Month: January 2017

Ohio is on the Road to Self Driving Truck Technology

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Ohio smart mobility corridor

Ohio is quickly emerging as the leader in self driving truck technology.  The state was chosen by Otto, a start-up recently acquired by Uber to test its innovative self driving truck technology. And on November 30, 2016, Otto deployed a self driving truck that successfully navigated a 35-mile stretch of Route 33, a four-lane highway from Dublin to East Liberty, known as the Smart Mobility Corridor.

Whenever new technology is created it goes through a rigorous testing phase to get the “bugs” worked out before it is available in the marketplace. In order to test the safety and reliability of something as innovative as self driving trucks you need good roads with real traffic and a variety of weather conditions.

With its great roads and unique climate and topography traversing both urban and rural settings, Ohio is the best place in the country to test self driving technologies. “You want to test when it rains, you want to test when it snows, you want to test when it’s slippery. You have all of the ideal conditions, so in many respects, we’re ahead of everybody when it comes to the ability to develop and test [autonomous vehicles] in a real way,” said Gov. John Kasich.

But this didn’t happen by accident. The Transportation Research Center, a 4,500-acre independent automobile testing facility, is investing $100M to build out a 500-acre autonomous vehicle testing facility in its East Liberty testing grounds that is expected to become the autonomous vehicle testing hub of the country.

With the initial successful testing by Otto of the first self driving truck on Ohio roads, the state plans to invest $15 million for the installation of additional fiber optic cables and road sensors along the Smart Mobility Corridor.  This will allow emerging autonomous vehicle technologies to be tested in the real-world with live traffic and weather conditions. “Data collected on this corridor will allow automotive innovators to test and refine jobs‑creating technologies that are going to help move people and products more safely and efficiently than ever before,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.

Increased safety and more jobs are some of the reasons for a big push forward towards self driving trucks. Right now the truck driving industry is experiencing a driver shortage of 48,000 jobs which is expected to increase to 175,000 by 2024, according to the American Trucking Association. Also, driver fatigue is a big issue for both the driver and traveling motorists. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that approximately 4,000 people are killed in accidents each year involving large trucks and driver fatigue is cited as the leading cause. Self driving technology can help make the roads safer for everyone.

“Ohio wants to be the self driving technology hub and the state expects to attract innovative companies and additional public-private investment in the emerging autonomous vehicle technology,” noted Victor Bierman III, Ohio lawyer and business expert.

Image Credit: ODOT

Meet the 7 Inspiring Performers Inducted into the Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, recently announced the induction of 7 great musical performers in 2017. “Since its opening in 1995, more than 300 performers recognized for their significant achievements and contributions to rock and roll and the music industry have been inducted,” said Victor Bierman, Ohio lawyer and business expert.

During its history spanning more than two decades, the museum has attracted over 10 million visitors making it one of the most-visited attractions in Cleveland. The museum injects approximately $107 million into the local economy every year.

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

When founding members Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood came together to form Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) in 1970, they had one mission; to start where the Beatles left off, an amazing feat to accomplish. Since then, ELO has sold over 50 million records around the world and the group still has a growing legacy and unending success today.

Joan Baez

Joan Baez, an American folk singer and musician, has performed publicly for more than half a century. During her golden career, Baez managed to release over 30 albums, mostly conveying the message of social justice and political consciousness. Her unwavering activism has not just provoked most performers but also has inspired them and after all these years she is still taking the audience by storm.

Journey

The 5-member legendary rock band Journey enjoyed much of its success in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Neal Schon, an incredible rock guitarist, creatively combined his skills with the soaring vocals of front man, Steve Perry to create the band’s distinct sound. Journey had a number of popular hits including “Don’t Stop Believing”, which has been featured on popular televisions shows including “Glee”, as well as in the season finale of “The Sopranos”.

Nile Rodgers

Nile Rodgers is a legendary music producer, sonic innovator and performer who developed a unique dance-rock sound, which became so popular that nearly every artist in the ‘80s and ‘90s wanted to be associated with his signature sound. Currently, many soul-groove, funk-inspired, and electro-musicians still try to imitate Rodgers’ signature sound.

Pearl Jam

When Pearl Jam released its first album “Ten” in August 1991, they were relatively unknown. However, when “Alive” and “Jeremy” became double hits the band was launched into stardom. More than a quarter century later, Pearl Jam is still one of the world’s popular modern rock bands.

Tupac Shakur

Known for his complex, personal, and fearless personality, Tupac Shakur sold over 75 million records worldwide. His lyrics sparked conversation about race relations, young black men in America, and rap. By the time of his death in 1996 at the age of 25, Tupac had left behind a legacy that went on to inspire many artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few.

YES

The Grammy-award winning rock band “YES” is best known for expanding the rock genre both in concert performances and in recorded music sales  and is arguably best known for its hit single, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. With their progressive and symphonic rock sound, YES is still one of the most popular classic rock artists and are still touring around the country today.

Image Credit: Chris Capell

Ohio Has Most Improved Business Climate in America, says Survey

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ohio groundbreaking

America’s CEOs have spoken and Ohio has the most improved business climate, according to a recent survey by Chief Executive Magazine. In its annual ranking of the top 50 states to do business, Ohio moved up ten spots and is now the 12th best state for business in the U.S. Ohio has brought in commonsense regulatory policy, which has greatly helped the state improve its business climate. “The fact that the nation’s CEOs now see Ohio as a top ten state in which to do business is solid recognition of the jobs-friendly business climate we have worked so hard to create here,” said Governor John R. Kasich.

The business-friendly reforms and common-sense fiscal management are paying off for Ohioans. This has allowed the state to develop a strong, balanced budget. And when combined with a reduction of a net $5 billion in taxes has helped bring more jobs to the state. Also, Ohio ranks 12th in the nation for gross domestic product (GDP) growth, according to the latest 2016 quarterly GDP report released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

On the jobs front, Ohio has created more than 428,000 new private-sector jobs since 2011, according to JobsOhio. The business friendly environment has allowed many companies to expand their presence in the state. In addition, many companies are making plans to invest in Ohio, with the latest being Fiat Automobiles that has announced plans to invest $1 billion in Ohio and Michigan plants. The investment is expected to create 2,000 jobs in both states, and this is good news for Ohio.

“Not long ago, the state had dismal job creation and retention numbers. The business climate was so challenging that industries and residents started to pack up and leave,” noted Victor Bierman, an Ohio Lawyer and Business Expert. This resulted in an $8 billion budget shortfall, making economic conditions even worse. But, with good governance and great vision, the state has made an incredible resurgence, and is now one of the best places in the country to start or expand a business.

Image Credit: Nestlé

Cleveland Ranks Among Best Cities for New College Grads

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college graduates

Saddled with student loans and a sluggish economy, many college students are having difficulty finding their ideal job after they graduate. But that’s not the case everywhere. And increasing the job prospects for graduating seniors may be as simple as moving to a sunnier economic climate.

According to a recent SmartAsset survey, Cleveland, Ohio, ranks among the best cities for new college graduates. In fact, Ohio managed to score number one and three other spots on the list, making the state the best destination in the country for new college grads. In the top spot is Cincinnati, followed by Columbus (3), Toledo (21) and Cleveland (25).

The survey is more good news for Cleveland and Ohio. The cities on the list were ranked according to criteria that are important to college grads including available jobs, cost of living and entertainment options. With so many things to do in Cleveland, along with its quality education standards, affordable living and a robust economy, it is a great place for young adults to begin their career and raise a family.

The first question many college grads have is “where do I get a job”. And while many other cities are able to offer jobs, the high cost of living makes it difficult for a young adult starting out to make ends meet, especially when there are debts to re-pay. Therefore affordability has to be part of the career equation. And according to HSH, a mortgage data company, Cleveland is the second most affordable metropolitan area in the U.S.

Ohio is known for its highly acclaimed colleges and universities. And Ohio State University-Columbus (OSU), a leading public university, ranked as one of the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report. Located at the state capitol, OSU offers students access to a high quality and affordable education experience. Other lauded Ohio schools include Cleveland State University, John Carroll University and University of Cincinnati.

“Cleveland has a lot to smile about. The city has been undergoing a major transformation over the past few years, and now it’s on the national stage as one of the best places for college grads to live, work and play,” noted Victor Bierman III, Ohio lawyer and business expert.

Image Credit: Charamelody | Flickr