Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College Opens New Venue With Mastered Methodology!

When does a meeting space become more than just a room? What transforms people with different viewpoints into a group that cultivates a shared vision of the future? It’s the “secret sauce” that Collaborative Labs uses to make an impact in the community. As the expert facilitation team celebrates 20 years in business this year, they kicked off the celebration with the opening of two new Satellite Labs in downtown St. Petersburg.
In March, Collaborative Labs held a Grand Opening to debut their new space. Over 100 business and community leaders gathered for a presentation highlighting Collaborative Labs’ impact in Pinellas County as they celebrate 20 years. Chris Steinocher, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, had nothing but glowing words of praise and support for Collaborative Labs. He led the ribbon-cutting with St. Petersburg College leadership and the Collaborative Labs team to cap off the ceremony. Guests were invited to tour the new location and view over 40 client Vision Murals created by Jonathan Massie, Business Illustrator for Collaborative Labs.
How will the team make an impact in St. Petersburg? Let’s take a look.
First, a little background on Collaborative Labs. The group is a “business-facing arm” under St. Petersburg College. For 20 years, they have operated out of their dedicated facility in Clearwater. There, you will find their custom-designed “Labs,” with state-of-the-art technology and multiple rooms to accommodate all-sized groups for facilitated engagements and rental space.
Their secret sauce is their proven methodology and knowledgeable team. Each engagement starts with discovery and data gathering meetings, where the team listens to their clients’ needs and collaboratively creates a plan. When all the stakeholders come together, the facilitators expertly guide the conversation to aligned themes to create successful outcomes.
“Everyone’s voice is heard. Our methodology works. We leverage technology so we can quickly prioritize ideas and create an implementable action plan in a short amount of time,” Tina Fischer, Director, said.
Clients leave with an accountability-based action plan, a play-by-play record of the engagement, and an illustration that visually represents their future. Andrea Henning, Executive Director, says, “We have a unique, strength-based facilitation model. Others have copied one or two elements, but where we stand out is our people. Our team is the strength of Collaborative Labs. We become an extension of the clients we serve, and they call us their ‘easy button.’”
Over the past 20 years, the Collaborative Labs team has averaged 200 facilitated events a year. They work with every type and size of organization including private sector, nonprofit, community-based, government, and membership-based. Ninety percent of Collaborative Labs’ clients are returns or referrals.
“This is a wonderful resource that businesses can utilize and benefit from as they’re doing their strategic planning.” Dr. Jackie Skryd, Vice President of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships for St. Petersburg College, says.
After a facilitated Collaborative Labs engagement, clients have increased revenue and donations, expanded their products, services and footprints, improved their culture and workforce, and addressed community issues to help more people.
The impact of Collaborative Labs has positively benefited thousands of businesses and organizations. When an organization can’t solve something themselves or need help getting to the next level, they turn to this amazing resource. The new location at SPC Downtown Center, located at 244 2nd Ave N., is easily accessible to St. Petersburg-based businesses and organizations and promises a bright future.
If you are a business or organization in St. Petersburg, do yourself a favor, and utilize this amazing resource. If you’ve already experienced an impactful engagement, perhaps it’s time to revisit them in their new location. After all, it’s not just a couple of rooms; with Collaborative Labs, it’s where the magic of change and progress in business, organizations and community happens.