Creative Core $100k Emerging Business Competition Prize to be Awarded
SYRACUSE -- The Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York, today, announced three keynote panelists for its 2009 Annual Meeting. The MDA’s featured speakers are:
B. Ben Baldanza, president & CEO of Spirit Airlines; Robert Jorth, executive administrator of the Kalamazoo Promise; and John O. Norquist, president of the Congress for the New Urbanism.
Each of the panelists has drawn national attention for disruptive changes that have transformed cities or industries through dramatic shifts in their approach to business, infrastructure and the development of talent.
Baldanza is credited with turning around the fortunes of Spirit Airlines by becoming the first U.S. airline to successfully adopt an ultra-low fare business model, counter to broader industry trends. Jorth oversees the Kalamazoo Promise which has helped improve that city’s public education, attract new residents and enhance economic development. Norquist oversaw the removal of an elevated interstate highway through downtown Milwaukee during his tenure as mayor, clearing the way for an estimated $250 million in new development.
Robert M. Simpson, president and CEO of the MDA, described the keynote panel as particularly relevant to the region this year. “At pivotal moments, regions have a chance to substantially transform their environments,” said Simpson. “We are fortunate to have several such opportunities to radically improve our region’s economic condition as we position ourselves to advance in an evolving business environment, engage the promise and potential of Say Yes to Education, and consider the future of I-81 in Syracuse.”
The annual MDA meeting will be Tuesday, April 21 from noon to 1:30pm at the Convention Center at OnCenter. The cost of the luncheon is $50.00. Full tables of 10 seats and individual reservations will be taken on a first come first serve basis.
To purchase tickets, click on: www.mda-registrations.com (enter code mda2009a)
