Creative minds will gather at EDC's next Project Innovation program

Noted urban theorist Richard Florida will headline an EDC event May 20. COURTESY PHOTO Does rebuilding the economy rely on great business minds? Not necessarily, says educator, author and noted urban theorist Richard Florida.

Mr. Florida asserts that creative minds, not just business acumen, create greater levels of economic development.

"This is just the kind of new thinking that we need as we re-set our economy," says Tammie Nemecek, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Collier County. That's why the EDC has invited Mr. Florida to headline "It Pays to be Creative" as part of its Project Innovation program Wednesday, May 20, at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

"Richard Florida is among the foremost experts in economy building," Ms. Nemecek says. "As this community comes together to develop our action plan for a sustainable future, we welcome his perspective and enthusiasm."

Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute and professor of Business and Creativity at the Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto, Mr. Florida is perhaps best known for his concept of the creative class and its ramifications in urban regeneration, and for his books, including "The Rise of the Creative Class."

"Recession is the mother of invention," he has said, espousing greater emphasis on creativity and ideas as drivers of economic development. His theory asserts that metropolitan regions with high concentration of the group he describes as "high bohemians" — high-tech workers, artists, musicians and so forth — achieve a higher level of economic development. He suggests that the creative class fosters an open, dynamic, personal and professional environment that, in turn, attracts more creative people as well as businesses and capital. He concludes that attracting and retaining high-quality talent, versus a singular focus on infrastructure projects such as sports stadiums, iconic buildings and shopping centers, would be a better primary use of a city's regeneration resources for long-term prosperity.

As another part of "It Pays to be Creative," the EDC has worked with the United Arts Council of Collier County to showcase a local gallery and several local artists, whose works will be available for sale the night of the event.