“What is being done to bring economic vitality to Cleveland?”  This is a common question often discussed around town in various social gatherings.  I find the question being asked everywhere — in homes, at cocktail parties, at bars and coffee houses.  What is being done?  If you know where to look and look very hard, you can find the answer.  However, I fear that the average “Joe Clevelander” is not getting the message.  People are asking the question, but more times than not, they seem to be uncertain about the answer.  What “Joe Clevelander” needs is for someone to take all of tiny mosaic tiles representing individual success stories and assemble them in one place to create a vision of Cleveland’s future.   

10,000 Little (micro) Ideas, a grassroots organization of community leaders, and GCP (The Greater Cleveland Partnership), which represents business members from family-run stores to the region’s largest employers, have created the mosaic of Cleveland’s future in a event entitled, “10,000 Visions of Cleveland.”  The event being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria on September 6, 2008 promises to give “Joe Clevelander” the opportunity to meet with those who are actively in the trenches shaping tomorrow by bringing economic activity to Cleveland today.  At the event, attendees will travel through three themed corridors (Economic Development, Lifestyle and Sustainability) where they will learn first-hand about what the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) and its 40+ Economic Partners are doing to advance the region.  From 2-6 p.m., attendees can take a shuttle bus over to a Block Party on West 6^th Street where they can celebrate these “visions of Cleveland” and enjoy Live Bands, Apartment Tours, signature drinks and appetizer specials. 

A noteworthy second prong of this event focuses on the collection of new “visions” or ideas.  It seems that GCP and 10,000 are not contented to rest with the visions already in action.  As a part of the online registration process, all attendees are required to share their own positive vision of Cleveland.   To sweeten the pot, all shared visions will then be reviewed and the one voted best will receive a $1,000 cash prize.  10,000 and GCP will help fuel the actions of tomorrow by putting these collected visions to good use.  

In recent months, I have read where some have criticized Cleveland for being focused more on idea generation and less on action.  I for one am quite pleased to see this event prove the naysayers wrong by demonstrating that GCP and its partners are actively realizing Cleveland’s future in their actions today.  Cleveland does need action!  For me, this event proves that the region in already in motion.  Hooray, Cleveland!

“Joe Clevelander,” grab a friend and head on down to the Galleria on September 6^th for an afternoon that will inspire and entertain.  For more information about the event, go to www.10000VisionsofCleveland.com.  See you there!   

10,000 Little (micro) Ideas, a grassroots organization of community leaders, and GCP (The Greater Cleveland Partnership), which represents business members from family-run stores to the region’s largest employers, have created the mosaic of Cleveland’s future in a event entitled, “10,000 Visions of Cleveland.”  The event being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria on September 6, 2008 promises to give “Joe Clevelander” the opportunity to meet with those who are actively in the trenches shaping tomorrow by bringing economic activity to Cleveland today. 

The second prong of this event focuses on the collection of new “visions” or ideas.  It seems that GCP and 10,000 are not contented to rest with the visions already in action.  As a part of the online registration process, all attendees are required to share their own positive vision of Cleveland.   To sweeten the pot, all shared visions will then be reviewed and the one voted best will receive a $1,000 cash prize. 

“What’s Your Vision of Cleveland?” Share it (and) make a difference! Do this online when you register and you could WIN $1,000. Go to www.10000VisionsofCleveland.com to register for the September 6^th event and submit your vision of a more vibrant, dynamic Cleveland.  Attending the event makes you eligible for the Grand Prize, which includes meeting with some of the region’s decision makers, an article in The Plain Dealer showcasing the winning vision, and leaving the event with $1,000 for your own personal economic development! 

I love the fact that 10,000 and GCP are engaging and listening to the community.  I beleive that the voice of the community should help drive the future of cleveland.  Here is our chance!  Cleveland, put on your thinking caps and share your vision at www.10000VisionsofCleveland.com