This column is my second to last. As announced in this paper on Dec. 20, I was recently recruited and offered a position in Cincinnati. Although the decision was difficult to make, I accepted the offer.
At times, this column has been a bully pulpit for me to muse on what is good, bad, special or ugly in our region. I’ve used this space to introduce readers to the talents of the creative class iand to the innovation and creativity that abounds in our backyards. I’ve also used this column to spotlight the behind-the-scenes work of The Creative Coast, a not-for-profit organization I am proud to have led.
The Creative Coast lineage dates back to the late 1990s. A group of local businessmen and women created a volunteer-driven organization under the moniker CBETA. The focus for that organization was to explore the possibility of growing creative, tech and innovation-based companies in the region. The question to explore was, is there more to Savannah than the ports, manufacturing, warehousing and the traditional economies?
By the mid-2000s, a small revolution was afoot in America, led in part by Richard Florida, a leading theorist on economic competitiveness, cultural trends and technological innovation. His theory proposed successful urban regeneration could be achieved through the growth of a creative class economy. CBETA soon morphed (for lack of a better word) into The Creative Coast Initiative, an organization that married the work of CBETA with Florida’s vision. A staff was put in place, mission and vision statements were developed and recruiting, developing and producing creative class entrepreneurs and companies began.
I was part of the team that transitioned the organization in 2010. We worked tirelessly to modernize the organization, install a governing board and to develop a new set of values, mission and vision. Most important, we helped the organization gain independence.
We received support from the city of Savannah and SEDA. And we began to rely heavily on our community for support, as well.
The Creative Coast’s goal for Savannah is simple. We work to create an atmosphere of entrepreneurship. We host events, programs and workshops that cultivate a sense of community among the region’s entrepreneurs and creative types. We curate and maintain a robust website and social platform. We meet with and consult small business owners, students and individuals living in the region.
Our goal is to make Savannah’s economy more diverse, to broaden employment opportunities and to promote Savannah as a great place to live and work for those in the fields of creativity and innovation.
We believe in the people of Savannah: The entrepreneurs, the technologists, the social media evangelists, the restaurateurs, the artists, painters, photographers, motion graphics firms, fashion designers, film directors, web developers, graphic designers, tinkerers, welders, carpenters, sculptors, project managers and app developers.
These are our people.
This is our economy.
I am happy to say The Creative Coast is financially sound, solidly staffed, independent and governed by an incredible board. The staff that we have in place today is solid. Our mission, our community and our efforts are as strong and important today as they have ever been.
After announcing my plans to pursue new opportunities to The Creative Coast’s board, I was honored when they asked if I would join the board of directors in 2013. I agreed to serve for a few reasons.
First, I believe in the mission of the organization and the promise of Savannah.
Second, I believe there is more work to be done. The creative class in our region needs a voice and a leader. That voice and that leader is The Creative Coast.
Finally, I believe there is more to Savannah than tourism, the port and manufacturing. Imagine how much stronger we would be as a community if our small, independent businesses were honored, recognized and respected in the same way we treat our industry leaders? These small creative and innovative companies help define our region, but their voice is often lost.
My hope is that we will begin to honor the thousands of local entrepreneurs who are clicking away, building micro-economies that sustain the Savannah region.
That is my hope. That is why I believe in The Creative Coast’s mission. That is why I am proud to have served as the director of The Creative Coast. And that is why I will continue supporting The Creative Coast in 2013 and beyond.
Jake Hodesh is executive director of The Creative Coast, a not-for-profit organization that promotes the creative and entrepreneurial community in the region. He can be reached at 912-447-8457 or jake@thecreativecoast.org.