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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />August 6, 2019 <br /> <br />To Whom It May Concern: <br /> <br />Shanon Larimer has been a great partner in helping to foster long-term public-private partnerships within <br />creative industries to stimulate innovation, strengthen Orlando’s competitiveness in the global <br />marketplace, and play an important role in building and sustaining economic vibrancy for the City of <br />Orlando. <br /> <br />Shanon is currently the founding principal of Larimer & Co. Branding Studios where he unites strategy <br />and creative to drive positive change for the people and brands he and his team represents. He managed <br />our City’s Arts and Cultural District as the organization’s Executive Director from 2008-2011 and served <br />as the Chairman of the Board from 2014-2018. During his tenure, he guided the nonprofit arts <br />organization through a significant period in its then 10-year history by eliminating a six-figure deficit and <br />achieving a balanced financial position despite the financial recession. <br /> <br />In addition, he directed the rebranding and renovation of the historic CityArts Factory landmark building <br />– a 20,000 square-foot center for contemporary arts. The re-brand, which included market research and <br />engagement by government officials, residents, community leaders, board, staff, and volunteers, resulted <br />in increased visibility, visitation, and program participation by more than 80 percent within a 12-month <br />period. <br /> <br />An advocate for community development, Shanon leverages the power of the arts, culture, and creativity <br />to serve the community’s interest while driving change, growth, and transformation in a way that builds <br />character and quality of place. He has participated on three occasions as a speaker for the city on creative <br />industries and placemaking within urban environments and is currently on the project team for Creative <br />Village, a $1.5-billion, 68-acre mixed-use, transit-oriented, urban infill neighborhood in our downtown. <br /> <br />Most recently, I have appointed Shanon to serve on the city’s Historic Preservation Board where he helps <br />to promote the welfare of our city though the preservation and protection of historic structures, sites, <br />monuments, and designation of historic landmarks. On this board, Shanon participates in monthly public <br />hearings, evaluating the architectural significance of historic buildings. <br /> <br />Shanon is a good steward for the economic development of our city and is a key player in supporting <br />Orlando’s arts and cultural heritage in an inclusive manner. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br /> <br />Buddy Dyer <br />Mayor