Create Columbus Commission Introduces New Grant Program

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL ADVISORY   For Immediate Release: July 8, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Scott Peacock (614) 222-6104 Tyneisha Harden (614) 645-2425 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

       

Create Columbus Commission Introduces New Grant Program

COLUMBUS—The Create Columbus Commission (CCC), a young professional (YP) organization established by the City of Columbus and Columbus Chamber in 2007, introduces its first grants program for local YP initiatives called the Create Columbus Grants Program.

 

As an organization of over 30 young professionals dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies and tactics to help Columbus attract and retain young and talented individuals, CCC established that this grant opportunity be made available to organizations and groups actively seeking to enhance the YP experience in Columbus.

 

“The new grants program was created to support initiatives by and for young professionals that make Columbus the best place to live, work and play”, said Steven Michalovich, co-chair of the Create Columbus Commission. “As a commission, we are excited to have a real impact on the ideas and programs that organizations around the city have to support the young professional community.”

 

Since its inception, the Create Columbus Commission has received tremendous support from community leadership. This continues today, as Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Council President Andrew J. Ginther stand by the Commission and the future of young professionals in Columbus.

 

“Columbus is already making its mark as a great city for young professionals to establish careers and families,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “By supporting this grants program, we hope to encourage the rest of the city to contribute to supporting and growing this increasingly important segment of our population.”

 

On July 1^st, Columbus City Council unanimously voted to send funds for the grants program to the United Way of Central Ohio who will serve as fiscal agent for the commission. In 2013, the commission expects to distribute $50,000 in grants supporting the YP community.

 

“These grants will fund initiatives that will engage young professionals in a meaningful way, and help raise the profile of the YP community in Columbus,” said City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Much of our success rests on our ability to attract and retain the best and the brightest people, and investing time and resources in developing our young and talented residents is one way we can show that Columbus is a smart and open city committed to their future.”

 

The goals of the Create Columbus Grants Program are:

1.       1.  Encourage and support residents to launch innovative, community-based initiatives with a specific young professionals component;

2.        

3.       2.  Provide strategic financial support for one-time costs for events, initiatives or programs that impact young professionals;

4.        

5.       3.  Improve the young professional experience in the areas of arts, sports and entertainment, careers, neighborhoods, and transportation.

 

The initial filing period for the 2013 grants program is July 8-Aug. 31, 2013.

 

Information on eligibility and how to apply can be found within the 2013 Create Columbus Grants Program application.

 

Application is attached as a PDF.

 

Questions from grant applicants can be sent to CreateColumbusGrants@gmail.com.

 

The Create Columbus Commission was established May 24, 2007 by Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, former City Council Member Kevin L. Boyce, and former President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber Ty D. Marsh.

 

The Commission’s purpose is to identify and implement selected strategies and tactics that will help Columbus attract and retain young and talented individuals. Its vision is for Columbus to be seen – internally and externally – as a great place for young and talented individuals to live, work and play.

 

The members of the Commission are appointed by the Mayor of Columbus and Columbus City Council President. Commission Members are defined as those who are “young” (e.g., 40 and younger) artists, entrepreneurs and professionals who are residents of or employed in the Columbus metropolitan area. In addition, the Commission consists of individuals that are representative of the broad and diverse community of businesses, organizations and governments, as well as social, ethnic and arts groups throughout the Columbus Region.

The individuals who currently serve on the Create Columbus Commission are:

1.        Lindsay Arnett, Director of Operations, 614 Media Group

2.        Ryan Bauer, Senior Director, Experiential Marketing, Interpublic Group

3.        Beth Berkemer, Public and Media Relations and Events, Berkemer PR

4.        Robert Bickis, Jr., Real Estate Consultant/Broker, MoveDowntownColumbus.com

5.        Kacey Brankamp, Business Recruiter, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District

6.        Shawn Broadus, Marketing & Brand Consultant, Seven8ths Media Consultants

7.        Benjamin Buckner (Co-Chair), Brand Manager, Gap, Inc.

8.        Christina Christian, Senior Community Manager, Yelp.com

9.        Priyam Chokshi (Stakeholder Liasion), Legislative Assistant to Council President Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Council

10.     Kate Christobek (Co-Chair), Assistant Attorney General, Ohio Attorney General's Office

11.     Ashley Curl, Account Executive, First Data Corporation/Huntington Merchant Services

12.     Jordan Davis, Manager, Events and Development, The Columbus Partnership

13.     Tyler Durbin, Marketing Manager, GSW Worldwide

14.     Yaves Ellis, Public Affairs Director, Radio One Columbus/President & CEO, Sling Shot Media Group LLC

15.     Tim Fulton, Director, Small Business Beanstalk

16.     Derek Grosso, President and Founder, Columbus Young Professionals Club (CYP CLUB)

17.     Tyneisha Harden (Stakeholder Liaison), Communications Coordinator, Mayor’s Office, City of Columbus

18.     Andy Hutter, Account Manager, Dynamit

19.     Noel Klay, Talent Acquisition Director, Cardinal Health

20.     Ashley Lester, Project Coordinator, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South

21.     Steve Michalovich (Co-Chair), Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications, ScottsMiracle-Gro

22.     Jesus Ovalle, Program Manager, Columbus Public Health

23.     Diana Pagan, Community Services Manager, CAPA

24.     Scott Peacock, Public Relations Manager, Experience Columbus

25.     Amy Schmittauer, Founder, SavvySexySocial.com

26.     Elissa Schneider, Director, Major Gifts, Mid-Ohio Foodbank

27.     Timothy Wolf Starr, President, The Small Business Beanstalk

28.     Steve Swift, Business Manager, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

29.     Jacob Taylor, Architect, CivitasNow

30.     Kevin Tyler, Sr. Communication Consultant, Cardinal Health

31.     Josue Vicente, Executive Director, Ohio Hispanic Coalition

32.     Lauren Widett, Senior Consulting Professional, Navigator Management Partners

 

 

 

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

City Council Highlights July 1, 2013

 

 

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: July 1, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

VOTED BOND PACKAGE:  A little more than a week after announcing the 2013 voted bond package that voters will be asked to approve in the fall, City Councilmembers must take the formal step of placing the issues on the November ballot.   Finance Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring resolutions 0135x, 0136x, 1037x, and 0138x-2013, all of which will help City Council and Mayor Coleman continue to invest in strong and safe neighborhoods.    The four issues that will appear on the ballot are:

 

-          Safety and Health ($53 million) for police and fire facilities, vehicles and equipment;

-          Recreation and Parks ($124 million) for rec centers, bike paths, pools, parks, playgrounds and equipment;

-          Public Service ($220 million) for resurfacing, sidewalks, roadways, bikeways, refuse vehicles and containers, street equipment and other neighborhood improvements;

-          Public Utilities ($445 million) for water system improvements, stormwater improvements and street lighting.

 

BOND PACKAGE AT WORK:  Recreation and Parks Committee chair Zach M. Klein is sponsoring ten ordinances to make various capital improvements at recreation centers and parks all around the city of Columbus.   The millions of dollars for the projects come directly from past bond issues supported by Columbus voters.  Click here for a complete list of projects and sites

 

GREEN COLUMBUS:  Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1334-2013, for the Recycling on High pilot program. This bar and restaurant recycling program will be piloted in up to forty establishments along High Street, from downtown to the campus area. The city will provide recycling containers, collection services, employee training, and materials to help communicate the restaurants’ efforts to patrons. The pilot program is made possible by a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The Recycling on High pilot will be evaluated to determine whether there is sufficient participation in this type of recyclable collection service to continue or expand the program.

 

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC:  Columbus City Councilmembers will consider an ordinance to create a provision in the city code to regulate pedicabs in Columbus.  This growing industry provides residents and visitors a travel option in the downtown area and at major entertainment events around the community.   Public Safety and Judiciary Committee chair Michelle M. Mills worked with pedicab owners to come up with safety standards that bring the industry in line with many of the Vehicle for Hire provisions of the city code.   In a separate piece on the agenda, Council will consider a comprehensive update to the overall Vehicle for Hire code.  

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

Councilmember Tyson Holds Bond Package Hearing

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL ALERT   For Immediate Release: June 24, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

 

Councilmember Tyson Holds Bond Package Hearing

 

WHO:

Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5:00 pm

 

WHERE:

Columbus City Council Chambers

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, will hold a hearing to discuss the 2013 voted bond package.  Voters are being asked to approve four issues on the November ballot worth a combined $842 million.  The funds would be used to invest in neighborhoods by building new roads and bridges, purchasing fire and police equipment, and improving recreation centers and playgrounds.    The meeting will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus’ government television channel 3 on local cable systems.   Speaker slips will be accepted on the day of the hearing until 5:00 pm and the general rules of speaking before Council will apply.

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

Columbus City Council Highlights June 17, 2013

 

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: June 17, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

CARING FOR VETERANS:  Councilmember Hearcel F.  Craig, Vietnam-era veteran of the U. S. Army, is sponsoring ordinance 1293-2013, to authorize up to $250,000 from the general capital improvement fund to the Department of Development, Housing Division for targeted distribution through the Better Municipal Care for Veterans Home Fund.  The program, part of a capital budget amendment from Councilmember Craig in 2012, will increase funding up to $20,000 for home improvements to veterans or homeowners with an eligible veteran who permanently resides in their household.  The program currently offers up to $15,000. 

 

HOMES IN THE HILLTOP:  Development Committee chair Zach M.  Klein is also supporting a home improvement program, for residences in the Hilltop.  Ordinance 1286-2013 authorizes up to $500,000 from the Housing Preservation Fund portion of the 2013 Capital Improvement Budget for distribution of City Council's Property Renovation Funds through the Hilltop Home Repair Program.  The funds will provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners for exterior home improvements in a targeted area within the Hilltop neighborhood.  The Department of Development, Housing Division will partner with Homes on the Hill CDC (HOTH), a non‑profit community development corporation dedicated to creating a community that welcomes and cares for all people.  HOTH will work with the Housing Division to market the program, identify potential grant recipients and coordinate the application process with the applicants. 

 

GET ACTIVE!:  The Institute for Active Living works to improve the health of Columbus residents by promoting a variety of programs year-round.  Ordinance 1401-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R.  Tyson, allows the city to accept a $27,865 grant from the Foundation for Active Living through the Columbus Foundation.  A portion of the funding, provided by Medical Mutual of Ohio, will support the Kids Cycle Columbus program, a new program that provides bikes, helmets and safety instructions to underprivileged youth. 

 

PARTNERING WITH ODOT: The Ohio Department of Transportation's ongoing I-70/I-71 Columbus Crossroads Project will reduce congestion in and out of Columbus and make the freeways safer.  Public Service and Transportation Committee chair Eileen Y.  Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1396-2013, to provide additional city funds needed for the city's partnership with ODOT to improve portions of Interstate 70.  Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2013, and be completed in October 2014.

COMMUNITY MEETING:  The Columbus City Council will be holding another community meeting this Wednesday, June 19, at the Marion Franklin Recreation Center, 2801 Lockbourne Road, from 5:30-7:00 pm.  Council President Andrew J.  Ginther will deliver opening remarks, and residents will be able to sit down with councilmembers and city staff to discuss matters in an informal setting.

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

{SPAM} City Council Highlights June 3, 2013

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: June 3, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

ENHANCING OUR ART WALKS: Columbus Art Walks are a fun way to get active while experiencing the rich art, architecture, and history of Columbus. Ordinance 1151-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson, would accept and appropriate a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council to fund a pilot walking tour program called Columbus Art Walks and Landmark Talks. The new program, produced in partnership with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, will enhance the Art Walks with free tours led by expert historians and guides. A schedule of the tours is available here.

 

Responsible Contracting Outreach: In December, Columbus City Council passed legislation to modernize the city’s construction contracting code to make the process more efficient, accessible, and transparent. Now, Council President Pro Tem A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1265-2013 to help Columbus-based small business owners and minority, female, and veteran business entities (M/F/VBEs) meet and exceed the standards for responsible contracting. The city’s Equal Business Opportunity Commission Office will implement the Responsible Contracting Outreach Project to provide businesses with helpful information on access to health insurance, retirement plans, licensing, bonding, employee training, and other important services.

 

HOME CARE FOR SENIORS: The Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today (PASSPORT) and Assisted Living Medicaid programs provide home care and assisted living services to an estimated 4,500 older adults in the Columbus area. Ordinance 1204-2013, sponsored by Recreation and Parks Committee chair Zach M. Klein, authorizes an appropriation of $24,000,000 in grant funds from the Ohio Department of Aging for the continued operation of these programs through June 30, 2014. PASSPORT provides home care services as an alternative to nursing home admission for Medicaid-eligible clients. Services include case management, adult day care, homemaker, meals, personal care, respite, transportation, and emergency response. 

 

NEW CNG VEHICLES: The Department of Public Service’s Division of Planning and Operations is responsible for snow and ice removal and for maintaining the city's roadway system. Public Service and Transportation Committee chair Eileen Y. Paley is supporting their work with ordinance 1010-2013, which will improve the reliability of our fleet by replacing older trucks that are beyond their useful service lives. The fourteen new single-axle dump trucks will be powered by compressed natural gas, continuing the city’s commitment to building a greener, more fuel-efficient fleet.

 

HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETS: Veterans Affairs Committee chair Hearcel F. Craig will welcome to Council Ron Lebsock, vice president of housing choice vouchers at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, to share information about a voucher program that will help homeless veterans in our community find places to live. On May 29, Councilmember Craig held a public hearing to discuss the programs and services that are available to veterans in Central Ohio.

 

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Statement from Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther Regarding Columbus City Schools

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   May 22, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Statement from Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther

Regarding Columbus City Schools

 

 

“I applaud the Columbus Board of Education for voting to support recommendations made by the Columbus Education Commission,” said Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Board President Carol Perkins and board members should be commended for taking action to align the Board's goals with those of the community, and for placing the district on a path to success that will improve the education of all children in Columbus.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Board to implement the Commission's recommendations”

 

 

 

JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

Councilmember Tyson Honored by Amethyst, Inc.

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT April 18, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

(Columbus)—Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Health & Human Services Committee, will be named the 2013 Purple Heart Award winner by Amethyst, Inc. at the group’s annual fundraiser, the Portraits of Recovery Luncheon, on Friday, April 19, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown Hotel.   Councilmember Tyson, who also chairs the Workforce Development Committee, is receiving the honor to recognize her years of advocacy and support for women and families in recovery. 

 

“I want to thank the leadership at Amethyst for this great honor,” said Councilmember Tyson.  “Amethyst is a champion for women who are working to improve their lives and it is important that the Columbus community recognize them and support them in their work.  Amethyst is helping to build stronger, safer, more loving neighborhoods.”

 

For nearly three decades, Amethyst has provided a long-term drug, alcohol, mental health, and trauma treatment center for women and women with children.   Amethyst’s programming includes a sober supportive housing component.   Their mission is to foster a culture of recovery, empowering women and families in a safe, sober community.

 

“Councilmember Tyson is a partner with Amethyst when it comes to supporting the treatment programs we offer to help women transition from a life of addiction to a productive life free of substance abuse,” said Virginia O’Keeffe, Amethyst CEO.  “We appreciate her support and the support of the entire Columbus City Council.”

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov