We’ve all heard about the concept of “coworking” or shared space. There have even been a few valiant local attempts to make the idea fly. It’s proven to be a tough nut to crack, mainly because the right set of financial and real estate circumstances have to be in place in order for the operation to sustain itself. But that’s a whole other blog post.

What we’re here to tell you is that there is a new kid in town in this arena, and it looks promising. It’s called “thincspace”, and it’s located right smack dab in the middle of downtown overlooking Ellis Square. According to their press materials, thincspace provides “[5,400 square feet of] prime office space, priced for independence,” and is a place for start-ups, small businesses, designers, design consultants and other creative independents who would not normally want to bear the expense of maintaining an office in the heart of downtown. (Much less at one of its most desirable addresses, a stone’s throw from the new Ellis Square.)

Ashley Bowersox, a long-time friend of TCCa and a local commercial realtor, gave us the scoop:

You may have seen the recent article in the Savannah Morning News about the Transition Team. It was a “general update”, with several good quotes from Brynn and Zelda about how things are progressing.  (Check it out online at savannahnow.com)

The Transition Team has been working to understand the value of TCCa to the community and those efforts have included the recent survey that you all so generously lent your time and feedback to, the results of which are summarized below.  The Team has spent some time researching other similar initiatives throughout the country as well as the other organizations and agencies in the area with complementary missions and values.  Next, the Team will utilize this info information in a retreat in early April to map out vision, mission and strategy for the next phase of the organization.

Survey Results

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our survey. The responses were passionate and overwhelmingly positive with many of you taking the time to leave comments showing support for TCCa and providing ideas for the team.

By now most of you have probably heard about Google’s bold play to offer fiber/broadband in select cities across the country. The search engine giant has invited municipalities to submit requests to host an ultra-high-speed broadband network that promises to deliver Internet service 100 times faster than what most Americans can access. Google will spot for the cost of installing the fiber network to connect up to 500,000 people, and would provide access at a competitive price to current services. (Check out the recent article in the Savannah Morning News for more info.)

It seems like cities across the country are pulling out the stops to court the Internet behemoth to their respective towns, from Topeka, KS renaming itself “Google” for one month, to the Deluth, MN mayor tossing himself into Lake Superior.

Before you ask, “why isn’t Savannah looking into this”, we are. The city and local business leaders have been meeting quietly to pull together information for the March 26th application deadline. We’ve also received many calls and emails about “the situation”, and will be meeting with a local group organized by Marjorie Young on Thursday. We’ve been talking to the City about how we can help and are fully on board and excited about making Savannah’s bid for this deal as creative and compelling as it can possibly be. 

Haven’t made your Oscar night party plans yet?  Look no further. If you haven’t been to Meddin Studios, the state-of-the-art digital production facility where President Obama visited just 24 hours ago, here’s your chance.

Come join a cast of co-sponsors including yours truly, Savannah Film Commission, Stagefront Presentation, Image is Everything, the South Magazine, and Paragon Design group for the 82nd Academy Awards. That’s right, it’s time to celebrate west coast style on the east coast and do it for a good cause — Oscar Night at Meddin will benefit the Backus Children’s Hospital.

As you arrive on March 7th, you will be walking the red carpet where you will be greeted by Meddin’s valet, the South Magazine, champagne and flash bulbs. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 7:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and various movie snacks.

And, with help from Stagefront this years academy awards will be broadcast on the big screen. (There will be an optional Oscar pool in all the major categories.)

So, join Meddin and friends in helping to support the Backus Children’s Hospital. Proceeds, donations and every Children’s DVD you bring you will be enter in opportunity to win a local Savannah sponsored Oscar Gift bag. (P.S. Special Prizes for the best dress, so arrive in style.)