On Deck with the Creative Class

One look at the Chamber's Community Conference agenda and you realize the action and interaction that is taking place. The speed networking session was quickly followed up by social networking at it's finest, the Friday evening social hour on the terrace at Sawgrass. The overflow crowd filled the lobby, terrace and oh yes, the outdoor air conditioned enclosed tent. There were lots of familiar faces and Chamber champions mixing and meeting first time attendees.

Speaking of first timers, John and Lisa Chason, owners of Seven Hills Business Services, are excited to be at their first Chamber conference and Lisa mentioned she is already impressed. I met Freebeau Swindle today; yes that's correct, Freebeau is another first timer at the conference and he owns Custom Interior Remodeling Contractors. Custom Interior Remodeling has an impressive display of their work set up in the main reception hall in the conference center along with numerous other vendors in the exhibit area.

Tonight Access Tallahassee and community guests attended a dinner presented by the Knight Foundation with featured speaker David Miller, CEO of the Creative Class Group. Mr. Miller gave an insightful overview of what makes up a creative community - technology, talent and tolerance. City Commissioner Andrew Gillum and Michael Calienes, owner of Transplant, LLC, both of whom are young and creative enjoyed the presentation and dinner. No doubt a highlight of the evening was the group serenading Mayor John Marks with Happy Birthday as the Mayor enters a new decade next week.

With Harry Potter about to hit the bookshelves tonight, the magic that makes our city special was evident on deck with the creative class at the Annual Community Conference. Long day, good times and a packed agenda for the weekend; I am looking forward to Saturday.