Special Section: Maine's Creative Economy

Meet the speakers

Creative Economy experts are making their way to Maine for the Blaine House Conference. From the dozens of local and national speakers who will lead the discussion this May, we would like to introduce you to these three dynamic leaders.

Richard Florida - Creative Economy

Perhaps the hippest thing to ever happen to economics, our creative luncheon keynote speaker, Richard Florida, will serve up his vision of the Creative Economy and describe how Maine communities can "get it" and thrive by linking art, culture, commerce and community. The author of The Rise of the Creative Class: And How Its Transforming Work, Leisure, Community and Everyday Life, Florida places creative work, quality of life and entrepreneurs as leading causes of economic growth. Florida is currently a visiting scholar at the Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, and a professor at Carnegie Mellon University where he also heads the Software Industry Center. He has taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Also an entrepreneur, Florida founded two companies, the Creativity Group and Catalytix, a strategy-consulting firm that works with governments and corporations around the world. Learn more about Richard Florida.

Dr. Stuart Rosenfeld - Creative Clusters

President of Regional Technology Strategies, Inc., located in Carrboro, North Carolina, Dr. Rosenfeld is considered a leading expert in cluster-based economies. Recently, the state of Montana commissioned Rosenfeld to research and write a report on Montana's Creative Cluster. He previously served as deputy director of the Southern Growth Policies Board and director of the Southern Technology Council. His areas of expertise include collaborative and cluster-based economic development and workforce development. Dr. Rosenfeld has published numerous books and articles, including Competitive Manufacturing: New Strategies for Regional Development; "Smart Firms in Small Towns;" "Overachievers: Business Clusters that Work;" and "Smart Systems: A Guide to Cluster Strategies for Less Favored Regions." He has advised or testified before more than a dozen panels and committees of the US Congress, the National Academy of Sciences and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. Rosenfeld has an EdD in Education Planning, Social Policy and Administration from Harvard University.

Mayor John Barrett, III - Creative Community

Mayor John Barrett is no stranger to the city he helped reinvent. A graduate with a Masters Degree in Education from North Adams State College, Mayor Barrett is the longest serving Mayor in Massachusetts and has been working with the city of North Adams for over 30 years. His list of active participation in politics and economic development shows great concern and involvement in his community, state and region. He chairs the North Adams Airport Commission, is Democratic State Committeeman, chair of the MASS MoCA Commission, president of Massachusetts Mayors' Association and is an active member of the US Conference of Mayors.

Mayor Barrett continues to be honored for his vision and leadership. He has been named Outstanding Young Man in America twice, a Who's Who in American Politics, YMCA Citizen of the Year and voted Best Mayor of 2002 by Berkshires Week Readers. His strong support of the innovative MASS MoCA project brought him the MASS MoCA Leadership Award, Revitalization Award MASS MoCA and City of North Adams Award in Recognition of Strong Commitment to the Children of North Adams. He has also received the Berkshire Visitors Bureau's Award in Recognition of Outstanding Beautification for his work in converting North Adams to a true success story.