We’ve recently picked up several company bikes, encouraging employees to ride any time to meetings, meals, or simply take an afternoon ride. The bikes are cutting down on the need for our automobiles during the day which makes Grow and the Earth happy. Customizing the bikes was a joy, too, with Republic’s 3D bike shop—a perfect marriage of digital and customized manufacturing technology.

With the addition of the new bikes, it also makes it easier for our employees to turn to public transportation to get to and from work each day. So much so, that we’ve adopted a new transportation program. We now pay our employees to come to work by any means except a car—be that on Norfolk’s new light rail, bus systems, carpooling, biking or walking. The money we would normally spend on a parking pass is refunded to the employee on each paycheck. Everyone wins. So far, about a third of our employees are taking advantage of these alternate forms of transportation.

We’re currently working with city leaders to improve the viability of public transportation systems, increase bikeability throughout Norfolk, and encourage a bike share program. Speaking of which… HRT, how about a viable and cost-appropriate solution for small businesses to take advantage of GoPasses?

A|E Artist Award Announcement

Along with our friends at AltDaily.com, Downtown Norfolk Council, and re:Vision Norfolk, we brought back Art | Everywhere for a second successful year this spring. Empty storefront windows in Downtown Norfolk were transformed by art, and the community came together to celebrate Downtown’s color, culture, support of the arts, and most importantly, its potential.

Opening night brought out all walks of life with street performers of all sorts, DJs spinning in balconies, and a live comedy show.  Even Godzilla made an appearance!  The art and fun lasted for over two months and closed with a night of giant puppet shows, freaks on the streets, and a good ol’ fashioned party!

View all photos and find out more about Art | Everywhere here.