It was busy day Thursday at the HIVE@44, a business coworking community at 1710 Fenpark Drive in Fenton. Staff members of HIVE@44 joined with members of the Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce for a launch of the company and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

The HIVE@44 provides a shared, membership-driven workspace for independent workers, home-based professionals and startup companies. Members have access to a full range of amenities, as well as network opportunities, business development workshops, seminars and speakers.

"We have everything a small company needs to start a website, run their business or just to have a place to sit," said Cheryl Jaycox, co-founder of the company with her husband, Don.

According to the company's website, the HIVE@44  takes the best elements of a coffee shop (social, energetic, creative) and the best elements of a workspace (professional, productive, functional) and combines them to give prospective business owners the chance to have their own affordable space in a creative work environment.

There are a variety of membership packages available at the HIVE@44, all with a number of benefits, including:

• High speed broadband Internet service.
• Free access to copying, printing and paper shredding services.
• Access to meeting and training rooms, with seating for as many as 60.
• A full-service audio and video system.
• A cafe area
• A lounge and meeting area
• Cable television
• Vending machines
• A child-friendly movie room for events
• A business address and mail service
• Lockers
• Portable whiteboards
• A photo and video studio
• A kitchenette with a refrigerator and a microwave
• Open workspaces
• Semi-private workspaces
• Private micro offices
• Lockers
• No office water cooler, but all the coffee, tea and water you can drink.

The HIVE@44's normal operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except holidays, although arrangements can be made to accommodate other days and times.

The HIVE@44's philosophy is that coworking is not "just" about the workspace, but about actually working with other people with the same goals, the same concerns and the same dream of owning their own successful and profitable business. It also is about escaping the isolation and distractions of working alone.

For more information about the HIVE@44 call 636-405-3130 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-HIVE-at-44/298855290142545