As Porky Pig would say, that’s all folks.

The event that will henceforth be known as the TCCa Typhoon of 2008 (sponsored by Lott + Barber) has finally been put to rest for her winter slumber.  To those of you that came along for the ride, we thank you – sincerely.  To the winners, CONGRATS. We are humbled by the turn-out given the less than cooperative weather and we are grateful to everyone who put in their time, money and effort to help make our first Innovation Awards a resounding (if not a little damp) success.

But before we return Summer to her regularly scheduled blog fodder, we have a few thanks to give and some pictures to show. If it gets a little mushy, its only because we love ya. For the sake of brevity, I’m listing only the key players, but to the dozens more that helped us pull this thing off – THANK YOU.

The event…

(having trouble viewing? Try the full sized slideshow.)

P.S. If you want to see the AWESOME train photo-op Lott + Barber put together, hop on over to their shutterfly site to see the full roll (more being added daily.)

After many months of anticipation, deliberation and planning, we finally unveiled – to a large audience of esteemed colleagues and guests – the winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards, presented by Lott + Barber. (More pics coming.)

Despite the monsoon-like downpour, the turn-out was remarkable, bringing nearly 500 of Savannah’s finest creatives.  Astride organic and local surf and turf entrées, eco-friendly decor and lighting and a premiere video and slide display, we ushered in a new era of entrepreneurs and Savannah success stories.

The awards sculptures themselves were created by nationally recognized local artist Jerome Meadows – a true work of art to honor the accomplishments of the community innovators.

And the winners were (are)…

For Innovation Achievement in Education, congratulations to Savannah Technical College for their Cross-disciplinary Student-constructed Solar Generator and Photovoltaic Program.

“Innovation in what we do is so important and to get recognized for it is truly an honor. We’d like to thank Savannah Technical College for allowing the Industrial Technology department the freedom to put ideas into motion – as well as the entire IT department, without whom, the solar generator wouldn’t be a reality. This was really a team effort.”

The Innovation Awards, like Christmas, comes just once a year.  And how exciting that the big event is tonight!  For those of you who have reserved your seats, I will see you at the Historic Roundhouse!

Just wanted to remind you of several important things to keep in mind:

• Don’t make us say “I told you so” when your hot heels fall flat at the Historic Roundhouse.  Please, please (down on my knees begging you) wear sensible shoes.
• VIP parking for hybirds and carpoolers is limited to the first 75 vehicles.  So come early and come together.  Overflow parking is located at the Visitors Center next door.
• Rain?  Cold weather?  C’mon, you knew we’d be prepared for that!  Don’t let the evening’s forecast dissuade you from attending tonight’s ceremony.  We’ve thought of it all… including heat and cover.  But feel free to throw a light sweater over your shoulder if you’re worried.

Thanks in advance to all of you beautiful guests!  And many, many thanks to our sponsors (especially Lott + Barber!) for making this great event possible.

Boy, time flies when you’re havin’ fun. Can you believe that the Innovation Awards are already upon us, only a few short days away?!

Which makes for a few important housekeeping details…

Wednesday, October 22 is the LAST DAY you can reserve your seats for the 2008 Innovation Awards, sponsored by Lott + Barber. Luckily, we’ve made it easy for you notoriously Savannahian last minute-scragglers. Simply hop online to ensure your place at this Friday’s event ($75 per person).

The grand event will take place this Friday, October 24th at the Historic Roundhouse. Cocktails start at 6pm, dinner and awards start promptly at 7pm.

And did we mention that the event is taking place at an old railroad depot? Yeah, that means footwear is a very important consideration, which is why The Creative Coast Alliance is waging a campaign against high heels. Don’t get us wrong, we love 4″ stilettos (especially Fitz). And we understand how vital a hot pair of heels are to any lady’s “creative casual” attire.