COSE Update - May 2012

GCP Board Chair Chris Connor says the Sherwin-Williams’ banner at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Ontario Street salutes the energy, talent and creativity embodied on a daily basis by the people of Northeast Ohio.

Meet the New GCP Board Chair: Chris Connor

The 2012 Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) Board of Directors, which includes 10 members from the COSE Board, has elected Chris Connor, chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Co., to a two-year term as GCP Board chair. Here Connor shares his vision.

QWhat are some of the GCP economic development priorities you will focus on first?

AIn the past two years, under the very capable leadership of our previous chair-
man, Bill Christopher, the organization has
become involved in several issues that I’ll
continue to champion. They include:
•;Preserving the hub at Hopkins, which is
a major asset for both the business com-
munity and leisure travelers; it gives us
a significant competitive advantage over
Midwest cities of comparable or even
larger size.

•;Supporting public education reform in Cleveland so that every student can attend a high-performing school;

•;Playing a leadership and advocacy role to support development of the downtown waterfront along Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River.

We’ve got to boost our high school graduation rates, which in turn, will help us achieve higher college graduation rates. In order for our city and region to improve its economic competitiveness, we must produce students who are prepared to be part of a 21st-century workforce.

AThose seven simple words help us capture, harness and crystallize a powerful, energizing message. This 10-story wall banner is rolling out a giant welcome mat, saluting the strength, energy, talent, creativity, enthusiasm and warm hospitality embodied on a daily basis by the people of Northeast Ohio. Sherwin-Williams’ 146-year commitment to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio demonstrates why we are filled with pride and honored to be part of this great community. ●

QWhy is the education reform piece so important to the business community? AIt’s important to everyone. We’re already seeing successes within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and among some charter schools that are getting high marks on their state report cards. However, not enough students are enrolled in those schools. Mayor Jackson’s plan was created to make sure that all Cleveland students can attend schools with terrific teachers and good educational outcomes.

QHow can the GCP help advance plans to develop the downtown waterfront? AOur organization has identified down- town waterfront development as the starting point for creating a vibrant core that will enhance investments in existing assets such as the Rock Hall, the Science Center and Cleveland Browns Stadium, and new developments such as the Medical Mart, the Cleveland casino and the Flats East Bank project. The GCP will work with stakeholders in the public, private and nonprofit sectors that are poised to bring catalytic development to our lakefront and river and to connect everything together.

Welcome,
New GCP
Investors

QThe Sherwin-Williams “Our Home Since 1866. Our Pride Forever” banner at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Ontario Street is a powerful hometown salute. What is the rationale behind it?