DECEMBER 03, 2003 -  Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Creating Cool Conference scheduled for December 11, 2003 at the Lansing Center has sold out.    More than 1,100 people have registered to attend the day-long conference featuring Richard Florida author of the best-selling book The Rise of the Creative Class.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to this exciting event and only wish we could accommodate everyone who would like to come,” said Granholm.  “The Creating Cool Conference is a key part of the dialogue we are having with Michigan communities about how we create the cool cities and hot jobs that will attract the younger knowledge-workers who are key to our state’s future economic prosperity.”

The first gathering of its kind, is part of the Governor’s “cool cities” initiative.  Granholm will open the conference with introductory remarks. Other speakers will include Dr. William Anderson, Director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, and David C. Hollister, Director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

“Clearly this topic and this event, which marries economic development efforts with the arts, are resonating with people.  We can’t wait to hear and then share the exciting developments that are sure to happen when more than 1,000 bright creative and committed people come together to create the Cool Cities that will turn Michigan into a magnet of economic opportunity,” said Hollister.

Members of the media who are interested in covering the event should contact the conference coordinator at 734.669.4360 to register.  There are still a few media passes available. These are limited to one per media outlet. There will also be a short media availability with the Governor and Richard Florida at 8:45 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2003 just before the conference begins in the Lansing Center.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.