Glamour shots & more: Winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards

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.”

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For Innovation Achievement in Government, the award went to the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department for their E-police Software Implementation.

“Metro Police are continually striving to improve communication with the community we serve, and the e-policing website is just one way for us to help empower our residents. Technology plays a huge role in police work today, and we will continue to strive to keep up with the latest trends and opportunities to better do our job in fighting and preventing crime … and keeping the public well-informed.”

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For Innovative Achievement in Emerging Business, the winner is Jody Jazz for the DV and DV NY Series of 24 kt. Gold-plated Single-reed Woodwind Mouthpieces.

“Jody Jazz really represents everyone who has ever struggled and worked to get a new idea from the drawing board to the market place. It is an honor to be a finalist and I thank the Creative Coast Alliance for making us feel so welcome in the short time that we have been in Savannah.”

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For Innovative Achievement by a Mature Company, we proudly announce Gulfstream Aerospace for the Phase II Research and Development Center.

“Gulfstream wishes to thank the judges for selecting our exciting, state-of-the-art, new Research and Development Center as a Finalist [and now the winner] in this year’s Innovation Awards Program. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Gulfstream 1, which took place on August 14, 1958. The Center is dedicated to all those whose efforts in R&D have made Gulfstream the company it is today, and will continue to be in the future.”

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For Innovative Community Contribution, we presented the award to
is Union Mission for their innovative Multi-disciplinary, Collaborative Social Services Model.

Offering an array of supportive services through a single provider, Union Mission proves that making these services readily available saves the community money – $35 million in 2007 alone – by significantly reducing strain on emergency rooms and hospitals treating the uninsured. CEO and President, Micheal Elliott accepted the award on behalf of Union Mission.

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For Innovative Achievement in Sustainability, put your hands together for Farmer D Organics for the Biodynamic Compost Product and Sustainable Farm System.

“First off I would like to thank the Creative Coast and SEDA for all you do to support small businesses here in Savannah. Thanks also to the judges for recognizing the work Farmer D Organics has been doing to promote sustainability through our composting initiative with Whole Foods in the Southeast, our organic farming projects all over the country and the social justice work we are doing with Union Mission to address food security issues here in Savannah. It is an honor to be among these finalists and to have the opportunity to work with such great organizations and individuals.”

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Last, but not least – the Howard J. Morrison Award goes to Dr. Thomas Jones of Armstrong Atlantic State University.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!