You’re a company.  Maybe small, maybe new, maybe not.  You’re local – or just beyond – but you dream one day of breaching a larger, international market.  You just aren’t sure how to do that right now.  Need a place to start?  How ’bout here: SACC Edays, an annual trade and networking event now in its eleventh year that links Swedish and American entrepreneurs.

What the heck is Edays?

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) presents Entrepreneurial Days (Edays) twice each year; once in the U.S. and once in Sweden to best connect business relations between the two countries.  The conferences serve as tools to encourage business and trade between two countries through practices in business cluster programs, business to business trade missions and business matchmaking.

Past participation has been impressive, with 2008’s Entrepreneurial Days in San Diego (April 7-9) attracting some 400 participants, with over 500 business matchmaking having been pre-scheduled. At the last Edays in Stockholm, over 430 participants attended with more than 130 people traveling from the U.S. representing 20 different U.S. states. More than 800 pre-scheduled business matchmaking meetings took place during this two-day event.

It’s exotic.  It’s tropical.  It’s carbon neutral.  Have I died and gone to heaven?

With the escalating concerns over global climate change, many people are rethinking the way things are done.  Thanks to Savannah based design company, DALU Design Group, there’s one more way you can be an environmentally-conscious consumer.  It’s called STAR Island (STAR standing for Sustainable Terrain & Resources) and it is an off-the-grid luxury vacation destination located near the Bahamian island of Eleuthera.

DALU Design Group is a progressive firm of “eco-tects” (ecotecture anyone?), planners and consultants catering to eco-friendly design and lifestyle. Located in Savannah, DALU is led by David Sklar (designer and visionary) and Luciana Thompson (principal and LEED consultant.)  They also come complete with a highly qualified staff, and seem equipped to handle all factes of green design and construction.

I guess that’s why the New York Times named STAR Island their Eco-destination of the Year.   Whoa.

When you wish upon an Island

STAR Island offers many of the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star accommodation: a full-service spa, restaurants, pools, boat slips, picturesque views of white sand beaches, palm trees and aqua-colored water.  But this luxury vacation community offers more than just a relaxing, good time.  It presents an environmentally responsible approach to resort development for the discerning eco-tourist.

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.