We all know (too well) that the economy is in the dumps, but thankfully not everyone is struggling so much.  Some companies, in fact, have plans to do some hiring in the new year.  Since that is more important than ever, we over here across the Rio Savannah wanted to take the time to give a much-deserved nod to one particular local high tech start-up, Rails Machine, and the impressive successes they’ve earned.

A handful of years back, Bradley Taylor and his wife decided to relocate from southern California where they were both working for ESRI (known for their GIS modeling and mapping software).  After surveying 5-10 midsized cities in the Southeast, they transplanted to (you guessed it) Savannah.  And boy are we glad they did!  (Hear an interview with Taylor about the early days of Rails Machine.)

I’ll admit it, Fred Kent rocked my world.  And last night, of all nights, was not the evening for me to be so impressed.  Because at 6pm, when I should have been on my way to the pre-event wine and cheese reception, I instead rescued two black puppies from impending death and then had to figure out where the heck to stash them safely until I could dedicate more thought and resources to their well being.  (Shameless plug: Will be available for adoption through Save-A-Life Pets!)

Ok, so let’s get down to business.

Having trouble viewing? Try the full sized slideshow »

The presentation commenced with a summary of the Destination Savannah Forward online survey results, which outlined the favorite and least favorite destinations and roadways in town.  Among the favorite streets: River Street, Bull Street, Harry Truman Pkwy and Veterans Pkwy – streets loved for their beauty, as well as streets that take you where you need to go.  Least favorite Savannah streets included Bay Street, Abercorn Street and DeRenne Avenue – streets known for their “unwalkability” and traffic congestion. (Full description of survey results listed below.)

My, how time flies.  It seems like only yesterday we were bugging you to take the Destination Savannah Forward online survey.  Remember?  The one where the results would be factored into a local lecture and presentation by Fred Kent, a leading authority on revitalizing city spaces and one of the foremost thinkers in livability, smart growth and the future of the city, and the founder and president of Project for Public Spaces? Yes, that survey.

Well, that time has come.  For, the Destination Savannah Forward lecture takes place tonight, where the findings of the survey from last fall – completed by more than 300 Savannah residents – will be unveiled.  Those results have been reviewed by Kent, the guru of the place-making movement, connecting people to ideas, expertise, and partners who share a passion for creating vital places.

On stage at the Coastal Georgia Center, Kent will be accompanied by the following panel of distinguished Savannahians:

• Denise Grabowski – Director of Community Planning at a local architectural firm, Lott + Barber, who is passionate about smart growth and sustainable development
• Helen Stone – the principal driver of the development of the Chatham County-Savannah Tri-centennial Comprehensive Plan, now serving her second term as Chatham County Commissioner

After a two month holiday hiatus, cSpot was back in action Wednesday with a lively crowd at Savannah’s newest bar, the Distillery.  Established in 1904 and “resurrected” in 2008, this prohibition-style bar proved a spacious, charming and finger-lickin’ good place for our inaugural cSpot of the New Year.  Seriously, if you haven’t made a visit to the new bar/restaurant (located at Liberty and MLK), you should.  It has everything a good bar in Savannah needs: facile parking, ample elbow room, a long and lipsmacking beer list, and a wide variety of yummy eats – such as those displayed at cSpot.  My fav?  The pretzels and beercheese dip.  Delicious and complimentary of any adult beverage.

Having trouble viewing? Try the full sized slideshow »

The night was sponsored by Wentworth Printing, a local company that has delivered quality printed products to the Savannah area since 1963.  Thanks to Wentworth for the complimentary appetizer spread (featuring the aforementioned pretzels) and animated raffle drawing.

Thanks to those who joined us for the social networking festivities and for those who missed it, put next month’s cSpot on your calendar; we’re the last Wednesday of every month!

What the heck is cSpot?