MIRS News 2/14/2008

Cool Cities 2.0 Summit Coming This Fall
Detroit will host the second International Creative Cities Summit in October, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced today.

"Creative Cities 2.0" is being billed as providing a next-generation look at how communities are integrating innovation, social entrepreneurship, arts & culture and business to make vibrant economies. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) Cool Cities Team is a key organizer for the event.

The Summit will be held Oct. 13-15, with topics to include place making, talent attraction and retention strategies and best practices for economic and social development. The initial Creative Cities Summit held in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 2004, was one of the first creative economy events in the United States.

"We want to showcase Michigan, not only to the world, but to ourselves," said Karen Gagnon, MSHDA's Cool Cities team leader.

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Conference center reservations:   Five thousand dollars.

Transportation to and from events:   One thousand dollars.

Speaking fees and honoraria:   Ten thousand dollars.

Food and refreshments:   Two thousand dollars.

Spending taxpayer money to "showcase" your own state to yourself:   Priceless.