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Chair's Article
by Tom Whaley, St. Paul Saints
"Control your own destiny or someone else will" Jack Welch
As I reflect on the challenges of this past year I have to admit I did
not always feel in control of my own destiny, but that is what is so great about
looking ahead to 2010 - the opportunity to start over! Part of planning for a new year includes the
budgeting of time and financial resources.
Accepting the honor of being
chair of this great organization meant a commitment from me and the St Paul
Saints Baseball organization to the chamber, but I am more then confident we
will get an incredible return on our investment. I believe we are the most efficient
organization of our size and scope in the Metro area! Our participation rate is high, time and time
again as people are introduced to the Midway Chamber they are genuinely pleased
and surprised at the camaraderie they experience. Our website is unique and cutting edge and
will be continually improved and expanded as we move forward into 2010. But as you know, business relationships and
final sales do not occur just through social media opportunities.
That is the basis of the Midway Chamber's "Business 360", high tech
communication combined with face to face...hand shakes and actual
conversations!
Join us at our events to expand your network and utilize the power of
our participation in the planning for construction of the Central Corridor. Take control of your own destiny.......or
someone else will! As a group we have a
consistent voice on important issues and the opportunity for interaction with
our government entities who will most certainly take control without input from
the business community. Many issues are
complex, some decisions create unintended consequences. It has proven to be very important for
business and property owners to express their concerns and have their questions
answered, from that interaction often even subtle changes can produce more
positive results.
Help us stay strong, recruit a new member at our special stimulus offer
of
$160 before it ends on Dec
16th!!
Currently your chamber, through your board of directors and engaged
group of volunteers who participate in the Economic Development Committee is
studying the city of St Paul's proposed streetscape plan. There is no doubt it is very attractive and
would be a wonderful addition to the light rail line, but of course it has to be
paid for as well as long term maintenance.
Stay tuned as we receive more information we will pass it on to you! The city council will hold a public hearing
on the proposed property assessment on Jan 6th, currently set at $2.9 million of
the $22 million dollar project. The full
project presentation will be on our website as soon as we receive a copy with
the city council's revisions to the city's original plan. Please stay tuned, this is important and
moving quickly!
Meanwhile have a wonderful holiday, enjoy your family and friends and
get ready to take control of your destiny in 2010!!
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A Successful Beginning to a New After Hours Series
We had a fantastic start to our new After Hours Program, "What's Cool Near You!" as we stopped by the Saint Anthony Park Neighborhood and enjoyed some snacks and drinks at Muffuletta and then went about the neighborhood visiting the assorted shops (and doing a little Christmas Shopping). Over 60 Chamber Members showed up to the event!
We'd like to thank all of the shops that participated in this fun After Hours and all the members that showed up to support the Chamber and our local businesses!
Muffuletta Café
Muffuletta.com
(Special HolidaySale!
But $100 in Gift Cards to eat at any of the Parasole Restaurants and get $25
free)
Bibelot
Bibelotshops.com
(Shopping hint:
unique affordable jewelry, for those who have asked Lori Fritts about her
jewelry!)
Como Rose Travel
Comorosetravel.com
(Set this site
address in your "favorites" and plan a quick get-away or family holiday)
Tim & Tom's Speedy
Market
timandtomspeedymarket.com
(Hint: gift cards for
absolutely the Twin Cities' best fresh cut meat for BBQ's or special
dinners! Great common sense gift for
employees, vendors or relatives!)
Ned's
Park Service
(Hint: gas cards for everyone! Babysitters, mailman, teachers, college and
high school students!)
Suka-Rama Boutique In the
Park
suka-rama.com
(Hint: Fun styles, great affordable jewelry to liven
up boring work clothes....another Lori Fritts favorite!)
Little Perfect Spa &
Salon
plspa.com
(Hint: Gift
certificates available online for all spa salon services!)
Carter
Avenue Frame Shop
carteravenueframeshop.com
(Hint: Award winning
quality! Get that special picture of a
trip/family/moment framed for a great gift!)
Micawber's Books
Micawbers.com
(Hint: gift
certificates always make great stocking stuffers, kids love the freedom to pick
out their own books!)
The little wine shoppe
Thelittlewineshoppe.com
(Hint: create your
own wine basket from a unique selection and don't forget to have bottles of
wine on hand for entertaining or hostess gifts for holiday parties!)
Serendipity Flowers
Serendipity-flowers.com
(Award winning customized floral design for weddings and
events)
Emil Gustafson Jewelers
(Hint: Shop for that special person in your life and a
chore taken care of at the same time with their repair and cleaning service!)
The
Finnish Bistro
Finnishbistro.com
(Hint: Take meals to go or find out about Deco Catering
for your holiday event!)
Dunn Bros Coffee
(Hint: gift cards for
teachers, co-workers, stocking stuffers!)
Eyedeals
eyedeals.com
(Hint: have you used
your medical account funds?)
Bungalow Pottery
bungalowpottery.com
(Hint: Unique local talent!)
Get more information and check out all of our pictures on our Facebook Page
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Membership Renewal Update
The following companies have renewed their Membership in the month of November
Anchor
Bank Saint Paul-Snelling
Benson-Orth Associates
Boyum & Barenscheer, PLLP
Busch Architects, Inc
Central Lutheran School
City of St. Paul Police
Department
Communication Mailing
Services
Court West Building
Dominium Development &
Acquisition
Epilepsy Foundation Minnesota
GA Construction, Inc.
Hamline Park Office Plaza
Har Mar Lock & Service
Health Systems Innovations,
Inc.
Hubert H. Humphrey Jobs Corps
Integra Telecom
Keys Restaurant (8 locations)
Keystone Community Services
Latuff Brothers Auto Body
Lifeworks Services
Meritex Twin Cities
Industrial
Meyer Contracting, Inc.
Midwest Financial Search,
Inc.
Milbern Clothing Company
Minnesota Chemical Company
MN State Services for the
Blind
Murnane Brandt
PrinSource Business Credit
Restoration Professionals
S & L Team Cleaning
Sage Pointe Consulting
Saint Anthony Park Community
Foundation
SUBWAY
University Bank
Vuelta Management
Warners' Stellian
Whole Family Chiropractic
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NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!
Company: Terrance M. Cullen Law Firm
Main Contact for the Chamber: Terry Cullen
Title: Owner
How long has the company been in operation: July 1. 2006 to present
Company's mission statement: Provide appropriate legal services to individuals and businesses
What do you hope to gain from your Chamber membership:
Contact with individuals and businesses who need legal services.
Accomplishments/Company Background Information:
I have been admitted to practice law in Minnesota and Colorado since
I graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1978. I am a
past chair of the Antitrust section and Bar Media Committee of the
Minnesota State Bar Association.
Most of the legal work I provide is drafting, analyzing and
reviewing contracts. These include both employment contracts and wills.
I also publish a quarterly newsletter that I write on selected legal
issues.
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New Midway Chamber Members
Whole Family Chiropractic
Vuelta Management
Sage Pointe Consulting
Benson-Orth Associates
Meyer Contracting, Inc.
Health Systems Innovations, Inc.
S & L Team Cleaning
Perfect Little Spa & Salon
See all of our new member profiles on the Midway Chamber Blog!
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Member Notes
MGayle Studio, in conjunction with Langford Chiropractic Clinic, and Red
nails, are currently offering wellness gift-certificate packages for the
holidays! Packages include pilates or personal training, massage, manicure, and
pedicure. Wellness packages are the perfect pampering gift for loved ones. Call
or stop by the studio today to give the gift of fitness! The studio is also excited to announce their new pre and post natal yoga
program, Yogini Baby Yoga. Please call or visit their website for more
information. (651) 698-1900, www.mgaylestudios.com.
McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb, Chartered is celebrating their 20th Anniversary on January 14th. For more information or to RSVP contact Matt Peterson - 612-752-1956 or mtp@mcgrannshea.com
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