White House: 'Cleveland is a comeback city'

CLEVELAND - White House officials praised Cleveland as "comeback city," where biotech and other new industries of the future are helping to revitalize the economy.

Deputy White House Communications Director Jennifer Psaki said that's why President Barack Obama will host a forum on small business in Cleveland next week.

"Cleveland is a comeback city.  It has a great story.  It's a place where industries have really revitalized," Psaki said.

Psaki acknowledge that there are many challenges.  Unemployment in the city is above the national average, but she said biotech and other new industries are good examples of how businesses can work together to revitalize the local economy.

The White House said Obama, along with several members of his cabinet, will hear directly from small business owners during the Feb. 22 event at Cleveland State University.

The event is being held in conjunction with Jumpstart and Nor Tech, two non-profits that develop small businesses.