Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lucas Misera
2024 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2023 Small Business Credit Survey
The 2023 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) shows signs of a further waning of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on firms, as challenges closely associated with the pandemic—like supply chain issues—eased between 2022 and 2023. Measures of firm performance remained elevated well above pandemic-era lows and remained steady year-over-year but lagged prepandemic levels. Small businesses continued to face operational and financial headwinds.
An Update on the Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy
10.10.19 Loretta J. Mester Mellen Executive Speaker Series, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH (PDF ) I thank Professor William Elliott and John Carroll University for inviting me to participate in the Mellen Executive Speakers series. It was a pleasure meeting with John Carroll students earlier this afternoon, and I am looking forward to the question and answer session moderated by Jack Kleinhenz.
Has the Real-Time Reliability of Monthly Indicators Changed over Time?
(PDF ) DOI: 10.26509/frbc-ec-201916 Economic data are routinely revised after they are initially released. I examine the extent to which the real-time reliability of six monthly macroeconomic indicators important to policymakers has remained stable over time by studying the time-series properties of their short-term and long-term revisions. I show that the revisions to many monthly economic indicators display systematic behaviors that policymakers could build into their real-time assessments.
An Assessment of the ISM Manufacturing Price Index for Inflation Forecasting
(PDF ) The Institute for Supply Management produces a measure of pricing trends, the manufacturing price index or ISMPI, that is constructed from its periodic surveys of purchasing and supply executives. We investigate this measure’s predictive content for producer and consumer price inflation by assessing its ability to improve inflation forecasts for three broad monthly inflation measures. We find that the ISMPI has some predictive content for producer prices but not for consumer prices.
Facing Headwinds in the Loan Market, Entrepreneurs Look Elsewhere for Funding
Launching a new business has never been easy, but it's even tougher for startups in the post-recession economy. Credit remains tight, and banks in Northeast Ohio rarely risk loans to unproven entrepreneurs. In this week's Exploradio, WKSU's Lucas Misera looks at how small-business owners are getting creative in startup financing. Studies show that business loans have taken a backseat to financing methods like bonds and commercial paper since the early 1990s.
Facing Headwinds in the Loan Market, Entrepreneurs Look Elsewhere for Funding
Launching a new business has never been easy, but it's even tougher for startups in the post-recession economy. Credit remains tight, and banks in Northeast Ohio rarely risk loans to unproven entrepreneurs. In this week's Exploradio, WKSU's Lucas Misera looks at how small-business owners are getting creative in startup financing. Show Me the Money Studies show that business loans have taken a backseat to financing methods like bonds and commercial paper since the early 1990s.
Canton Craft Brewery Is Named One of the Fastest Growing in the U.S.
In a list released last week, a national trade group named a local craft brewery as one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. Production at Royal Docks Brewery of Canton jumped about 10-fold between 2016 and 2017 to more than 3,000 barrels per year. Owner John Bikis says Royal Docks’ unique business model early in its launch helped the brewery get the funding it needed to grow. "FWe decided to do things a little bit different.
Canton Craft Brewery Is Named One of the Fastest Growing in the U.S.
In a list released last week, a national trade group named a local craft brewery as one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. Production at Royal Docks Brewery of Canton jumped about 10-fold between 2016 and 2017 to more than 3,000 barrels per year. Owner John Bikis says Royal Docks’ unique business model early in its launch helped the brewery get the funding it needed to grow. "We decided to do things a little bit different.
Youngstown Company Makes Glasses That Could Protect Your Eyes From Late-Night Phone Habits
Plenty of research shows that looking at your phone before bed could be ruining your sleep. Joe Petrolla is the co-founder and owner of Bluwinx, a new company in Youngstown producing glasses to protect your eyes and sleeping habits. "With the advent of flat screens, the blue light emitted from the flat screens is very similar to the sunlight," says Petrolla.
Youngstown Company Makes Glasses That Could Protect Your Eyes From Late-Night Phone Habits
Plenty of research shows that looking at your phone before bed could be ruining your sleep. Joe Petrolla is the co-founder and owner of Bluwinx, a new company in Youngstown producing glasses to protect your eyes and sleeping habits. "With the advent of flat screens, the blue light emitted from the flat screens is very similar to the sunlight," says Petrolla.
ConxusNEO Convenes Tech Leaders and Businesses to Confront Growing Skills Gap
Akron nonprofit ConxusNEO is bringing tech leaders and local businesses together on Tuesday, April 17, to talk about the growing skills gap. ConxusNEO vice president Michelle Collins says the event, ALIGN, will focus on how data-collection technology is shaping what companies need from their workers. "At the end of this conversation, really what we want to do is walk away with some action items," says Collins.
Cleveland Clinic and JumpStart Select 12 Health Companies for Plug and Play Accelerator
Twelve healthcare startups have been selected to join the Plug and Play business accelerator program in Cleveland. The startups all use technology to improve healthcare -- from using virtual reality for physical therapy to creating a sensor that monitors sugar levels without drawing blood. The winners will be mentored by Plug and Play and Cleveland Clinic for three months at the Global Center for Health Innovation. Connie Weisman is the vice president of corporate partnerships for Plug and Play.
Cleveland Clinic and JumpStart Select 12 Health Companies for Plug and Play Accelerator
Twelve healthcare startups have been selected to join the Plug and Play business accelerator program in Cleveland. The startups all use technology to improve healthcare -- from using virtual reality for physical therapy to creating a sensor that monitors sugar levels without drawing blood. The winners will be mentored by Plug and Play and Cleveland Clinic for three months at the Global Center for Health Innovation. Connie Weisman is the vice president of corporate partnerships for Plug and Play.
Starwood Malls Host Battle of the Pop-Up Contests for Entrepreneurs
Local startups and small businesses are getting a chance to win rent-free space in Northeast Ohio malls. Malls managed by Starwood Retail Partners are hosting the Battle of the Pop-Up contest. The winners will get four months of rent-free space and a merchandising package that includes signs and graphic-design services.
Starwood Malls Host Battle of the Pop-Up Contests for Entrepreneurs
Local startups and small businesses are getting a chance to win rent-free space in Northeast Ohio malls. Malls managed by Starwood Retail Partners are hosting the Battle of the Pop-Up contest. The winners will get four months of rent-free space and a merchandising package that includes signs and graphic-design services.
Akron Business Owner Starts Magazine for Fellow Entrepreneurs
A local entrepreneur is doing her part to help other African-American business owners find success. Da’Shika Wells is the founder of Akron-based VineWorks Marketing. Last month, Wells launched an online publication to guide entrepreneurs through some of the obstacles she’s experienced. Wells says the "Official Black and Brilliant Entrepreneur Magazine,” or “B.A.B.E. Magazine,” offers advice to black business owners, one of the fastest growing sets of entrepreneurs.
Akron Business Owner Starts Magazine for Fellow Entrepreneurs
A local entrepreneur is doing her part to help other African-American business owners find success. Da’Shika Wells is the founder of Akron-based VineWorks Marketing. Last month, Wells launched an online publication to guide entrepreneurs through some of the obstacles she’s experienced. Wells says the "Official Black and Brilliant Entrepreneur Magazine,” or “B.A.B.E. Magazine,” offers advice to black business owners, one of the fastest growing sets of entrepreneurs.
DriveIT Aims to Fill IT Skills Gap Through Unique Training Sessions
An Akron startup is looking to boost the skills of local tech employees. DriveIT co-founder Ian Schwarber says the company will offer face-to-face courses ranging from data science and programming to classes on team management and business intelligence taught by local professionals. Schwarber likens it to a full-circuit workout that can help employees broaden their skill sets.
DriveIT Aims to Fill 'IT Skills Gap' Through Unique Training Sessions
An Akron startup is looking to boost the skills of local tech employees. DriveIT cofounder Ian Schwarber says the company will offer face-to-face courses ranging from data science and programming to classes on team management and business intelligence taught by local professionals. Schwarber likens it to a full-circuit workout that can help workers broaden their skillsets.
Alexa, Make Cleveland A Smart Device Research Center
Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University have received $1.75 million from the Cleveland Foundation to fund a joint effort coined the “Internet of Things Collaborative.” The Internet of Things refers to devices that collect data and transmit the information to other pieces of technology through the web.
KSU students, Twitter express concern over religious group touting ‘God the Mother’
KentWired received complaints of men and women approaching students on campus and at off-campus apartments talking about “God the Mother.” A few students who reside at University Townhomes said two people — one man and one woman — talked about redemption, asked for contact information and then offered to meet at an off-campus location.
Case Western and Cleveland State Receive $1.75 Million Grant for Internet of Things Collaborative
Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University have received $1.75 million from the Cleveland Foundation to fund a joint effort coined the “Internet of Things Collaborative.” The Internet of Things refers to devices that collect data and transmit the information to other pieces of technology through the web.
Flashstarts Adds Akron-based OncoSolutions to Its Investment Portfolio
Flashstarts, a Cleveland business accelerator, is making its first investment of this year in an Akron-based company that grows 3D models of tumors. OncoSolutions produces the models and uses them to test possible cancer treatments from pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Stephanie Ham is the cofounder and CEO of OncoSolutions.
Flashstarts Adds Akron-based OncoSolutions to Its Investment Portfolio
Flashstarts, a Cleveland business accelerator, is making its first investment of this year in an Akron-based company that grows 3D models of tumors. OncoSolutions produces the models and uses them to test possible cancer treatments from pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Stephanie Ham is the cofounder and CEO of OncoSolutions.
Case Western and Cleveland State Receive $1.75 Million Grant for Internet of Things Collaborative
Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University have received $1.75 million from the Cleveland Foundation to fund a joint effort coined the “Internet of Things Collaborative.” The Internet of Things refers to devices that collect data and transmit the information to other pieces of technology through the web.
Akron Entrepreneurs Build a Connection Between the City and Its Innovators
The city of Akron is trying to play a bigger role in guiding local startups. Tuesday is the third Akron Entrepreneurs Meet-up event organized by the mayor’s office. Heather Roszczyk is the innovation and entrepreneurship advocate for the city. She says bringing local entrepreneurs together helps business owners identify common problems and what the city can offer.
Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Receive $6.5 Million for Psoriasis Research
Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center are teaming up to research complications associated with psoriasis. The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is giving the project a $6.5 million grant. The grant will help researchers better understand psoriasis and its comorbidities, the other ailments that come with it.
Akron Entrepreneurs Build a Connection Between the City and Its Innovators
The city of Akron is trying to play a bigger role in guiding local startups. Tuesday is the third Akron Entrepreneurs Meet-up event organized by the mayor’s office. Heather Roszczyk is the innovation and entrepreneurship advocate for the city. She says bringing local entrepreneurs together helps business owners identify common problems and what the city can offer.
Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Receive $6.5 Million for Psoriasis Research
Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center are teaming up to research complications associated with psoriasis. The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is giving the project a $6.5 million grant. The grant will help researchers better understand psoriasis and its comorbidities, the other ailments that come with it.
Gallup Poll Shows College Students Feel Unprepared for Job Market
A recent Gallup poll reveals that only a third of students feel confident their college education will adequately prepare them for the job market. Laura Carey is the director of Career Services at the University of Akron. She says while mastering the fundamentals will help college grads land jobs, it’s not the only thing employers look for. Developing “soft skills” can help students stand out.
Gallup Poll Shows College Students Feel Unprepared for Job Market
A recent Gallup poll reveals that only a third of students feel confident their college education will adequately prepare them for the job market. Laura Carey is the director of Career Services at the University of Akron. She says while mastering the fundamentals will help college grads land jobs, it’s not the only thing employers look for. Developing “soft skills” can help students stand out.
Cleveland Fed Study Shows a Tight Credit Market for Small Businesses
New business startup rates in Ohio and across the U.S. remain low despite a growing economy. The latest study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland offers one explanation for the trend. The Cleveland Fed study shows that, all things being equal, small businesses are less likely to receive financing. One reason is that lenders want the higher returns they get from lending to larger businesses, according to Cleveland Fed senior policy analyst Ann Marie Wiersch.
Cleveland Fed Study Shows a Tight Credit Market for Small Businesses
New business startup rates in Ohio and across the U.S. remain low despite a growing economy. The latest study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland offers one explanation for the trend. The Cleveland Fed study shows that, all things being equal, small businesses are less likely to receive financing. One reason is that lenders want the higher returns they get from lending to larger businesses, according to Cleveland Fed senior policy analyst Ann Marie Wiersch.
Case Western Reserve University Students Travel to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show
Student entrepreneurs from Case Western Reserve University will be showcasing their products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. The show is an opportunity for innovators around the world to mingle with buyers and suppliers, as well as potential investors. Bob Sopko is with the students this week in Vegas. He is the director of Case’s LaunchNet program, which helps students start and manage their own businesses. This is our fifth year, and we have 10 booths.
Case Western Reserve University Students Travel to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show
Student entrepreneurs from Case Western Reserve University will be showcasing their products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. The show is an opportunity for innovators around the world to mingle with buyers and suppliers, as well as potential investors. Bob Sopko is with the students this week in Vegas. He is the director of Case’s LaunchNet program, which helps students start and manage their own businesses. This is our fifth year, and we have 10 booths.
Richmond Heights Candy Store Owner Finds Sweet Success Despite Unique Barriers to Women
Women face unique challenges when starting a business, from getting a loan to getting taken seriously in the marketplace. Women start businesses half as often as men nationwide, but studies suggest female entrepreneurs are less risky for investors than men. In the first in an ongoing examination of entrepreneurship, Exploradio looks at the role women play in the start-up economy. For candy-lovers looking to satisfy a craving, a shop in Richmond Heights is worth a stop.
Wickliffe City School District Launches NextWork to Link Students and Manufacturers
A Northeast Ohio school district is developing a website to connect students with manufacturing jobs in Lake and Geauga counties. The site, NextWork, allows employers to interact with students by posting job openings and hosting forums to learn more about manufacturing. Wickliffe Superintendent Joe Spiccia sees the site as a way for students not heading to college to find good-paying jobs. Spiccia hopes NextWork will grow beyond manufacturing to other sectors.
Wickliffe City School District Launches NextWork to Link Students and Manufacturers
A Northeast Ohio school district is developing a website to connect students with manufacturing jobs in Lake and Geauga counties. The site, NextWork, allows employers to interact with students by posting job openings and hosting forums to learn more about manufacturing. Wickliffe Superintendent Joe Spiccia sees the site as a way for students not heading to college to find good-paying jobs. Spiccia hopes NextWork will grow beyond manufacturing to other sectors.
New Report Shows That Minority Business are at a Disadvantage in Access to Lending
A new report finds that minority-owned businesses have a more difficult time getting credit from lenders than companies with white owners. The report from the Federal Reserve Banks of Cleveland and Atlanta suggests that black business owners face the largest credit gap of minority groups in the study. Black owners were twice as likely to report having difficulties getting funds for business expansion. They were also approved 20 percent less often for lines of credit than their white counterparts.
New Report Shows That Minority Business are at a Disadvantage in Access to Lending
A new report finds that minority-owned businesses have a more difficult time getting credit from lenders than companies with white owners. The report from the Federal Reserve Banks of Cleveland and Atlanta suggests that black business owners face the largest credit gap of minority groups in the study. Black owners were twice as likely to report having difficulties getting funds for business expansion. They were also approved 20 percent less often for lines of credit than their white counterparts.
Global Center for Health Innovation Adds Pittsburgh-Based Firm as a New Tenant
BioEnterprise is welcoming one of the first new tenants to Cleveland’s Global Center for Health Innovation since becoming its strategic planner recently. Pittsburgh-based MedRespond develops interactive online programs that guide patients through a range of options from recovering from surgery to paying for their procedures. Virginia Pribanic, the company’s president and CEO, views this as an opportunity to connect with the region’s healthcare leaders.
Global Center for Health Innovation Adds Pittsburgh-Based Firm as a New Tenant
BioEnterprise is welcoming one of the first new tenants to Cleveland’s Global Center for Health Innovation since becoming its strategic planner recently. Pittsburgh-based MedRespond develops interactive online programs that guide patients through a range of options from recovering from surgery to paying for their procedures. Virginia Pribanic, the company’s president and CEO, views this as an opportunity to connect with the region’s healthcare leaders.
Kent State Professor Gets a $300,000 Grant From the National Science Foundation
A Kent State University computer-science professor has received a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to further his development of eye-tracking software. Jonathan Maletic will work with Youngstown State University professor Bonita Sharif on their project, iTrace. Current technology tracks where viewers’ eyes range on a webpage but doesn’t accommodate scrolling or switching from one page to another, a problem iTrace aims to fix.
Kent State Professor Gets a $300,000 Grant From the National Science Foundation
A Kent State University computer-science professor has received a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to further his development of eye-tracking software. Jonathan Maletic will work with Youngstown State University professor Bonita Sharif on their project, iTrace. Current technology tracks where viewers’ eyes range on a webpage but doesn’t accommodate scrolling or switching from one page to another, a problem iTrace aims to fix.
BioEnterprise Will Direct Strategic Planning for Cleveland's Global Center for Health Innovation
The new head of Cleveland’s hub for the medical industry says one of his objectives is to increase the role of small businesses in the health sector. BioEnterprise, a healthcare business accelerator, announced an agreement last Monday to head strategic planning at the Global Center for Health Innovation. BioEnterprise CEO Aram Nerpouni believes up-and-coming companies can benefit from working alongside experienced firms like Cleveland Clinic and Steris in the Global Center.
Opinion: Penn State Rose Bowl appearance highlights NCAA incompetence
Today, the University of Southern California and Penn State square off on perhaps the most coveted stage in collegiate football: the Rose Bowl. These programs have two particular common characteristics that the media has avidly covered in the lead-up to the game. The first is that each team enters the game as the hottest squads in the country.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Lucas
Contact Lucas, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack