Note: over the next few weeks, we will be posting some of the feedback gathered during the discussion following Richard Florida's March 18th, 2003 talk in Fort Wayne. The following is the second of these questions posed. View responses and leave yours by clicking on the 'Comments' link below. Please check back regularly to view more.
How have your plans or attitudes been influenced or changed by what you learned at the event?
Posted by Admin at March 25, 2003 08:28 AMI was struck by the excitment in the room. I think Richard Florida's ideas struck a cord with many people who were waiting and wanting validation from an "expert". Now we'll see if they feel empowered and moved to action.
Annie
Posted by: Annie at March 25, 2003 05:35 PMHello, I am an art student at St. Francis and really enjoyed Florida's presentation. I would love to be more of a part of the Fort Wayne community, but I don't know where the help is needed. I would love to volunteer in any capacity. I am already involved in some activities, but my schedule is flexible and if anyone has any suggestions or needs help in any area, I'm there. Just drop me a line.
Posted by: Beckie Stockert at March 25, 2003 11:14 PMI have thought alot about the Florida presentation. In my mind, the presentation speaks to two things: a) to get "creatives" to understand their own power in shaping the economic progress of a community; and/or b) for "creatives" to evaluate the seriousness of a community to really accept them.
Posted by: Marilynn Scherer at March 26, 2003 09:09 AM
The seminar made more keenly aware of the rich tapestry of the nieghborhood in which I live: there are Latinos, Burmese, Laos, Thais, Vietnamese, African-Americans and the rest of us (!!) I appreciate the fact that this is an untapped resource for Fort Wayne in general and I hope someone else will see that and figure out how to make the most of this wonderful area of new immigrants. I am certain -- after listening to Richard Florida -- that there is much these folks have to offer in the way of creativity.
Posted by: Lois Silver at March 26, 2003 05:17 PMRichard Florida's presentation has helped me pull together many aspects of small business development, R&D, and developing a creative culture in Fort Wayne. With Richard's theory, it all makes a lot more sense.
I am fortunate to work with a business developer that has created his own "business incubator" within his companies structure. We are developing new industrial electric vehicles and drive systems right here in Ft. Wayne. We have contributed two new patents to our local economy.
I believe this is an example of creative people that have chosen Ft. Wayne as their home working together to grow new small businesses and change the direction of our local economy.
This web site and discussion group will continue to mobilize our creative energies - whatever they are - and enrich our community. Lets keep up and expand the discussions!
Posted by: Larry Zepp at March 26, 2003 09:23 PMI have always felt the way to building a better community involved the creative link between us all. I would say that my attitude was reinforced after being at Mr. Florida's talk.
I plan on being more energetic about the creative process in both my personal life and business. I also hope I can instill in others the sense of working together to build a community that celebrates all people and all the diverse ways we are creative.