The Year of InnovationEntrepreneurship • Environment • Engagement

Rockford Partner PresentationMay 20, 2008

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The Concept

A year-long celebration of Rockford’s legacy of invention and

industriousness

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The Concept

A year-long celebration of Rockford’s legacy of invention and

industriousness …initiating a new era of creativity,

collaboration and change

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The Goal

Inspire every Rockford resident to be actively involved in building

a future for our community that reflects innovation in every

aspect of life

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The Outcome

Rockford is transformed into an even greater place to live, work, learn, invest and play in the minds

of current and potential residents, tourists and business

investors

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Areas of Focus

Entrepreneurship• Creativity• Courage• Leadership

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Areas of Focus

Environment• Stewardship• Responsibility• Sustainability

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Areas of Focus

Engagement• Involvement• Mentoring• Community

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The Events

YOI committee will endorse and publicize a variety of events that meet qualifying criteria for inclusion

Committee will support participating organizations with direction, connections and counsel for their events

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The Events

All should relate to at least one of the three focus areas (Entrepreneurship, Environment, Engagement)

Examples of event concepts currently being considered for YOI inclusion• RSO Made in America concert• Rockford Area Arts Council grants• Green Rockford symposium• RAM 5 by 5 youth arts program• Sister Cities youth soccer

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Made in America

Celebrating the art of manufacturing in Rockford

Innovative gala performance • Unique concert format• Music by American composers• Synchronized film on large screens

Youth concert; factory floor music experiences 

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Arts Grants

RAAC grant applications available August 25 for October 24, 2008 deadline

For programs taking place between January 9—December 31, 2009

Priority on organizations focusing on Entrepreneurship, Environment, and Engagement

Collaboration encouraged

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Green Rockford

Growing interest and imperative for natural resource stewardship

Symposium on green principles and trends

Invite partners from Sweden—recognized for leading-edge green practices

Two instructional tracks with emphasis on practical applications• Organizations• Individuals

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5 by 5

Introduces 5 arts experiences before age 5 Expands learning in and out of classroom Sparks imagination, stimulates creativity Extends awareness and use of community

arts resources Allows cultural organizations to reach

a broader spectrum of community members

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Soccer Exchange

Soccer is “the” international sport Leverage Rockford’s Sister City

relationships• China • Sweden• Hungary • Romania• Italy • Ukraine• Kyrgyzstan

Youth tournament and cultural exchanges with regional clubs

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Promotion Plans

Calendar of events Print/broadcast media support On-site YOI materials for participants

• Vertical banner• Counter card/window sticker

Inclusion in RACVB marketing www.rockfordinnovates.com Links on community sites

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Promotion Plans

www.rockfordinnovates.com

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Call to Action

YOI is a community-wide initiative We need your participation and

support Consider tailoring current programs

and resources toward the YOI effort Timeline

• Partner identification: June 30, 2008• Concept proposals: August 15, 2008• Public launch: November, 2008

A legacy of invention and industriousness. A new era of creativity, collaboration and change.