Team NEO, Cleveland Orchestra Partner In Cologne, Germany
10/25/2011
For additional information, contact:
Jenny Febbo
216.363.5426 (o)
440.258.8805 (c)
jfebbo@teamneo.org
TEAM NEO, CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA PARTNER IN COLOGNE, GERMANY
TO ATTRACT EUROPEAN BUSINESSES TO NORTHEAST OHIO
CLEVELAND, October 24, 2011 — Team Northeast Ohio (Team NEO) will capitalize on The Cleveland Orchestra’s upcoming performance in Cologne, Germany by inviting European companies to the Sunday, October 30 performance. The Orchestra’s reputation and following throughout Europe helps to “open doors” with businesses that are candidates for expansion into Northeast Ohio.
Team NEO markets the assets of Northeast Ohio to businesses around the world to bring new operations and jobs to the region. Building relationships with business investment decision makers and their advisors is a critical part of this process. “The Cleveland Orchestra is a recognized symbol of excellence around the world,” said Thomas A. Waltermire, Team NEO’s CEO. “It creates a halo effect for the region that helps us connect with companies and demonstrate that the Cleveland Plus region is the right place for business expansion in the United States.”
Team NEO capitalized on the Orchestra’s appearance in Switzerland last year. “We were able to meet with a dozen companies and industry associations, resulting in four direct investment opportunities for Northeast Ohio,” said Waltermire. “We anticipate similar results from the upcoming trip to Germany.”
The visit to Cologne will include meetings with 14 companies and industry associations from throughout Europe.
“The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to call Northeast Ohio home and to carry our city’s name around the world,” said Gary Hanson, Executive Director for the Cleveland Orchestra. “We’re pleased to partner with Team NEO to help tell European business leaders about our region’s great assets.” The Orchestra will appear in thirteen performances in Europe from October 20 through November 5.
The weekend activities will include networking receptions and business presentations before the performance and a private reception with Cleveland Orchestra musicians. These activities will allow more time to build relationships and to present the Northeast Ohio story.
The event was organized by Team NEO’s agents in Europe, an international business development consulting firm operating as Cleveland Plus Europe.
About Team NEO
Team NEO advances Northeast Ohio’s economy by serving as the 18-county region’s private-sector economic development hub. It connects the region to the state’s JobsOhio program and attracts new businesses worldwide. Since 2007, the organization has attracted 48 new company operations, 4,800 new jobs and almost $173 million in annual payroll to Northeast Ohio, leading to a total annual regional payroll benefit of $281 million.
About The Cleveland Orchestra
Under the direction of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, The Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world. At its winter home at Severance Hall, at each summer’s Blossom Festival, and on tour around the world, The Cleveland Orchestra sets standards of artistic excellence, creative programming, and community engagement. The Cleveland Orchestra’s educational programs have introduced more than four million Cleveland-area schoolchildren to symphonic music since the Orchestra’s founding in 1918.
The partnership with Franz Welser-Möst, now in its tenth season, has earned The Cleveland Orchestra ongoing residencies in Miami, at the Musik¬verein in Vienna, at the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland, and at the Lincoln Center Festiva in New York City. The Orchestra is currently on tour in Europe, visiting Madrid, Valencia, Paris, Luxembourg, Cologne, Vienna and Linz. For more information, visit clevelandorchestra.com.
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