EDGE is a 501c3 organization designed to enhance economic development in Northeast Ohio through innovation and entrepreneurship.
HOME BACK	The Leading EDGE Awards The Entrepreneurs EDGE honored 101 middle market companies at the Leading EDGE Awards program on May 16, 2007. This first-time event, held at the University of Akron, was attended by 500 individuals representing winning companies, event sponsors and their invited guests. Companies selected as recipients for this award were chosen by reviewing financial figures submitted through a nomination process. Companies provided their EBIT and employee earnings figures, plus other information to gauge philanthropic giving, purchases from local vendors, and assessments on innovations. While no data that is directly attributable to one company was or will be shared with the public, we were able to compile some interesting statistics. These were shared with attendees at the event and are available for download here. The dinner program featured a talk from Ray Dalton, CEO of PartsSource, on why he chose to keep his company in NEO, despite significant financial incentives offered from other cities. John Zitzner was asked to talk about the Entrepreneurship Preparatory School, which provides a premier educational experience to students throughout the city of Cleveland, to help raise awareness of the strides that they have made with inner-city youth in only 6 months of operation and the additional needs required for next year. Several CEOs were asked to share an interesting story, tell us why they think NEO is a great place to do business or tell us something great that the company has accomplished...all in under one minute! The evening concluded with the announcement of the Shatten Civic Distinction Award winner which recognizes a company that is giving back to the NEO economy in an exemplarity fashion. We chose to name the award after Richard Shatten, as he was an individual that made it his life's work to enhance the regional economy. All 101 companies were asked to answer questions relating to their philanthropic activities. Fairmount Minerals exceeded even our expectations on how individual companies can be involved in making our community a better place to live and work. You can read more about Fairmount Minerals and watch a video the Weatherhead School at Case produced on their Appreciative Inquiry Summit on Sustainable Development. The Entrepreneurs EDGE is planning a year-long celebration for those honored at the Leading EDGE Awards allowing these business executives to learn from the best practices of others, make connections that will enhance their business, and address specific concerns that will enable them to enhance their growth. Nominations for the 2007 Leading EDGE Awards Program will be made available in the fall of '07 with a submission deadline of February 29, 2008.	Statistical Data View the event program for a full list of winning companies and for statistics on those honored. 2006 Shatten Civic Distinction Award Fairmount Minerals is honored for their civic contributions and philanthropic activities. Read about why they were chosen, watch a video on their activities or visit their website. Select Company Highlights Leading EDGE Companies tell their story here. 2007 Nomination Forms Coming Soon Email the EDGE, click here or call 216-456-8182. Download Adobe Reader to open pdf files.