Mayor's message: The city is pleased to welcome WorkDigz

I recently had the opportunity to join the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and other elected officials to welcome WorkDigz, a collaborative, membership-based, co-working, workspace initiative to Warwick. Company president Paul Morse was inspired by an increasing trend in collaborative, co-working environments, and recognized the impacts that technology and the economy are having on the way companies do business. WorkDigz, believed to be one of the first of its type in Rhode Island, presently occupies a 5,000 s/f space on International Way, with the ability to expand by another 5,000 s/f in the future. It features offices and meeting areas, workstations, locker rooms, a kitchenette, seating area and a game room. Other amenities include an office receptionist, free high-speed Internet connection, copiers, scanners and printers, "snail mail" address, phone answering service, bi-weekly Friday and end-of-day meet and greets, and free business-to-business seminars from mentors and other members. The company said it also plans to partner with area businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and fitness centers, to provide discounted services. In announcing its opening, the company also touted its convenient location, in close proximity to the Warwick Station Development District and just minutes from T.F. Green Airport, the InterLink station and MBTA commuter rail and interstates 95 and 295. "Having one's own office is often an unjustifiable expense for small businesses, and working from home or in a noisy coffee shop can be lonely - and often - unproductive," Morse said. He says that WorkDigz offers a practical solution by providing "affordable, flexible office space that people can use on their own time and on their own terms, while interacting with others." They hope to attract a mix of clients, including start-up companies, freelancers, workers who have "reinvented their professional lives after layoffs," and people who travel frequently for work. The city is pleased to welcome WorkDigz and its members to Warwick and look forward to their future growth and success. For information, contact Jessica Northup, Jessica.northup@WorkDigz.com. Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.