Visionary leadership conceives what is possible, and is unwavering in the pursuit of it. Energized by a desire to turn MidTown into a thriving business district once again, Morton L. Mandel, G. Robert Klein and Thomas H. Roulston led a group of local business leaders to establish MidTown Corridor, known today as MidTown Cleveland, Inc., more than two decades ago to address the crime, vice, and poor appearance that jeopardized area commerce. The newly formed economic development corporation effectively united the MidTown community to contribute time, talent and financial support to improve the area’s safety and visual quality.

The public-private strategy embraced by the founders provided additional funding and awareness so that meaningful progress could be achieved. Strong relationships forged with City of Cleveland and State of Ohio officials, as well as philanthropic entities, augmented MidTown’s visibility and gained support for the organization’s economic development efforts.

Addressing the challenges of MidTown’s past has encouraged a vibrant future marked by reinvestment exceeding $750 million. The organization’s legacy of leadership, made possible through the financial and volunteer support of member organizations as well as funding from local foundations and government programs, sustains the ongoing evolution of the MidTown Business and Urban District and fuels the provision of member services. This collective cooperation enables MidTown Cleveland, Inc. to positively impact more than 800 businesses and 2,000 residents daily, advocating for their interests and guiding area development.