CLEVELAND, Sept. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With their city in
the midst of a historic turnaround, Clevelanders are brimming with
local pride, according to a new poll released today by The Allstate
Corporation (NYSE: ALL) as part of The Renewal Project. Months
after the Cavaliers' NBA title and the Republican National
Convention showcased a revitalized Cleveland on a national stage, 69 percent of
residents say morale is high throughout the metro area.
Describing their city as diverse, resilient and tough (41
percent, 40 percent, and 31 percent, respectively), Clevelanders
attribute their burgeoning national reputation to several factors,
including increased investment and an influx of Millennials drawn
to a low cost of living – but residents still say the most
important factor is the city's first major championship since
1964.
Residents are proud of their city, as three-quarters (76
percent) of Clevelanders would encourage their friends to relocate
to the area, pointing to a mix of career and cultural opportunities
as the main draws:
- Cleveland is a world leader in
medical capabilities and jobs, starting with the world-renowned
Cleveland Clinic, as well as approximately 60 other hospitals and
medical centers in the area (94 percent);
- The city's vibrant visual and performing arts culture in
Playhouse Square, which includes the Cleveland Museum of Art,
Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cleveland Orchestra and
the Capitol Theater (93 percent);
- The area's vast array of outdoor recreation, including the
"Emerald Necklace" of the Metroparks, the Zoo, the Botanical Garden
and various national parks and walking trails (93 percent);
and
- Cleveland's diverse and
emerging "foodie" scene, highlighted by the old West Side Market
(92 percent).
The reputation boost in Cleveland has been years in the making, and
half of locals (47 percent), attribute the economic growth at the
core of the city's revitalization to a citywide collaboration
between residents, businesses and elected officials.
- Fifty-seven percent of Cleveland residents have seen benefits from
the Cleveland Model, also known as the Evergreen Cooperative
Initiative. The cooperative works by having anchor institutions –
such as hospitals and universities – purchase goods and services
through local resident cooperatives that specifically hire workers
from surrounding neighborhoods and community organizations.
"Cleveland is a remarkable city
that embodies what The Renewal Project is all about," said
Bill Vainisi, senior vice president
and deputy general counsel, government and industry relations,
Allstate. "Cleveland embodies the
American spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurialism, which is
exactly what we're looking to showcase with this work. This
community is proof that when motivated individuals come together,
believe in a common cause and commit to making things better, they
can achieve great things."
That spirit of collaboration has created significant local
pride. Clevelanders are "all in" on their city, with most intending
to put down long-term roots in the area:
- In addition to recommending friends move to the area, most
Clevelanders believe their own careers and family lives will be
better by staying in Cleveland for
a long time (64 percent).
- Six-in-ten residents (59 percent) grew up and have remained in
the area their whole lives.
- By contrast, few believe moving to a different part of the
country would be better for their professional and personal lives
(27 percent).
"No longer is Cleveland on the
cusp of revitalization. We are here at the forefront," said
Jonathon Sawyer, chef and owner of
Cleveland-based Team Sawyer
Restaurants and investor on LeBron
James' CNBC show Cleveland Hustles. "People are
embracing the city with their choices to live downtown, the choice
to open businesses in what were thought to be forever-empty
storefronts, and their choice to put their love, their passion, and
their pride behind the city Clevelanders have always known was
here."
Despite notable economic growth and renewal, Cleveland residents still see opportunities
for continued improvement:
- Two-thirds of residents (64 percent) believe the local economy
is recovering in a way that only benefits certain neighborhoods.
Millennials, however, are most optimistic that all neighborhoods
are benefitting (38 percent).
The Allstate Renewal Project Poll took an in-depth look at the
experiences of Cleveland residents
living in and around the city, seeking perceptions of the economy,
innovation, renewal and future outlook. The Allstate Renewal
Project Poll is a component of The Renewal Project, a social-first
website and newsroom launched by Allstate and Atlantic Media
Strategies that celebrates those committed to social good and civic
innovation in America. Learn more at www.therenewalproject.com or
find The Renewal Project on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
To see in-depth poll data from the Allstate Renewal Project
Poll, please visit http://www.therenewalproject.com.
Survey Methodology
The Allstate Renewal Project Poll investigates Cleveland metro area residents' views on
Cleveland's economy, innovation,
renewal and future. The poll was conducted by FTI Consulting from
August 24-28, 2016. The survey
included a sample of 400 adults age 18+ living in Greater Cleveland, defined as a 5-county core
metro area including: Cuyahoga,
Geauga, Lake, Lorain
and Medina Counties, with 223
reached via landline phone and 177 via cellphone. The margin of
error for a sample of 400 is +/- 4.9 in 95 out of 100 cases.
About Allstate Corporation
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest
publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16
million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home,
life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance,
Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely
known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." The
Allstate brand's network of small businesses offers auto, home,
life and retirement products and services to customers in
the United States and Canada. In the 20 years since Allstate became
a fully independent public company, The Allstate Foundation,
Allstate, its employees and agency owners have donated more than
$405 million to support local
communities.
About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) is a global business advisory
firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance
enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and
economic environment. With more than 4,600 employees located in 28
countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients
to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges
in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and
acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic
communications and restructuring. The company generated
$1.78 billion in revenues during
fiscal year 2015. For more information,
visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter
(@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Allstate Corporation