Speaker Series: How Detroit Can Be Creative Friendly

The Model D Speaker Series is hopping around town again, this month to the one and only Russell Industrial Center, where the main industry is, basically, whatever you want it to be.

Click here to sign up for the event, to be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 25. As always, it's free, but you must sign up to attend because seating is limited.

Our topic this month is how Detroit can support and grow creative businesses, bring more creative people together and thereby bring about an economic overhaul.

Speakers are:

Eric Novack, head of commercial real estate and advertising for the Boydel Development Group, which owns the Russell Industrial Center. He will discuss how they've seen 100 percent growth in the past two years and have become an economic force in the city. Read the Model D story for an idea of what they do.

Shawn Santo, owner of the Pure Detroit and Vera Jane stores, plus the Rowland and Stella cafes. Pure is celebrating 10 years of Detroit coolness this year.

We'll also hear from folks involved in the Creative Corridor project for Detroit Renaissance, and Peter Kageyama will give a brief presentation on the upcoming Creative Cities Summit 2.0, to be held here in the D.

The event is sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Model D, and is graciously being hosted by the Boydell Group.

Also at the Russell Industrial this month: The People's Art Festival and opening of the Russell Bazaar, Sunday, Sept. 21.
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