I’m a big fan of Ning.com as a customizable social networking platform to build a community around a specific interest or cause. CNN recently interviewed Ning CEO Gina Bianchini about the future of social networking. Following is an excerpt from that interview:

CNN: What makes Ning different from other social-networking sites?

Bianchini: It’s focused on providing the [means for] people to create new social networks around their interests and passions and connect new people around those passions. We think that’s a very critical element of organization. The Facebook phenomenon connects you to people you already know and Twitter is amazing for news and real-time events. What we see with people who gravitate to Ning is meeting new people with similar interests.

CNN: How can Ning be useful to organizations or corporations?

Bianchini: When you can bring people together around a common cause there is incredible potential to do fundraising and to organize volunteers.

Click here to read the full story.

Back in 2005, CenPho.com was launched as a blog focused on exploring life in Central Phoenix. We are now relaunching the site as a social network for people who live, work and play in the microcosm of the Valley of the Sun that is known as CenPho.

The Web site documents everything from every hole in the wall and neighborhood watering hole, to chain restaurants, grocery stores and the location of every Walgreens in this specific area of town. But it’s not just a directory of businesses – CenPho.com is now a living community that also highlights the people who are making things happen in CenPho through a regular feature called We Are CenPho. A weekly email called the Hot List recommends 5 things to do in CenPho each week.

The CenPho Twitter account is also updated daily with tips and news about Central Phoenix people and places.

Click here to learn more and to join the community.