Newsmaker: Jeff Heinen, co-president, Heinen’s Fine Foods
Locally-owned Heinen’s is about to become the first supermarket chain to open a store in downtown Cleveland. Heinen’s announced it will install a store in the ornate rotunda of the former Ameritrust bank at the corner of E. 9th and Euclid Ave. Heinen’s hopes to open the store by next fall. It will be part of a block that will include apartments, offices and the new county administration building.
Roundtable: Mark Naymik, columnist, Northeast Ohio Media Group; Michelle Jarboe McFee, reporter, The Plain Dealer; Jay Miller, reporter, Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Changing Management
Cuyahoga County government is seeking a new operator for the Cleveland Convention Center and attached Global Center for Health Innovation. Chicago-based MMPI oversaw the construction and has handled leasing and business operations at the facilities, but the county announced this week it wants to make a change.
Stadium Repairs: Who Pays?
It’s clear FirstEnergy Stadium is in need of repairs, but it’s not clear who will pay for what. The stadium lease requires the city to kick in money for upkeep. And negotiations are about to begin detailing what needs to be fixed and at whose expense.
Budget Anemia at the Clinic
Northeast Ohio’s largest employer is about to downsize. In a terse announcement this week, the Cleveland Clinic announced it’ll trim its work force by 3,000 people through early retirement and layoffs. The Clinic plans to cut $330 million from its operating budget.
Cleveland Mayoral Debate
Mayor Frank Jackson and challenger Ken Lanci, both Democrats, squared off at the City Club for their only scheduled debate. Lanci criticized the Mayor for numerous failings, including the recent ‘F’ grade for the city schools. Jackson criticized Lanci for what he called a disdainful attitude toward the people he wants to serve. Jackson is favored to win his third term.