Etcetera
The ‘ruse’ of the Creative Class by CarOLe VaLaDe
THESE ARE INTERESTING times indeed — you can tell by the robo-calls. The Grand Rapids metro area has famously embraced a newness and a pride based on the building of structures like the Medical Mile developments, which anchor new economic development, and of things “social” like ArtPrize, which anchors continued development of “place.” There inherently has been a stamp of approval of the “Creative Class,” grounded in the founding economic principles of author Richard Florida, who moved the world from measuring smokestacks to measurements of technology, talent and tolerance. Cool City concepts are embedded in public policy from the federal and state level to local governments and are shared universally with great fervor — although the fervent often miss some key
Letters Editor: It has come to our attention that an inaccuracy has occurred in your December issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. It pertains to your article on da Vinci urological procedures in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Brian Lane stated that “I do more of those (robotic prostatectomies) than anyone else in West Michigan.” This is an inaccurate statement. Dr. Thomas J. Maatman of Michigan Urological Clinic currently leads most, if not all, physicians in number of robotic prostatectomies in this area. Sincerely, The staff at Michigan Urological Clinic A STATEMENT FROM DR. LANE’S OFFICE INDICATED “THE INTENTION OF THE STATEMENT IN QUESTION WAS THAT HE SPECIALIZES IN ROBOTIC UROLOGIC SURGERY, WITH THE LARGEST VOLUME OF ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMIES AT SPECTRUM HEALTH.”
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underpinnings of the three Ts (such as education). This month, the Creative Class principles often seem in contrast to the fervor of Republican presidential hopefuls rallying Michigan’s most conservative citizens for the state’s Presidential Primary Feb. 28 (in which Democrats also cast a primary vote). Is it past and present colliding, or could it be just another required plank in the bridge to the future of continuous improvement? It is interesting to note that some national publications in late 2011 declared the passing of Richard Florida fervor, and more than a few commented on the “ruse of the Creative Class.” It is doubtful that all economic development measures will return to those of the manufacturing era, but they likely may extend into the new economy in greater balance. Grand Rapids Magazine has long celebrated this city’s “life and style” with inclusivity and reflection of its diversity. GRM continues to highlight this region’s dominance in all aspects of design industries, from industrial to architectural to “artful” design. In the coming months, Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design will open a new portion of its expanded campus in the former Federal Building, used as the city’s art museum for many decades. Grand Valley State University is continuing to expand its presence in both the number of students and the expansion of its campuses off Fulton Street and on the Medical Mile. In addition, the Avenue of the Arts will continue to flourish, and the new Urban Market will become more evident not far from that Division Street enhancement. This has long been a community marked by education and creative growth. That creativity is given national rank by the number of entrepreneurs who continue to create this region’s “newness.” It’s as much a part of the DNA as conservative viewpoints and high voter turnouts — whether Richard Florida is or is not a ruse.
This has long been a community marked by education and creative growth. That creativity is given national rank by the number of entrepreneurs who continue to create this region’s “newness.”
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