Dec Newsletter

December 2009 Newsletter

• New and renewing members
• Spotlight on: MinnPost
• Jan 5 networking event at Summit Brewery
• Save the date: MetroIBA policy caucus February 9
• Buy Local promotion for the holidays

Thank You New and Renewing Members

Amore Café
www.amorecoffee.com
651-222-6770

Barbette’s
www.barbette.com
612-827-5710

Bryant Lake Bowl
www.bryantlakebowl.com
612-825-3737

Bibelot Shops
www.bibelotshops.com
651-222-0321

Chess Inc.
www.chess-safety.com
651-481-9787

CMH Consulting
www.cherylhiltibran.com
952-486-1298

Erik’s Organics
www.erikorganic.com
651-528-6969

Eye Deals
www.eyedeals.com
651-644-5102

First National Bank of the Lakes
www.fnblonline.com
612-822-8395

Jay The Water Guy
www.jaythewaterguy.com
952-903-9249

LMP Services LLC
www.aptmn.com
612-636-1026

MinnPost
www.minnpost.com
612-455-6950

MN Women’s Press
www.womenspress.com
651-646-3968

Red Stag Supper Club
www.redstagsupperclub.com
612-767-7766

Transit Treasure
www.transittreasure.com
612-229-8808

Victorian Design
advictdesigns@q.com
612-423-3652

Warners’ Stellian Appliance Co. Inc.
www.warnersstellian.com
651-222-0011

YMCA Lake Street
www.ymcatwincities.org
612-729-7397

Spotlight On A Business - MinnPost

MinnPost.com is a nonprofit news Web site whose mission is to provide high-quality journalism for news-intense people who care about Minnesota.

As print journalism continues to struggle with declining advertising revenue and readership, MinnPost has received national attention for attempting a new business model of journalism: online-only, supported by corporate sponsors, advertisers, and members who make annual donations.

MinnPost has more than 1,650 members and is looking for more. You can become a member by donating as little as $10, but most members give $50 or $100 or more.

Editor and CEO Joel Kramer, former editor and publisher of the Star Tribune, said MinnPost's survey shows that its readers like to shop local and shop green, so MinnPost would be a great place for locally owned businesses to advertise. E-mail Sally Waterman at swaterman@minnpost.com to discuss advertising options.

January 5 Networking Event

4:30-6:30 p.m.
In the Ratskeller at
Summit Brewing Company
910 Montreal Circle
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-265-7800
www.summitbrewing.com
Refreshments provided by Mississippi Market (www.msmarket.coop).

Save the Date! February 9 Policy Caucus

MetroIBA policy caucus
Evening
February 9

Click here to submit your policy ideas or concerns.

One of MetroIBA's three key goals is "to improve conditions for local independents by influencing public policy." The organization has done this in a number of instances, from weighing in on zoning issues along Grand Avenue to supporting the Minnesota Health Plan at the state legislature.

How do we choose what policy issues or positions to take on? Ultimately, the Board of Directors decides. We'd like to improve this process starting in 2010 by asking MetroIBA members to take the lead. Our goal is to establish a clear and concrete policy agenda based on your ideas and prioritized by members at a February 9 policy caucus.

A week after Minnesota's major political parties will hold their precinct caucuses, MetroIBA will hold its own caucus on issues affecting local, independent businesses. As a member, this will be your chance to shape our organization's policy goals and activities. Please save the date in order to bring your voice to the table.

Start the process by submitting your policy ideas or concerns online. These ideas will be considered and researched by MetroIBA volunteers and board members, and put on the table at the February 9 policy caucus. The earlier your idea is submitted, the more consideration it will receive. We may hold educational sessions in the weeks leading up to the caucus. If you are interested in helping to lead this work, or simply have a question, contact board member  Jesse Mortenson at 651-442-5734.

Buy Local Promotion for the Holidays!

Retailers and Artists, it is not too late to register at www.buylocalmn.com/gifts in our free gift guide.  This is an excellent opportunity to promote your wares and the importance of shopping local during the holidays.

For all area retailers and restaurants interested in a new partnership with Metro Transit and its customers: "Transit Treasure a first of its kind, merchant-funded coalition loyalty rewards program designed for users of public transportation is coming to the Twin Cities. Transit Treasure is an innovative, exciting and differentiated marketing platform through which local merchants can market directly to the people who walk or ride by their businesses on a daily basis. Visit www.transittreasure.com or call/text Fred Erickson at 612-229-8808 for more information."

Want to get more involved? 

Consider running for our board. Several board seats will be available in March. For more information, contact Board President Nancy Breymeier at Strategic Financial, 651-224-3200

Connect with us

Twitter
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Have you joined our Member Discuss? Go to www.metroiba.org and click on "Join our member discussion." This is a members-only group and another way we help you to promote your locally owned business.

Questions or Concerns?

Contact Executive Director Mary Hamel | 651-387-0738 | mary@metroiba.com | www.MetroIBA.org |www.BuyLocalMN.org