For years, Northern Ohioans have been under a cloud — and it has virtually nothing to do with how well the Tribe performs or what the Brown’s chances are this NFL season. Talk to any businessperson, and they’ll tell you the same thing — our best and brightest talent wants out.
Images of young, energetic creatives departing for sunnier — and more lucrative — environs is branded on the psyche of business and industry leadership across Northern Ohio. But as co-founders of the Innovation in Business Conference, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a different perspective. We believe in the spirit of Northern Ohioans. We believe the region that gave birth to the business of John D. Rockefeller has more than just a sliver of a chance to pull it out. Anthem is committed to serving as an ambassador to the possibilities. We believe that Northern Ohio’s renaissance is near.
This year, Innovation in Business promises to bring new perspectives to the gathering about recruiting and retaining top-flight talent in Northern Ohio. What are leading organizations doing? Who is doing it best? What strategies have proven to work?
At this year’s event, you’ll hear from Bridget Menke, executive director of iCleveland, a network of college students and area professionals whose mission it is to keep young, bright minds in Northeast Ohio.
You’ll also hear from Randy Brown, Anthem Inc.’s vice president of human resources. Brown will share concepts and ideas about the dynamics necessary to attract and maintain the most important resource within any organization across the country.
To top it off, you’ll hear from leadership representing some of the most successful and ingrained organizations in Northern Ohio — the presidents and CEOs of University Hospitals Health System, The Sherwin-Williams Co., Things Remembered and CareerBoard LLC. These are companies with leaders who believe in the possibilities within our region and who continue to make investments not only in facilities and hardware but in people and processes, too.
It is a pleasure that once again, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will serve as presenting sponsor for this, one of Northern Ohio’s most intriguing innovation programs. Welcome.
JOSEPH M. LAGUARDIA is regional vice president, corporate sales, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Reach him at (216) 573-4412.
