Londoners thinking ahead
Thu, April 20, 2006
Many of the city's brightest young minds gather to brainstorm London's future.
By HANK DANISZEWSKI, FREE PRESS BUSINESS REPORTER
Many of London's brightest young minds will meet today to begin charting an
ambitious future for the city.
Emerging Leaders is a think-tank designed to bring together the city's next
generation of leaders from all sectors.
Themes to be discussed include:
- Attraction, retention and employment.
- Arts, culture, philanthropy and community development .
- City infrastructure, recreation and leisure.
- Entrepreneurialism -- creating the culture.
It's also hoped to build a strong bridge between London's next generation of
leaders and entrepreneurs and the city's established business class, community
and cultural leaders.
Organized by technology business umbrella organization TechAlliance and
sponsored by a number of companies and institutions, including Rogers Wireless
and Fanshawe College, the think-tank will host four quarterly events following
its launch.
About 225 people aged 22 to 44 from London's business, education, research and
cultural sectors are expected to attend tonight's launch at the Arts Project at
203 Dundas St.
"London has been facing a challenge in attracting and engaging this
demographic," said Lindsay Zajac, who is co-chairperson of the event with fiance
Jeff Sage.
Past studies by the London Economic Development Corp. show London trails other
cities in retaining workers in the 25 to 44 age group.
The think-tank will allow young people to meet in an informal atmosphere and
exchange ideas on making the city more attractive and competitive in improving
quality of life, said Zajac.
"We want to encourage involvement by this age group, create a sense of
investment in the community and give them a voice on issues."
Ideas flowing from the gatherings will become the base for a citywide symposium
on future development to be held in about a year.
EMERGING LEADERS
More information on Emerging Leaders is available at www.emergingleaders.ca