Lafley served as CEO for the global corporate giant Procter & Gamble, where he was credited with revitalizing the company and providing thought leadership for the entire industry. Simultaneously, Lafley served as founding chair of 3CDC, spearheading the dramatic revitalization of Downtown Cincinnati and its surrounding Urban Core. Recently, Lafley served as founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy in Sarasota, Florida, creating a 53 acre, $200 milion dollar waterfront park, beautifully designed and programmed. All very relevant to Jacksonville, Lafley will share his experiences and lessons learned with guests on October 4th. Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.scenicjax.org/great-cities-symposium-2023/
Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Credit: Visit Cincinnati
After decades climbing the corporate ladder at Procter & Gamble, Lafley was named CEO when the company was in financial crisis. During his tenure, Lafley doubled sales and quadrupled profits, making P&G one of the most valuable companies in the world. Widely recognized as a business strategy thought leader, he was named “CEO of the Year” in 2006 and wrote best selling books on the subject matter. Lafley also sought to improve the communities where he lived - first Cincinnati and now Sarasota. As founding chair of Cincinnati Center Development Corp (3CDC), he worked with city and business leaders to revitalize Downtown Cincinnati from the inside out, focusing on principal public spaces and neighborhoods. To date, over 200 buildings, 20 acres of civic space, and new riverfront parks have been successfully redeveloped, with notable highlights being Fountain Square and the Over the Rhine neighborhood.
Bay Park in Sarasota, Credit: Ryan Gamma Photography
Upon arriving in Sarasota, Lafley served as founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy, which took under utilized waterfront property and is now transforming it into a premiere public space. Phase 1 opened in late 2022, bringing 10 acres online, featuring welcome center, amphitheater, public art, playground, nature walks, kayak launch, cafe, and other intentional spaces with elevated architecture. The total park development will be 53 acres, projected to take 8-10 years and cost $200 million dollars.
Over the Rhine in Cincinnati, Credit: Brian Zehoeski
In addition to Lafley’s planned presentation, guests can participate in Q&A and enjoy bites and cocktails. Mayor Deegan and City Council President Salem are scheduled to provide opening remarks.
The Great Cities Symposium is Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, 5:30pm, at the Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue. The event’s presenting sponsors are Foley & Lardner LLP, Jacksonville Business Journal, The Brintons, The Harrells, and The Livingstons. Additional key support by VyStar Credit Union, Tom Bush BMW, TECO Peoples Gas, Northern Trust, Haskell, Gateway Jax, Garden Club of Jacksonville, Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), and Breaking Ground Contracting. All the gracious sponsors can be found at https://www.scenicjax.org/great-cities-symposium-2023/
AG Lafley, business and civic leader
The Great Cities Symposium benefits Scenic Jacksonville, a nonprofit organization working to preserve and enhance both the natural and built environment of Jacksonville, Florida. By bringing in notable leaders from peer cities across the US, the organization hopes to inspire and engage the local public and decision makers. Past speakers at the Great Cities Symposium include Joe Riley, former mayor of Charleston, SC, Ron Littlefield, former mayor of Chattanooga, TN, and Bob Buckhorn, former mayor of Tampa, FL.
https://www.scenicjax.org/great-cities-symposium-2023/