The City of Roanoke launched its Creative Communities Leadership Program (CCLP) with a two-day seminar on March 30-31. The program, launched by Richard Florida and his firm, the Creative Class Group (CCG), is designed to use local volunteers to work with the community to generate economic prosperity. As part of this program, the City of Roanoke has identified 30 local individuals to become Creative Connectors and participate in the year-long effort.

John Provo, associate director of OED, and Jeanine Stewart, vice president for academic affairs at Hollins University, joined CCG in conducting the two-day workshop session. The seminar focused on helping the volunteers build an understanding of the creative economy, the community’s 4T’s (Talent, Technology, Tolerance, and Territory Assets), identify strategic economic goals, and develop projects to engage the Roanoke community.

Over the next year, the 30 Creative Connectors will work with Roanoke civic leaders and develop a collective community vision and a set of corresponding plans and initiatives. For more information about the program, please visit: www.roanokeva.gov/creative and http://www.stuartmease.com/2009-04/roanoke-creative-connectors-4-initiatives/.