Volume 20 | Winter 2021
Economic Development
2021 Year in Review
New business ribbon cutting celebrations with Mayor Ed Kraus and the Solon Chamber of Commerce in 2021
Pop Culture CLE
Lee's Seafood Boil
Tech Doctors
Sir Troy's Toy Kingdom
Pro-Stylez Hair Salon
CLEan Express Auto Wash
Young Chef's Academy
Verity Loans
Solon Bicycle - new location
New Businesses to Solon in 2021
2021 Inauguration
On December 5th, 2021 Mayor Ed Kraus, Councilman Robert Pelunis, Councilman Michael Kan and Councilman Bob Shimits were inaugurated at the Solon Community Center.
Swagelok Global Innovation Center Opening
In August 2021, Swagelok opened their Global Headquarters & Innovation Center at 29500 Solon Road, where its current headquarters has been since 1965. The new center is 124,000 square feet and will house 270 employees with room to grow.
Chagrin Valley Islamic Center Opening
In November, the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center opened on Liberty Road. It broke ground in 2018 and is the city's first mosque. The $3 million building is approximately 7,000 square feet and sits on 5.3 acres.
Solon Job Fair
To help address workforce shortage issues, the City and the Solon Chamber hosted a Job Fair in the Park on June 3rd at the Solon Community Park. Over 70 local businesses participated in the event and there was a steady flow of job seekers. Mark your calendars now for the 2022 Job Fair that will take place on Thursday, May 19th, 2022.
Solon Recognitions
Solon Magazine
The City of Solon was highlighted in Cleveland Magazine's October issue, Click here to View the 2021 Solon Magazine
New Welcome to Solon Sign
We finally have a new welcome sign that aligns with the city’s rebranding. You can’t miss it on SOM Center Road at the intersection of Rte. 422.  
RTA Bus Shelters Installed
To improve the RTA rider experience, four new shelters and some additional concrete pads were installed at RTA stops throughout Solon.
Two Major Nestle Projects in Solon
Nestle USA in Solon announced two major projects that will happen at the 30003 Bainbridge Building Corporate Office - the Culinary Innovation Center will go through a renovation and a redevelopment of the Test Kitchens and Main Auditorium.

Read more about the Culinary Innovation Center project, here.
Read more about the Test Kitchen and Main Auditorium Redevelopment, here.
Solon Business Spotlight
We featured many Solon businesses throughout the year on Facebook and our website:
  • The Grooming Station
  • E & E Angel's Day Care
  • Broadmoor Nails
  • DeFranco Carpet Cleaning
  • Sir Troy's Toy Kingdom
  • Building Blocks Therapy
  • The Annex Bar and Grille
  • Solon Shoe Repair
  • Solon Family Dental
  • CLEan Express Car Wash
  • Tech Doctors
  • Birdigo
  • Simply Greek
  • F45 Training
  • Aljijakli, Kosseff & Prendergast, LLC
  • NEO Spine and Sport
  • Lori Mason Photography
  • Primrose Schools
  • Barre3
  • T-Smile Orthodontics
  • Rita's Salon and Spa
  • Young Chef's Academy
  • Carter Lumber
  • Shreadeasy
  • Malley's Chocolates
  • Palm Beach Tan
  • Sola Salons
  • Verity Loans
  • Imperial Wok
  • Yours Truly
  • Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve
  • SavvEra
  • Ace Hardware
  • Mitchell's
  • DiBella's Subs
  • Club Pilates
  • Core Elite Wellness Fit Cryo
  • Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar


The top five spotlights based on likes and shares on Facebook:
5 - Ace Hardware
4 - Solon Shoe Repair
3 - Imperial Wok
2 - Birdigo
1 - The Annex Bar & Grille - 68 shares
Coming up in the new year
New Upscale restaurant coming to Solon
The new Elle Restaurant & Lounge will stimulate your senses with its Bohemian Mediterranean Design and its cuisine that emphasizes foods from Northern Italy and France.
 
Co-owners Izzy Schachner and Jay Leitson describe the vision for Elle as a homage to the women who taught them so much about life. Schachner says both of their families “have a history of amazing women who not only raised their family, but fed communities of families from their restaurants and catering business. Therefore, it is very important to us that Elle symbolizes and embodies their accomplishments.” The name Elle translates to “she” in many Mediterranean countries.
 
Read more about Elle, here.
The former Harvest Kitchen space in Solon to become Elle restaurant at 33730 Bainbridge Rd. 
City Barbeque
Brick and siding for the new barbeque restaurant will be going up over the next couple weeks. We can look forward to a mid January 2022 opening. 
Also coming in 2022 will be Yi Hotpot & Korean BBQ in the Solon Square Shopping Center
Year-end message 2021
Changes and improvements were made in many areas throughout the City of Solon in 2021. From road upgrades to increased rooftops, to adding new businesses and growing some of our favorite existing businesses. 

Central Retail district now a reinvestment area – 
To encourage redevelopment in Solon's Central Retail District, city council approved making it a community reinvestment area. This means that property owners could be eligible for tax abatements for new construction and the remodeling of aging buildings. Focus areas for 2022 include the vacant former Liberty Ford auto dealership site and aging core retail shopping centers that no longer align with today's market demands.

Solon Connects –
The City collaborated with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission to develop the Solon Connects Bike and Walkability Plan. We have a 12 year plan in place. The city is already moving forward on implementing this plan. Much more will be shared in 2022.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all! Read more.
Working, Learning, Thriving Together
For more information on doing business in Solon or to inquire about moving or expanding your business operations; contact Angee Shaker at ashaker@solonohio.org.