August Newsletter

Thank you new and renewing members!

CPR-Twin Cities
1941 Yorkshire Ave.
Saint Paul 55116
651-699-3333
www.cpr-twincities.com

Bank Cherokee
6 Locations
651-227-7071
www.bankcherokee.com

Monkey Island
1170 15^th Ave SE #202
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-746-1365
www.monkeyislandinc.com
www.buythechange.com
www.localtweeps.com

Peace Coffee
2801 21^st Ave. South #130
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-870-344
www.peacecoffee.com

St. Anthony Park Community Foundation
P. O. Box 8038
St. Paul, MN 55108
651-641-1455
www.sapfoundation.org

St. Paul Corner Drug
240 Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, Mn 55105
651-698-8859
www.stpaulcornerdrug.com

Thomas Liquors
1941 Grand Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-699-1860
www.thomasliquor.com

And citizen members:

Lisa Boyd
Rhoda Gilman
Andrew Hine
Bob Hughes

Next Networking Event

September 1, 7:30-9:30 AM

James J. Hill Reference Library
80 West Fourth Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-265-5555
www.jjhill.org

Networking events are held the first Tuesday of each month and are a great way to meet other members and promote your business.  Hope to see you there!

Spotlight on a Member Business

FirstTech traces its roots to a small radio repair shop started in 1941 by Maury and Betty Zuckman . Built on a model of personalized customer service initiated by their parents, Arnie, Rick and Harvey Zuckman have continued that tradition as FirstTech has evolved and grown into a leading reseller in the region, featuring Apple Computer solutions and using technology products from a variety of top manufacturers.

In 1977, FirstTech became one of the first resources in the Twin Cities for personal computers and now, nearly 32 years later, they have been selling Apple Computer products longer than any other company in the US.

Additionally, FirstTech provides on-site and remote technical support services for both PCs and Apple products, depot hardware repair, software application and systems administration training, consulting and database development for businesses of any size. They also sell and install Promethean interactive white boards to the education market.

FirstTech has been a committed and involved community member in their Uptown community, where they have been located since 1968. A founding member of the South Hennepin Business Association, the owners have also served on the East Isles NRP Board, East Calhoun Community Organization, People for Parks and several other community and non-profit boards. 

Currently 55 people are employed at FirstTech. Half of their staff has been with the company over 10 years and many of those over 20 years.

With over thirty years as a computer sales and service company, FirstTech remains committed to their founding principles of quality, value and top notch service and support and clearly has the experience to back that up.

You can find more information on FirstTech by visiting their web page at www.firsttech.com

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.

Upcoming  Educational Event

Twitter Jumpstart Training

August 26 8-9:30am or September 16 at 8:00. Choose the best time for you.
Register a http://www.eventbrite.com/org/261757566?s=1292540

Learn how to grow your business using Twitter in this working session with Zack Steven, social media pioneer and co-founder of BuyTheChange.com and LocalTweeps.com. You will create or enhance your Twitter profile, learn how to connect with new and existing customers and practice posting updates and sending messages. You'll also get insight into Twitter terminology, best practices for businesses and time-saving resources.

$35 MetroIBA members, $55 non-members
Zack's regular price for this class is $199.
Preregistration Required. Register now at http://www.eventbrite.com/org/261757566?s=1292540

Space is limited to 16 participants for each class, so register ASAP. 12 Laptops provided-BYO Laptop if you have one with wireless.

Classes are at the WomenVenture computer lab,
2324 University Avenue West, Suite 120 St. Paul, MN.

Member News

Congratulations to John Kolstad, owner of Mill City Music and founding board member of MetroIBA who has been drafted to run for mayor of the city of Minneapolis.  John plans on highlighting the needs of small business during his campaign, and if elected, will make small and local business concerns a top priority.