After operating six years as a freelancer and hiring strictly contract labor, Ray Rico announced today that Ray Rico Freelance has signed a lease for 550 square feet in the heart of the Cooper Young Historic District {2294 Young Avenue} effective December 1, 2012. The space sits on the opposite corner of the current Cooper Young Business Association office and previous tenants include Victory Bicycle Studio and Shoenista’s. Rico had outside bricks sandblasted and constructed and painted inside walls in order to prepare the space for the opportunities that Ray Rico Freelance can offer its clients and the community. The team has already been working with Eric Mathews of Launch Memphis on its one year growth plan, to open Memphis’ first creative co-op.

“The move to Cooper Young was deliberate,” affirmed Rico. “Cooper Young was recently named one of 10 great neighborhoods by the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America program. The area is central, diverse and includes a vibrant arts community. Not to mention I live close by. We have big plans for this space.”

Additionally, Ray Rico Freelance has created and filled two full-time positions. Kathy Benefiel, who has a background in the medical field, manages office administration and bookkeeping. Tammy Bryant is in charge of new business development and current client expectations. Bryant’s background is in print sales and advertising. By the first of the year, Ray Rico Freelance will also employ a full-time web developer.

About Ray Rico Freelance

Ray Rico Freelance is a strategic marketing firm that specializes in branding and design, speedy printing and online marketing including social media and website design. Other services include grant writing, promotional items, copywriting and editing, photography and videography. Because of its small team and network of local vendors, Ray Rico Freelance can be efficient and affordable for small to medium businesses. Community partners include Leadership Memphis, Common Ground, YWCA, Wolf River Conservancy, MASE, MidSouth Pride, Friends For Life and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis among others. Ray Rico Freelance Spends Local Because We Are Local. For more information, visit www.rayricofreelance.com.

To see the original story visit: http://lamplighter.cooperyoung.org/2013/01/10/ray-rico-freelance-moves-into-cooper-young-plans-for-creative-co-op/