Catalyst Media Group, publisher of the St. Pete Catalyst, announced a new advisory board member today for its Cityverse project. Former Councilmember Robert Blackmon, founder of Blackmon Properties, joins the board steering the forthcoming civic media platform.
Cityverse is a geographically-focused civic media platform that seeks to bridge the virtual and physical world to build stronger communities. Cityverse leverages a suite of tools and incentives to generate valuable local content that inspires activities on the platform and in person.
Blackmon was selected for his encyclopedic knowledge of Tampa Bay real estate and wide-reaching connections in the Tampa Bay business and political communities. In his new role, he will help build capacity in the real estate space and facilitate bringing news and content from the community, to the community. He joins Times Publishing Company CEO Conan Gallaty in taking a position on the Cityverse Board of Advisors this month.
“Robert has already been an instrumental partner in our work,” said Joe Hamilton, Cityverse’s Head of Network. “Bringing him officially onto the board is a celebration of the value he has provided thus far, as well as what he’ll provide going forward.”
Hamilton added, “Cityverse will be a powerhouse in local real estate, politics and citizen engagement. In St Pete, Blackmon is as passionate and skilled an operator in these arenas as anyone. Cityverse will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
Though no longer in office, Blackmon continues to work on civic matters, supporting organizations, candidates and businesses throughout the community.
“Cityverse is going to fundamentally change the way business happens in St. Pete,” Blackmon said. “Joe is building an organization that is second-to-none in innovation and growth potential. The future is hyperlocal; by placing Cityverse at the heart of local business, we will put local business back at the heart of St. Petersburg, so our success first and foremost benefits the Cityzens. I’m excited to work with Joe and the team to lead that growth.”
About Catalyst Media Group and the St. Pete Catalyst
Cityverse is a civic media platform. Powered by local news and content, Cityverse connects the community through information, ideas and experiences. As a virtual overlay for the physical city, Cityverse provides tools and attention to optimize and augment community life both on platform and in person.
