High tech and history connect on Public Square in downtown Cleveland

Monday, October 19, 2009


Oct. 26 press conference will introduce cutting-edge technology
to be featured in Higbee Bldg. window display

Cleveland, Ohio—The historic Higbee Building is getting a 21st-century high-tech addition with a new display of cutting-edge technology in its corner window on Public Square at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. It’s an exciting new visual attraction for downtown Cleveland that will be unveiled at a press conference on Monday, Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m.

The high-tech video display represents a new phase in the re-establishment of the Higbee Building’s prominence as a downtown landmark. Its first two floors are home to the Greater Cleveland Partnership, The Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), Positively Cleveland and the Cleveland Plus Marketing Alliance. Later this year, KeyBank is expected to begin moving about 1000 employees into new offices on the sixth, eighth and ninth floors.

“This is another exciting development as the transformation of downtown Cleveland continues ,” said GCP President and CEO Joe Roman. “The Higbee Building is historically significant, and this adds a high-tech flavor to a long-time centerpiece of our downtown.”

“COSE is happy to be working with one of our small business members to bring this exciting new technology to Northeast Ohio,” said Steve Millard, president and executive director of COSE. “This window will help us provide more exposure for small businesses and the work they are doing in the region.”

Long a favorite with Clevelanders during the holiday season, the window was prominently featured in “The Christmas Story” movie, set around 1940. Fast forward to 2009, and the same window is coming to life again, this time with StreetLevelTV™, a fusion of design, digital media and Bluetooth technology. Initially the window will feature videos provided by the four organizations housed in the Higbee Building. The window design will change periodically, especially during the upcoming holiday season, updating its prominent role in downtown Cleveland’s holiday décor.

EventWorks, Inc., a COSE-member company, is responsible for bringing this new technology to Cleveland. “This type of display offers a vibrant option for downtown Cleveland’s storefront windows,” says EventWorks President Joel Solloway. “It offers both an artistic value for empty buildings and has the capability to provide an interactive consumer experience for a person on the street in a retail setting.” For example, once the interactive capability is activated, anyone with Bluetooth technology on their mobile phone could download product information or details about a featured event directly to their phone. Although the Higbee display does not yet have these “hot spots,” the additional features could be added.

The new Higbee Building window also provides a video welcome to the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center, operated by Positively Cleveland, the region’s largest convention and visitors bureau. ”Over the past year, Positively Cleveland and Glazen Creative filmed hours of stunning footage of Northeast Ohio. It’s worth a stop by the window just to see the spectacular views,” said Dennis Roche, president of Positively Cleveland.

“Public Square is a busy location with residents, workers and visitors making their way,” said Rick Batyko of Cleveland Plus. “This attractive and attention-getting video presentation system will help Cleveland Plus communicate to them the many great things happening in the Cleveland Plus region.”

The window is sponsored by Revol Wireless, the only major wireless service provider with headquarters in Greater Cleveland. “The Higbee Building window display is an important initiative, and one that Revol Wireless is proud to support.” said Michael Beehn, vice president of marketing for Revol Wireless. “Cleveland residents and businesses have shown tremendous support for Revol Wireless and we’re pleased to help create another focal point for downtown Cleveland.”

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 About Cleveland Plus
Cleveland Plus is a campaign that brings Northeast Ohio together as one united region leveraging all of our strengths to compete for new businesses, talent, leisure travelers, conventions and meetings. For additional information on Cleveland Plus, please visit www.clevelandplus.com.

About COSE
COSE is one of Ohio’s largest small business support organizations, striving to help small businesses grow and maintain their independence. Comprised of more than 17,000 member companies, COSE has a long history of fighting for the rights of all small business owners, whether it’s through group purchasing programs for health care, workers’ compensation, or energy, advocating for specific changes in legislation or regulation to benefit small business, or providing a forum and resource for small businesses to connect with and learn from each other. (www.cose.org)

About the Greater Cleveland Partnership
As an association of business members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create jobs and leverage investment to improve the economic vitality of the region.
www.gcpartnership.com

About Positively Cleveland
Positively Cleveland has been promoting Cleveland Plus as an outstanding business meeting and tourism destination in order to grow the region’s economy for 75 years. Positively Cleveland’s efforts support the region’s tourism industry, which provides a $13.9 billion annual economic impact and supports 170,728 jobs in the Cleveland Plus region.
www.positivelycleveland.com

About Revol Wireless
Revol Wireless, a locally owned and operated regional wireless carrier headquartered in Independence, Ohio, was founded on the philosophy that reliable wireless service can be affordable. Introduced to Northeast Ohio in 2005, Revol Wireless is an innovative wireless service based on a very simple idea: unlimited talk and text to any number (wireless or landline) for one flat monthly rate with no contract, no activation fees and no overages. From 2005 to 2007, Revol Wireless’ subscriber base grew exponentially, resulting in network and retail expansion throughout Ohio and Indiana. Revol Wireless currently offers coverage to over 7 million people on its own all-digital network. Revol Wireless continues to expand its reach and has 400-plus points of distribution and more than 400 employees. For more information, visit www.revol.com.

 

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