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Archive for the 'Local Government' Category
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:
Good Monday, quirky Savannahians. As you transition back into the work week, Fitz wanted me to remind you to put one last thing on your calendar this week.
It’s a biggie: the deadline for applicants for this years TCCa Innovation Awards is fast approaching. In fact, it’s Thursday (July 31)!!
To refresh your Monday memory, the Innovation Awards (to take place on October 23) will honor regional business, education and community organizations that demonstrate innovation and outstanding achievement in education, business, community, government and sustainability. To date, we’ve seen applications from across the board - from janitorial services to transportation to fashion - so join the show and let us know why you’re innovative!
Consider this an INNOVATION intervention. Missing this deadline could be disastrous to you and your business’s long-term health (over-dramatization of facts).
You are the key players in this awards equation. Not only the eyes and ears of the Creative Coast but the true creators, innovators and entrepreneurial heroes. Don’t let a chance for deserved recognition (and a dang good time) slip away.
Let me just start out by saying: I don’t know a ton about this particular subject. I’m sorta new to this whole econdev game. But maybe that’s ok…I’m learning, and hopefully it gives me a “fresh” perspective.
Still, being an diehard enviro-nerd with a flare for the dramatic, when I read my friend and colleague Tommy Linstroth’s op-ed, it kinda made me think: “Mmm, dreams really do come true.”
Head of Sustainable Initiatives for Melaver Inc., Linstroth is one of Savannah’s most learned Champions of the Green. (Plus, he rocks earrings in both ears, Wisconsin style. What’s not to love?)
In the Savannah Morning News this week, Tommy Boy throws out the idea that the solution to this whole mega-site problem is – the New American City.
The mega-site, for those of you who aren’t that familiar (present company included), is the big ole’ hunk of land out on I-16 that the old Gubn’a prophesied would bring the German automotive manufacturing powerhouse (Chrysler) to our sleepy southern town. Only thing is, it turns out he was wrong.
I’m a happy camper. Last week two of our greatest passions, the environment and the creative economy, were merged. An all day session of the Chatham Environmental Forum (CEF) produced ten priorities to guide the organization as they draft a plan for the County Commission on how Chatham can become the “Greenest County in Georgia.” One of those ten priorities was “Building Creative Infrastructure.” You heard me right. The CEF thinks a creative community is part of the green community equation. We couldn’t agree more. And here’s why.
The two are mutually beneficial. The workforce of knowledge- and culture-based industry tend to migrate to communities with a good quality of life, meaning clean air and water, expanses of greenspace, recreational opportunities, good transportation, etc. We want ”creatives” in Savannah because of a) the way they will positively impact our community’s economy and b) the way they will positively impact our community’s environment. And they will be more likely to relocate to Savannah if we embrace initiatives to maintain the resources that make this a healthy, beautiful place to live.
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