CHARLOTTE (January 23, 2007) —A prominent futurist’s “four T’s” of thriving communities – talent, technology, tolerance and territory assets—are behind a new approach to how the Charlotte region can take greater advantage of its current influx of creative, energetic new residents.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, in partnership with seven major Charlotte area organizations and forward-thinking social theorist Richard Florida, has launched the Knight Creative Communities Initiative, a venture that aims to pull together the ideas and talents of all parts of the community in building a creative environment for broad regional prosperity.

In addition to Charlotte, two other communities, Tallahassee, Fla., and Duluth, Minn., are introducing similar projects. The yearlong effort, supported by Knight, will build upon the research and writings of Richard Florida, which spotlight human creativity as the primary driver of community vitality. Florida, the Hirst Professor of Public Policy at George *Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA). Please note that in all instances in this press release, EBITDA refers to EBITDA from continuing operations before unusual items.