In fulfilling a request made by President Obama in a December 3rd summit calling for community-level discussions on job creation and retention, ASU is hosting a forum this evening at 4:00PM at the AE England Building in Civic Space Park in Downtown Phoenix. Read the university's press release here.

Russ Perry and Russ Maloney from Keane will be officially participating in the forum, sitting on the forum's panel and leading a discussion break-out group following the panel, respectively. The panel will focus on issues related to and the connections between ASU, job creation, entrepreneurship and social networks – kicked off by a brief presentation by Russ Perry on our local design industry and the recent community-building triumph that was Phoenix Design Week. Other members of the 6-person panel include:

• Representative Krysten Sinema, Arizona House of Representatives, District 15
• Dennis Hoffman, Professor of Economics; Director, L. William Seidman Research Institute; and Director, Office of the University Economist
  
• Debra Friedman, University Vice President and Dean, College of Public Programs
• Audrey Iffert, University Innovation Fellow, Office of University Initiatives
• Sean Coleman, Orange Slyce, ASU student entrepreneur

A main objective of this forum will be to organize all the notes from the event into a comprehensive report, which will then be sent to the White House. We know that you, dear reader, are affected by the economy and jobs situation. Indeed, there is no voice more qualified to speak or command a room than yours; please come to this meeting, participate and contribute. Come to this meeting and let our community – let Congress, let the President – know your thoughts and ideas.