WHAT is GovJam?

This June, join us at GovJam LA, presented by the Hub LA and friends. Global GovJam is a 48 hour global event where teams of Gov folks and private citizens work together on the challenges faced by public services. Teams will collaborate to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems. Participants will apply design principles and multi-disciplinary expertise to develop ideas through to prototypes.

While the theme is government, the objective is learning through experience. Human-centered design gives us tools to rethink public services in a new light. This 2.5 day hands-on event gives public sector individuals and concerned citizens the opportunity to learn new approaches and tools (and to learn from each other), and to bring those new skills, thinking, inspiration back to their jobs and life.

WHY should you attend?

Are you looking to improve the “customer experience” of citizens interacting with healthcare, education, public transportation, policy, governance, and so much more?
Are you looking for new approaches to tackle problems and create innovative solutions?
Are you looking to meet an amazing group of passionate people, learn new skills, and have fun doing it?

Then GovJam is for you!

WHEN is GovJam?
Tuesday, June 4 (7-9pm)
Wednesday, June 5 (9am-5pm)
Thursday, June 6 (9am-5pm)

Jamming is a new kind of professional development where you’ll be learning by doing, so the Global GovJam is happening during the week. If you need help convincing your boss, let us know! We can help!

WHERE is GovJam?
The Hub LA – in our brand new Media Lab!
830 Traction Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Hub is a community of social impact professionals in downtown Los Angeles. They offer their members shared working space, social and cultural programming, business acceleration services, and a network of like-minded individuals. The Hub is hosting GovJam as a part of their series of events promoting Civic Innovation in LA.

WHO can attend GovJam?
Everyone and anyone can join the Jam! You do not have to currently work in the public sector, though you should come to the Jam interested in working on public sector issues. You do not have to have any design experience, though you’ll leave the Jam with a toolbox of design methods you can apply to your daily life.

You might be an…engaged citizen, government employee, designer, non-profit professional, social entrepreneur, social worker, urban planner, architect, MBA, Public Policy Administration, student, teacher, hacker, makers, or thinkers and tinkerer.

Since the focus of the jam is learning by doing, there will be speakers and mentors from the design world and the public sector to help you throughout the Jam.

Here’s a video from GovJam London to give you an idea of what kinds of inspiration and innovation to expect at GovJam:

HOW can I get involved?
Registration is now open! Click here to register now.

QUESTIONS?
Email us – hello@govjamlosangeles.org
Tweet us – @govjamla
Like us – https://www.facebook.com/GovJamLosAngeles

We’d love to Jam with you!

The post Let’s Jam! GovJam LA, June 4-6, at the NEW Hub LA Media Lab appeared first on Hub LA.

As a Hub LA Fellow you have a unique opportunity to:
• Be a space host and foster the Hub LA practice of the “Art of Hosting”
• Build strong working relationships with diverse groups
• Gain access and exposure to a dynamic start-up and promote thought leadership in the world of social entrepreneurship
• Work under the pressures of high visibility, fast turn-around and the highest quality expectations
• Have the very unique opportunity to work with a number of different and dynamic businesses under the Hub LA network
• NETWORK!

Our need: An energetic team player in Hub LA’s to assist with ongoing operations and space hosting needs. Fellow should be eager to enable the Hub vision by maintaining office systems, managing community events, assisting with communication needs and most importantly be part of our “hosting practice.”
Duties:
• Commitment to Hub LA at 15/hrs week until end of September 2013
• Work with Hub LA members and organizations
• Work closely with Community Curator to host, create culture and space manage Hub LA
• Maintain office services by organizing office operations and procedures; perform basic clerical functions.
• Help create office efficiency by planning and maintaining office systems, equipment, and overall positive environment.
• Implement office policies by establishing standards and procedures; measuring results against standards; making necessary adjustments
• Research and outreach to prospective community and organization partners
• Assist with communication efforts by spearheading monthly newsletter efforts, working closely with Online Content Curator with outreach, and curating all online distribution channels
• Work with Events Director to help with execution of events and programming
• Contribute to Hub LA team effort by accomplishing additional tasks as needed
• Help serve as a “face” to Hub LA

Skills/Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills; track record of positive customer service; supply management; developing standards; promoting process improvement; inventory control; ability to think quickly and respond to member and Hub team needs in a timely manner; able to handle multiple priorities from multiple sources; collaborator and exceptionally well-mannered!

Added bonus: You are fired up about the Hub and ready to live, eat, and breathe social impact!

Offering: We look forward to supporting the growth of the Fellow by offering the following:

• Mentorship
• Membership trade to match 15 hrs/week work – access to all membership amenities to match Hub Productive 50.
• Online membership to Hub Net with connections to 5000 members worldwide
• Free/discounted tickets to Hub LA events

Please send a cover letter and resume to Ann Le at annle@thehubla.com

The post Hub LA Summer 2013 Fellows Program appeared first on Hub LA.

Thank you to TechZulu.com for the live stream!

The post Livestreaming the 2013 Civic Innovation Showcase & MyLA311 Launch Party appeared first on Hub LA.

WHAT: Civic Innovation Showcase & City of LA’s NEW MyLA311 App Launch Party
WHEN: April 3, 2013, 7pm-10pm
WHERE: Hub LA, 830 Traction Avenue, Third Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Parking lot fee $5-$7: free street parking available on Traction Ave.
RSVP: $20 online/$25 at the door; ticket price include early access, free consulting, and free beta apps from participating showcase start-ups. Tickets available HERE

We are proud to announce a partnership with the LA Mayor’s Council on Innovation and Industry to showcase early free access to apps that connect LA’s citizens to city information and enhance our civic lives through web platforms, and other mobile devices.

The showcase will feature groundbreaking technology from InVenture, ThrdPlace, iSocialite, AppMyForm, Recargo, City Innovation Group, and RideAmigos Corp. From web to widgets to mobile apps, these start-ups service entire municipal populations to increase civic engagement and improve the lives of citizens. The ticketed event will provide all attendees early access, free consulting, and free use of these new tech-for-change products.

This event is being hosted in conjunction with Mayor Villaraigosa’s press conference at Hub LA on Monday April 1 in which the City of Los Angeles’ new “MyLA311” app will be officially unveiled. This new City mobile application allows Angelenos to submit 311 service requests, locate city resources, and pay city bills through their smartphones. By taking advantage of a smartphone’s GPS and camera, the app promises to make reporting complaints and finding city services simpler and more accessible.

This event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online HERE.
Online tickets are $20 through April 2nd, and $25 at the door. Ticket price to this event includes live demonstrations, early beta access to all available apps, and one-on-one consultations on how they can impact business and non-profits.

Event sponsors include Zipcar, Enplug, TechZulu, and the LA Chamber of Commerce Emerging Technology Center. Food and drink sponsored by Locali and Veev.

Hub Los Angeles
830 Traction Avenue, Third Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Parking lot fee $5-$7: free street parking available on Traction Ave.

MORE ABOUT OUR 7 SHOWCASE START-UPS:

InVenture
www.inventure.org
Product: InSight (app)
“InVenture is a social enterprise utilizing mobile technology for financial inclusion. We have built a set of mobile tools to help individuals build a formal financial identity. InVenture provides individuals in the “offline world” with money management tools and credit scores that serve as digital records of their financial lives. Our goal is to create a more fair and transparent financial ecosystem where all individuals have complete financial access and choice.”
*All attendees will receive one free month of access to InVenture products and analytics services. This will include online access to InVision dashboard, real-time reports with financial and impact data collected through InSight, analytics support from the InVenture technology team and an impact survey of your clients based on the Grameen PPI and using IRIS metrics. InVenture will also provide all attendees with access to InSight (SMS mint.com).

ThrdPlace
www.thrdplace.com
Product: ThrdPlace (social platform)
Helping brands be civic leaders. “Annually, brands spend $450 Billion in community outreach; yet, 70% of consumers are confused as to how brands impact their communities, and brands’ community investments are often ineffective. On thrdPlace, brands 1) start or discover community projects; 2) invite consumers to collaborate, crowdsource and promote shared causes; and 3) learn more about their consumers and the communities they care about.”
*All organizations and enterprises in attendance will receive a 6-months FREE trial w/ 5 licenses.

DreamWare
www.dreamware.co
Product: iSocialite (app)
iSocialite is a mobile app platform that helps cities make public spaces more accessible to citizens. “Angelenos want to know what’s happening in their city and connect with friends or meet new people. iSocialite is a mobile platform that makes it easy for city staff to create smartphone apps for public amenities. For example, seamlessly create an application featuring all special events at parks across the city. The app makes it easy for citizens to access public spaces. Users can view all events at their convenience, add them to their phone’s calendar, get door-to-door directions and invite friends via major social media channels all within a few clicks.”
*Companies in attendance will receive a free consultation and discounted access to iSocialite.

RGB Mobile
www.appmyform.com
Product: AppMyForm (app)
“AppMyForm replaces paper forms with mobile apps which enables customers, field staff and their employers to drastically re-engineer and optimize business processes, reduce paper and time spent entering data off paper forms. It will eliminate time delays and allow for more seamless coordination of data in important industries like healthcare, law enforcement, and civic affairs.”
*For the first 15 organizations to sign-up at the event, RGBmobile will provide a courtesy consultation on how best to turn their forms into mobile apps using AppMyForm. Additionally, these recipients will receive early access to the beta release of AppMyForm.

City Innovation Group
www.cityinnovationgroup.com
Product: BusBeautiful (app)
“BusBeautiful is a next-generation mobile application that beautifies the experience of waiting for a bus. Using augmented reality, real-time bus information and existing printed system maps, we help bus-riders access information on-the-go and provide municipalities with a cost-competitive app that is seamless and delightful for transit riders.”
*All attendees will receive early access to the beta release last quarter of 2013.

Recargo
www.recargo.com
Product: Recargo; PluginCars.com (app and platform)
“Recargo is empowering consumers to make the shift to renewable energy in their personal transportation choices through two services: one, PluginCars.com, is a website with news and reviews to help guide consumers through the buying process for a plug-in electric car and how to integrate a PEV into their life; and the other, Recargo, is a smartphone app that shows PEV drivers where they can find public charging stations throughout the country.”

RideAmigos Corp
www.rideamigos.com
Product: RideAmigos (apps and platform)
“RideAmigos Corp is a national leader of web-based, multi-modal transportation solutions, providing regional commuter networks, multi-modal travel dashboards, certified transportation commute surveys, trip trackers, reward systems, and GIS reporting tools. RideAmigos’ multi-modal dashboard, complete with advanced ridematching (carpool/vanpool) capabilities, as well as built-in public transit, walking, and bicycle commuter information/options, has a friendly, fun, and contemporary user interface. The system is carefully engineered to match and promote only relevant vehicle trips between drivers and passengers; automatically generates detailed reports; provides transit trip plans; enables users, employers and agencies to track usage, emission benefits and cost savings; and provides for the administration of surveys and incentive programs, including customized employer or regional programs.”
* First 50 RSVPs receive a free transportation demand management consultation OR event widget to facilitate ridesharing for attendees.

The post Hub LA Civic Innovation Showcase 2013 appeared first on Hub LA.

Exciting News from Hub LA CEO and Co-Founder Elizabeth Stewart

Our team and the growing community of members at Hub LA recognize the tremendous opportunity we have to bring together individuals and teams from two powerful communities dedicated to creating positive change: the social entrepreneur and start-up community; and the artistic, creative community. Because of the society-shaping power of these two groups, we are expanding Hub LA’s facilities to include a Media Lab scheduled to launch in May. With the launch of our new Media Lab facilities and programming, we are excited to welcome the storytellers, artist activists, and digital media advocates to the Hub LA community.

We are quite excited at what this mash-up will produce. With this launch, we believe two important things will happen:
1) Social good start-ups will have access to cutting edge talent to tell the stories that set these new companies apart. These stories are critical for social entrepreneurs to attract capital and tap into loyal customers looking to buy from sustainable, pro-social brands;
2) Artists will have access to entrepreneurial energy and start-up resources along side ongoing critique from a curated community of peers. Equipping artists and creative professionals with the business acumen and tools to produce their own work will allow more people to make a viable living from their creative pursuits.

We are passionate about supporting the disruptive companies that are leading the way towards a “New Hollywood.” Start-ups that are democratizing access to production, distribution, and funding; collectives of creative professionals launching new design businesses; and storytellers who are creating meaningful, different, yet entertaining work: we want this to be your headquarters. This will be the place where you find the resources, relationships, and training you need to not just survive, but to thrive. In last month’s Hub Happenings, I introduced my two partners-in-crime, Ann and Julie, who are dreaming up all of what the Hub LA Media Lab can be. Next month we will share more news about exciting partnerships that are making all this possible and give a sneak peek into launch happenings.

I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

The post Coming May 2013: Media Lab at Hub LA appeared first on Hub LA.

In her own words, Julie Lebedev speaks about her role in envisioning, building, and opening the Media Department.

I’m excited to launch the Hub LA Media Department because I believe there is nothing like it in LA. There could not be a better suited place–and more perfect time–for such an endeavor than Los Angeles as it is right now.

My background in entertainment includes a brief, only slightly painful stint at a talent agency. During my time at Participant Media, I got to work with the best people to create entertaining and inspiring content. But things are changing. Whether it is more accessible technology to create content or new platforms to distribute and consume media, the entertainment industry and the studio model is in flux. New distribution models and ideas will soon need to be embraced. Since I started my own independent film production company, I’ve learned more than I probably wanted to about the ups and downs of making a movie! I will say, however, that there is nothing quite as rewarding as watching the finished product on screen.

Our goal at the Media Department is to bring storytellers, message makers, and visual artists together with social entrepreneurs to create meaningful, entertaining content. The Hub LA has a unique opportunity to leverage the wealth of creative talent in Los Angeles by bringing powerful change agents under one roof. The positive impact that these very dynamic combinations could yield is beyond exciting.

It would make me so happy to see innovative, compelling co-productions between members coming out of the Media Lab. And maybe an Oscar or two. Current Hub members—-social entrepreneurs, artists, activists, policy makers, technologists, and educators, both in LA and globally—-have expressed the need to tell their stories, to demonstrate the social impact of their enterprise, to collaborate on their next creative endeavor, and to disseminate their message. They know how the power of multimedia can enhance their brands but they generally lack the required technical proficiency, in both production and post-production. Often, they don’t know where to start and lack even basic understanding of how to create multimedia/visual content. We see a huge opportunity to change all this.

Construction is underway and we’ve got a fantastic team working on creating an inspiring space to collaborate. Simultaneously, we’re developing programming that will offer something for everyone. Construction is in full swing and we’ve paid an incredible amount of attention as to how to make the space as productive and functional as it is attractive and intriguing.

I’d love to hear suggestions as to what resources and inspiration are critical to the creative process. How can we make the Media Department the undisputed center of LA’s creative community? What stories need to be told? What combination of filmmakers, creatives, and social innovators will engender the greatest impact? I, for one, can’t wait to see the infinite number of ways these questions can be answered. Email me at Julie@thehubla.com!

The post Meet Our Team: Julie Lebedev, Managing Director of the (soon-to-launch!) Media Department appeared first on Hub LA.

In her own words: our COO/CFO, Ann, on working at The Hub LA:

I knew that I wanted to be a part of the Hub LA when I met with CEO and co-founder Elizabeth Stewart. She’s inspiring. Great Kool-Aid. It wasn’t a hard decision to hop on board, and I’m grateful that I get to come to our wonderful DTLA space–my second home, really–every day.

My background informs my work here constantly. As a former bond trader, I’m use to working in some organized chaos; switching from thinking divergently and convergently back and forth, early and late, at all times. I love that everything I do matters, for better or for worse. With my time spent at Universal Pictures, I’m looking forward to helping launch the Media Department, to growing a new content-creating community, and to working with even more inspired individuals.

My role at the Hub LA includes…EVERYTHING! As CFO/COO, I do everything from run numbers, critiquing business plans to making sure the water delivery arrives. My favorite thing, though, is to be with the community; I love hosting and being the Hub LA therapist.

I get an enormous amount of satisfaction from working at Hub LA. As entrepreneurs, designers, artist, etc., our days and weeks are up and down. There’s always momentum and there are sometimes set-backs. I love that Hub LA is a very driven place, but maybe I love even more that it’s also a very safe one. As leaders, we shouldn’t be expected to hold our swagger day-in, day-out. I am so pleased that we are a community that knows how to support – in praise and in picking each other up.

I love LA. In addition to the Hub, I’m also very active in producing a movie called DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, gardening, cooking, and bothering my husband. I also sit on the boards of Clockshop and the Garden School Foundation. Not only do I want to hear feedback from Hub LA members, I’d also love to hear from any one who has an interest in becoming a member! Or discussing the soon-to-launch Media Department. Basically, ask me anything. Email me at annle@thehubla.com, or stop by and say hello in person!

The post Meet Our Team: Ann Le, COO/CFO at The Hub LA appeared first on Hub LA.

Meet Joshua! Joshua Azran, owner of Azran Financial APC, is a Certified Public Accountant with expertise in public accounting, corporate finance, strategic management, financial restructuring, business valuation, management consulting, and business development. As part of our Hub Workbench programming, Joshua is generously donating his time and expertise to Hub LA members; drop in to discuss any questions you may have with taxes or accounting!

Why did you chose to become a Hub LA member?
I became a HubLA member because the organization is at the intersection of two of my personal and Azran Financial’s core focus areas, entrepreneurship and social good. The ability to create and foster community for social entrepreneurs around common goals and interests is something that we wanted to be a part of. The Hub plays a vital role in Los Angeles’s Silicon Beach startup community providing not only co-working space but also content, entertainment, and thought leadership. This and more appealed to me.

What are you most excited about/what’s the best part of your membership?
The best part of our HubLA membership is how valued the members feel. The opportunity to become involved with the community and also to work closely with others is extremely exciting.

What are the social enterprise goals of Azran Financial/ what does “doing good” mean to you?
Azran Financial believes in the power of incremental good and our mantra of saving the world through entrepreneurship. Doing good means doing positive things but also doing it well.

What are some new goals or ways in you wish to grow in 2013?
We are expecting 2013 to be another amazing year of growth and development. Azran Financial continues to be a market leader amongst accountants in our dedication to cutting edge technology solutions and productivity. One of our core focuses in 2013 is to further develop the growth of our boutique Certified Public Accounting & Advisory firm by continuing to provide holistic solutions to meet the needs of startups and entrepreneurs of all types. Azran Financial also remains dedicated to hiring and developing the best professionals in the business, and we look forward to the new team members who will be joining us, and those who have and continue to serve us and our clients so well.

Describe your perfect LA day.
Starting in Brentwood and biking The Strand through Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, and more. A few stops along the way, and lots of taking in so much of the beautiful Los Angeles scenery.

In addition to Azran Financial, Joshua is a lecturer in the College of Business Administration at Loyola Marymount University and spends time serving on the boards of several charitable and professional organizations. Joshua also lectures frequently on topics including but not limited to personal and small business finance and tax planning, business valuation, and strategic planning. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

The post Meet Our Members: Joshua Azran, Azran Financial APC appeared first on Hub LA.

Meet Andrew Gibbs! Andrew Gibbs founded TheDieline.com, the world’s number one package design website, in 2007. Formerly the Creative Director for the leading beverage development company in the nation, Andrew now serves as CEO of Dieline Media LLC, where he oversees TheDieline.com, The Dieline Package Design Awards, and The Dieline Package Design Conference. He is also author of Box Bottle Bag – The World’s Best Package Designs from TheDieline.com.

Why did you become a Hub LA member?
The main reason I became a Hub LA member was for community. I wanted to surround myself with other like-minded people in LA, other entrepreneurs, creatives, designers, and business owners like myself. This alone was my driving reason to join. After working on my own for over 4 years now, I determined that I really thrived working in a collaborative and creative environment with others, and Hub LA has made that happen.

What is the best part of your Hub LA membership?
I think the best part is being able to come in everyday, and be surrounded by other motivated people. That alone gives me so much drive to push myself further. I also love the coffee.

What does “doing good” mean for your and your business?
The Dieline itself IS a social enterprise at its core. It always has been. The Dieline would not be what it is without everyone who reads the website every day, follow us on social media, come to our conferences, and participate in our awards program. They are the lifeblood of The Dieline. It is because of our readers and supporters that we are able to do what we do today, and that is providing package design inspiration, and education throughout all of our platforms. Its supporting the package designer, and promoting the package design industry as a whole. “Doing good” to me means helping other people, and I really believe that The Dieline allows me to do that.

What are some of the goals you hope to achieve this year?
2013 is going to be a great year for The Dieline. In the past few years, we grew so fast in such a short amount of time. This is the year that we are really able to understand what we have done, the impact we have had on the industry as a whole, and our opportunity and obligation to the package design community and package designer. It is our focus in 2013 to elevate the role of the package designer itself, and put a spotlight on the importance of well designed packaging in today’s marketplace. We will do that through more focused editorial content, going deeper behind the design of projects we feature, and through our conferences and events.

Describe your perfect LA day.
A Sunday morning farmers market run, a home-cooked breakfast, a hike with my dog at Runyon Canyon, shopping around Downtown, a trip to the Getty, then dinner with friends at a new restaurant. Perfection.

After you’ve read every single post on TheDieline.com, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest.

The post Meet Our Members: Andrew Gibbs, CEO and Founder of TheDieline.com appeared first on Hub LA.

Meet Adrian. Adrian is the CEO of Roman Apparel Group. Over his 15 year career in the fashion world he has earned a reputation as an industry leader for the manufacturing of designer, contemporary, and luxury brands. In recent years, Adrian has spearheaded the development and production of top labels including Joe’s Jeans, Elizabeth & James, Patterson J Kincaid, LaROK, and Streets Ahead.

Why did you chose to become a Hub LA member?
I needed temporary workspace. I was in between making a decision to potentially relocate to New York– my company has offices in both NY and LA. I did some research on what was offered in Los Angeles and I thought that idea of the Hub with its emphasis on social enterprise was the most interesting. I came in to take a look, met Elizabeth Stewart, and found out it that Hub LA is really practicing what it preaches. I liked the privacy, too- having a “members only” environment ensures that the atmosphere is conducive to getting work done, but that if I felt like having a discussion, I’d be surrounded by other entrepreneurs who had like-minded values and goals.

What is the best part about coming to the Hub?
Definitely the people. I met a ton of people that I will stay in touch with for professional reasons and also people that I will personally be friends with. I have to say, I am so inspired by the people I’ve met here. Initially, my goals didn’t necessarily include integrating an element of social good into my business plan, but since joining the Hub I have decided I’m absolutely going to do something to make a positive impact.

What does “doing good” look like for your company and, more generally, the apparel industry?
I don’t know exactly what the social good element of my business will look like. There are many options within the apparel industry, from a one-to-one model of donation to simply ensuring that damaged or out-of-season product doesn’t end up in a landfill but instead gets donated or repurposed. In the past I have held English classes for the factory staff which often do not have strong communication skills in English. I’d like to get that going at Roman Apparel Group.

What are some new goals or ways in you wish to grow your business in 2013?
My goal this year is to take at least six apparel/accessory brands and get them on their way to the $60m mark. Roman Apparel Group is a product development, brand management, production and sourcing firm for apparel and accessories. We’ve got a factory here in Los Angeles so if you’re ready to produce, we’re ready; but we also help designers prototype, refine, and source their ideas from sketch to production. I want to grow my office out in New York to a full fledged office (right now it’s just a satellite office) equivalent to what we are able to do here in LA with the ability to develop prototypes and small production runs.

Describe your perfect LA day.
It doesn’t get much better than a picnic at Silverlake park with my wife and two little girls on any given beautiful Los Angeles day. The perfect night is dinner with my wife at The York in Highland Park. My wife is a stylist; for someone who works in the apparel industry, I’m hopeless at picking out my own clothes. I’d be lost without her help. Trust me, behind many a well-dressed man there is a wife telling him what to wear.

The post Meet Our Members: Adrian Borrego, CEO of Roman Apparel Group appeared first on Hub LA.