The downtown community workspace CO+HOOTS celebrated its one-year anniversary on Friday.
Over the past year CO+HOOTS has been working to introduce its members to other progressive and creative minds in order to achieve business development and community collaboration. At Friday’s party, members and associates of the organization celebrated the strides they had made since its opening.
“Some of our members have seen their company grow exponentially since they’ve joined us,” said Jenny Poon, the founder and operator of CO+HOOTS. “It’s amazing to see businesses grow from our support.”
The Self Portrait Station at the celebration served as a tangible way to show the growth of the CO+HOOTS community. During the party people had their pictures taken with friends and co-workers, and the pictures were posted on a wall. Lines and arrows showed the intricate connections made between people over the past year.
Graphic design student Chelsea Hornacek, a former intern with CO+HOOTS, said it had been rewarding to see businesses in the area thrive because of their work.
“The creative collaboration that happens here is contagious,” Hornacek said in an email. “It’s unlike any environment I’ve ever been a part of before.”
Since opening their doors last year 11 companies have become members at CO+HOOTS. Their drop-in program has also been a success, bringing in three to 10 people each day. The organization is planning to continue expanding their business by offering more desks in the office.
Poon said she was hopeful about the future of CO+HOOTS and the role it will play in building the downtown Phoenix community.
“It is a hard city to break into, but once you crack that shell you see all the amazing things Phoenix has to offer,” Poon said. “We want people to know what’s here, so they can eat, play and drink here and be proud of their city.”
Contact the reporter at mgrichar@asu.edu
