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04/06/2010 - 7:30am - 9:30am
March 2009 Newsletter
- 2009 Annual Meeting
- Welcome New Members
- MetroIBA in the News
- MetroIBA Events
- Health Care issues
- Welcome New Executive Director
- Members Discussion List
- Need New Board Members
- Need Your Help!
2009 Annual Meeting - March 11
Register online - More information
Our March board meeting is typically when we hold our annual meeting. This year is no different. The annual meeting is set for March 11th, hosted by Weinblatt and Gaylord, Attorneys at Law in The Boulevard Room on the 3rd Floor of the Kellogg Square Building, 111 Kellogg Blvd East, St. Paul, MN. Cost is $10.00 which gives the opportunity to win a door prize of a $100.00 gift certificate to any member business. Register online, or send your check to Kirk Gryder, FNBL. 3100 Hennepin Ave. South, Mpls., MN 55408
Welcome New Members!
Affordable Energy Solutions
3101 East Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
55406
612-724-8977
Consultation on energy efficiency and utility bill cost reduction for building owners
Bungalow Pottery
2230 Carter Avenue #5
St. Paul, MN
55108
651-644-4091
The mighty Bungalow is an urban pottery located in the Milton Square courtyard, in Saint Anthony Park, Saint Paul, MN.
Visit the shop:
Noon to 5, Thu - Sat
Tue Wed by chance
(call ahead)
Gremlin Theatre
2400 University Ave. West
St. Paul, MN
55114
651-228-7008
Winner of the 2008 Ivey Award for Orson's Shadow, and named City Pages' 2008 Artist of the Year, Gremlin Theatre continues its commitment to dynamic, quality theatre in an intimate setting by premiering a brand new adaptation of Hedda Gabler By Henrik Ibsen - Adapted & Directed by Craig Johnson and Featuring Mo Perry as Hedda Gabler.
Mosaic On A Stick
595 North Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, MN
55104
651-645-6600
Commissions, supplies, classes, parties and more!
Pacifier
310 East Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
55414
612-623-8123
We are an honest-to-goodness bricks 'n mortar store in Minneapolis offering cool baby gifts, clothing (up to size 6), wooden toys, nursery decor, and gear.
Spot TV Network
211 17th Ave. North
Minneapolis, MN
55411
612-810-2605
Spot TV Network is a community networked digital signage company that is dedicated to the interests of diverse communities. We are looking for business partners to place screens in their establishments at no charge. Partner businesses will receive a free ad as well.
www.spottvnetwork.net
MetroIBA in the News
If you haven't already seen the article in the February 18 Daily Planet, check out the coverage of our February networking event at Mager's and Quinn Bookstore in Uptown. Despite the frigid temperature, and the early morning start time, there was an enthusiastic crowd of about 30 businesses, and the Daily Planet was there with pen and camera. Lucia's Restaurant sent over delicious pastries, juice and coffee. Read more at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2009/02/16/hanging-out-hanging-uptown.html
MetroIBA was also mentioned in a February 21st Star Tribune Business Section article entitled, Listen, Buy Local, a featured story by Strib reporter, Jackie Crosby, about MetroIBA member, The Electric Fetus' initiative to support and promote local musicians. www.startribune.com/business
Other MetroIBA Events
Our next networking event will be on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:30-9:30 AM at Cahoots Coffee Bar, 1562 Selby Avenue, St. Paul.
The April networking event will be on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30-9:30 AM at The Chocolate Spoon Café, 2202 5th Street #22, White Bear Lake go to www.sowhatsnew.biz for directions.
Universal, Single-Payer Health Care
MetroIBA has been behind Universal Single Payer Health Care since its inception. We have spoken on behalf of small businesses to many legislators and committees. Recently, MetroIBA was asked to speak at the rally before session started this year. Senator Linda Berglin (D), (who has been non supportive in the past and had aligned herself with many Republicans and Governor Pawlenty on health care,) finally signed on to co-sponsor this bill with Senator John Marty. This is a big step. Thank you Linda Berglin! Also, testimony was heard from MetroIBA at the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. Going into this committee meeting the vote was 5-5, after, it was 7-3 in favor of the Minnesota Health Plan. Thanks for seeing the light Senator Jim Metzen (D) and Senator Linda Scheid(D).
Welcome Mary Hamel, New Executive Director
The Board of Directors is proud to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director: Mary Hamel. In 1996, Mary opened the May Day Cafe of Minneapolis and continued as a co-owner until 1998. May Day provides coffee and baked goods to Powderhorn residents to this day. More recently, Mary worked for the St. Anthony Park District Council as a fundraiser. She volunteers with Open Arms of Minnesota and the St. Anthony Park elementary school.
We're confident that Mary's experience building an independent business from the ground up and her enthusiasm for building strong relationships will provide the boost we need. Mary will focus first on building our membership to amplify the voice of independent businesses and on involving you, our members and supporters, in making us more effective at providing services to members. We welcome her to the organization.
Letter From the Executive Director
Greetings! I am wrapping up my first month as executive director, and it has been a great month. I have received such a warm welcome, and have witnessed the enthusiasm and fondness our members have for this organization. I am very encouraged about the future of independents in the Twin Cities area.
Many of you received renewals packets recently. Please take a moment to send in your renewal check to board treasurer, Kirk Gryder, First National Bank of the Lakes, 3100 Hennepin Av So, Minneapolis, MN 55408, OR simply go to www.metroiba.org and renew online! (Click on "Join" even if you are already a member.) If you didn't receive a renewal packet, or have misplaced yours, please call me and I will get you another one.
If you would like to provide coupons for our next round of packets, and our new member welcome packets, let me know.
I look forward to meeting you all. If you have questions, comments or concerns, I want to hear from you! Contact me at 651-387-0738 or by e-mail using the contact form at http://www.metroiba.org/contact.
Did you Know?
There is an American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)? Check out their website www.amiba.net to read about how the national organization and other communities are supporting their own local businesses. MetroIBA has been a member of AMIBA since 2005.
Members Discussion List
Have you signed up for the MetroIBA list serv? This is a great way to hear the latest news about MetroIBA and discuss issues that concern all of us. Whether you want to weigh in on a policy discussion, or just want to know where to find a good tailor, this is the place to do it. Simply go to www.metroiba.com and click on "join our member discussion list."
New Board Members
At the annual meeting we will vote in new and renewing board members. This is a chance to REALLY get involved. The MetroIBA board is a working board, it is not just one board meeting a month. Board members are asked to champion an idea or a project. Many hands make the running of this organization easier. Consider running for the board. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact a board member or use the e-mail contact form.
We Need You!
Independents Week (week of 4th of July) and Unchain America (November 21st) are two events that AMIBA (American Independent Business Alliance) gets behind. There are plans ready for Unchain America, but we are in need of some ideas for Independents Week. If you have some ideas or want to help with either event please let us know.
Volunteers / Interns
Looking for a way to do more for local independents? MetroIBA is currently seeking member volunteers and / or college interns to help with data entry, data base management, calling members for membership renewal and helping out at events. Call Mary at 651-387-0738 for more information.
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