City of Brook Park, Ohio
Newsletter | Winter 2021 | Michael D. Gamella, Mayor | www.cityofbrookpark.com

ITAR Export Compliance Webinar
June 8 – 9, 2021 | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm ET
The U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)and U.S. Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) will provide an educational program that spans two-days June 8 and June 9 from 9:30 a.m. to noon each day.
This program will help you understand how to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations. It will cover topics that are not only of importance to the aerospace industry but also aerospace technology that is a concern for other government agencies, academia, research and development institutions.
* Ohio Aerospace Institute Members and Government Employees may attend this event free of charge. Contact Jessica Tremayne at JessicaTremayne@OAI.org to register.

Public Law in Practice: Employer Vaccination Plans and Protocols
McDonald Hopkins Public Law Webinar Series
Session 1: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | 12:00 pm ET
1-hour CLE credit pending with the Supreme Court of Ohio
Employer Vaccination Plans and Protocols
Employers, and in particular public and government employers, have faced and learned a great deal since the onset of COVID-19 early last year. Although the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” appears to be on the horizon, new challenges continue to arise, creating a complex landscape for employers in 2021.
In this one-hour webinar presented by McDonald Hopkins Public Law Practice Group, labor and employment attorneys Jim Boutrous, Karina Conley and Ryan Neumeyer will provide practical guidance on some of the main issues employers are facing regarding vaccinations and other safety issues.
Topics to be covered include:
- Employer obligations and best practices regarding vaccinations
- ADA/Civil Rights considerations for employer-mandated or encouraged vaccinations
- Increased federal, state and local laws/regulations related to employee health and safety
- Maintaining a positive and safe work environment for employees
- Employer leave obligations following the expiration of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (“FFCRA”)
- Litigation trends and state employer immunity initiatives
Panelists include:
Jim Boutrous is a managing member of the firm’s Detroit office and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. Jim’s national practice involves both prosecuting and defending employers in non-competition and trade secret litigation, with significant injunction hearing experience.
Karina Conley is an attorney in the firm’s Labor and Employment and Litigation Practice Groups. Karina’s experience includes representing employers in a variety of labor and employment and workplace injury matters, including but not limited to claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and issues involving the Family Medical Leave Act.
Ryan Neumeyer is a member in the Litigation Department’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. Ryan has the distinction of being a Certified Specialist in the practice of labor and employment law by the Ohio State Bar Association. He represents and counsels public and private employers on a variety of employment law matters, such as employee leave, overtime, disability accommodations, termination and layoff decisions, and workplace injuries.
Moderated by:
Kevin Butler draws on his experience serving as in-house counsel to local governments as an advocate for and advisor to political subdivisions and private clients. He focuses on counseling government clients, businesses and individuals on zoning matters, government regulation, labor and employment law, public-official ethics and conflicts of interest, public records and open meetings, economic development and financing, real estate and land use issues and election matters.
Ohio Aerospace Institute News & Updates | April 2021, Issue 4
Aerospace Supply Chain
There are many exciting things taking place in the Aerospace & Defense Sector. Moving forward we see a shift to transforming supply chains to become more resilient; using strategies and digital tools, automation and streamlining processes. Ohio Aerospace Institute will be focusing much more on the needs of the small-medium enterprises that are a critical part of the Aerospace supply chain, and have begun reaching out to manufacturers to determine their needs and capabilities.
We see opportunities in the area of defense, space, and UAV markets. Technologies around Advanced Air Mobility, Hypersonics, Electronic Propulsion as well as autonomous operation based on data connectivity and cloud computing, which will help to drive long term growth in the industry.
We would like to see many more small business take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate and apply for funding under the Government SBIR/STTR programs that address many of these technologies.
As we emerge from the pandemic and hopefully begin to interact in person we would like to facilitate round table discussions with manufacturers to connect them with the one another to create opportunities and ideas that assist companies in the most meaningful way.
We look forward to seeing you in person again, as we are planning a number of exciting in person/hybrid events. I miss the personal interaction and networking that OAI is known for.
Please contact us if you have any thoughts, suggestions or needs where we can assist.
We look forward to connecting.
Kim Holizna, Director, Global Development and Membership Programs
kimholizna@oai.org

Celebrating 80 Years of Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Barriers: The Small Business Connection at GRC
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
About this Event
The “Celebrating 80 Years of Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Barriers: The Small Business Connection at GRC” event will provide an opportunity for small businesses to learn about the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and how it fits into the agency’s small business program.
Additionally, attendees will hear about current procurement opportunities as well as future plans for space, technology, and Earth Science programs and initiatives. At GRC, we drive research, technology, and systems to advance aviation, expand human presence across the solar system, enable exploration of the universe, and improve life on Earth.
Attendees will learn about the skills, resources, and technologies needed to achieve the agency’s missions, programs, and research.
Sponsored by the NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) at Glenn Research Center.
The following speakers will be featured:
- Mr. Charles T. Williams, Program Manager, OSBP
- Dr. Marla Perez-Davis, Center Director, GRC
- Ms. Robyn Gordon, Director, Center Operations, GRC
- Ms. Eunice Adams-Sipp, Small Business Specialist, GRC
- Mr. Kurt Straub, Chief, Procurement Division
- GRC Small Business Contractor Panel
Log-in information for this virtual event will be sent after individual registration, and reminders will be sent the day before and the day of the celebration.
This celebration is open to all vendors, both large and small, who wish to do business with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
If you have questions about this topic, email them in advance to smallbusiness@nasa.gov and type “OSBP GRC 80th Anniversary” in the subject line.

“Now More than Ever: Regional Collaboration During COVID and Beyond”
The coronavirus pandemic has forced us all to do more with less as government revenues have been reduced. Even before the pandemic though, Northeast Ohio was struggling with declining population and aging infrastructure. With current trends as of 2010, Vibrant NEO predicted that all 12 counties of Northeast Ohio would be in a worse fiscal position by 2040, with expenses exceeding revenues.
To keep this from happening, one of the four key Vibrant NEO themes is “promoting collaboration and efficiency.” Working across political boundaries can help reduce costs, stabilize budgets, and improve quality of life. During this panel discussion with four elected officials, learn how they are doing just that.
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
This is an online event.
Moderator: Michele Pomerantz, Cuyahoga County Department of Regional Collaboration Director
Panelists:
- Robert A. Fiala, Mayor and Safety Director, City of Willoughby
- Jim Hockaday, City Manager, City of Conneaut
- Dennis Morley, Mayor and Safety Director, City of Eastlake
- Rich Regovich, Mayor and Safety Director, City of Willowick

Our special presentation on the Impact and Opportunities for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on the Aerozone District and Surrounding Regions was held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
Register now and receive a free Economic Impact Study for Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
FEATURING:
Welcome and Introductions
- Stuart Mendel, Aerozone Alliance
Special Guest and Presenter
- Alex Sekhniashvili, International Trade Consultant
Panelists
- David Gutheil, Port of Cleveland
- John Senese, NEOTEC
- Robbin Thornton Hudson, Management Consultant | Leadership & DEI Coach | Philanthropy Advisor
- Lee Weingart, LNE Group
- Jasson McClain, Ark Transportation
Moderator
- Vince Adamus, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Ohio Unveils Its First Flying Car
LIFT Aircraft brings its HEXA aircraft to Ohio. Hear from Governor Mike DeWine, US Air Force leaders, LIFT Aircraft executives, and more, as they unveil Ohio’s first “flying car.”

A New Opportunity
A new year is upon us and optimism is bountiful. A COVID-19 vaccine brings promise that the travel industry is on its way to a recovery, returning furloughed employees to work. Generally speaking, bringing more normalcy back to our lives.
As we look to aerospace growth, I am excited to say that the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) has been using the past year to grow our membership program and offerings. We have listened to our members, done research, and evolved our program to promote inclusivity and engagement. OAI’s Industry Association brings a member- exclusive supply chain matrix that spans across the state and to global partners. We are connecting our industry, academic and military members with new business opportunities to promote aerospace growth in the state. Membership is now open as we continue to rollout the reconfigured program.
We look forward to continuing contracted research, broadening our global reach and once again seeing you all in person.
John M. Sankovic, Ph.D., P.E.
President & CEO
Ohio Aerospace Institute
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
SBA Tools to Help You Get Through COVID-19
Raymond Graves from the SBA Cleveland District Office will be presenting information on the second round of funding for the popular Paycheck Protection program which sunset last August but was renewed by the Economic Aid Act signed into law in late December.
Businesses who participated in the last round may apply to be involved again, but the qualifications and parameters of the program are not quite the same as what they were.
First time applicants may also apply. We’ll be going over these subjects and also touching on additional resources enabled by the EAA including debt payment relief for SBA borrowers.
This Webinar Will Cover:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (First Draw and Second Draw)
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- Enhanced SBA Guarantee
- SBA Debt Relief
Unified Drone Detection Network Presentation
January 15, 2021
Protect your community and airspace today with Unified Drone Detection. UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) or Drones can be used in a variety of applications, for a lot of very useful activities, and can support many different industries. Their use and applications are continuing to grow as we discover how UASs can allow us to work smarter, faster and safer. Since there is little control of airspace and recreational users are also increasing, our safety is in danger. A proven solution is drone detection which consists of 2 things, software and hardware. Unified Drone (an Aerozone Alliance member) and Aerial Armor created a partnership to provide a subscription-based model for easy adoption. We are proud to be able to bring this detection network to you at a low cost to keep NEO protected and safe. The first step is a threat assessment for your community, we offer this accompanied with a 2-week trial allowing a better understand of the threats and issues you may be facing. As we’d like you to be early adopters of the system, we are offering Aerozone Alliance members a 10% discount. View the Presentation »
Final Rule for Remote ID Released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Drone Service Providers Alliance (DSPA) | December 28, 2020
On December 28, 2020, the FAA released the Final Rule for Remote ID. According to an article by the DSPA, a professional advocacy organization for Drone Service Providers throughout the United States:
“The Final Rule is almost 500 pages long, but if you have time and patience, well worth the read. You’ll gain quite a bit of insight into the minds at the FAA, as well as which aspects of the manned aviation industry support UAS, and which see us as a nuisance.
This article will in no way be an exhaustive explanation of the entire rule. Instead we will hit the highlights and lowlights, and give some feedback. We’ll try to get the major aspects of the new rule out in the open, and hopefully create industry dialogue between stakeholders.”
Featured Video: How to Get FAA Airspace Authorizations for Drone Flights Using LAANC and the FAA Dronezone
Courtesy of: Jason Damman, V1 Drone Media (https://www.v1dronemedia.com) and the North Coast Drone Alliance (https://norcoda.org)
December 28, 2020
This video provides a tutorial on how to get LAANC airspace authorizations for drone/uas flights using LAANC authorization providers such as UASidekick and through the FAA Dronezone portal if LAANC is not available. UASidekick app (LAANC Provider): https://uasidekick.com/. Watch Now »