Spotlights
Spotlight on Creativity
March 2008
March's spotlight is local entrepreneur, Ian Cross. As CEO and Co-founder of I-Site, interactive design and eMarketing firm in Philadelphia, Ian is extremely involved in the strategy and creative direction of the company.
Ian moved to Philadelphia from Boston in 1990, attracted by Philadelphia's "tough reputation and gritty exterior." As a marketing director at MacSpecialists, Ian learned how much creative talent Philadelphia holds. Ian attended the inaugural PANMA meeting and also aided in developing a creative economy plan that led to the first Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit held in Philadelphia in June of 2006. The next Summit will be held in May 2009.
I-Site was created in 1996 by Ian and fellow web designer Ray Katz, in an Old City second bedroom. Over the last few years he has witnessed first-hand as the Philadelphia Region’s reputation has grown on the international stage as a home for "creative thinkers and doers."
Outside of his normal day-to-day, Ian's on the board of a number of organizations including the British American Business Council, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange and CAOZ, an Icelandic animation company.
Your name:
Ian Cross
Current Location:
In the front right window of Farmicia at 3rd and Market in Old City directly below the I-SITE office
Hometown:
Marlborough, Wiltshire, England. Quaint market town 60 miles west of London famous for the Marlborough Bucket, an Iron-age Burial Bucket with decorations of human heads
Firm/company:
I-SITE, Inc.
Occupation:
Keeping I-SITE dynamic and innovative
Favorite Philadelphia neighborhoods:
Old City and Northern Liberties
Best advice you've ever been given:
"Leave England, marry an American and dive in."
Your favorite thing about living in the Philadelphia Region:
The locals, diverse neighborhoods, places to hobnob and good grub.
Your favorite "Philly moment":
Being asked to do the Spotlight Question for Innovation Philadelphia
Your favorite thing about working in the Philadelphia Region:
The I-SITE office and the opportunity to kick NYC's rear
Why own a business/work in Philadelphia as opposed to other cities?
[There are a ] number of talented creative people, geographic location, affordability [of the city].
How would you market Philadelphia young professionals outside the region?
Help those in the know spread the word, host events such as the summit. Send me around the world with a megaphone.
What are the challenges of owning a business in the Philadelphia Region?
[Challenges in the Philadelphia Region include] funding new initiatives, city taxes and PPA.
What advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur in the Philadelphia Region?
Dive in. Or call me first.
I-SITE is an award-winning interactive design and eMarketing firm that specializes in the development of results-driven Web sites, ePromotions and Rich Media. Since 1996, I-SITE has helped leaders from healthcare, consumer products and business services grow their sales and customer base through innovative online programs. Clients include National Dairy Council, ZEV manufacturer Vectrix and DePuy Mitek, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Company.
To learn more about Ian and his work in the region, visit: http://www.i-site.com