Originally appeared in Asheville Citizen-Times.

There’s an undeniable trend moving away from the physical brick-and-mortar workplace and adopting fully virtual models. Proponents of the virtual agency typically cite operational expenses, the rising cost of real estate and a need to streamline and trim overhead as prime reasons for abandoning the traditional office. A sluggish economy certainly makes the case for trimming costs whenever possible.

However, in an age of virtual offices and telecommuting, there is still something to be said for working with an organization that maintains a physical and tangible presence within its local community.

Let’s not forget that organizations of all shapes and sizes are made up of people. Whether you’re a large corporate entity with a campus in the Research Triangle Park or a nimble startup here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the people within the walls are a large part of what makes up the culture beyond. Having an actual physical office here in Asheville has been instrumental to the success of our business, but also the expansive network that we create beyond the four walls. Put like-minded people into the same physical space and opportunities for collaboration and creative problem-solving sprout up almost immediately.

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