The Cleveland Entertainment Coalition

Following the first annual Perseverance Awards Weekend in February 2006, a handful of inspired people involved in the Cleveland entertainment Industry gathered at Little Fish Records Offices (5500 S Marginal, Cleveland, Ohio) at a round conference table. The purpose of the meeting was to form a network where Cleveland’s unparalleled talents could fellowship & discuss collaborations that would promote Cleveland in a positive light. On March 8th, the group decided that the organization be named “The Cleveland Entertainment Coalition,” and for several weeks word of mouth spread and Cleveland’s Entertainment Industry was beginning to unite. Over a two-month period, an interim board of directors was established and experimental committees were formed to stimulate the minds of the organization into selfless collaborations to help promote a positive image for Cleveland. The Coalition was now at the crossroads of whether to become incorporated as a Non–Profit entity or For-Profit corporation. After much thought and consideration, it was decided that the group would become a non-profit organization. Around this time, Pam Frame, the president of The Ohio Musician Services, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization (formerly the Cleveland Music Group, established in the early 90’s) was made aware of the CEC’s efforts and decided to get involved by offering to turn The Cleveland Music Group’s non-profit Charter over to the Cleveland Entertainment Coalition. The organization was now at its turning point. With a base of members already established, on June 21, 2006, at Howard Mims Multicultural Center at Cleveland State University, over twenty-five people were nominated and an election committee was selected for an official board of director’s election. On July 19, 2006, the election was held at the same venue and twelve directors were chosen.

At the first Board of Directors meeting, membership dues were established at $10 for an annual individual membership, and $25 for an annual business membership. Immediately, the twelve board members pitched in their dues and a National City bank account was established along with a logo and preliminary mission statement. The following Committees were then formulated and at least one board member for each committee was selected as a chairperson: The Bi-laws committee, Membership committee, Public Relations committee, and Creative Fundraising committee are permanent standing committees. The next necessary step was to begin to plan and start a membership drive.

The first official membership drive rally was held at The Tower Press building located at 1900 Superior Avenue, downtown Cleveland. The purpose of the rally was to inform the public and the Cleveland entertainment scene about the Coalition’s progress including: its official non-profit status; the newly elected Board of Directors; the established committees; and the option to officially become a member. With over fifty people in attendance, a celebration cake was served and many stayed afterwards to continue to network and fellowship. It was then decided that the next membership rally would mix in the element of an entertainment showcase including some of the CEC's members. Jim Mileti, owner of The Winchester Music Hall & Tavern graciously donated his venue for the next CEC Rally to be held October 25, 2006, followed by another one at Club Rockstar (a part of Peabody’s Entertainment Complex), December 8, 2006. The Membership Drive Rally’s have served the purpose of establishing an official membership base. Admission to CEC Rally’s are $10 and that goes to their annual individual membership if they choose to join.

One of the main aspects of the Cleveland Entertainment Coalition is Community Service work. By mixing the elements of community-based service work with the creativity and passion within the Cleveland entertainment scene, the objective is to inspire those fortunate & less fortunate into a realization that achieving fame and success is not unreachable for those who are willing to give of themselves. On November 23rd 2006, the CEC participated in a Thanksgiving Day Dinner & Concert for those in need at The Carl B. Stokes Building located 6001 Woodland Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. The event was hosted by Walt Johnson (of the Delphonics) and Bill “Silver B” Richards.