Third Frontier : Featured Stories

The prevailing impression of regionalism that has been bandied about Northeast Ohio for the better part of a decade is all wrong, says a collaborative group of area nonprofits. While the consolidation of countless municipalities is useful, it is not intrinsically regionalism. True regionalism, they argue, is defined by economic activity -- not political boundaries.

Forget about invisibility cloaks, which are good only for hiding from mythical enemies in Harry Potter movies. This is the real deal.

Building a brand is a process. It starts with having a good product and good service. Getting the word out entails advertising, marketing, promotions, special events, public relations and networking. Now, however, there's something new in the marketing toolbox -- social media.

While northeast Ohio's "Polymer Valley" is home to 45 percent of Ohio's polymer production sites, a cluster of companies has built its own power base in the state's southeastern corner.

Pop quiz: What Ohio institution of higher learning has grown faster than any other state public college or university over the last decade? The answer might surprise you.

Lester A. Lefton became Kent State University's 11th president in July 2006. Ranked by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching among the nation's best public research universities and among the best colleges and universities in community engagement, Kent State has been at the forefront of high-tech innovation in Northeast Ohio. hiVelocity asked Lefton about Kent State's role in Ohio's new economy and his vision for the region.

A year ago tomorrow, hiVelocity hit the webstand. In this issue, we take a look back -- why we ventured forth, what our goals were and what our readers have found most appealing.

Elizabeth Edwards is a former venture investor who believes there is no lack of innovation or entrepreneurial spirit in the greater Cincinnati region. What's needed, she says, are more ways to connect great ideas with resources. That's why Edwards left Neyer Holdings to form her own company, Metro Innovation -- and why she initiated programs like InOneWeekend three years ago and the Cincinnati Innovates contest, now it its second year. hiVelocity spoke to Edwards about Cincinnati's entrepreneurial climate.