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Sara Hand Perspectives REAL Collaboration

Riverwalk 2013 Stone Soup!

By Sara Hand

Several years ago the world, or at least our world, went through an economic upheaval that experts say will take 15-20 years to recover to some new sense of normal. So we reeled in shock and cried at the scandal as friends and family lost so much they had worked their whole lives for. We breathed deeply as oil threatened our beaches and natural disasters struck our neighbors. Yet the truth is, as Americans there is a resilience that runs through us, as always. When it comes down to it, again and again we rise to the occasion; regardless of what any other nation may say about us. AND this time is no exception.

From local grass roots initiatives such as BarCamp Sarasota-Bradenton that I co-founded several years ago, national efforts like the federal launch of the Startup America Partnership, to the Kaufman Foundation’s participation in the development of Global Entrepreneurship Week with over 100 countries and 30,000 events; again we will choose to be leaders.

Over the last few years I have had the privilege to be involved in a variety of incredible events. I have sat on panels and served on committees, watched as regional leaders have launched Gazelle labs and Innovation Hubs and are being recognized for significant community contributions. Just in our area, the activity and support available for entrepreneurs is exceptional and is increasing daily – from those who have lived here for years and even from those who are relocating to live in this paradise we call home.

“We do this because we believe a community based on encouragement, enlightenment and social connection helps everyone find solutions to both the common and uncommon challenges facing our region.” From my friend Fritz Chaleff, a recent DC transplant.

“If we could do anything, what would it be – what would it look like?” Four years ago the team of BCSRQ co-founders answered…technology, music, education, funding, great beer, beaches, water and wonderful sunsets.

Years later, after a kaleidoscope of activity… Welcome to the Riverwalk 2013 event brought to you by Spark Growth. Join us for four days and four very different types of events showcasing collaboration, cooperation, and vision across a community. It has been a privilege to work with so many organizations that are excited to partner together for a common goal – the promotion of business and culture regionally. To see individual agendas created for an emphasis on the big picture and long term objectives, continues to amaze us daily.

There is a children’s story called Stone Soup that pictures a community coming together. It is one thing to read it and another to live it. Go to BCSRQ.com and SparkGrowth.net for more information about the destination event the first weekend of May. And when you see Ed Bertha, editor of this magazine, thank him. For years, his effort has been dedicated to this big picture.

Managing Partner for S P Hand and Associates, Sara Hand specializes in developing creative strategies for business growth with a strong focus on implementation. She is President of the Sarasota Chapter Gulf Coast Venture Forum, co-founder of BarCamp Sarasota, on the Board of Directors for the Sun Coast Technology Forum and is involved regionally in collaborative efforts for Entrepreneurial Support organizations across SWFL. Sara may be reached at (941) 228.4033 or sara@sphandandassociates.com.