For the Institute for Open Economic Networks (I-Open):

When I lost my full time job as a marketing coordinator five years ago due to downsizing, I actively pursued other positions but found that the opportunities were limited in northeast Ohio. My goal became to find a job. Networking seemed to be the key to accomplishing this. Initially I did not understand the value of networking or the full realm of possibilities.

In my pursuit, I heard about I-Open, specifically Betsey Merkel, Susan Altshuler and Ed Morrison, and became acquainted with their open public forums and open source networking theories. This approach made great sense to me and I started to attend their educational seminars, open forums, and special events.

Experts in a variety of fields came to speak, provide information, and answer questions. I did not know these business ideas and ventures even existed in Cleveland. I saw firsthand people talking with one another, crossing professional and silo boundaries, exchanging names and phone numbers, scheduling times for lunch and meetings. I was so impressed with the I-Open organizational dynamics that I started to volunteer for them updating databases, writing materials, and serving food at events.

Because of the I-Open open source philosophy of inclusion, my volunteer contributions were valued and given merit. Dennis Coughlin has contributed his expertise in my job search by alerting me to openings, providing recommendations, and offering specific contact names and constructive suggestions.

I have met many new, intelligent people through this organization and learned about innovative approaches to business development. I am happy to offer my positive, ringing endorsement to I-Open, the directors, and their proven approach to open source economic development in this area. Please provide funding for their initiatives – we need their help in facilitating business development and jobs!

Susan Schaul
Volunteer, Writer, Marketing Professional
December 5, 2007