Here is a full unedited interview that I did through email on January 19th with Gary Newton who works at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Newton also runs the Arkansas Film Series that showcased the Vampire’s Assistant with Courtney Pledger last year.
We talk about one of his current projects Create Little Rock, a workforce and talent initiative that intends to help grow Little Rock artistically and economically.
What was the origin of Create Little Rock? Is it purely a economic initiative set by the Chamber of Commerce (versus an Arts initiative)?
What began as a traditional young professionals start-up in July, quickly evolved into a group dedicated to the retention, attraction and development of a talented, creative and competitive workforce. It’s motivated by economics, in that it used to be if you located the business, the people would come. Now, you have to have the people in order to attract the business.
While the name ‘Create Little Rock’ certainly implies “arts” – which are vitally important to the vibrancy and attractiveness of a community - it is about talent in all areas of the economy.
Is membership or involvement limited to chamber members?
Membership is open to everyone 21 years or older. Dues for representatives of Chamber member businesses are $35 a year, and representatives of prospective members are $50. There is no charge to attend the launch, but because space is limited, guests must register in advance online at www.CreateLittleRock.com.
What are some projects and events Create Little Rock has planned for 2010?
The first event after launch will be Little Rock 101, a day-long version of Leadership Greater Little Rock, where participants will experience a deep orientation on the community. This should be attractive to young professionals and folks new to the community, as well natives who would like a more in-depth understanding of where they live. It will be held at the Chamber on March 4th and be led by former Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey, who is also the founder of Leadership Greater Little Rock.
On March 18th, Southwest Power Pool will present Serve the Rock at War Memorial Stadium. In a Taste of the Rock-like atmosphere, it will be a job fair for volunteers, featuring the region’s nonprofits. It will give members and guests and one-stop opportunity to see where they may best serve their community.
A third event is being planned on February 25th for graduate and professional students from our region’s higher education institutions. The intent is to better root these new professionals in Little Rock to improve our chances of keeping them here after graduation.
You also head the Little Rock Film Commission, will this have any interaction or overlap with the film community? i.e. Arkansas Film Series, Arkansas Film Society, LR Film Society etc..
Yes, Create Little Rock will be incorporated into existing Chamber programming, including the Little Rock Film Commission, which is another Chamber initiative. The group has already partnered with the Little Rock Film Festival and Arkansas Film Commission in presenting the opening night of Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, executive produced by Little Rock’s Courtney Pledger.
Create Little Rock is all about partnering with and shining light on extraordinary Little Rockers doing extraordinary work.
Thinking statewide do you think this will inspire other regions or cities in Arkansas to start their own talent and workforce initiative or are some areas already doing this?
We hope so. There are several terrific young professionals programs in the state. While our respective roles may differ, we hope to partner with them and other groups and individuals to keep, attract and grow talent in Arkansas.
More specifically what can we expect on the Create Little Rock Launch Date?
As befits our host, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the launch will be a celebration of the rich mosaic of our people and their talents, along with a call to action. No matter what we do – or don’t do – we all create Little Rock. If the group is expected to do everything, it will never succeed. Create Little Rock exists to shine light on folks and groups who are transforming their community and provide the means by which members may partner with other like-visioned members to get busy. If someone thinks Little Rock has a need, then it is up to them to get to work. Don’t wait for others to go execute your wonderful idea. They have wonderful ideas of their own. Attract people to your vision, and make it happen.
Also do you have anything you would like to say about the Create Little Rock Call for Multimedia Entries?
We’re encouraging folks to submit one or all of the following: 1) I Create Little Rock – :15 second or less video/audio spot with a sentence or two saying what you’ve done – or not done – to create Little Rock (good or bad, though if it’s bad, give us some hope). Close with “I’m or my name is [say your first and last name], and I create Little Rock; 2) My Little Rock – :30 second video/audio spot featuring your favorite thing about the Little Rock region that not everybody knows; and 3) Flavor of the Rock – short (suggested 5 minutes or less) video, music, animation, spoken word, art, etc. you feel best represents Little Rock and the region.
