The Creative Class and Beating the Drum

The conversation continues about what our Valley needs to grow the economy, attact new businesses, and retain and support the talent we already have. Many needs are cited, among them – enhancing public transportation, infrastructure, business incentives and higher education.

But what is often lost when we list off the needs is what the Boise Valley already has…a vibrant and growing professional services infrastructure.

The point has been brought home of late….

The Grand Opening of the Watercooler – a spectacular example of a public-private partnership to support the creative class by creating an incubator for start-ups to work in a collaborative environment. The vibe and promise was palatable Wednesday as developer Mark Rivers lit the bulb to signify the Watercooler’s inspiring spirit. The room was packed with those who would define themselves as proud members of the creative economy – talent to rival that found in our bigger sibling cities.

The Bullish on Boise drum being beaten by the Statesman. I still can’t decide where I fall on this tactic by the hometown paper. Should newspapers blatantly act as issues advocates? Should they purchase space to tell the story their editorial space apparently isn’t telling? With the rapidly changing media landscape, I’m not sure how to answer that. But what I do believe is that this Valley has talent, potential, and passion which is not showcased enough to the community at large. So if it takes a full-page color ad to remind people of what we have here – so be it.

And finally, an observation. I’ve spent the past few months in many a networking meeting and professional event (that comes with the territory of starting a biz!). From Kickstand and its upcoming IdaVation conference for innovators, to TechBoise and the BoiseBloggers, the rapidly growing Public Relations Society of America Chapter, to the exploding membership of the Boise Young Professional.

And while many of these professionals may lament the hard infrastructure elements missing from our economy – it is impossible to ignore the professional services infrastructure coming into its own. Whether it is brain power spun off from the granddaddy tech companies, transplants from larger cities, boomerangs who have seen what is possible and want it to happen here, or homegrown Idaho talent – the minds are in place and the passion is real. Add that to the attributes that our economic development leaders should tout.

There’s my soapbox blog of the quarter – back to PR Musings tomorrow ; – )

-Jess