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Evergreen Cooperative Laundry Expansion: A Boost for Cleveland’s Glenville Neighborhood

Evergreen Cooperative Laundry (ECL) celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of its expansion project in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood. This expansion includes a new 5,000-square-foot facility and the acquisition of eight vacant lots, enhancing ECL's operational capabilities and commitment to the local community. The event was marked by a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the new opportunities ahead not only for ECL, but also for the neighborhood it serves.

Established in 2009 as a worker-owned cooperative, ECL has a long-standing dedication to sustainability and job creation. As the first commercial-scale LEED Gold certified laundry in Northeast Ohio, the cooperative has continuously prioritized environmental responsibility while delivering high-quality laundry services. This latest expansion will allow ECL to better meet the needs of its clients, particularly in the healthcare sector, which relies on quality linen supply services.

This project received generous support from the City of Cleveland's Land Bank, facilitating the acquisition of property that was previously vacant and underutilized. As a result, ECL is not only increasing its capacity but is also creating 10 to 15 new jobs within the Glenville community. These positions offer competitive starting wages, comprehensive benefits, and a profit-sharing program, which collectively provide vital economic opportunities for local residents.

John McMicken, CEO of Evergreen Cooperative, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "As a worker-owned cooperative, ECL's success is built on the strength of our employees. We are thrilled to open this expanded space to create even more economic opportunities for our community." This sentiment underscores the cooperative's broader mission of fostering economic growth and community wealth-building simultaneously.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for April 3, 2025, at noon, at 540 E. 105th St., Cleveland, OH 44108. Community members, local leaders, and media representatives are encouraged to attend, as this event marks a key chapter in both ECL's history and the revitalization of the Glenville neighborhood.

About Evergreen Cooperatives

Founded in 2008, Evergreen Cooperatives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to generating quality jobs and vibrant communities through initiatives centered around employee ownership. The organization emphasizes the importance of local job preservation and aims to build wealth for employee-owners. The Fund for Employee Ownership, an initiative under Evergreen, actively supports business transitions that benefit the community.

This expansion represents not only a new beginning for ECL but also a hopeful sign of progress for the Glenville neighborhood, demonstrating that sustainable business practices can coexist with community development.

With Evergreen Cooperative Laundry leading the way in job creation and sustainability, the Glenville neighborhood can look forward to a future filled with economic promise and community empowerment.