The Year of Innovation Entrepreneurship Environment Engagement Rockford Partner Presentation May 20, 2008

2 The Concept A year-long celebration of Rockford’s legacy of invention and industriousness

3 The Concept A year-long celebration of Rockford’s legacy of invention and industriousness …initiating a new era of creativity, collaboration and change

4 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

5 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

6 Areas of Focus  Entrepreneurship Creativity Courage Leadership

7 Areas of Focus  Environment Stewardship Responsibility Sustainability

8 Areas of Focus  Engagement Involvement Mentoring Community

9 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

10 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

11 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

12 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

13 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

14 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

15 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

16 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   Links on community sites

17 Promotion Plans

18 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.