[Hidden-tech] Creative Economy Meetings

[webmaster]

Greetings everyone,

In June of 2008, Ann Burke and I held a Creative Economy Roundtable in 
Northampton to introduce Jason Schupbach, Creative Economy Director 
for the MA Office for Business Development. Jason clearly indicated he 
would support the efforts of our region to develop creative economy 
enterprises once we indicated what they were. He suggested that we 
meet with Berkshire and North Shore Creative Economy organizers and 
others to understand how they succesffully intergrated their creative 
economy efforts. He also suggested that creative economy people in 
Western MA get together and articulate a vision and the ways in which 
the State might support our efforts.

Ann and I have spent the past few months meeting with various groups 
and trying to connect those involved in the creative economy 
throughout the Pioneer Valley. In a tough economy where our budgets 
are tight and time even tighter we have hit some road blocks. While we 
ride out this storm we felt it would be best to a least attempt to 
start connecting folks. Many of you are aware of the Green Drinks I 
started in Springfield to bring the Green Sector together. That has 
been a success! We felt maybe replicating that might a least begin 
bringing the creative economy sector together.

Theodore's in Springfield has graciously offered their location for 
the 3rd Tuesday of every month beginning in April. Our first event 
will be April 21st from 5 to 7. We certainly hope you can join us for 
a night of networking and connecting. The Economic Development Counsel 
of Western Ma has offered to sponsor the first two events. We are 
calling this group Creative Circle and so far includes representatives 
from Arts and Culture, Ad Agencies, Gamers, Web Site Designers and the 
list goes on.

We hope these events help everyone to start making connections 
necessary to cultivate the creative economy in Western MA. Please 
share this opportunity with anyone you feel may be interested in 
growing this group of movers and shakers.

    http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/news/external/globe6_3_08.html
    Here is a link from State Website with their view of the Creative
    Economy.

    Certainly reach out with any questions and or suggestions!
    Hope to see you all there on the 21st!
    Dawn Creighton
    Employment Specialist
    Masslive.com
    32 Hampden St
    Springfield, MA 01103
    413-731-1845
    413-731-1000 Fax
        You make a living by what you get,
        You make a life by what you give ? Sir Winston Churchill.