The Plus Bus: A Tour of Northeast Ohio’s Progress

Posted by ThePlus - 08.27.2010

With the help of many individuals, organizations and companies throughout The Plus region, the first-ever Plus Bus tour of Northeast Ohio was a great success! The Plus Bus tour, an interactive experience, which highlighted some of Northeast Ohio’s economic strengths and assets, travelled across the Plus region making stops in Kent, Akron and Independence. With over 50 passengers on board, the Plus Bus provided an opportunity for networking, learning and fun!

In an effort to help tell the story of The Plus region’s progress towards vibrancy, the tour kicked off in Independence and featured stops at Kent Displays and the Akron Global Business Accelerator. At the bus’ first stop, Albert M. Green, CEO of Kent Displays, gave a guided tour of the company and talked about its developing LCD product line and their consumer sensation, the Boogie Board, a paperless LCD writing tablet. Next, the bus ventured over to the Akron Global Business Accelerator where participants heard from InSeT Systems, which has developed an innovative tracking device used to help track the position of miners. While at the Akron Global Business Accelerator, Myers Motors of Tallmadge stopped by with their NmG car, the nation’s only all-electric 75 mph personal vehicle. Participants even had the chance to drive the one-passenger vehicle (see below)!

                         

While travelling on the bus, attendees heard from a variety of speakers from throughout the region. Speakers included Rod Crider from the Wayne Economic Development Council, Steve Morey from Team Lorain County, Sarah Boyarko of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Scott Rainone of the Austen BioInnovation Institute. Cleveland Plus partners Team NEO, Positively Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Partnership also gave presentations.

On the bus, attendees, made up of Cleveland Plus advisory committee members, participated in a Plus Bus trivia contest and were encouraged to share the good news through social media channels. If you’re curious to see what people had to say or want to learn a few fun facts, follow @BeThePlus or #PlusBus on Twitter.

Finally, the tour concluded with a reception at the Embassy Suites in Independence where guests were given a goody bag, which included items from businesses from around the region. Special thanks to Secrest Arboretum, Mapleside Farms, the Popcorn Shop Factory, Malley’s Chocolates, Heather’s Heat, Findaway Worlds, and NASA.

Cleveland Plus intends to hold additional Plus Bus tours in the future for a variety of audiences with different itineraries. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.theplus.us regularly to stay current on Northeast Ohio’s latest economic developments.

To read more about the Plus Bus, check out this article from the Akron Beacon Journal!

+Plus Bus to drive business message

Thanks to everyone for making the Plus Bus possible! We couldn’t have done it without your help. Special thanks to Landau Public Relations and the Brecksville Road Transit for bringing the Plus Bus to life!


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