UPS to Dave Gilbert. The president of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission secured the return of the Gravity Games, which will be held in September at Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor. Last year’s event pumped $25 million into the local economy, bringing 162,000 attendees and a national TV audience. This year it could rake in even more. This is yet another feather in Gilbert’s hat at the GCSC.
DOWNS to Home Imperial Décor Group. Firing an employee who cited fear as a reason not to travel overseas to attend a meeting — when terrorist threats are commonplace and virtual meetings are the norm — sends a bad signal to prospective clients and employees. Worse, this employee was stuck in Europe after the Sept. 11 attacks and didn’t want to be in that situation again. SBN gave this company an Innovation in Business award last year for being progressive in its thinking. Too bad we can’t recall it now for being narrow-minded in its actions.
UPS to Edward Hundart. The new Case Western Reserve University president has pledged to build stronger relationships and partnerships with the city of Cleveland and the university’s surrounding communities. Should he succeed, the initiatives will shore up economic development, expand research, assist public education and raise community awareness. But getting everyone together and on the same page in order to begin will be his greatest challenge.
UPS to Henry Eaton. The late co-founder of public relations and investor firm Dix & Eaton passed away in February, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, commitment to the Northeast Ohio community and inspiration to others. He will be missed.
