cre?a?tiv?i?ty, noun
The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.
At the strategic planning session CreativeTampaBay (CTB) had at Collaborative Labs last week, board members were asked to convey their proudest moments with the organization. The responses were both inspiring and motivating. Several people said they were going to leave Tampa Bay until they discovered CTB and found others that shared their passion for making the region a better place to live. Others said CTB connected them with their “people” and gave them the drive to start their own business. My proudest moment was when I attended a national conference and the keynote speaker, Richard Florida, mentioned CreativeTampaBay in his speech. It made me realize we were making a difference on more than just a local level.
What do we do?
As we relaunch our brand and image, it makes sense to take a step back and define who we are and what we do. CTB started out with the mission of convincing the community that if we attract and retain a young, creative workforce we will draw top companies and become a mecca for creativity. We still support that notion, but have evolved into much more than that. CreativeTampaBay is about civic acupuncture – using small projects to bring about large change. We’re about “connecting the connectors” to make creative things happen. We’re about highlighting our region’s assets.
Creativity is more than just the arts. Creative people are people who think; who come up with new ideas; people who, as stated in the dictionary definition of creativity “transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, [and] relationships.” CTB supports creative people. We want more of them here, and we want the ones who are here to thrive.
How do we do it?
- We connect people, ideas, experiences and places
- We host and promote events that focus on innovation, creativity and connections
- We conduct research that highlights our region’s strengths and asks the question “what can we do better?”
- We discover and highlight the region’s “hidden gems” and talentWe host thought leaders to stimulate new ideas and actions for our region
- We discover important calls to action and put them in the hands of the people who can make a difference
What’s next?
CreativeTampaBay is just the beginning. It’s up to you – local creatives – to take the region to the next level. Spread the word about the BUZZ so we can expand our reach and inspire as many as possible. Attend local events and connect with people who share your passion for the community. Help create more proud moments for Tampa Bay!
Meet your editor
Megan has been living in the Tampa area for 10 years, coming to attend the University of South Florida to pursue an MBA degree. After graduating, she worked as director of employer relations at the USF College of Business, where she tapped in to the local business community’s employment needs and the interests of young professionals. Her interest in workforce development is what brought her to CTB. She was on the board for five years and is now editor for the BUZZ.
Megan lives in Tampa with her husband, daughter, dog and three cats. She is currently executive director of the MBA Career Services Council and does additional freelance work.
Comments and contributions to the BUZZ can be sent to: buzz@creativetampabay.com.
Also published in Creative Tampa Bay’s Buzz, February 18, 2010