Sierra Commons

One theme uniting the Sierra Commons office is a commitment to sustainability. We tend to think the ecological benefits of resource-sharing at the office are as positive as the benefits on our overhead costs. Some of us are actively involved in sustainability efforts, like Keith Logan—the principal of sustainability consulting firm Logan and Associates, which he runs from Sierra Commons.

Keith is a founder of the Northern California Biomass Utilization Task Force. He penned an article in The Union recently explaining the principles and goals of the Task Force.

Just another example of the amazing work being done here.

Sierra Commons had a big presence on Nevada County TV’s Mission Possible last week. Our Executive Director Robert Trent appeared to explain the concept and tell the story.

Host Cheryl Noble praised the Commons as “professional plug-and-play infrastructure.”

“But really, it’s more than that, it’s more than just a turnkey office.” Robert observed. “You’re buying into a business community. It’s not only an infrastructure, it’s serendipity, it’s energy, it’s interaction between your coworkers.”

Mike Mooers also appeared on the show to discuss the Eat Local Challenge put on by BriarPatch Co-op and Think Local First Nevada County Foothills. Mike was enthusiastic about the availability of local meats in Nevada County—though Noble appeared certain he’d been eating a lot of “Big Whoppers.” Mike, a marketing guru who offices at Sierra Commons, is also on the board of Think Local First.

Check out the whole show.

Photo by Pat Butler. Robert Trent does a little multi-tasking while working at Sierra Commons, a business center where clients share office space, ideas and camaraderie.

Nevada City incubator creates warm environment for business

Ken Krugler and Mike Mooers are two of the six businesses or independent contractors who work at Sierra Commons, which since May has been on the third floor of the Stone House. On this day, they are pecking away on their computers, looking comfortable in shorts, short-sleeved shirts and caps. Stress levels are undetectable. Productivity, meanwhile, is humming along nicely.

Read More at the Advocate

The Union ran the first article on Sierra Commons back in March of 2009.  This is when we were still on Broad Street in the Velocty7 office. You can see that Robert has shaved since then.

Here are some highlights

“You get a lot more value for your money,” Trent said. “We’re not making money by subletting. That’s not why we’re doing it. It’s all about getting some energy going to share some ideas and learn from each other. Being a part of this downtown is important to us.”

Robert Trent in his office above Broad Street in downtown Nevada City, which he shares with other entrepreneurs. Photo for the Union by John Hart

More Productive

Sheldon, who does troubleshooting, network administration and installation, and Web design and development, used to work at home.

“I think it’s fair to say that my productivity has increased 250 percent. I get so distracted at home.

“It feels very good to say ‘I have an office,’” Sheldon added.

Read more here . . .