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'Young creatives' wanted for regional summit

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer 10:25 AM Saturday, April 11, 2009

Organizers of the Dayton region’s first Young Create Summit are looking for talented individuals with ideas on how to make the region a more inviting place to live, whether they be young in years or simply young at heart.

The summit will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the Dayton Convention Center. Hosted by updayton, the summit seeks to demonstrate the passion and power of “young creatives” in our region. Young creatives are talented and innovative people under age 40, who are critical to the economic and cultural success of the Dayton area.

“We are inviting students and young professionals who have something to say about the region and what they want to see change,” Megan Cooper, updayton’s communications director said. “Anyone who sees problems in the region or who has solutions to offer are invited to come and share them.”

Updayton is an initiative of DaytonCREATE, an effort started by the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education to grow a creative class with the help of urban theorist Richard Florida and his Toronto-based company, the Creative Class Group.

DaytonCREATE’s goal is to attract, retain and engage the region’s creative class.

Summit participants are urged to register in advance, so they can select from six small-group discussion topics — jobs, entrepreneurship, community involvement, quality neighborhoods, schools and night life.

The topics are based on results of a survey released to the region in Fall 2008. About 500 people responded to tell updayton what issues are most important for their satisfaction and how the Dayton region stacks up in those categories.

After small group discussions, participants come together for a Town Hall Meeting to write an action plan for change, Cooper said.

The summit also will include a resource fair highlighting employment and volunteer opportunities offered by local businesses and non-profit organizations.

The summit runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $15 for adults/$5 for students. Admission includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

After the summit, some area restaurants and bars will provide dinner at a discounted rate for summit participants. The day will conclude with a pub crawl that begins at 8 p.m. in the Oregon District.

Discussion topics at the Young Create Summit

Creative for hire: Where are the jobs that I can thrive in?

Entrepreneurs wanted: What do you need to strike it out on your own?

The Dayton scene: Creating an active nightlife with a strong cultural focus.

A sense of community: Healthy, happening & affordable neighborhoods.

Making a difference: Getting involved with our community

Family-friendly: What are you looking for in a school system?

How to go:

What: The Young Creates Summit

When: Saturday, April 18, 10:30 a..m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $15 adults/$5 students

To register: www.updayton.com or call 643-0691