Come Celebrate Toledo Event 1/22/08

The technology gods were not on my side today, which is why there is no live blog. There was no Internet access and the two audio recordings may be unusable. I will post the notes here in just a second.

I will be live blogging the Come Celebrate Toledo event tonight (Tuesday) as well as audio recording of the event and posting it later. The events starts at 5:45PM, if everything goes well I should be online at around 5:30 PM or so. Stop by this thread to see the details. I may have a special treat for some of you who stop by. If you wish to see the special treat, please make sure you have Quicktime installed before 5:30 tonight, no promises, but stop by to find out. I am assuming that my free WiFi access with my DSL account will work and I will be able to do all that I plan on doing but any one thing may mess it up.
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Rough Draft of the event.
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The auditorium is not that big, it can probably hold 200 people or so. Interesting choice of venue. There are many elected officials here and a who’s who on the political spectrum. Brian Swartz graciously put my recorder up on the main podium. That is much appreciated. There were some people who went to the Seagate center, namely yours truly.

Bob LaClair, of 5/3 bank, started the meeting off, said that this is a great facility, said that they moved many employees into the complex, and this building met their facilities needs. They are really proud to call One Seagate downtown. Tonight you will hear about what is right, and will leave with quite a list and hear about the trip to London and everything that goes on. On a personal note, he could see the need of the people as well as the giving and caring spirit, and the people are what is right about Toledo. He is now going to ask Mark Sobczak to come forward. Bob hoped that after tonight, he hopes that we come away with a sense of pride because it is such a great place to work.

Mark Sobczak, welcome introduced the Toledo City Council candidates. Brown was a supporter of safety and his council person. Said George Sarantou was the funniest guy on council, goes to NY to present about bond. Introduced Tom Wisnewski, new background in IT, new ideas. Lindsay Webb, the rep from the best place anyplace. Pete Gerkin, Tina SW, Robert Torres, Mark Lutke, Steve Steel, Anita Lopez, Keith Early, Bernie Quilter, Ben Konop. Mark introduced Bob Reinbolt who introduced the city directors. They stood up, wanted to thank city employees, city unions, they made it possible for them to get things done. Said wanted to recognize Scout and held up a picture of him.

Michael Bets, Student Body President of the University of Toledo, he will be the host. Rev Raymond Bishop Jr, of Mt. Pilgrim Church provided the invocation.

Next invited Candace Coleman, former American Idol contestant sang a great rendition of the National Anthem.

Carty Finkbeiner, started by welcoming everyone and anyone who was still standing could take a seat. They got bad news last year that OI was leaving, and 5/3 told them they were going to move into this building and bring some employees. Thanked the support of Bob Sinclair in the community. Bob and the directors, said that he Bob, Dave M and other directors this is not an easy time to lead the city no manner where you are, with 20 million of budget cuts, have worked hard to get the task done, asked for a salute. Wanted Michael Betz the M of Ceremonies, wanted Toledo to think young glad to have him. Carty wanted to introduce someone who is a great leader in the community Dr. Lloyd Jacobs. Reverend Bishop gave the invocation, thanked him. Thanked Candace Coleman for the national anthem. Before he introduce Lee Fisher, wanted to thank Amy Finkbeiner and all she does, has 3 jobs him, MCO and home. He said he does nothing at home. Wanted to thank her. Amy has a short hair cut now. Grandson has a BB ball game. Brother and his wife and his niece is here tonight. That same time 5/3 came to us, also had a visit by someone who was going to run for governor, assembled in that office in the Warehouse district, said Ted asked that he wanted to pick a Lt. Governor, and many in the room suggested Lee Fisher. He spent a lot of time in NW Ohio, great State Rep, stuck hand out and said that he is Lee Fisher and running for At. General, spent 4 years working for consumers, hard-working grass roots, returned to Cleveland, became leader of org in that represented women, children and families. He served well and holds the head of economic development, please welcome Lt Governor Lee Fisher.

Standing O to greet him. Thank you Mayor, said he wanted to say his remarks will be shorter than Carty’s introduction of him. Sid people should get their cell phones out wanted to have a recount for winner of American Idol. To the City admin, on behalf of Governor and all people in Ohio, thank you for the leadership your great mayor has shown, even the leadership the people of this area have shown. All you have to do is read the Wall Street Journal that Toledo is well known around the world, it is a city that is not just livable, a city that will try to reinvent Ohio. 20yrs from now when people tell the story of Ohio, they want them to tell a story of a state that moved to the head of the class, not just great mayors like Carty, but great…..reinvent ourselves measured by height of smokestacks and strength of your backs, we are reinventing ourselves more about innovation and strength of ideas. Winds of Late Erie, gateway to fresh water, we have unique assets in NW Ohio.

6:19 As we travel to other areas of the state, each place underestimates what it can do. We are in for tough times and those will be repeated, and understand we have been through tough times before, and which states will survive and thrive. Begins with the cities that believes in themselves and celebrates accomplishments and will succeed, Carty’s leadership has accomplished that. Tonight will celebrate an award, most livable, business friendly, good drinking water (small chuckle), livable for families. These are awards that …..if we have the right vision and plan we win. The global economy, that are willing to put aside petty differences and political boundaries, we are put the head of the class. Gov Strickland and I will assure you are at the head of the class, when they read about the marina district, when they read what was done, we were there we were a part of it.

The video presentation started. Get fit Toledo, showed biking, there were some problems playing the DVD, but they were minor, seems to be the different video

Toledo, it’s the heart and soul of America, it’s the lake and the river , Its industry and business, its Schools and Universities, its neighborhoods and homes, its people and diversity, it’s families, it’s young and old, it’s planes and trains and ships and trucks, it’s highways and railways, it’s parties and prayers, it’s shopping, it’s sports and more sports, it’s parks and recreation, its’ culture and knowledge, its contemporary and classic, its wildlife and …., its great food and great fun, it’s the past, It’s the future, It’s Toledo, my home. (I think this was the first DVD that was played in his first State of the City)

Carty: we are pleased to present the presentation we gave in London, FDI award, business friendly, hot cities for entrepreneurs, best cities for young, essence of middle America, treasure museum of art, Zoo, parks, respected universities and medical colleges, worked hard to be one of the most livable communities.

Enhancement of Landscape, places such as Maumee bay, Toledo been a tree city for 27 consecutive years, 11k acres of parks, several green space areas for Garden Partners Program, enhancement is underway on the east side of the river, Marina district, cleaned up to make way for a rebirth, city marina was completed at the site, and passenger terminal. Low impact design, International Park features the flags of 37 countries, designated as one of the top 10….manufacturing left a blemish on the land, environment must be on the forefront of public debate, there are several water quality groups in the area, clean your streams. Toledo rain garden initiative, enhancement of landscape and improvement. To talk about management, her is Tom Thomzak, cultural preservation, heritage management.

Tom Tomzak, the Jeep has remained a Toledo icon, takes pride in heritage, and celebrates multicultural heritage. Historic districts are protected, 11? Prepared and publicized a list of historic resources, city has created economic incentives and showcase the diversity of the community. The 300k residents reflect diversity. Rich blend of ethnic community, and with more than 80 sculptures there are notable public art. Remains a leader in development and preservation of public art, design guidelines to develop features of city, ensure harmonious relationships, they work together to adopt good design principals, has a program to protect landscape and topography, are protected to provide a distinct community.

Sue Fredricks, environmentally sensitive practices, focus on environmental…400 acres of brown fields have been converted, earned 2006 environmental protection award. Voluntary community cleaning, community accepts recycling, uses recycled tree mulch on many park playgrounds…air recognized by environmental protection agency for clean air, partnered with organizations for ozone action days. Collaborative effort lead to a gas cap testing and , 2400 cars tested, bio diesel, and air quality improvement initiatives allows us to avoid sanctions. Toledo strives to get high uniform standards. Toledo is on the forefront of Clean Solar Energy, solar industry has lead to the employment of 6k. First Solar largest producer of thin films, Xun Light intends on producing 20 million, methane is piped to water reclamation plant to be converted to electricity. Water reclamation plan protection of one of the most important resources the river, rules and regulations were created to protect…new treatment plants, completed the construction of a 200 million dollar waste reclamation largest in the world, takes pride in cleanliest of water treatment plant, won the award on one of the top 5 best tasting drinking water in the US, Community Sustainability.

Tomzaik returned to talk about his.

6:38, true testament is the board of community relations, served as conscience of community and stepping in when there is a problem, open spaces farm water retention initiatives…Toledo adopted energy efficiency and gene building design. Member of the US green building council. Landscaping to provide natural, runs a program that encourages sustainabilites, efforts when it comes to environment are oriented to one goal, healthy citizens living in a healthy area.

Carty returned to talk about the health initiatives, obesity has become a national epidemic and …we should be there but we are not, providing healthy resources, take first step to healthy living. 20 miles of bicycle and walking paths, promotion of exercise and healthy lifestyles. Made a plea to restaurateurs to submit menu items for the get fit Toledo seal. Get fit Toledo is not for adults only, working with local schools to for get fit Toledo, by reaching out we plant the seeds for healthy lifestyles, partnership with American Heart Association, bike to work days, city sponsored first triathlon, punt and kick program is an annual event, sponsors annual sports leagues, also addresses community health, Toledo minority health awareness, best practices on improving minority health, awaiting the results of a grant proposal to encourage minority health.

Smart planning Sue Fitzgerald returned. Each speaker had a segway of video about the different topics. Toledo 2020 plan and adopted by council in 2000, driven by citizen participation process and is a shared vision of our community in 2020 presented 193 recommendations and is part of an ongoing civic commitment to make Toledo choice, one role is the elementary schools to create new neighborhoods, present renovations of neighborhoods, Mayor has created an initiative to retain young, epic was another program to retain future community leaders, another program is the live work and create Toledo network, city seeks to retain artists to work in the city. Quality work ethic to encourage arts.

Toledo Pride, hope is what brought you here, looking for Toledo pride look at the presenters, look at the people who are sitting next to you , or look in the eyes of this man (carty). Little over a year ago Toledo Pride symbolizes all of these initiatives. Feeling pride, what started…organizes community events, recognizes a citizen and person of the month and is a well known model that adorns bridges and signs. We have our own Jamie Farr,

Jamie Farr: while Toledo has changed, the spirit is still there. Collection of communities, our art museum, our zoo, baseball team, city is gracious, he enjoys coming back, people turn out, the lady golfers find it one of their favorite spots, concerts, 4th of July wonderful American city, modern and has a tradition of when he grew up in the the, 30s and 40s.

Carty: The latest addition to the Toledo skyline is the bridge, largest capital construction in Ohio, mentioned last because it is a great symbol of ours, proud of past and excited of our future, building a bridge for a green and healthy sustainable future.

Toledo Civic Hall of Fame, Pat Nicholson will present the honors to this year’s nominees. This is the 4th time in the last 4 days I have seen this presentation, this teams practices hard, this team, on behalf of all Toledo including those from the suburbs, thank you for a job well done for Toledo our home town.

Hall of fame was started in 98 to remember citizens who over Toledo’s entire life had made great civic contributions to this community, from this guys’ standpoint this guy …with this class we have 56 inductees, I urge you and go spend 2-3 hrs in that hall, initially it would be a great model to serve our young, every time I go there it is a motivation for a young man to get going, first such program in US, one of the initial reservations, but with guidance with Toledo Blade, chuckles in the audience, not nominate and induct them until they receive ….. 2007 is last year, we have lost some terrific civic giants, former mayor Harry Kessler, the mayor, long-time city councilperson, then in the twilight of career joined the school board, we have a former mayor now who has done the same thing, Libbey and Dowd both shared as the president of the school board, one nominiee chaired 3 levies, and we have some leaders who oppose the upcoming levy, we have to support the schools.

Hall of fame is divided into 3 categories, volunteer inductee Lois Nelson, in airforce pilot squad, 1978 began promoting the area, leadership in area, elected to Ohio senior citizens and hall of fame. Those receiving the award is Connie Hoffman her friend. Community Pioneer, Anderton Bentley, 1845-1916 arrived in Toledo, Bentley and sons built most of the area structures, built 17th story old 5/3 center. Built the Davis Bessie power plant, here to receive the award, great grand son, won awards in Sculling Pete Bentley, and one of the founders of the rowing club. 3rd inductee, Henry “Larry” Thompson, Jr. served on bostwick Braun board, and many community organizations, receiving award tonight is son Rev Thompson from Pittsburg. Flew in from Pittsburg this evening.

Last recipient, Wellington F Roemer, was a pioneer in trucking insurance, helped physically challenged, and other events, receiving the award is Thom Roemer. Pat, I have one story I want to tell, in 83 his son who lost a leg, at 5pm they were out, and Jim was ready to start rehab, Dud Roemer just called and said to get going.

Closing tonight, motto, boost Toledo by building Toledo and build Toledo by boosting Toledo.

Toledo’s future: 6 young professionals who call Toledo home, first David Bush of the mad poets society.

David Bush, founder of making a difference youth program, great honor and humility share with future, and promise of youth, been many milestones and accomplishments in life. He is a believer in change, dreams and provide opportunities of success, for those who are told they can’t you are that dream. Recall growing up on Rosedale and wondering what tomorrow will hold a single mom raising children this was one of my moments, one that would be a turning point in his life.

Tom Davies, joined the air force, if you are not prepared to move at any given moment you are dead, if you are not willing to act. He was maintenance person, knew if he stopped he would stop forever, when he got to Delaware, he started school full time, something else happened, was in dormitory playing Dungeons and Dragons, one of the most beautiful airman walked in, she and I decided to go to a place where they could pursue their dreams, and that is why I choose to put his sons, they are the reason he came to Toledo, they are the reason Toledo has a bright future.2004 received PhD in something, went to UM for post graduate work, how did you end up in economic development, took a chance and very quietly had one of the best years in the department of economic development. What we have done we are most proud of, we have set in motion a plan for the future all economic development agencies and to the State of Ohio and its leadership and focused now, like never before and we are doing it through….everything you have seen is barely the tip of the iceberg, we know we are the best at making cars and glass, we have kept our feet under us, as it turns out we are also pretty good make solar panels, McMaster left us a legacy, within a few years, Toledo will be a different place, and because we are taking advantage of that opportunity, the future is right now, we are adapting and innovating and Toledo is moving forward.

Kristine Kober from LexisNexis a better place to live, born and raised Toledo, return and take programs in law at UT upon graduating on law school, took a position with LexisNexis, on the side for fun to stay fit, teach pilaties and spinning, father is Don Kober who taught and coached at St. Francis, one of her best friends and owe success to him, let’s get something out of the way, when went to Notre Dame, always get questions do you know Katie Holmes, was assigned lab partners, Katie took the semester off to model in Japan, had to do projects herself, after high school attended Xavier, decided to return home to work at the College of Law, has a vast array of options, baseball team, state university, renowned art museum, accessible park system, could go on and on about great things Toledo has to offer, but about the great people, when I walk through neighborhood, was granted with blank stares, defined by assets and liability have a powerful choice to make, a power…or criticize Toledo and become a liability, Toledo is a banquet. It is easy to starve yourself, word of mouth promotion if far reaching, look forward to exciting developments and to call Toledo home.

Mark Folk director of arts commission, lived in Toledo for 4 generations, attending Toledo, studied abroad, worked in residence, ability to get rid of day to day to understand what we have, be better served when we take time to see what Toledo offers, great opportunities and to redefine ourselves for the future, in the past month Toledo was encouraged to take a part of the Great Lakes future leaders group (Blue?) by participating in network, a regionalist movement identified with success, reinterpreting ourself, example is Toledo remanufactured, graphic work to reinterpret, another example is Art in Tarta, was put into the Detroit Institute of Art competition and won, created a program, live art and work in Toledo, goal to attract and retain artists. Outlined art zone. The Glass Pavilion Toledo is designed as a place for leisure, owe the Toledo Museum of art a debt of gratitude, economic impact study. All give us so much to look forward to, live in a community where individuals who can truly make a difference. More than half full.

John Neiman from collective IQ, appreciate the opportunity to be here and to participate in the celebration, born in Temperance Michigan, enjoyed growing up in the Toledo area, in 89 attended Bedford HS, 93 career began in a subsidiary firm, can do work anywhere so why not come to Toledo, corporate venture has 600 million under management, built a team work with global companies in strategic development and investment, 2007 visited many countries to explore corp ventures as a tool of corp development and economic diversification, will be meeting with many other leaders. Recently closed a venture trust firm, working on 80 million deal with Apple, working with a venture firm in Japan, and a technology fund, as a result of items in Saudi Arabia work on a fund to make investments in technology companies, I do want to emphasize in closing, I believe there is tremendous opportunities for here in Toledo, what would be a great fit for what goes on, a distribution hub of many opportunities, with a shortage of water, Toledo is an oasis of opportunity, excited to be back home.

Anita Lopez, when she was a child encouraged by community that she could not achieve, in order to achieve have a plan an execute plan, as a teen was told I could not go to college, I would be an attorney and would run for office, and I knew there was an opportunity to run for office, made a plan and realized the dream at 18 worked at boys and girls club, family sent to central catholic, many challenges, many hurdles that could have taken me off of task, I could envision myself, and realized my dream, I challenged myself and staff to challenges. There were some who predicted doom and despair, now it sits full with 5/3, when a business is considering relocating, they can read the headlines, I commend the board of realtors to believe, believe and we will be successful, my family was difficult to get through HS, what will our legacy be, a city that celebrates and believes in itself will believe, at some point I realized that I became the master of faith, tonight we are here for a celebration for Toledo and what it is today, think about and dream about where we can be, I want to set a path where people can come to the tables with differences and ideas and never…as a city we should salute our family businesses that stay here every day, the blocks the savages, Hernan Vasquez…these family…I want those businesses to be embraced, they are already here and want them to stay here, I ask you to look for your dreams and the areas they serve, we have to serve…if leaders speak positively and headlines are positive our city will be viewed as successful, people will see we will embrace change no matter what those hurdles are, we are the masters of fate, each citizen must….if we work together we will be stronger and will work to make it a reality, I am proud to serve the city of Toledo and the entire Lucas County.

Carty, does anyone know the two young people on the right, who were recently far away from Toledo, to be with families and us, on our right, Nate Washington, Scott HS alumn, next to Nate, Katie Carroll, now competing to represent US in Olympic games in China, just recently chosen and will represent the US in Manchester England. Carty: I met Nate at Wildwood observed slender AA and introduced himself and goes to Tiffin plays for Tiffin, did not tell him he was breaking all of the pass catching records and had a dream to play for NFL, proves you do not need to be big, but he believes out of Scott HS believes in himself and believes in Education, and now big Ben is throwing more and more to Washington.

Nate Washington, I am not one of many words, give thanks to Mayor Finkbeiner has been behind him, every time he comes home people tell him he gets root for, means a lot to have a community and city behind him, city like no other, get questioned for them, brought friends home whenever they leave they say this is a great city.

Carty, Katie is up at 5:30 everyday, ND people say she is a good swimmer and works and trains, trains with best, like Michael Phelps, but works hard and earns it.

Katie, after hearing entire presentation I feel very proud to be a Toledoan, love coming back here, felt very proud to be a Toledoan and all of the support the city has given me. Now as they go forward, Carty gave them Toledo Caps.

Carty tossed a football to Nate, and he caught it with one hand.

Carty there will be autographs, and I hope you are as excited as I am about Toledo, I hope that you remember…being retelevised on Buckeye, I hope everyone has the opportunity to listen and be here. If you can’t get excited of being in Toledo after this evening, I have a cardiologist you should see. Two sports heroes who have worked hard, the artist program Mark Folk is talking about, and about the new sports arena and leadership of commissioners, and the marina district development, one of the best, Larry Dillon, if you can’t get excited about Jabos and staff and what they are doing out there and the Medical College, he was inspired by that place, can’t get excited about 45 news schools and new technology, can’t get excited about 6 young persons who made the presentations about what they are doing, I have the cardiologist phone number. A transition of the City from…we celebrate our heritage, 4 individuals who were inducted into the hall of fame, makes present and future more difficult, pride in our past is not nearly as important as optimism about our future. Inspiring people to enjoy poetry, Todd Davies inspiring economic success, ….Folks to attract arts…Nieman who came back to Toledo, Adam Andretti and his wife are here this evening, they stood up, lived in Indianapolis and interested in our City maybe even moving to our city, and Anita Lopez born not that far from here, people telling her you can’t do this and that, she pressed right on believing in herself and is making a difference in many people’s lives, making a difference in other’s lives, another great Toledoan, that is a handful of one of the great leaders of this community, I assure you that he will be in the Toledo hall of fame, but not that soon. My last words to you is, if you are looking for a place to be perfect, good luck, if you are looking for a place to work you have it in Toledo, safe streets and low crime rate, and lowest murder rate in the US, outstanding, arts group and theater group are working to be a center for what ever anyone would want, educational opps abound around us, we are building a 21st century economy, we are indeed a university town and we will continue to push ourselves and as energy costs soar and as water gets scarace, water will be the thriving center it was 23 years ago. Your home my home our home, The renaissance has started and has picked up, all of the recognition, economic development notebook, cities would kill to get one of these awards, read some of the awards, if you don’t think we got it, we do, we don’t need leaders fighting and pulling oars, thank you all for playing the roles, thanks to young and others who were here. Thank you.

As we conclude as they sing god bless the USA. Started singing the we are strong for Toledo, then sang God Bless the USA.

Final thoughts it was long, but it was nice for the experience. Nice to see Nate Washington stop by, people filtered out at the end but there was still 100 people or so in the audience at the end.