The City That Works!
Lance has been giving “The City that Works” presentation to college students for a while now. I think it’s an inspiring illustration of how Chicago could be seen and I wanted to talk about an opportunity that may just give us the chance to change the minds of the world about our favorite city. I’m talking about the 2016 Olympics.
Carl Sandburg accurately depicted the world’s view of Chicago when he penned, “CHICAGO – HOG Butcher for the World, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler; Stormy, husky, brawling, City of the Big Shoulders…” Chicago is not seen as a center of passion and innovation. Instead we are the city that works. A blue collar bastion of hard work ethics and fattening (although delicious) foods.
This isn’t exactly a bad thing except this view all to often overshadows and stifles the creative talent that flows from our wonderful city. 2016 is an opportunity for us to change that. It’s an opportunity for us to show the world that great new ideas thrive here. So the question is how do we start? Start dreaming up that Next Big Thing (NBT)! Dare to innovate a new way to share thoughts or dreams with the world.
On April 14th we find out if we are the U.S. contender. The race isn’t over then, but if it happens all eyes will drift our way. Let’s put those comfortable brown loafers in the closet and get out our shiny black shoes. I’ve already got a list of things I want to try. I hope you do too!
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