Cleveland Clinic and RTA Together With University Hospitals, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, and the City of Cleveland Offer Networking Event to Local Businesses
9/25/08
Cleveland Clinic, RTA, University Hospitals, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, and the City of Cleveland are sponsoring a supplier diversity event to facilitate matchmaking between minority-led business owners and the areas largest health care institutions, private construction companies and other organizations.
The event, part of several events surrounding the opening of the RTA HealthLine, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at East Mount Zion Baptist Church, located at 9990 Euclid Avenue. The meeting will be the region’s first collaborative supplier diversity event held by some of Cleveland’s premier medical institutions.
“Cleveland Clinic is committed to cultivating and maintaining a diverse workforce,” said Delos “Toby” Cosgrove, M.D., Cleveland Clinic President and CEO. “As an integral member of this community and committed to its success, we are proud to participate in activities like this which provide our local businesses with opportunities to grow and further strengthen our local economy.”
Each sponsor organization has invited existing primary contractors with potential opportunities up for bid in the next 12 months. Minority businesses from the region, including Northeast Ohio, Cincinnati, Columbus and Pennsylvania, have also been invited to network and learn how to do business with these primary contractors. In addition, information will be provided on key issues including certification, bonding, mentoring, access to capital and LEED certification (green building).
“RTA is proud to have a comprehensive program for business development,” says Joe Calabrese, RTA's CEO and General Manager. “Each year, RTA awards millions of dollars in contracts to DBEs. Major projects like the Euclid Corridor give us an opportunity to provide even more jobs for these firms.”
Introductory speakers will include:
- Toby Cosgrove, M.D., President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic
- Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
- Joseph A. Calabrese, CEO, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
- William Montague, Medical Center Director, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
- Edgar B. Jackson, Jr., M.D., Senior Advisor to the CEO of University Hospitals and the President of the University Hospitals Case Medical Center
“One of Cleveland's greatest assets is the Healthcare industry and this event builds on that strength while connecting owners of small, local businesses with potential customers,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “In order to improve our local and regional economy we must invest in ourselves and provide access for our small businesses to significant opportunities. Our greatest opportunity for job creation and growth lies with our ability and willingness to work together.”
Leon Bibb, WEWS “Live On Five" co-anchor of the early evening newscast, will moderate the luncheon from 11:30-1 p.m. The luncheon keynote speakers, Dennis Madden, Executive Director, Medical Mart project, and Chris Ronayne, President, University Circle, Inc., will discuss the Cleveland economy and potential job opportunities.
About the Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Cleveland Clinic was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. U.S.News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey.
Approximately 1,800 full-time salaried physicians and researchers at Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Florida represent more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties. In 2007, there were 3.5 million outpatient visits to Cleveland Clinic and 50,455 hospital admissions. Patients came for treatment from every state and from more than 80 countries. Cleveland Clinic’s website address is www.clevelandclinic.org.
Media Relations Contact
Natalie Guzzo, 216.444.5703, guzzon@ccf.org
Erinne Dyer, 216.444.8168, dyere@ccf.org
