July Newsletter

Thank you new and renewing members!

Coastal Seafoods
2330 Minnehaha Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN
612-724-7425

74 South Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, MN
651-698-4888
www.coastalseafoods.com

Creative Content Media Productions
951 Burns Ave.
St. Paul, MN
651-341-0137

FirstTech Computer
2640 Hennepin Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN
612-374-8000
www.firsttech.com

Needlework Unlimited
3718 Colgate Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN
612-925-2454

Peapods Natural Toys
251 Snelling Ave. South
St. Paul, MN
651-695-5559
www.peapods.com

Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN
651-224-8320
www.redballoonbookshop.com

TeaSource
752 Cleveland Ave. South
St. Paul, MN
651-690-9822
www.teasource.com

Vine Park Brewing Co.
1254 West 7^th Street
St. Paul, MN
651-228-1355
www.vinepark.com

Citizen members

Susan Diektager

Tim Dykstal

David Unowsky

August Networking Event

Warners' Stellian
5462 Nicollet Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN
612-825-6465

Tuesday, August 4, 7:30-9:30 AM

Wet Paint Artists' Materials and Framing on Grand Avenue celebrates 25 years in business!

"When Hugh Huelster turned Wet Paint's keys over to me 25 years ago, I didn't know what I was getting into.

"I knew something about art, art materials and the local art scene. I had cursory knowledge of running a retail store. I had some basic business skills.

"But I knew what I was going to do (and what I was going to change) that day and that month but probably not much further. I know I had no conception of 25 years later. And 25 years later I still find new things to know and many things to change. Without formalized business training, I approached Wet Paint very much like a painting.

"It is very important to me that individuals make their mark, create their art, express themselves, communicate visually. Incorporating the creative impulse into the operation of a business hasn't always been easy but has definitely been not only rewarding but sustainable.

"And I look forward to many more creative years of making our mark as we at Wet Paint support you, our friends & artists, in making your art."

 -Beth Bergman,
Owner, Wet Paint

We congratulate you Beth.  Thank you for everything you have done for MetroIBA, Grand Avenue and beyond!

MetroIBA is now on Facebook and Twitter

Interact with MetroIBA online and keep in touch with news, links, articles, and even more networking!  Fan MetroIBA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/MetroIBA-Buy-Local-MN/62565092760 .

And, you can now follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/metroiba or simply search for @metroiba.  Follow MetroIBA and we'll follow you!

Our goal is to make our Facebook and Twitter activity meaningful and useful.  We think they'll each be a great way to keep in touch and find other business owners.

Rattle My Bones Scooter Rally 2009

For the third year running, the Rattle My Bones Motor Scooter Rally will take place in the Twin Cities August 13-16.  Several hundred scooter enthusiasts from around the nation will enjoy four days of touring Minneapolis and St. Paul, dining and shopping at local businesses along the way. The rally is made possible by volunteers and small business owners.

Organizer and MetroIBA member, Andrew Hines is seeking contributions for the raffle (gift certificates or prizes) and swag bags.   The raffle is held on the last morning of the rally and donating businesses will have their name mentioned at the closing ceremony, as well as on the website.  Swag bags contain small treats such as buttons, patches, pins and stickers and are given to all scooterists.

For more information, contact Andrew Hine at 651-253-5237, or amhine2@gmail.com.