Hop a Free Ride from d-towner on Vimeo
I found mine walking across the Harbour Island Bridge. It was hot, I was wearing heels, and I was happy to get picked up by Hop Tampa. Who knew?
It’s been said that an MFA is the new MBA and the creative class is a key driving force in economic development of US cities. Now, author Patricia Martin says prepare your business for the latest trend - the Renaissance Generation and the Cultural Consumer - created by the convergence of art, technology, entertainment and business. What does it all mean? Come hear Martin discuss her book along with a panel of business leaders (including myself!) talk about the challenges and opportunities this change represents. For example:
How do you give customers opportunities to express their creativity and contribute to your brand’s story without losing control? Have you seen Threadless?
How do you speak to a broad audience when customers want to be treated as individuals? Apple has revolutionized the way we buy and consume music. Now, imagine if a company empowered music lovers to transform a country’s live music scene? Tennent’s Mutual is trying it in Scotland telling fans to “create, control, enjoy.”
What kind of corporate sponsorships will help you reach, engage and connect with your customers? Know your target and meet them where they are like Dove (20-something women) and Tennent’s Mutual (Scottish live music fans).
How can you build a community around your product or service? Check out how Dos Equis and Coors Light are making it work. Now visit Applebee’s attempt and see if you feel the same level of engagement and interest. Note: A campaign to build community done wrong is just plain wrong. Sometimes even pathetic.
Don’t risk being wrong and/or pathetic in marketing your business. For only $10 (payable by cash or check) you can open your mind and get some new ideas at the MetLife National Arts Forum Series presented by The Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts and The Arts Council of Hillsborough County on June 10th 8:30-11am at the Jaeb Theater, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. RSVP to Christina Cook at (813) 221-2787.
Julia Gorzka, Taryn Sabia & Adam Fritz
Want to connect and talk with others interested in making Tampa a more livable, sustainable and better city? Then don’t miss the opportunity to meet other like-minded fabulous folks at The Mighty Pen Collaborative Open Mic Night the third Wednesday of every month from 7:30-9:30pm at Tre Amici @ The Bunker in Ybor City. I’ll be hosting the evening along with Urban Charrette co-founders Taryn Sabia and Adam Fritz. All are welcome - bring your friends and help us spread the word.
artLOUD! from d-towner on Vimeo.
artLOUD! is the result of d-towner Abbey Dohring’s vision to dress up a vacant block of Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa with paintings by local artists. You can see the block was dullsville before Abbey made artLOUD happen (LOVE Google Map’s Street Views). Now there are interesting things to look at when you walk this block which FYI is the same block where Element is under construction. You’ll have to watch the video to hear our theory on the theft and return of 2 of the original paintings. Very curious. If you’ve got a theory share it in the comments below.View Larger Map
A vibrant public space in Downtown Tampa? from d-towner on Vimeo. Props to the City of Tampa for doing right by it’s citizens by having the American Institute of Architects (AIA) restore and transform the Historic Federal Courthouse into a vibrant public space. Everything is coming together - final funding is in the works and future tenants are signing letters of intent to occupy the building when it opens in 2010 as ”The AIA Center.”
There is still some space available so check out this floor plan link and don’t miss the opportunity to move your business into what is arguably going to be the most fun, beautiful and inspiring space to work in downtown. Let’s start with the front steps. Have you ever been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY? The front steps are one of America’s greatest public spaces. There are always people hanging out. It’s a great place to chill, people watch, meet-up with friends, etc. Our courthouse steps will offer the same opportunities when The AIA Center opens up because there will be stuff to do there - eat at the restaurant, grab a coffee, check out what’s on display in the public gallery, attend a party, etc. And where there is stuff to do, people gather, hang out and voila! You’ve got a vibrant place.
Inside, the building has a vibe I would describe as “old world grandeur.” In Tampa! Who knew? Check out the video and learn more. And while you’re at it, shoot a quick email to the mayor and let her know you are in support of this transformation and want to see more. It’s our responsibility to let our elected officials know what makes us happy so they can keep on keepin’ on.
