Keynote Address to Focus on Quality of Place
Baton Rouge, LA (August 2, 2017) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today announced that Tom Murphy, senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute, will serve as keynote speaker at its September 12 Signature Speaker event sponsored by Performance Contractors, Inc. and WHLC Architecture.
Murphy has extensive experience in urban revitalization. During his time as Mayor of Pittsburgh, Murphy developed strategic partnerships to transform more than 1,000 acres of blighted, abandoned industrial properties into new commercial, residential, retail and public uses; and he oversaw the development of more than 25 miles of new riverfront trails and urban green space.
Murphy’s address, titled “The Allure of Attractive Cities,” will detail the path he took to turn a blighted community into a quality place and how other community, civic and business leaders can use these steps to create more quality of place successes in the Baton Rouge Area. Following his address, there will be a robust discussion on quality of place – what it is and its impact as a fundamental economic driver.
“Tom Murphy is an incredibly dynamic speaker and his leadership in Pittsburgh as mayor was exemplary. People will be in for a real treat to hear his remarks,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “BRAC is excited to welcome him to Baton Rouge to discuss leadership, quality of place, and urban revitalization. Issues as large and complex as place-making can seem daunting, but Tom’s experience on the ground will provide a valuable framework from which Baton Rouge business, civic and community leaders can learn.”
Signature Speaker sponsored by Performance Contractors, Inc. and WHLC Architecture will be held at the Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. Registration for the event is $35 for BRAC investors and $45 for non-investors. Lunch is provided. More information and registration can be found at brac.org/events.
About Signature Speaker
BRAC’s Signature Speaker, a thought leadership program sponsored by Performance Contractors, Inc. and WHLC Architecture, is an extension of BRAC’s Monthly Lunch series. The semiannual Signature Speaker events feature speakers of national renown on global business issues. Details and registration are available at brac.org/events. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
As the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Art Director, Christy communicates visually the organization’s brand identity and messaging.