What's the Big Idea?

Community Comments

Brainstorming the Region's Future

By Carol Chamberlain

Imagine a Big Idea that, if implemented, would greatly enhance this region. What might it be? Prosper gathered community in?uencers from a variety of occupations to brainstorm our prosperous future. 
     Ideas generated include the establishment of a world-class university known throughout the planet as the place to study international relations; a riverside port of call so stunning it attracts international tourism as well as commerce; and an expanded Sacramento International Airport so ef?cient it becomes a U.S. hub for all Asian destinations.
     Other concepts explored at the discussion suggested that perhaps a Big Idea is really a process. Imagine being known as the city foremost in sustainable architecture because the region commits, one building at a time, to environmental design. Imagine doing what it takes to move into the Top 10 of the “Best Places to Live” list, or providing what young, educated, ambitious hopefuls are looking for when choosing a region because unprecedented, on-target research told us what they want.
     Another trail of thought considered the possibility of a series of events causing the desired shift. Maybe each of our universities spawns another and eventually we have the most educated workforce in the world. Wouldn’t that attract S&P 500 company headquarters? Wouldn’t those CEOs step up and build another Mondavi Center, a public green space to rival Central Park, or an arena for a wide range of professional entertainment?
     Or maybe what’s needed is to create an environment where seeds can grow, capital is there for the asking and open minds exist for the lone ranger with a “crazy idea.”
     Participants able to attend were Nicole Biggart, dean, UC Davis, Graduate School of Management; Bruno Cohen, general manager, KOVR-Ch. 13 and UPN 31; Mark Friedman, president, Fulcrum Property Corp.; Ted Gaines, county supervisor, Placer County and board chair, Sacramento Area Council of Governments; Jim Hartley, government affairs manager, CH2MHill; Sotiris Kolokotronis, founder and owner, SKK Developments; Garry Maisel, CEO, Western Health Advantage; Phil Oates, managing partner, Buzz Oates Cos.; Susan Peters, county supervisor, Sacramento County; Curt Rocca, managing partner of Douglas, Curtis & Allyn, LLC, and general partner to the ?rm’s af?liated private equity fund, DCA Capital Partners; Warren Smith, executive vice president, River Cats and partner, Prosper Publications; Mike Teel, former CEO of Raley’s and partner, Prosper Publications; Clare Thain, publisher, Prosper Publications; and Mike Ziegler, CEO, Pride Industries.
     The following are highlights from the rapid-?re thoughts of decision makers who just might make a Big Idea happen. Kelly Brothers, ?nancial adviser with Smith Barney and KFBK morning-drive host, held the discussion in check.
Continued...

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