Monday, December 3, 2007

November Hawthorne Business Committee Minutes

HAWTHORNE AREA COMMUNITY COUNCIL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
11/30/07 Johnny A’s

Attending: Jim Wentzell (Co Chair), Georgianna Yantos, Dennis Werneke (Secretary), Grover Jones, WBBAC & NEON
Bryan Thao Worra, HACC, Sherm Malkerson, Valeng Cha, HACC, Mike Christenson, CPED, Erik Hansen, CPED, Leroy Smithrud,


Meeting was called to order@ 8:37 am by Jim Wentzell

MSC The minutes for September and October were approved with some minor changes.


StepUp Achieve program
Jim Wentzell and Valeng Cha gave an update on the StepUp Achieve program.
The same motion that we approved last April was approved again with some slight changes that the “Student intern work 10 to 40 hours per week” Valeng will reintroduce this motion to the HACC board for approval for 2008.

In further discussion, Jim Wentzell recommended that he thought that HACC board should pay for ½ the tuition for the two student interns that Dennis Werneke of American Chemical Inc took on this last summer, because he was of the understanding that because this Business board and HACC board approved original motion last April and May. Unfortunately, HACC did not follow through with the original plan to implement the plan before the program started.
MSC “A motion of recommendation for the HACC board try to locate some NRP funds to pay up to $2000 to American Chemical Inc. for sponsoring two student interns this last summer.” Dennis Werneke with American Chemical Inc. said that any reimbursement should be less than $1500. Dennis Werneke abstained from the vote of this motion.

Mike Christenson with CPED gave an updated as to the progress on what is happening in North Minneapolis.

Coloplast, Inc will be building a $45,000,000 corporate headquarters at approximately 1600 West River Road.
The city of Minneapolis will be supplying some “Claw Back” TIF money for hiring North Minneapolis students in the future.

Penn & Lowry development is moving along fine and the Aldi’s will be opening in the beginning of February.
There is a need for some sort of banking service at this intersection.

Penn & Broadway is looking better and that there are some development and improvements underway.

Penn & Plymouth, we will soon be seeing some development by the U of M.

Mike suggested that Hawthorne could help coordinate getting this good new out to the Hawthorne Huddle at a future meeting.
Erik Hanson and Mike Christensen could put on a power point presentation as to what positive changes have happened in North Minneapolis.

Mike’s 3 big things (wish list) he would like to see happen in the near future.

1 Communicate with the community after a deal is done not before. This can be partially achieved by the Huddle.
2 Put together a community process to address the housing issues with all the boarded up homes on North 4th Street, just north of Broadway.
3 Put together a panel or task force on the reuse of the Broadway and Washington Avenue intersections.

Erik Hansen mentioned that it looks like Master Development will put on a second floor where Irv’s Bar is (after the roof signage lease expires in the spring ) and develop that corner. And that they will then move into this property and that “Way to Grow” will be moving into their existing space.

Next meeting –January 25th, 2008 at Johnnie A’s

Meeting adjourned @ 10:00 am

October Hawthorne Business Committee Minutes

HAWTHORNE AREA COMMUNITY COUNCIL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
10/26/07 Johnny A’s

Attending: Jim Wentzell (Co Chair), Georgianna Yantos, Dennis Werneke (Secretary),
Bryan Thao Worra, HACC, Sherm Malkerson, Valeng Cha, HACC, Tom Laughton, CPED, Erik Hansen, CPED, Leroy Smithrud,
Gail Thompson, Grover Jones NEON

Meeting was called to order@ 8:30 am by Jim Wentzell

The minutes of September Meeting were labeled until our next meeting scheduled for November 30th.


NEON update by Grover Jones

Grover gave the following update on NEON programs; currently they have done 7 outreach marketing and new business training classes this year. The training classes consist of pro bono legal and accounting services, and discussing the metro loan program.
The program works with the U of M Emerge Outreach Program, Score Programs, and Empowerment Zone initiatives.
Grover is very busy but can be reached at 612-277-1126.

North side development by Erik Hansen

Here are some of the Highlights for 2008;
-1101 Building is up and running
-Penn Lowry new businesses should be open spring 2008
-Set the foundation for the YWCA and AINDC in the 800 West Broadway Bldg.
-West Broadway Alive implementation programs to start next year
-Hawthorne Plaza redesign
-City wide façade improvement program
-Lowry Ave redo will be between Queen and Girard Ave.
-There is a 2% business improvement loan program up to $150,000 city to cover half of it.
Erik can be reached at 612 672-5022

North Side JOBS Park update by Sherm Malkerson

Master Development has until the end of the year to put together plans for their site at Plymouth and North 2nd Street.
If nothing is done then the city will put the parcel of land back on the auction block.
Coloplast is looking at expanding into maybe the Reliance Recycling site on North 2nd Street. Of course Reliance needs a spot that they can move too.

Valeng Cha and Bryan Thao Worra gave the following update

The business committee will need to put together a work plan for 2008 such as a business survey, StepUp/ Achieve Program ( underway) and the Façade (NRP) improvement program.

Tom Leighton with CPED update.

The West Broadway Alive is in a 45 day review period and that sometime after Dec 1st they will go before the City Council for input and implementation approval. So far the feedback from those involved has been very positive.

Another comment was made that they would like to get some business help to approach Broadway Resource Recovery to remove the fence facing Broadway and do some landscaping as they originally promised for the south side of their building.

Next meeting –November 30th 2007 at Johnnie A’s

Meeting adjourned @ 9:30 am

September Hawthorne Business Committee Minutes

HAWTHORNE AREA COMMUNITY COUNCIL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
9/28/07 Johnny A’s

Attending: Jim Wentzell (Co Chair), Georgianna Yantos, Dennis Werneke (Secretary),
Bryan Thao Worra, HACC, Mindy Isaacs (Co Chair)

Meeting was called to order@ 8:36 am by Jim Wentzell

MSC Approval of the August minutes with some minor spelling errors.

WBBAC update by Jim Wentzell

The WBBAC has a job opening for an Executive Director and hope to interview and hire by November 15th.
The new office for the WBBAC will be at 1505 West Broadway and NEON will share space with WBBAC.
Jim Wentzell also stated that WBBAC is working on collaboration more with NEON.

Other items

On October 13 their will be a 3rd Ward summit at “City View School” for the Northside.

Jim also mentioned about sending a letter out regarding the cleaning of the street signs and poles in the neighborhood.

Bryan would like for our business group to have a business & community meeting in mid January. Maybe have a cocktail after hours get together to discuss business issues in the area. Some of his ideas were to have a one page survey on their 3 top issues, find out who owns what property and who rents space, type of business, perhaps put together a tax seminar or discuss building improvements.

Bryan also mentioned that the HACC site has an area for Business Blogs.

Next meeting –October 26th, 2007 at Johnnie A’s

Meeting adjourned @ 9:05 am

Monday, November 26, 2007

Step-Up Applications Now Available

Applications are now being distributed for the Minneapolis STEP-UP Program
for kids aged 14 to 21.

STEP-UP is a paid, summer jobs program for Minneapolis youth. STEP-UP for 14-15-year-olds, operated by the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program, teaches students good work habits and provides them with wages and an opportunity to contribute to a local community based organization.

STEP-UP for 16-21-year-olds, operated by Achieve!Minneapolis, provides youth with paid positions with local employers and teaches them the skills they need to succeed on the job.

STEP-UP for 14-15 year olds
A nine-week, paid summer jobs program for low-income Minneapolis youth.
Participants:
· Work 30 hours a week from mid-June to mid-August.
· Earn $6 per hour at a job such as a landscaper, tutor, childcare
worker, computer intern, clerical assistant, peer educator, camp counselor or maintenance worker.
· Earn high school credit by attending C.L.A.S.S.
· Take part in a business mentoring program or spend a week, for
free, at a multi-cultural camp called Camp Sunrise.
· Learn new skills on the job.
· Provide valuable services at a local public or non-profit agency.
How to apply:
· The application deadline for STEP-UP for 14-15 year olds is Jan.
11, 2008.

Download an application here:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/metp/docs/stepup_app_14.pdf

Applications are also available at:
Achieve! Career and College Centers in the MPLS public high schools; The South Workforce Center at 777 E. Lake St.; or The North Workforce Center at 1200 Plymouth Ave. N.

Complete every section of the application and return it to:
Achieve! Career and College Centers in the Minneapolis public high schools;
The South Workforce Center at 777 E. Lake St.;
The North Workforce Center at 1200 Plymouth Ave. N.; OR mail it to: Attn: STEP-UP Program, Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development, 777 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

For more information call Xuong Tran at 612-673-6231 or Anne Fischer at 612-673-6221.

Step Up For 16-21 Year Olds
A six- to 10-week paid summer jobs program for Minneapolis youth.

Participants:
· Work full-time or part-time (20-40 hours per week) from mid-June
through August.
· Earn $7 to more than $10 per hour in a field that interests you:
business, health care, creative arts and many other areas.
· Explore career interests and gain job skills in a professional
setting.
· Make future connections at top Minneapolis employers.
How to apply:
· The application deadline for STEP-UP for 16-21 year olds is Jan.
11, 2008.
· Applications are available for download at:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/metp/docs/stepup_app_16.pdf and at http://www.achieveminneapolis.org/programs/stepUp.html
· Visit an Achieve! Career & College Center in a Minneapolis public
high school to pick up an application.
· Call Achieve!Minneapolis to request an application by mail at
(612) 455-1563.
· Complete every section of the application and return it to an
Achieve! Career and College Center in a MPLS public high school, or mail it to: Achieve!Minneapolis/STEP-UP, 111 Third Avenue S. Suite 5, Minneapolis, MN 55401

For more information call or email Jennifer Petersen at Achieve!
Minneapolis at 612-455-1563.

Request For Comment For Great Streets RFP

Recognizing that healthy neighborhood business districts are an important component of the high quality of life we enjoy in Minneapolis, the City is pleased to announce the new Great Streets Façade Improvement Program.

Great Streets focuses on areas of the City that have been identified in The Minneapolis Plan and other land use policy documents as places where the City supports commercial activity and development.

These areas include 11 commercial corridors, 45 neighborhood commercial nodes, 5 downtown neighborhood business districts, and 7 Hiawatha LRT station areas. The Great Streets façade improvement matching grant program seeks to (1) stimulate visible investment, (2) create healthy and attractive neighborhood business districts, (3) enhance the sense of place, and (4) provide a tool for assisting the administrative organizations in developing collaborative relationships with businesses in their service area.

Individual not-for-profit organizations will implement and administer the façade improvement grant program in their communities, on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. The organizations selected through this RFP process will provide matching grants to businesses and commercial property owners as reimbursement for exterior storefront improvements.

Façade improvement program funding is through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

The draft RFP is available for interested party review at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/facade_home.asp. Please provide comments by December 31, 2007 to Rebecca Brown at rebecca.brown@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Friday, October 26, 2007

Journey Towards A New North

Saturday, November 10th at the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Headquarters (2117 West River Road):

The Northside Marketing Task Force is inviting you to celebrate the positive side of North Minneapolis as they unveil the area's NEW image and marketing plan!

From 3:00-5:00 PM, including the election of the new Northside Markting Taskforce Board. Appetizers and food provided, it's an excellent opportunity to celebrate with neighbors and friends!

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Facade Improvement Funds Available

The Hawthorne Area Community Council (HACC), a Minnesota non-profit corporation, has approximately $120,000 in Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds through the City of Minneapolis (City) to fund and administer a revolving commercial facade improvement program. The program provides funds to finance commercial facade improvements to properties located in the Hawthorne neighborhood.

If you're a Hawthorne area based business, you can download the application here : http://www.hawthornecommunity.org/facaderfp07.doc

It's a great opportunity! The deadline is 5:00PM, November 1st, 2007.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Emerge Hiring Fair for Aldi's: 10/10-10/12

EMERGE announces a hiring fair for the New Aldi Foods located at Penn & Lowry Aves:

Applications and pre-screenings for ALDIFoods positions will be conducted by Emerge Workforce staff on the following dates/times:

October 10, 2007 1:00 p.m.

October 11, 2007 9:00 a.m.

October 11, 2007 1:00 p.m

October 12, 2007 9:00 a.m.

October 12, 2007 1:00 p.m.

EMERGE Headquarters: 1101 West Broadway • Minneapolis, MN 55411

Positions Include:Cashiers • Shift Managers • Managers • Manager Trainees/Assistant Store Managers

Must bring a government-issued picture ID & Social Security Card

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Hawthorne Business Committee Meeting: 9/28

The next meeting of the Hawthorne Business Committee is scheduled for Friday, 9/28 at Johnny A's at 200 E Broadway in Minneapolis.

For more information about the agenda, contact Mindy Isaacs at misaacs@scrappy.com or Jim Wentzell at jowsr@aol.com or call the Hawthorne Area Community Council (612) 529-6033.

The Hawthorne Business Committee meets on the last Fridays of every month except when it falls on public holidays.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Request for Proposals for Great Streets Neighborhood Business District Program

Recognizing that healthy neighborhood business districts are an important component of the high quality of life we enjoy in Minneapolis, the City is seeking proposals through the Great Streets Neighborhood Business District program for activities that strengthen the economic vitality of neighborhood business districts located on commercial corridors, commercial nodes, downtown business districts and Hiawatha LRT station areas.

A copy of the request for proposals is available online at:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/GSRFP_supportactivity_aug07.doc.

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 pm on October 8, 2007.

City assistance will be prioritized for areas with demonstrated need and for activities supported with funding from business, non-profit, foundation and/or neighborhood partners. Priority will also be given to activities and programs that are consistent with recent planning efforts or recent or pending infrastructure investments.

The Great Streets program (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/great_streets_home.asp) focuses on areas of the City that have been identified in The Minneapolis Plan and other land use policy documents as places where the City supports commercial activity and development. These areas are: eleven designated Commercial Corridors, 45 designated Neighborhood Commercial Nodes, five downtown neighborhood business districts defined as eligible by City Council, and seven Hiawatha LRT station areas.

In addition to resources provided through this RFP, City assistance is available for business loans and real estate development gap financing loans. A Great Streets façade improvement matching grant program will be available in the fall of 2007.

Kristin Guild, AICP
Principal Project Coordinator
City of Minneapolis
Community Planning and Economic Development
105 Fifth Avenue South - Room 600
Minneapolis, MN 55401
kristin.guild@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
phone: 612-673-5168
fax: 612-673-5113

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Welcome To Hawthorne Business!

The purpose of this blog is to keep you informed and up to date about exciting issues and opportunities regarding the business community in the Hawthorne Area Neighborhood and North Minneapolis.