The Brand Tampa Show - Episode 6 - Tampa Represents

Tampa represents! We made the short list of awesomeness to compete for designation as An-All American City from The National Civic League. 31 cities are showing what they’ve got at the conference happening at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel June 16-19. Who wins? The top 10 cities who’s projects and people have made a difference in their communities. Pretty cool. Tampa’s game? The 40th St. Project, Sulpher Springs Project and East Tampa Community Revitalization Project.

“The All-America City Award (AAC) is like a civic ‘Oscar’ for communities of all sizes,” said National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortés. “It’s unique because it recognizes the efforts of entire communities. AACs demonstrate inclusiveness, collaboration, civic engagement, and innovation.”

Thanks to Bob Clark (of Tampa Steel and Friday afternoon lunch at the Columbia fame) I had the opportunity to connect with Shannon Edge (Director, Office of Neighborhood & Community Relations for the City of Tampa) about Tampa's running.

P.S. Way back when Sandy Freedman was Mayor we won the designation. Anyone know what projects they were for? I remember visiting my parents in Tampa (they had moved here when I was living in New Orleans) – and we’d drive down Bruce B. Downs to the “suburban bliss” (cough, cough) of Tampa Palms where they lived and every time we drove past that sign that said “Tampa An All-American City” I would shudder. All I knew back then was the drive from the airport to the ‘burbs which inevitably had me experience Fowler, Fletcher or Bearss Avenues – none of which struck me as anything to be proud of, nevertheless stake claim as “All-American.” And now, after years of peeling back the layers and discovering the abundant local awesomeness of people in Tampa, I’ve got more civic pride in this city than I know what to do with. Hence, Brand Tampa.

P.S.S. Evidently Former Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman is the president of the National Civic League this year.

Rating:
Tags: all-american, award, city, tampa
Views: 71

Share