Duluth Decides on Creative Initiatives

Thought some would be interested to read about the creative initiatives established in Duluth, another community acting on Richard Florida’s premise that the Creative Class is the new driving force of the economy.

Brain Gain: Better connecting area college and university students to the community during their two- or four-year stays (Talent)

Mix It Up: Creating/Building bridges, connections and relationships among diverse groups in the Twin Ports (Tolerance)

We Mean Green: Foster sustainable living and innovation, eco-branding and eco-industrial development (Technology/Innovation)

Pathways: Create more connections and accessibility to the area’s unique urban and natural places with currently unknown and disconnected bikeways and walkways (Territorial Assets)

Access to Arts: Coordinate and accelerate arts marketing and promotions (Territorial Assets/Talent)

“You can’t engineer artistic growth”

Wanted to share this letter to the editor that appeared in the Democrat recently. Thoughts from the Get Gaines Going team or others interested in downtown and Gaines Street development? 

Re: “Who’s calling the shots on Gaines Street?” (news article, April 22.)
I am greatly disappointed with what I read in Julian Pecquet’s article on the Gaines Street issue and the proposal to put a “little” Wal-Mart in this downtown area.

What I gathered from the story is that we have at least one city commissioner and an unelected civil servant who think they know what’s best for the people who work, live and play regularly in a section of town that I daresay they never frequent. The arrogance and dismissive nature of Mark Mustian’s and Michael Wright’s comments was astounding.

The cities that Tallahassee so wants to emulate (Austin, Madison) have allowed creative and artistic districts to thrive without ham-fisted bureaucrats trying to engineer that growth. Maybe if the city would provide incentives to local businesses the way they do to corporate giants such as Marriott, there could be a local grocer along Gaines Street. And maybe if the unelected members of the city government would have more respect for the local artisans, they’d discover what really makes Tallahassee a great place to live.
SUSAN GAGE

KCCI Meets with Governor Crist

Members of KCCI met with Governor Crist Tuesday afternoon to discuss the project and talk about how each initiative will create sustained economic prosperity in the Big Bend region, and potentially throughout the state.

The governor was thrilled with our efforts and offered his full support. This statement appeared in a press release that was submitted to the local media:

“This is clearly an excellent example of what can happen when passionate people take ownership of their community and its economic future,” said Gov. Crist. “The KCCI effort will not only benefit the Big Bend region, but the state as a whole, and serves as a model for similar-sized cities throughout Florida and the nation.” 

The KCCI Communications Team is planning an upcoming community forum where the public can learn about each initiative, offer ideas and get involved. Governor Crist will join us at the event.

In the meantime, the governor has designated a liaison from his office to communicate with each initiative team and offer them any help they need. The governor has already agreed to host a reception at his mansion following the Tallahassee International Film Festival and help recruit celebrities to headline the event. Governor Crist also liked the idea of hosting a regional or national “green” summit in Tallahassee.

We’ll continue to keep everyone posted on things to come.

Help Us Reach Everyone

The KCCI communications team is working to devise a plan to reach those in our area that do not have access to the Internet and do not keep up with local news. We want everyone to have an opportunity to participate in this effort, and we want everyone to know what Tallahassee’s future holds as a result of these initiatives. If you have any thoughts on how we can accomplish that, please let us know. 

Currently we are compiling a list of community groups that we can target by speaking at meetings or including an announcement in internal bulletins or newsletters. But we can’t do it alone. If you belong to a community group or association, or know of such organizations that should be included in KCCI communications, please leave a comment below. Thanks!   

Governor, City Concerned with Energy Efficiency

Check out this article about Tallahassee’s efforts to “go green,” starting with the governor and his mansion. 

According to the story, Governor Crist is promoting a $70 million package of incentives for alternative energy this year, while the city recently created a “demand-side management program” that aims to cut energy use by 59 megawatts by 2012 and 162 megawatts by 2025. Fifty-nine megawatts is roughly equivalent to the power consumed by 10,000 homes, or about 10 percent of peak summer energy use. 

Does anyone have ideas about how KCCI’s Greenovation can work with local and state leaders, the business community and area residents to promote energy efficiency and a “green” way of life in the Tallahassee region?

Tallahassee a Top College Town for Grownups

Check this out: Top 10 College Towns for Grownups

Tallahassee is the second city listed in the slide show. Here’s an excerpt:

The capital city of the Sunshine State is a tapestry of beautiful parks with oversized live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. FSU is a major driver of local culture. Football fans pack 82,000-seat Doak Campbell stadium for Seminoles games. One of the top cultural events that FSU sponsors annually is the Seven Days of Opening Nights, which is an extravaganza of music and dance performances, art exhibits and literary events that draw world-renowned artists.

Imagine how they’ll talk about us as each of the KCCI initiatives progress, and as the community comes together to take ownership of its economic future. The “green” capital of the nation, a thriving arts and cultural community, a paradise for budding entrepreneurs and a prime spot for tourists during the annual international film festival.

Anyone else agree the best is yet to come?

National Climate Action Day

Step It Up 2007 National Climate Action Rally aims to draw attention to the need for cleaner and greener energy nationwide. On Saturday, April 14, people are invited to gather at the First Presbyterian Church Courtyard in downtown Tallahassee from 10 a.m. to noon, and at Lake Ella from noon to 3 p.m. in support of stronger federal policies for preserving our environment. Call Susan Cerulean with Heart of the Earth at 216-2016 or Christy Williams with First Presbyterian Church at 222-4504 for more info.

Garnet and Gold Goes Green

Check this out: Garnet and Gold Goes Green

Looks like FSU students are working to promote recycling. Their volunteer efforts started this past football season and will continue through the FSU baseball season. Wonder if there’s a way to help broaden their efforts…

New Wal-Mart on Gaines?

Tallahassee Democrat: New Wal-Mart on Gaines?

According to the article above, the city is in negotiations with Wal-Mart to build a 40,000 square foot Neighborhood Market on Gaines Street. Not exactly what some might want to see in the heart of a planned thriving arts and entertainment district. Anyone care?