams;
Sandy
Pianalto,
CEO
of
the
Federal
Reserve
Bank
of
Cleveland;
and
Warren
Anderson
of
Anderson-­‐DuBose,
in
a
panel
moderated
by
Director
David
Hinson
of
the
U.S.
Department
of
Commerce.
WHEN:
Monday,
March
5,
2012
1:00
–
3:00
pm
WHERE:
Corporate
College
East
4400
Richmond
Road,
Warrensville
Hts.,
OH
44128
Phone:
216.987.2800
WHY:
During
this
session,
participants
will
define
a
targeted,
comprehensive
economic
inclusion
action
plan
for
public,
private
and
nonprofit
sector
organizations
across
the
region
to
embrace
and
implement.
Economic
inclusion
isn’t
just
the
right
thing
to
do;
it’s
the
smart,
strategic
thing
to
do.
The
Northeast
Ohio
Economic
Inclusion
Forum
Series

8.
Media
Contact:
Dr.
Rachel
Talton
Synergy
216.461.0008
rtalton@synergyloyalty.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Top
Corporate
Executives
Create
Framework
for
Economic
Growth
at
Inclusion
Forum
(CLEVELAND,
OH,
February
29,
2012)
―
The
third
highly-­‐anticipated
forum
on
economic
inclusion
will
be
held
on
Monday,
March
5,
from
1:00
to
3:00
pm
at
Corporate
College
East,
4400
Richmond
Road,
Warrensville
Hts.,
OH
44128.
This
invitation-­‐only
event
will
bring
together
more
than
100
C-­‐level
executives
with
one
common
goal—
to
leverage
inclusion
as
an
economic
driver
in
Northeast
Ohio.
These
executives
seek
to
help
minority,
women
and
historically
disadvantaged
businesses
grow,
create
jobs
and
improve
the
quality
of
life
for
Northeast
Ohio
citizens.
In
this
third
forum
of
four,
substantive
insights
will
be
presented
by
Chris
Connor,
CEO
of
Sherwin-­‐
Williams;
Sandy
Pianalto,
CEO
of
the
Federal
Reserve
Bank
of
Cleveland;
and
Warren
Anderson,
President
of
Anderson-­‐DuBose,
in
a
panel
moderated
by
Director
David
Hinson
of
the
U.S.
Department
of
Commerce.
Jeff
Cohen,
CEO
of
Rock
Companies
and
Vice
Chairman
of
the
Cleveland
Cavaliers,
will
provide
the
keynote
address.
This
collaborative
effort
is
sponsored
in
part
by
the
Ohio
Department
of
Transportation
(ODOT)
District
12,
COSE,
JumpStart,
the
Cleveland
Foundation,
the
Commission
on
Economic
Inclusion,
the
Fund
For
Our
Economic
Future,
and
many
others.
"For
families,
business
owners,
recent
college
graduates
and
local
leaders,
economic
opportunity
should
know
no
barriers,"
Senator
Brown
said.
"This
forum
is
a
part
of
a
continued
effort
to
eliminate
the
obstacles
to
economic
growth
by
encouraging
economic
inclusion
and
job
creation
for
women
and
minorities
in
Northeast
Ohio."
This
coming
June,
the
Northeast
Ohio
Economic
Inclusion
Collaborative
will
unveil
the
culminating
strategy
developed
by
over
500
public,
private
and
nonprofit
leaders.
The
June
event
will
be
hosted
by
the
Marriott
at
Key
Center
and
will
begin
the
implementation
of
the
18-­‐month
plan
to
“Move
the
Needle”
on
economic
inclusion
in
our
region.
For
more
information
about
the
Northeast
Ohio
Economic
Inclusion
Forum
Series,
visit
synergyloyalty.com/economicinclusion.
###

9. Speaker, Panelist and
Facilitator Biographies
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

10. Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen, CEO Rock Companies, Vice Chairman Cleveland Cavaliers
Principal Rock Gaming LLC
Jeff is CEO and Founder of the Rock Companies, which includes the following family of companies: Rock
Construction Company, Inc., Rock Equities LLC and Rock Management LLC. Rock Construction is a
builder and developer that was founded in 1991 and has principal offices in Detroit, Michigan. With its
affiliates, the company has developed, built and managed numerous commercial and residential projects
including offices, custom homes, condominiums, apartment communities and arenas. Rock Construction
is a licensed Michigan residential builder, a member of the Michigan Association of Home Builders, and
licensed Michigan real estate broker.
Rock Equities was formed in 2001 as a vehicle for pursuing real estate investment opportunities. Its
holdings have included properties in Florida, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. Rock
Equities has over $1 billion in transactions since its inception.
Rock Management is a property management company that manages many of the Rock Companies’ holdings, particularly its properties
in Southeastern Michigan, Metropolitan Orlando, North Carolina, and Southeast Ohio. Rock Management currently manages over 2,000
residential units, Quicken Loans Arena (The “Q”) and the Cleveland Cavalier player development facility.
In June 2002, Cohen was part of a small group of investors that purchased Quicken Loans (which today consists of Quicken Loans, Rock
Financial and Title Source) from Intuit Inc. Quicken Loans closed a record $29 billion in 2010.
In 2005, Cohen was part of an investor group that acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball club of the National Basketball Association,
becoming its Vice Chairman in 2009. The ownership group, is responsible for a complete overhaul of the franchise, including the front
office executive team, coaching staff, player personnel and game presentation. The group also renovated the newly named “Quicken
Loans Arena,” (known as “The Q”) including new seats, state-of-the-art scoreboards, video systems, sound systems, arena graphics,
signage, security, locker rooms, and suite upgrades. Rock Companies was responsible for overseeing the above construction activity,
and acted as the Construction Manager/Owners Representative for the new state-of-the-art 55,000 square foot Cavalier Practice Facility
named Cleveland Clinic Courts.
In 2006, Cohen was part of an investor group that acquired and currently operates two consumer–based, technology centered businesses
– ePrize, an online promotions company; and Fathead LLC, which licenses and sells a new category of product for the true sports
enthusiast. A “Fathead” is a life-size, colorful, vinyl wall graphic of star athletes and logos from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and
NASCAR, as well as Hollywood entertainment characters.
In November 2009, Jeff was part of a group that successfully backed a state constitutional amendment bringing casino gaming to
Ohio. Rock Gaming will own and operate casinos in downtown Cleveland and downtown Cincinnati. The casinos are expected to
open in 2013. It is estimated that this initiative will create 34,000 jobs and roughly $650 million dollars in tax revenue annually
statewide. Rock Companies is responsible for overseeing the casino construction activities which total more than $1 billion.
Additionally, Cohen’s group owns and operates Flash Seats, LLC. Flash Seats has created technology and processes that replaces
physical tickets for large sports and entertainment events with an electronic approach and offers a secure, online marketplace for
transferring and selling tickets in a digital format. The Cavaliers are the first team in professional sports to use this new technology.
Cohen is a Director of the National Association of Home Builders, the Michigan Association of Homebuilders, and serves on the Legislative
Affairs Committee of the Michigan Association of Homebuilders. He is currently President of JARC Properties—a non-profit organization
providing housing and services to the developmentally disabled—and also serves on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit. He is active in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation as well as various other charitable organizations.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

11. Jodi Leigh Berg
Jodi Leigh Berg
As a fourth-generation family member Jodi Berg is taking the world leader in
high-performance blending equipment, for home and commercial use, to the next
level.
Prior to becoming president in 2009, Berg led the company’s sales and marketing
efforts through significant global and domestic growth. She catapulted Vita-Mix
from a company that only dabbled in international sales to a recognized leader in
global business strategy.
Before joining Vitamix in 1997, Berg has held management positions within
the world-renowned hospitality companies of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
and Marriott Corporation. With a strong background in sales, and as a certified
quality auditor and director of quality and training, Berg traveled the globe to
train companies and government officials on the leadership practices of The Ritz-
Carlton Hotel Company and of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Berg received her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University and her
master’s degree from Washington State University.
About Vita-Mix
Vita-Mix Corporation is the world leader in high-performance blending
equipment for home and commercial use. Recognized for product and marketing
innovation, the privately owned company has specialized in versatile and
durable kitchen equipment since 1921. Today, Vita-Mix blending equipment
can be found in the finest cooking schools, hotels, restaurants and homes around
the world, confirming its reputation as the industry’s most praised provider of
innovative blending solutions. Since developing the first true commercial blender
in the early 1990s, Vita-Mix has continued to deliver industry-leading home
and commercial products – demonstrated by the company’s array of product
innovation and performance awards. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Vita-
Mix has distribution in more than 80 countries. For more information, visit www.
vitamix.com.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

12. David Hinson
David Hinson, National Director
As National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Mr.
Hinson oversees a national operation of five regional offices and 48 minority business
centers. This operation expands the U.S. economy and creates new jobs by providing
services to promote the growth and global competitiveness of minority businesses.
Since the start of the Obama Administration, this operation has assisted minority-
owned firms in obtaining nearly $7 billion in contracts and capital, creating nearly
11,000 new jobs.
The overall mission of MBDA is to achieve economic parity for the minority business
community. In order to achieve this goal, MBDA is focused on building the foundation
for the next generation of $100 million minority-owned companies.
Mr. Hinson is uniquely qualified to lead MBDA. Prior to joining MBDA, Mr. Hinson
was President and CEO of Wealth Management Network, Inc., a multi-million dollar
independent, financial advisory boutique. Before his own path into entrepreneurship,
Mr. Hinson managed a 10-state sales region as Director of Advisory Services and
Managing Director of Business Development for Envestnet Asset Management, a
publicly traded, $70 billion financial advisory firm.
In addition, Mr. Hinson previously held a variety of senior-level and mid-management
positions at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley & Company, First Chicago (now JP
Morgan Chase) and the Village Foundation.
Mr. Hinson received an MBA in finance from The University of Pennsylvania
Wharton School, and a bachelor’s degree in insurance and finance with honors from
Howard University in Washington, DC. In addition, he completed a fellowship in
international finance with honors from the Stockholm School of Economics and
graduate-level studies in French with honors at the University of Abidjan, in Ivory
Coast, West Africa.
Mr. Hinson is a native of St. Louis, MO., and currently resides in Washington, DC.
MBDA. Your Strategic Growth Partner. www.mbda.gov
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

13. Warren Anderson
Warren Anderson is the President and General Manager of The Anderson-DuBose
Company. The Anderson-DuBose Company is a distributor of various products to
nearly 500 McDonald’s restaurants in northeastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and
West Virginia and over 40 Chipotle Mexican Grills.
Warren became the owner of the McDonald’s distribution center in Solon, Ohio
in 1991. During his career, Warren has created and/or sold several businesses
including: A&W Carbonics, a liquid carbonics company; KWA, a leasing equipment
company; A-D South Africa, a food distributorship serving McDonald’s franchisees
in Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa. Most recently, Mr. Anderson acquired
a Miller/Coors beer distributorship in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and an additional
McDonald’s distributorship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has over 300 employees
and gross sales of approximately $326 million. Anderson-DuBose is currently the
seventeenth largest African-American industrial-service company in the United
States, and the number one largest African-American company in Ohio.
Warren graduated from The University of Michigan, School of Literature, Science
and the Arts majoring in Radio and Television Production with a Bachelor of General
Science degree in 1974. He then entered The University of Michigan’s School of
Communication and graduated with Master’s degree in 1976 majoring in Broadcast
Journalism.
Beginning his career in 1975, Warren held various positions at radio and television
companies in Washington DC, Detroit, New York and Hartford. Some of these
positions include Account Executive, National and Local Sales Manager and lastly,
General Sales Manager.
Currently, being a board member of Playhouse Square Foundation, Cleveland Clinic
Foundation Minority Men’s Health Center and Cleveland Clinic Urological & Kidney
Institute, Warren feels very strongly about being able to give back to the community.
The Anderson-DuBose Company contributes to various organizations including:
United Way, United Black Fund, NAACP, United Negro College Fund, and the Ronald
McDonald House. Warren is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland Class of 1995 and a
member of the World President’s Organization.
The son of Edward and Dorothy Anderson, he has one sister Cheryl and two children
of his own: son Khari and daughter Alana.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

14. Christopher M. Connor
Christopher M. Connor is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Sherwin-
Williams Company, an $8.0 Billion Global Leader in the Paint and Coatings Industry.
Mr. Connor was elected Chief Executive Officer by the Company’s Board of Directors
on October 25, 1999 and added the title of Chairman on April 26, 2000.
Mr. Connor, 55, began his employment with The Sherwin-Williams Company in
1983 as Director of Advertising for the Paint Stores Group. Over his 28-year career
with Sherwin-Williams, Mr. Connor has held a number of increasingly important
assignments in many different functional areas of the Company. In every one of these
assignments he has been privileged to work with the outstanding men and women of
Sherwin-Williams as they have prospered and grown the Company together. Today,
Sherwin-Williams operates over 3,350 paint stores in the United States, owns many
of the paint and coatings industry leading brand names, and sells products in over 100
countries around the world. Sherwin-Williams’ culture of excellence has created an
environment where outstanding technology, strong marketing, operational excellence
and engagement all continue to play a role in the Company’s growing success.
Sherwin-Williams has been recognized by many business publications for financial
excellence, integrity of business practices, strong track record of dividend payments
and notably, by Fortune Magazine, as one of our nation’s top 100 companies to work
for on three separate occasions.
In addition to The Sherwin-Williams Company Board of Directors, Mr. Connor serves
on the board of the Eaton Corporation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
His many civic and community board engagements include the Greater Cleveland
Partnership, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, The Playhouse Square
Foundation, University Hospitals Health System, United Way Services of Greater
Cleveland, Team NEO, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University, the
National Manufacturers Association and The American Coatings Association. Mr.
Connor is the past Chairman of the Board for Keep America Beautiful, University
Hospitals Health System and Walsh Jesuit High School.
Mr. Connor is a 1974 graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School and a 1978 graduate of
The Ohio State University. He and his wife, Sara, have three adult children.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

15. Sandra Pianalto
Sandra Pianalto, President and Chief Executive Officer
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
As president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland,
Sandra Pianalto has both national and local leadership responsibilities. She
participates in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy, and she oversees 1,100
employees in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh who conduct economic research,
supervise financial institutions, and provide payment services to commercial banks
and the U.S. government.
Ms. Pianalto’s tenure with the Bank spans 28 years. She joined the Bank in 1983 as
an economist in the Research Department. She was appointed assistant vice president
of public affairs in 1984, vice president and secretary to the board of directors in
1988, and first vice president and chief operating officer in 1993. She assumed her
position as president in 2003.
Before joining the Bank, Ms. Pianalto was an economist at the Federal Reserve Board
of Governors and served on the staff of the Budget Committee of the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Ms. Pianalto is active in the Fourth District’s civic community. She is immediate
past chair and a life director of the board of United Way of Greater Cleveland. She
also serves on the boards of a number of other community organizations, including
The Cleveland Foundation, Greater Cleveland Partnership, College Now Greater
Cleveland, University Hospitals, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Ms. Pianalto earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from The University of
Akron and an MA in economics from The George Washington University. She is a
graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Duke University’s Fuqua School
of Business and holds honorary degrees from The University of Akron, Baldwin-
Wallace College, Kent State University, Ursuline College, Notre Dame College,
Cleveland State University, and John Carroll University.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

16. Steve Millard
Steve Millard, CCE, President and Executive Director
Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE)
Steve Millard is president & executive director of the Council of Smaller Enterprises
(COSE) and has served in that role since 1999. Steve’s work is focused on advocating
for the needs of small businesses with policymakers and the community and leading
COSE to do whatever is possible to improve the ability for small business owners to
achieve their goals. Prior to joining COSE, Steve spent five years as a management
consultant in the strategic services practice for Andersen Consulting and also was
formerly a supply chain specialist at GE Healthcare (formerly GE Medical Systems).
Steve currently serves on the boards of the National Small Business Association; the
Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio; the Community Partnership for Arts and
Culture; the Presidents Council Foundation; the United Way of Greater Cleveland;
and the Center for Community Solutions.
Steve earned top honors in both the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree from
Syracuse University and his MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Steve is
a certified chamber executive which is the topdesignation conferred in the chamber
industry for professional achievement. Steve and his wife Lisa, reside in Auburn
Township (Northeast Ohio) with their two children, Lexie (13) and Ben (9).
About COSE
Since its creation in 1972, the Council of Smaller Enterprise’s (COSE) mission has
been simple…to help its more than 14,000 member small businesses to succeed by
advancing their common interests and their common cause. And COSE does that in a
number of ways: first, it connects members to each other to help them find and share
the peer-based knowledge, support and resources they need to thrive; second, COSE
saves members money on the costs of doing business by leveraging their collective
buying power; and finally COSE serves as the voice of small business within the
community and on important legislative and regulatory issues in Washington D.C.,
Columbus and local city halls.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

17. Sonya Pryor-Jones
Sonya Pryor-Jones is a life long learner and change agent with 15 years of
experience in K-20 education. Sonya has been involved in some of Northeast
Ohio’s most high risk and high reward initiatives ranging from the opening of the
community’s first national Blue Ribbon charter school to the design and launch of
a regional education effort with over 50 non profit and business partners. In 2011
Sonya established her own education and organizational development consultancy,
Synchronicity Consulting LLC. Her current body of work includes facilitation,
planning, and project management for clients like the Cleveland Public Library, Big
Picture Learning, and Maya Design. She is also a sought after speaker with recent
engagements including the Aspen Ideas Festival, National Governors Association,
and the Project Lead the Way Innovation Summit discussing innovation in education,
and the role of teaching and learning in today’s global society.
Most recently, Sonya was the Executive Director of The Metropolitan Cleveland
Consortium for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (MC2 STEM), the
regional hub for the Ohio STEM Learning Network. This public-private partnership
(including Battelle, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation,
General Electric, and NASA) was established to promote and amplify STEM
education for Northeast Ohio. During her tenure, Sonya secured over $3.5 million
in funds, led the design and opening of two new regional high schools, managed the
build of the MIT Mobile Fab Lab 2.0, and provided support to over a dozen schools
and out-of-school STEM programs.
Sonya received a B.A. in International Studies and History from Kenyon College,
and a M.Ed. in Education-Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State
University. She also holds Certificates in Executive Education and Appreciative
Inquiry from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve
University.
A community leader, Sonya was selected as a 2006 Cleveland Foundation CORO
Executive Fellow. During this cross-sector fellowship experience, Sonya managed
projects for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Eaton Corporation, The City
of Cleveland, University Circle Inc., and the Cleveland Foundation. In June 2009,
Sonya traveled to Europe as a German Marshall Memorial Fellow and studied the
political issues of the day in Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Montenegro, and
Germany to build transatlantic relations.
Sonya has also served the community as a board member for Sankofa Fine Arts Plus,
ACE Mentor Program, the Glenville Development Corporation, and the Workforce
Investment Board Youth Council. She and her family are also active members of
Church of the Master, and the South Euclid neighborhood association.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

18. Charmaine D. Brown
Charmaine D. Brown
Director, Diversity and Inclusion
Charmaine D. Brown is the Director, Diversity and Inclusion at Forest City Enterprises,
Inc., a national owner, operator and developer of distinctive and diversified real
estate. In her role, Brown is responsible for guiding the Company’s diversity and
inclusion strategy.
Joining Forest City in November 2004, Brown is focused on increasing the impact of
Diversity and Inclusion throughout the organization. She is responsible for achieving
results in the area of talent management, culture and market strategies. In addition she
has responsibility for cultivating relationships with national and local organizations
to support the companies’ inclusion and philanthropic efforts.
Prior to joining Forest City, Brown was corporate manager of diversity and inclusion
at Charter One Financial, Inc. During her time at Charter One, Brown was responsible
for developing and implementing a corporate diversity and inclusion program and
establishing corporate goals for diversity.
Brown is very active in the community serving on a number of boards in various
capacities including the Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council,
Family Connections and Milestones Autism. In addition, she is a member of the
United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Human Resource Advisory Committee and the
Cleveland Commission on Economic Inclusion’s Member Impact committee. She
is a graduate from the class 2009 Cleveland Bridge Builder program. Brown has
also been active in numerous community events and initiatives. In 2003, Brown was
president of the Partnership of African American’s in Human Resources and former
hostess with the Society of Urban Professionals also known as S.O.U.P@Nite.
Brown attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., where she
earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She is certified as a Professional
Human Resource through the Society of Human Resource Management and holds
a certification.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

19. Dustin S. Klein
Dustin S. Klein is Publisher & Executive Editor of Smart Business Magazine
& Events, a national multimedia company based in Cleveland, Ohio. The
company provides management and leadership insight, advice and strategy
through numerous mediums, including 17 regional publications, more than 60
annual conferences and events, a series of Websites, Content Marketing, Apps,
Website development, video creation, and a book division. Smart Business is
the nation’s largest publisher of local management journals, with nearly three-
quarters of a million C-level executive readers.
In his capacity as Publisher & Executive Editor, Dustin is responsible for
managing the company’s day-to-day operations. He directs production of
all Smart Business publications and events; manages the editorial, Insights,
production, circulation, events, books, content marketing, digital division, and
interactive departments; works with the sales team and Smart Business clients
to develop content-related products that position them as thought leaders.
Under his direction, Smart Business and its editorial team have received more
than 70 local, state and national journalism awards. Dustin, himself, has been
recognized more than a dozen times with awards for his reporting, column
writing, and editing.
He is a regular speaker on such issues as innovation, media relations,
management, leadership and the role of media in the business world. Dustin
has authored or co-authored three books, including Lost in the Shadows,
Stella’s Way, and most recently, The Benevolent Dictator. He is currently
co-authoring a book on “unexpected” customer service with the founder and
CEO of one of the nation’s largest privately held companies.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

20. Barbara Oney
Barbara Oney has been a leader and innovator in business management, marketing and business alliances
for over 25 years. Ms. Oney has held senior positions in leading multi-national corporations where her
“intrapreneurial” work served to grow multi-million dollar divisions. She is also a serial Entrepreneur
having formed and sold several companies. Her career focus has been as an entrepreneur as well as a
business leader in management, sales, marketing, entertainment and tourism.
Ms. Oney is currently CEO/Founder of the UNCOMN.TV Network LLC, parent company to Got*City
GAME! - a web-based talent attraction initiative using digital technology to promote the career, education
and neighborhood assets of Northeast Ohio cities. Ms Oney is a recipient of the Cleveland Foundation’s
Civic Innovation Lab Grant; was named “Hero to the Region” by the Employers Resource Council for the
show’s talent attraction impact (ERC, largest HR organization in NEO); and has received Scene Magazine’s
“Best of Cleveland” for “Craziest idea that just might work”. Most recently the company was awarded
the GLIDE Innovation Fund Grant, a Third Frontier funded early stage fund for innovative technology
companies with the potential for rapid growth and job creation in Northeast Ohio. And, in January, the
company received the TITC Ohio status, (Technology Investment Tax Credit). This award is granted to
promising emerging technologies and provides a 25% tax credit to investors in the company.
Ms. Oney also serves as Executive Director of the UNCOMNTV Foundation Inc. a non-profit
corporation dedicated to attracting and retaining talent to Northeast Ohio by generating post-secondary scholarships and internships and
through the development of volunteer networks that leverage Collaborative Community Engagement to effectively create and sustain brain-
gain resources and initiatives that positively impact the emerging workforce of 15-35 year olds.
Ms. Oney is also a managing partner in the marketing and business consulting company, TRUST LLC. The TRUST GROUP LLC is a
consortium of five award-winning marketer/business owners providing marketing expertise and collaborative training built on the principle
of Trust-building.
Ms. Oney served as interim Executive Director for Cleveland’s Red {an orchestra} in 2005-2006. Her responsibilities included staff and
facility management, marketing and PR. She was also the Executive Producer for the first simulcast of an orchestra into the 3-D web-world
“Second Life” through a unique alliance with Red {an orchestra}, Case, CSU and OneCommunity and the New Media Consortium.
From 2004 – 2005, Ms. Oney was the Chief Marketing Officer for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland (CVB)
– now Positively Cleveland. While there she conducted long-overdue audits to evaluate bottom-line deliverables, eliminate waste and set
baselines for ROI metrics. In addition, she launched the CVB’s first fully integrated marketing campaign “See Something New”. Enhanced
and expanded technology-based marketing strategies accounted for a 10% reduction in marketing costs in key areas. She was responsible
for establishing internal systems to stream-line the marketing and sales process. Marketing alliances were developed with key events such
as the Rock Hall’s CMJ Music Fest and the Grand Prix as well as with Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Team NEO and College 360 to leverage
for enhanced target marketing and financial efficiency.
Prior to moving back to Cleveland in 2001 she served as Vice President of Universal Studios. While there she developed an in-house
marketing promotional department that provided over $11 million in incremental media and sponsorship exposure within the first 9 months.
As the departmental representative to Universal Studio’s strategic partners she worked with many global companies such as Coca-Cola,
Kodak and UNICEF on multi-departmental initiatives.
Before working at Universal Studios, Ms. Oney was founder and president of Barbara Watts and Associates, Inc. (BWA). For over
seven years, the full-service agency represented clients such as Warner Bros., Hollywood Video, Andrew Jergens, Universal Television and
HBO secured multi-million dollar corporate partnerships that included event sponsorships, licensing, promotions and integrated alliance
marketing for both leading package goods corporations and entertainment companies. BWA was sold in 1998.
In 1990 Ms. Oney joined Twentieth Century Fox as Director of Worldwide Promotions. In this position she managed the sale and
execution of promotions and corporate partnerships with film, video and television properties on both a domestic and international basis.
Ms. Oney delivered the largest alliance deal ever realized by the film division in Japan with the Home Alone/Kentucky Fried Chicken deal.
An alliance campaign she developed between Home Alone and Pepsi in the US secured over $8 million dollars in media for the video and
increased Pepsi sales by nearly $200 million.
With MGM/UA Home Video in 1986, she started-up and managed a division that handled all of the direct mail, premium, laser and
promotional licensing deals. She was directly responsible for contracting and managing the fulfillment facility, establishing all of the
marketing, sales, accounting and tracking procedures. She was also the Direct Mail Sales Representative where she was responsible for
negotiating agreements with leading direct mail companies like Time Life Books and Columbia House for programs that delivered up to $10
Million a year in sales.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

21. Darrin Redus
Darrin Redus
Darrin Redus
Chief Economic Inclusion Officer of JumpStart Inc.
Darrin is Chief Economic Inclusion Officer of JumpStart Inc., the Cleveland‐based nonprofit
transforming the economic impact of entrepreneurial ventures and the ecosystems supporting
their growth. Under his direction, JumpStart’s inclusion strategy, which includes a holistic
approach to increasing the success of minority, women, and inner‐city entrepreneurs in
growing high impact companies, has emerged as an innovative model attracting national
attention. Darrin also leads a team of inclusion advisors in creating and implementing
specific programs to prepare minority and female owned and inner‐city based
entrepreneurial ventures for investment.
Before joining JumpStart, Darrin was Founder and CEO of Redus Small Business Advisors,
LLC, a strategic planning and management assistance firm Darrin established in 2003. Prior
to that, Darrin dedicated 16 years to the commercial banking and finance industry, holding
a series of senior level management positions with National City Corporation and KeyCorp.
At National City, Darrin served the small and middle market business community,
providing leadership and support for enterprises ranging from startups to international
firms with up to $100 million in annual revenues. At KeyCorp, Darrin was Senior Vice
President in charge of the company’s business banking operations for Ohio, Michigan, and
Indiana. Darrin holds an MBA from Baldwin‐Wallace College and an undergraduate degree
from Mount Union College.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES
FORUM SERIES

22. Kathryn M. Hall
Kathryn M. Hall is the Director of Major Gifts for Health Programs at The Cleveland
Museum of Natural History. In this capacity she is responsible for resource development
for educational programs, exhibits and distance learning programs associated with
health. Kathryn first came to the Museum in April, 2008 as the Resource Specialist
for the traveling exhibit RACE: Are we so different? As a result of her leadership the
Museum had more than 95,000 individuals visited the exhibit. Additionally she raised
almost $200,000.00 in sponsorship dollars to support the wealth of public programming
that took place as part of the exhibit, exceeding all previous sponsorships in Museum
history.
Currently Hall has also worked as an HR and Inclusion Consultant with the Evergreen
Cooperative Companies. She supported the launch of the first three Cooperative
Companies. Two additional companies are scheduled to open in the coming year.
Evergreen has received numerous local, national and international acclaim as a result
of these efforts. Evergreen is changing the face of employment, economic inclusion
and wealth building in the Greater University Circle neighborhoods. Hall has had her
diversity consulting practice for more than ten years.
Hall was formerly the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Equity, at Case Western Reserve University
where she was employed for four years. While at Case she was responsible for providing executive leadership for Diversity
efforts throughout the University and its eight schools. She was also in charge of the University’s Supplier Diversity
Program. The University was awarded numerous awards and honors in diversity as a result of her executive leadership in
supplier diversity.
Prior to her employment at Case, Hall worked for thirteen years at Cuyahoga Community College as their Director of
Diversity and Community Outreach. In that role Hall created the Diversity Speakers Series, College wide Diversity Day
and in addition to managing the Supplier Diversity program for the College. Tri-C received numerous awards as a result of
her efforts.
Hall is a Certified Diversity Professional having received a Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Diversity
Management from Cleveland State University. Additionally, she earned Certification from NTL in Washington, D.C. with
specialization in Diversity Management after completing an 18 month training program. Kathryn received her undergraduate
degree from Baldwin Wallace College in Political Science and Sociology. Kathryn spends a lot of time in community service
throughout northeast Ohio. Hall is very active with the Greater Partnership, the Commission in Economic Inclusion and the
Northern Ohio Minority Business Council working on various committees that address economic inclusion and diversity.
She has served on the City of Cleveland Community Relations Board for three administrations having been appointed by
Mayors White, Campbell, and Jackson. She is a very active member of the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland Board
and serves on the Board of Trustees for Sankofa Fine Arts Plus. Hall was inducted into the 2006 and 2007 Class of Who’s
Who in Black Cleveland. She is a member of the Kaleidoscope Magazine’s 40/40 Club, The Cleveland EEO Association
and Black Professionals Association. She is a Mentor for the Cleveland Chapter of the National Black MBA Association,
and for Partners First, a local supplier diversity initiative.
Kathryn was recently inducted into 2010 John Hay High School Hall of Fame as an outstanding Alumnus. She is a resident
of Cleveland, Ohio and she enjoys music, traveling and collecting fine ethnic art. She describes herself as a people person
who is living life to the fullest while attempting to make a difference in the lives of others. Her passions are people, diversity
and economic inclusion.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

23. Carlos R. Fuentes
Carlos R. Fuentes
Expert Consultant, Finance and Procurement Strategies
U.S. Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency
Carlos R. Fuentes is an Expert Consultant for Finance and Procurement Strategies at the U.S.
Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency. Carlos was appointed to
his position in July, 2011 and he is responsible for supporting the federally funded, public-private
partnerships in the 10 states in the Midwest region. Carlos has specific oversight of the new
Minority Business Centers in Chicago, Cleveland, and Minneapolis.
The U.S. Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency is an
entrepreneurially focused organization committed to wealth creation in minority communities. The
Agency's mission is to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of large, medium and
small minority business enterprises (MBEs). Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Commerce,
Carlos was the Director of Minority Business Attraction of Team Northeast Ohio (Team NEO), the
regional private-sector-led economic development organization.
Team NEO’s mission is to market Northeast Ohio’s many assets as a location for business
investment and to work with individual companies on their investment/expansion programs.
Team NEO is a joint venture of the chambers of commerce of the major cities of the region,
including Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown.
Carlos is an experienced marketing, procurement and diversity professional with senior
leadership positions in the private, non-profit and now government sectors. Carlos has spent his
career specializing in serving diverse and multicultural consumer and business segments through
marketing, business development and strategic growth strategies. Over his 18-year career,
Carlos has been recognized as a national leader in diversity- and multicultural-related business
issues and has been invited to speak and lead training sessions at several national events.
Carlos is a native of Chicago, IL and holds a masters degree in International Affairs from Ohio
University in Athens, Ohio and a bachelor degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville,
Minnesota.
Carlos has demonstrated his leadership in serving the business and diversity community by his
wide range of public service activities, a brief listing includes:
• Commission on Economic Inclusion – Committee Co-Chair, Board of Advisors
• Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Chairman of the Board, Board of Directors
• MetroHealth Hospital Foundation – Director, Board of Directors
Carlos and his wife, Sheila, have two daughters and currently reside in Bay Village, Ohio.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES

24. Dr. Rachel Talton
Dr.
Talton
is
CEO
of
Synergy
Marketing
Strategy
&
Research,
Inc.
Synergy’s
purpose
is
to
build
trust
and
unleash
passion
in
organizations,
people
and
brands
from
the
inside
out.
Synergy
uses
a
unique
combination
of
expertise
in
research,
insight
and
strategy
-­‐
and
traditional
and
online
methodologies
-­‐
to
better
understand
consumer
and
employee
behaviors
and
leverage
opportunities
for
growth.
In
addition
to
Dr.
Talton’s
success
as
an
entrepreneur,
she
is
an
award-­‐winning
expert
and
published
scholar
in
the
areas
of
brand
trust
and
employee
loyalty.
Prior
to
founding
Synergy,
Dr.
Talton
was
Executive
Vice
President
of
Marketing
Programs,
Inc.,
where
she
led
Corporate
and
Business
Programs.
Between
1997
and
2001,
Dr.
Talton’s
consumer
insights
were
used
to
help
build
one
of
the
most
successful
retail
small
business
banking
programs
in
the
U.S.
for
National
City
Bank
(now
PNC).
In
2008,
Dr.
Talton
designed
the
Synergy
Trust
Index™
(STI),
which
measures
consumer
trust
and
distrust
in
the
largest
corporations
in
the
U.S.,
and
TrustTrends™,
which
ranks
the
most
trusted
brands
in
the
U.S.
These
tools
provide
executives
with
critical
information
to
drive
consumer
loyalty
in
varying
industry
environments.
In
early
2009,
Dr.
Talton
co-­‐founded
TRUST,
LLC
with
several
established
Northeast
Ohio
CEOs
in
the
marketing
disciplines.
To
support
its
mission,
Dr.
Talton
designed
“Women
in
Business
Pay
It
Forward,”
a
program
whereby
TRUST
LLC
donates
marketing
services
to
one
burgeoning
woman-­‐owned
company
per
year.
In
2010,
she
and
her
team
focused
energies
on
improving
economic
development
and
inclusion
throughout
the
Cleveland
Plus
region
with
the
design
and
implementation
of
the
Northeast
Ohio
Economic
Inclusion
Forum
Series.
The
four-­‐event
series
and
associated
action
plan
has
sparked
active
participation
from
hundreds
of
policy-­‐makers
and
executives
across
public,
private
and
nonprofit
sectors.
Dr.
Talton
serves
on
the
Board
of
Directors
and
Executive
Committee
of
Positively
Cleveland,
where
she
chairs
the
Marketing
Committee.
In
addition,
she
serves
on
the
Board
of
Directors
of
JumpStart,
Inc.
Dr.
Talton
is
a
graduate
of
the
Leadership
Cleveland
Class
of
2005
and
the
Cleveland
Bridge
Builders
Class
of
2002.
A
proud
member
of
the
Links,
Inc.,
Delta
Sigma
Theta
Sorority,
Inc.
and
the
PhD
Project,
Dr.
Talton
also
belongs
to
the
several
professional
organizations
including
the
Market
Research
Association,
the
American
Marketing
Association,
and
the
Academy
of
Management.
Dr.
Talton
earned
her
Doctor
of
Management
from
Case
Western
Reserve
University’s
Weatherhead
3634 West Market Street
Suite 104
School
of
Management,
where
she
serves
as
Adjunct
Professor
of
Marketing.
Her
research
is
focused
on
Fairlawn, OH 44333
the
impact
of
perceptions
of
trust,
satisfaction
and
value
on
consumer
loyalty
in
dynamic
industry
environments.
She
holds
an
M.B.A.
with
a
concentration
in
Finance
from
Cleveland
State
University
and
a
T: 216.431.0008
B.A.
in
Psychology.
She
is
a
lifetime
member
of
Beta
Gamma
Sigma
International
Business
Honor
Society.
F: 216.333.1180
rtalton@synergyloyalty.com
Recognized
for
excellence
by
several
organizations,
Dr.
Talton
was
selected
as
a
finalist
for
the
2010
synergyloyalty.com
Northeast
Ohio
ATHENA®
International
Award.
She
has
also
received
the
2010
NAWBO
Top
10
Women
Business
Owners
of
Northeast
Ohio
Award,
Crain’s
Cleveland
Business
Top
Forty
under
40,
Kaleidoscope
Magazine
Top
40-­‐Under-­‐Forty
leaders
in
Northeastern
Ohio,
Who’s
Who
in
Black
Cleveland,
and
the
2007
“Most
Influential
Business
Leaders
in
Northeast
Ohio”
of
the
Call
&
Post.
Additionally,
she
has
received
Synergy is a TRUST LLC company
the
Blue
Key
Oratory
Award,
Entrepreneur
of
the
Year
Award
and
is
the
recipient
of
the
Minority
Business
of
the
Year
award.
Dr.
Talton
has
been
featured
in
numerous
business
publications,
including
being
touted
as
one
of
the
premier
business
bloggers
among
African
Americans
with
her
company’s
blog,
TrustBranding.
Her
many
interests
include
international
travel,
community
service,
public
speaking,
writing,
art,
and
music.
The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion
FORUM SERIES