The question was prompted by the ideas of Richard Florida, author of "The Rise of the Creative Class: And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure, Community and Everyday Life." Now in its 10th printing, his work earned numerous accolades and provoked an international debate about how cities and regions should develop economically. In a nutshell, Florida argues that creativity is the ultimate source of economic growth. He believes communities must focus on offering a superb quality of life in order to attract and retain this creative class, which he estimates at representing 30 percent of the work force. But Florida doesn't want to sound elitist or yuppie. In a recent essay, he wrote, "Every single person is creative in some way. And to fully tap and harness that creativity we must be tolerant, diverse and inclusive."

If you're curious about what that could mean for Roanoke, you have a chance to hear it from the man himself.

As part of Downtown Roanoke Inc.'s annual meeting Tuesday, Florida will participate in a roundtable discussion with community leaders and speak at a dinner at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

Downtown Roanoke Inc. President David Diaz wanted to bring Florida to help invigorate regional economic development discussions, specifically in regards to attracting young professionals and continuing to create a "viable, successful" downtown.

Diaz also thinks it's important to hear Florida's ideas because of his global perspective.

"We should always keep in mind what other cities and areas are doing because that's our competition whether we like it or not," he said.

Numerous sponsors came together to help pay for Florida's visit. They include Roanoke Gas Company, American Electric Power, the city of Roanoke, the Art Museum of Western Virginia, the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance, Wachovia Bank, The Roanoke Times, the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Hotel Roanoke and WSLS NewsChannel 10.

- Stephanie Ogilvie