I am responding here on RealNeo to J. Murray who is a frequent and steady contributor to Brewed Fresh Daily.  Here is the link on BFD that is relevant. 

The Cleveland Port Authority has a new boss and a new plan. 

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Today, a growing movement for sustainable agriculture and locally grown food has emerged in Northeast Ohio, garnering increasing support and acceptance. Not only does this movement address many environmental and social concerns, it also offers innovative and economically viable opportunities for growers, consumers, policymakers, home gardeners, and many others in the food system. As this quiet revolution takes shape across the United States, activists in Northeast Ohio are on the leading edge and have the ability to transform the region.

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Two weeks ago saw the second birthday of REALNEO. I started REALNEO in October, 2004, to provide “Regional Economic Action Links for North East Ohio” and implement for the region some exciting open source social networking technology. While the outcomes have not been entirely what I expected, and these years have in ways been rough, I've been thrilled to help drive and support some great developments in the community.

 The following story with its links ran in CASE Daily (Case's online newpaper) today. Do feel like you have entrepreneurial genes? I think I do! Please post your thoughts
"Do genes influence who will be entrepreneurs?"

ABC News (Reuters), June 5, 2006
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2041245

In NEO today, we see a growing consciousness in the alternative energy and sustainability movement, a resounding catalyst in the digital cities OneCleveland phenomenum, and many other indicators that we are finally developing a vibrant new economy mentality.

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There is an article ( http://www.cbc.ca/cp/business/050630/b0630102.html ) from the CBC ( http://www.cbc.ca ) that talks about a new Toyota plant opening in Ontario. The combination of a well-trained and educated workforce, a comprehensive national healtcare plan (which saves employers money) and proximity to other employees led to choosing the Canadian facility over possible American options

One of the most telling statements is this one, made by Gerry Fedchun, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association:

"The level of the workforce in general is so high that the training program you need for people, even for people who have not worked in a Toyota plant before, is minimal compared to what you have to go through in the southeastern United States,"

Drive velocity, visibility & value into your supply chain with a supplier portal and dramatically improve:

• Customer Cervice
• Inventory Turns
• Procurement Costs

Companies around the globe are experiencing the benefits of the e-Ventus Supplier Portal.  Read about one local client's success in the 2005 Winter Edition of the BaaN World Users Newsletter.

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Global marketing and global visibility are key competitive advantages in the global manufacturing market.  Please join us for discussions on:

• Global Supply Chain Management
• Lean Supply Strategies
  • Supplier Portal Advantages
    • Lean Time Reduction
    • Reduction in Transaction Processing Costs
    • Non-value added tasks eliminated
    • Inventory Reduction
    • Perfection Shipments from Suppliers Increased
• Local Case Studies
  • Bendix CVS
  • TS Trim Industries
• Lean Solution Demonstration
  • e-Ventus Supplier Portal

Discover how to increase Your Effectiveness, Efficiency & Competitive Edge

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I attended a meeting this Wednesday morning between principals of the REALNEO team and e-Ventus http://www.e-ventus.com , a NEO based developer of Web based supply chain management software. The meeting explored, in some considerable depth, the synergies between the transformative mission of REALNEO and the world class supply chain management and enterprise application integration tools available from e-Ventus.

What is the Key to Success in the Global Market?

Global Sourcing and Global Visibility!

Please join us for an interactive discussion on the many topics of Lean Supply such as, Managing a Global Supply Chain, and Lean Supply Strategies.  Additionally, we will discuss two Ohio companies that successfully implemented a Lean Supply Solution; TS Trim Industries, and Automated Packaging Systems.  e-Ventus Corporation will also provide a Lean Supply Solution demonostration.

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The RAMTEC session had a remarkable attendance of leaders in education, workforce
and economic development and all aspects of manufacturing, drawn from many
counties throughout NEO - full house. REI Executive Director Ed Morrison
introduces the context of this session from his historical perspective
working with GE and in manufacturing, and observing manufacturing in NEO decline in many
ways - challenges are many - some manufacturers don't employ optimal practices
- lean manufacturing - basic common sense in regards to management. Some
manufacturers don't invest in product development - automation solutions - are
operating in isolation from each other - this decreases competitive strength opportunities.

"The Emergence of e-Business in an EDI World" will be presented by Joe LaMantia, of e-Ventus Corporation.  Mr. LaMantia will discuss the competitive pressures that are forcing companies to become increasing more efficient.  Companies are frantically searching for enhanced methods to streamline operations, enhance service and reduce cost.  They are rapidly considering the use of e-business strategies like e-commerce, e-procurement and e-collaboration to increase their competitive advantage. 

These e-business strategies will impact the tools, technology and standards that are commonplace in companies today.  Established methods of digital communication of information, like EDI, will be significantly impacted by these strategies and may even be replaced.  e-Business will have a profound effect on a company’s business model and their relationships with their customers and suppliers. 

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Joe LaMantia of e-Ventus Corporation will be discussing "Managing Inventory in a Lean Environment!" "Competitive pressures are forcing companies to become increasingly more efficient.  Today, becoming faster, better, and cheaper is not just a worthwhile goal, it is a matter of survival! 

Join us to increase your understanding of inventory management and lean and the concepts that support it; understand the impact of 5 fundamental principles of lean theory on inventory management; learn about the challenges between traditional and lean theory; and be better prepared for the challenges presented in inventory management when you go to a lean environment."To get more information or to register for this event visit www.apicscleveland.org

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Few people outside the Supply Chain and Logistics Economy (SCALE) realize how huge this industry is in NEO and the world. A hot SCALE technology transforming the industry is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and many NEO economy and technology leaders are exploring how important this "cluster" is to our region's future.

TransTech originator Herb Crowther assembled a powerful group of panelists to address a fascinating, opportune set of transportation related topics of interest to this region - developing ferry service for vehicles and people between Port of Cleveland and Canada, expanding other water-based freight service in Ohio, developing high speed rail service in Ohio, and future concepts in rail transportation. The theme was sustainable transportation.

Case Western Reserve University Doctoral Student Sean McGann was compelled to research the innovative design, development and functionality of Mx Supplier Collaboration, a leading edge Lean Supply Tool.  Mr.

American Machinists highlights the Bendix supplier collaboration project, which made their supply chain more efficient.

Smart Business Magazine highlights the innovative web-based customer service project of TravelCenters of America.

Stop re-keying the same information into multiple business systems, discover Mx Data Interchange