Posted by Fitz Haile on October 28, 2008 at 11:28 PM
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.
And not a moment too soon. I, for one, have been biting my fingernails again - an old habit rekindled by the gnawing need to know who is among the top 3 in each category for the prize of the year, the Creative Coast Alliance Innovation Award, sponsored by Lott + Barber. If you are as impatient as I am, you’ll be pleased to know that our five esteemed judges have made their decisions.
It was no simple task, but our independent panel of local and regional judges toiled and labored for hours on end, tirelessly deliberating over nearly 100 Savannah innovators across six categories including Community, Emerging Business, Existing Business, Government, Education and Sustainability. Locked in a room like jurists in the O.J. trial, they fed, sleepless, on half-eaten donuts and stale coffee, muddling through piles of applications from top notch candidates in a brave attempt to narrow the competitive field.
Here are the quickdraws still standing when the dust cleared:
It’s true. Good things do happen to ordinary people. It goes a little something like this.
I was running around my house looking for my shoe yesterday morning. I was my usual 15 minutes late for work. But this morning my new foster pup, Benjamin Barker (yes, named for Sweeney Todd and fitting because he does so love to bark), had hidden my left pump. So there I am, using expletives, spilling coffee and musing - once again - that this is no way to start a day.
Then the phone rings. It’s Frank McIntosh, my dayjob boss’s husband. You probably know Frank, a Savannah native. Everyone knows Frank. He’s terrific. Well, he’s calling to make my day. “Want to go flying?” he asks me. As quick as a flash I am out of my one lone pump and into some “flying clothes.” I pack a little lunch and head to meet Frank for our departure to Wright Army Air Field in Hinesville.
Having trouble seeing the pics? View the full size slideshow!
Rss Feed
Most Recent Jobs
Our Blog-Friends
Recently Popular