The DTC is always seeking ways to help our members.  A new service we are offering to our membership is to host small focus groups, which remain a useful feedback method.   

For example, a focus group is an excellent way to get feedback about your retail business.  In a structured environment, a carefully selected group of shoppers can take you deep into their thoughts about the store and the products it sells.    

If member benefit is of interest to you, please call (257-8600) or email Pegg.   

• Tuesday, March 17 @ Mantra Salon & Spa
• Thursday, April 2 @ SCSU's Welcome Center
• Thursday, May 14 @ Bumbledee's
• Monday. June 15 @ the Green Mill
• Thursday, August 13 @ Lillian's Shoppe
• Tuesday, September 15 @ Geo-Comm
• Tuesday, October 13 @ Falcon National Bank

Mahowald Insurance Agency is pleased to announce that Joe Westerlind, Laura Tomczik & Bridget Faber have become partners of the agency. With over 40 collective years in the risk management, insurance, and group benefits field, they join a partner team that strives to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction and trusted advice for corporate and personal risk management needs. Congratulate Joe, Bridget and   

                               Laura!    

Hughes Mathews Greer, P.A., an AV-rated St. Cloud law firm, is pleased to announce that John F. Mathews has become a shareholder of the firm.  John is a graduate of Cathedral High School, St. John's University, and the University of Minnesota Law School.  He is a third-generation attorney in the law practice established by his grandfather, Fred Hughes, in 1934.  John practices primarily in the following areas of law:  business (including corporations, limited liability entities, and non-profits),  transactions, intellectual property, real estate, land use, and trust and estate planning.

Mardi Gras Madness at the Capital One 360 Caf�         (30 - 7th Ave S, St. Cloud)

Stop in on Tuesday, February 17th during one of our two happy hours (9am-11am & 1pm-3pm) and enjoy a free medium handcrafted drink if you're a Capital One card holder or � off without. 

While you're here, enjoy a piece of Kings Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras treat! (while supplies last, limit 1 beverage per person)

Join us at the Community Vision Workshop. Participants will engage in an interactive workshop format where small groups will work together to put pen to paper and map out their "visions" for the future of the community. The meeting will conclude with general discussion and agreement regarding the long-term role and character of St. Cloud and the projects and improvements that will be desirable in the future.

Vision Workshop

• Serve as spokesperson for Downtown community.
• Provide businesses with opportunities to promote themselves.
• Market Downtown as an urban destination.
• Communicate the accomplishments of the organization.
• Build relationships with Downtown business and property owners to facilitate communication and service deliver, and foster leadership on Downtown improvement.

Tactics / Strategies:

• Enhance website to be more interactive and beneficial to our members.
• Create daily Facebook posts.
• Produce weekly online newsletters.
• Produce and publish annual report.
• Create high-visibility, low-cost marketing for businesses through web, mail and social media.
• Update and reprint the Downtown map.
• Submit for an International Downtown Association award.
• Create deeper relationships with local media for increased local awareness.l

Worth reading:  Market Analysis.  Tools to create economically vibrant commercial districts in small cities.