Bradenton will see the region’s next coworking space open downtown. Connect Bradenton hosts its grand opening on Thursday, hoping to bring the modern work environment into town in a way that also attracts more professionals into the city core. 

Bernie Croghan, president and ‘senior doer’ at Connect Bradenton, says he sees the cowork space as the next evolution in work environments. Croghan worked for years in renting executive suites as part owner at Comcenter, leasing offices in East Manatee and Lakewood Ranch. But after selling his interest in that company to a partner, he turned attention toward establishing a coworking space. “I simply had a fondness for the downtown area of Bradenton,” he said. “The opportunity appeared.” He rented space from Bakker Inc., formerly occupied by a Bank of America location. 

Jean Farmer came on in June as the ‘connector’ at the space, and says the environment should suit the needs of entrepreneurs in the region. She sees growing demand for a low-cost workspace where all kinds of business-people can find a work home. “The reason why people are gravitating toward things like this is that we were all told years ago we could work from home, and were promised how cool that would be,” she says. “I remember dreaming about it, but after a while you just need some human interaction.”

The difference between an executive suite and coworker space, Croghan says, exists primarily a focus on a shared environment. While an executive suite allows people to share certain administrative functions like a reception desk and infrastructure like a printer or meeting room while tenants spend most of their time in private offices, a coworking environment provides large rooms and focuses more on collaboration and interaction between the tenants.

At Connect Bradenton, tenants will be able to rent a “social membership” and work in the shared space for $49 a month. “That’s probably no more than you would spend on a coffee on the way to work, so why not have that coffee with friends and peers in a friendly atmosphere,” Croghan said.

But unlike some of the existing coworking environments already open in the region, tenants still looking for an executive suite-style package can rent an office and pay for an array of administrative support. The largest available offices run for about $1,399 a month, Farmer said. Croghan likes to call Connect Bradenton a hybrid between a true coworking space, which may not even offer phone service or a mailing address, and an executive suite with maximum amenities.

Farmer expects entrepreneurs and freelancers to serve as the typical tenant, but could also see sales people with large territories choosing to set up base. And Croghan says tenants at Connect Bradenton will be able to “work the way you want,” running non-traditional hours. “They will have total flexibility," he says. "If you only want to be here Monday mornings, that’s fine.”

The coworking space held a Free Work Friday event a few days ago to show off to potential tenants the possibilities of working in Connect Bradenton. Four tenants have already signed up to use the space so far, but Croghan wants to sign up 100 tenants, and with 10,000 square feet of space says there’s plenty of room. A grand opening is scheduled Thursday from 3-6pm. 

Photo courtesy Connect Bradenton

Acclaimed installation artist Anne Patterson makes yet another trip to Sarasota, this time leaving her mark on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The artist, who first visited the area through the Hermitage Artist Retreat, before returning for a solo show at Alfstad& Contemporary and to open the Monda Gallery at Ringling Museum with Pathless Woods, this past week unveiled her latest installation—Circle of Thirds—created in honor of the Community Foundation and on display in the organization’s headquarters on Fruitville Rd.

Suspended from the ceiling of the lobby upon entering the Community Foundation, Patterson’s ribbon art dangles just within reach overhead—three great aluminum wedges with ribbons of various reds, pinks and oranges cascading 50 feet downward in harmonious symmetry. Choosing an energetic color was important, says Patterson, and red was a “big shot in the arm” for the space. “I really believe that the organization has such a big heart,” she says, “and wanted to express that in my piece.”

The three parts represent the three aspects of the Community Foundation’s world—donors, nonprofits and the community—while the circular arrangement reflects the spirit of that relationship. “As you give, you receive,” says Patterson. “And we’re all in a circle together.”

Comprising a mile and a half of ribbon in total, each piece weighs roughly 40 pounds and is designed to last. At the top of each ribbon, local students from the fifth grade at Alta Vista Elementary School wrote hopes, dreams and wishes. Happiness, love and peace were the most predominant words, according to Community Foundation President and CEO Roxie Jerde. 

Pictured: Anne Patterson unveils "Circle of Thirds" at Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Anheuser-Busch has recently awarded Colonel John Saputo and his team at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing with the esteemed Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award. Named after the largest-ever Clydesdale, the Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award is the company’s highest honor and recognizes top-performing wholesalers for their commitment to excellence in all facets of their operation, including facilities and fleet management, sales, marketing and community outreach. Only 23 out of 465 Anheuser-Busch distributers in the United States have ever achieved this distinction. As the recipient, Saputo was presented with the symbolic Big Jake red jacket, and 185+ Gold Coast Eagle employees were given championship rings. More than 100 guests comprised of employees and spouses, Manatee and Sarasota County commissioners, Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston, and other dignitaries were in attendance. 

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

Andria Bilan has been hired as the Chief Executive Officer of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, after having served 18 years as vice president of development at Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast, Inc.  Bilan has more than 40 years of executive nonprofit experience in Pennsylvania and Florida, including the United Way, YWCA and JFCS. Bilan succeeds Co-Founder and Executive Director Bruce P. Chapnick, who, along with wife Sandi, established JoshProvides in memory of their son Joshua David, to support those living with seizure disorders by financially helping them with seizure sensor alert monitoring equipment, seizure response dogs, medical services, prescription medication and transportation costs, as well as offering support groups for families and caregivers. 

JoshProvides

The battle for Best Local Breakfast was fierce last year, with the far out folks at First Watch edging out the bomb benedicts over at first finalist Station 400 in the final stretch to take home the title of Local Best Of. Toasted Mango finished strong as second finalist, placing above Breakfast House and Word of Mouth tied as third finalists. Who will take the throne as Best Breakfast in this year’s 2018 Best of SRQ Local Competition? Vote now at srqmag.com/bosrq! 

Vote Here!