James July-August 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 37
At every turn, expect convergence to be a theme for
Rowen. Our partnerships with our universities and GRA,
our Living Lab platform, and our support for statewide
networks, programming and initiatives around AI and
e-mobility, all focus on leveraging talented Georgians and
diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
Our site will be built to live and breathe convergence:
from the integration of parks and trails to intentional
gathering spaces and informal collaborative places such
as cafes, restaurants and other third places. That will
be where innovators connect, and ideas emerge. Those
seeking a live-work-learn-play experience can find a home
in the Rowen Village, which will be a hub for activity and
innovation on the site. And even before new structures
rise, Rowen will host its second Convergence Summit this
fall in Atlanta, bringing together innovators and leaders
from across industries to make connections they never
imagined were possible.
Rowen leaders are also working intensely to support
Georgia on its broader economic development efforts as a
part of our statewide mission. Most recently Rowen staff
have been working in partnership and traveling internationally with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and others for meetings
in Hanover, Germany, at the BIO conference in San Diego
and other events. Foundation officials will also be traveling
to Ireland this fall with state leaders to form partnerships
with companies and real estate executives abroad to drive
innovation, secure new investment and expand opportunities for Georgians to grow alongside its industries.
We are also digging deep into the Rowen Region in
partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government
and thinking through how to best unify, support and
activate the expansive and highly diversified talent pool
that surrounds our site, creating opportunities for them to
innovate and collaborate in an inspiring setting.
While creating opportunities for our workforce today
is important, the work doesn’t stop there. Rowen and Carl
Vinson are also thinking about the workforce of the future.
That entails exploring future growth, among people and
industries, and working with education and workforce
development partners to ensure today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs-- and that those opportunities
exist at Rowen and throughout Georgia for our children
and grandchildren to thrive.
What now? Bring on the innovators, businesses,
non-profits and others who are ready to tackle global challenges with Georgia-grown talent. With leadership in place,
partnerships established and activated, and scalable sites
open for business, the Foundation is focusing intensely on
recruiting businesses for the benefit of our entire state
Want to learn more or help us spread the word? Visit
www.rowenlife.com and please don’t hesitate to reach out
if you want to learn more about our land, our vision and
our opportunities.
Mason Ailstock is the CEO of the Rowen Foundation.
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