April 2011 SCCA NEWS

Seward’s Business Community [Link]

April Meeting 2011

Board of Directors
IRS Update Chair:
with Karen Brehmer Jim Welna
Welna II Hardware
This month’s meeting will be hosted in the Ivy Arts Building at Vice Chair:
2637 27th Ave. S. It will focus on information regarding the Rick Siewert
Health Care Reform Act. Many business owners have expressed Siewert Cabinet
interest in hearing about the law as it stands today, as well as Treasurer:
how it applies to their employees. Max Duckler
CaptionMax
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 / 11:45 am – 1:00pm Suzanne Weinstein
Vine Arts Center / 2637 27th Avenue South Coastal Seafoods

The Himalayan will provide lunch for $10. *Lunch is optional* Jennifer Larson
Communications Design
To RSVP, please contact Megan: 612.435.0279 / megan@[Link] Joe Buck
Buck Bros. Construction

Russ Scott
March Meeting Notes A-Craft Windows
Programs for Small Businesses, Wednesday, March 16th, 2600 E. Franklin Ave.
by Dave Madsen Sean Doyle
Seward Co-op
About 30 members of the Seward Civic and Commerce Association (SCCA) gathered in the
basement of the Franklin Avenue Wells Fargo on Wednesday, March 16. Pizza Lucé presented
attendees with a buffet of food, which was promptly enjoyed by those in attendance. Monthly Meetings are held
on the 3rd Wednesday of
After the introductions and neighborhood updates, Kristen Guild of the City of Minneapolis’s each month from 11:45
Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department introduced herself to - 1pm.
the attendees, and lead into the major theme of her presentation: energy efficiency. In Guild’s
presentation, she informed business owners that more and more funds are becoming available Upcoming Dates
for businesses to help evaluate a property’s efficiency and, ultimately, reduce costs associated with
extraneous energy use.
April 20
Included in Guild’s presentation was the announcement of a free service for business owners who
operate in the food industry. More information about the service, which can help cut unnecessary May 18
uses of energy in a food-service related property, can be found at [Link]
June 9
MEETING NOTES continued on page 4
SCCA Mission: to provide a forum for Seward area businesses to plan, discuss, advocate and network for mutual benefit.
Page 2 Member Updates
Sheldon of all Trades
Sheldon Mains Consulting, 2718 East 24th St.
by Dave Madsen
Sheldon Mains, a technology specialist cording to the SNG’s website, has a com-
for local nonprofits and active member mitment to making the Seward neighbor-
of many community organizations, jokes hood “a better place to live, work, and
that his wife says he suffers from Atten- play.” Mains took on a leadership role with
tion Deficit Disorder when it comes to SNG just as the recession hit. However, af-
his career. Whether it is helping com- ter a three-year process of recovering from a
munity organizations with gaining ac- “fiscal meltdown,” Mains reported that the
cess to new and functional databases, SNG is now in very good financial shape.
helping the Twin Cities Media Alliance
raise money as chair, or serving for as co- The Neighborhood Group divides its focus
president of the Seward Neighborhood into five areas: Community Development,
Group (SNG), Sheldon always finds a Crime and Safety, Environment, History,
way to stay very active and engaged in and Restorative Justice. As Co-President of
the interests of Seward. the Board, Mains works with each of these
sectors, but his main area of work lies in
Community Development. According to
With an undergrad degree in Electri- Mains, this year has been a very produc-
cal Engineering from the U of M and tive one in regard to the volunteers’ en-
a graduate degree in Public Policy from gagement with the community. Mains said
the Humphrey Institute, he has worked that the SNG is working to better engage the
on several projects that combine technology with public African community; he also added that he is working very
policy. In the 1990s Mains worked on a number of projects closely with the Bedlam Theater. A unique aspect of the
to bring the Internet to the Twin Cities nonprofit com- neighborhood, said Mains, is that the Seward community
munity, culminating with rebuilding the technology ser- doesn’t automatically reject low-income housing; instead,
vices program at the local Management Assistance Project the SNG works directly with the neighborhood in order to
for Nonprofits. About seven years ago, Mains moved on to ensure the most effective implementation of those develop-
opening his own firm and began his consulting business. In ments.
essence, Sheldon Mains Consulting ([Link].
com) is a service that can be utilized by nonprofit orga- In addition to his work for the SNG, Mains serves as a
nizations in order to gain access to technology and better Board Chair for the Twin Cities Media Alliance. Its prima-
work within the community. With his experience in en- ry program is the Twin Cities Daily Planet ([Link]-
gineering and community engagement, Mains’ consult- [Link]). The Media Alliance began its work in 2005
ing business works with smaller organizations and grass with intent to unify media professionals with interested
roots initiatives to help bridge the gap between technology community members to
and society. More specifically, create a news source that
Mains work includes, but isn’t was fully representative
limited to, helping nonprofit of local neighborhoods.
organizers find and implement Since the Alliance’s for-
databases to help improve their mation, it has offered
businesses, setting up phone journalism workshops
systems, and developing com- to engaged citizens,
munity blogs for urban and ru- created and established
ral neighborhoods. According the Twin Cities Daily
to Mains, much of his work is Planet as an alternative
approached with the mentality news source, and orga-
of: “We have a problem, so how can we use technology to nized and hosted public
help fix it?” forums to discuss important neighborhood matters.

When Mains’ time isn’t consumed with his consulting busi- Main’s interest in the Media Alliance stemmed from his ap-
ness, he serves as the Co-President of SNG ([Link]. preciation of the First Amendment and not from his writ-
org), a predominantly volunteer-run organization that, ac- ing ability. “Engineers are trained to not write well,” Mains
SHELDON continued on page 5
 SCCA NEWS Page 3

Seward Stroll Patrol Laces Up for 2011

Seward Stroll Patrol, 2313 28th Ave. S. Dive into
by Dave Madsen
Social Networking!
At 7:00 pm on Thurs., April 14, the Seward Stroll patrol will host its official kick-off Even if you missed the
event at Matthews Community Center (2313 28th Ave. S.).
workshop, all SCCA mem-
bers are still eligible for
The inspiration to reinstate this tradition started when members of the Seward
Neighborhood Group’s Crime & Safety Committee observed its frequent mention at Peter Fleck’s social me-
the neighborhood’s regular community meetings. Kathy Sikora noted that while the dia/web consulting servic-
Committee brings it up every year, “it is difficult to find volunteers.” es. Topics include Google
Places, Yelp, Twitter, Face-
In order to inspire neighbors and business owners to get involved with neighborhood book and anything else
safety, this effort is being spearheaded by Dick Westby, a well-recognized Seward you need to jumpstart your
volunteer who has made it his responsibility to get the Stroll revitalized. In addition business’ online identity.
to sending out a notice, the organization has made a concerted effort to reach out to
the Seward neighborhood’s online community. The reduced fee is $35,
thanks to being subsidized
According to Sikora, the Stroll Pa- Bringing Neighbors Together through a grant from the
trol is “totally a volunteer effort” Shabelle Grocery and Deli, 2325 E. Franklin
City of Minneapolis’ Great
for residents and business own- Ave.
Streets Business District
ers. The Patrol’s walks around the By Tayo Yokoi
neighborhood are a non-confron- Support Program. For
tational effort to handle crime in Bringing Neighbors Together is a fair to more information and to
the area, resident and participant celebrate Seward’s community and culture. schedule your session,
Clem Engen said. It’s an event to build awareness of the neigh- contact Megan Sheri-
borhood’s East African cultures and to create dan: (612) 435-0279
“If we see problems or wrongdo- awareness of opportunities to to build aware- megan@[Link]
ers, we should only document it ness of the neighborhood’s many cultures.
and report to the proper organiza-
tion,” he added. When and Where: Sunday, Apr. 17, 4:00pm-
7:00pm, Shabelle Grocery and Deli (2325 E. Write an SCCA
Essentially, the Stroll Patrol serves Franklin Ave.) Newsletter Article!
the neighborhood as an oppor-
tunity for people to get to know Event Goals: Is there a business in
their neighbors, the businesses in • Support local business and create an area for Seward that has always in-
the community, and as a chance gathering and commerce trigued you? Interested in
to observe and report the “good • Opportunity to meet and visit with neigh- getting to know what goes
meeting spots,” as well as the “ar- bors on inside other neighbor-
eas of concern” in Seward. • Learn a few words or phrases in Somali, hood businesses?
Oromo, and Arabic
The simple presence of the Patrol • Learn a few facts about the countries where If so, you would make a
is projected to benefit the “gener- many Seward Residents come from perfect author for an SCCA
al environment of Seward,” Sikora • Learn about neighborhood resources and newsletter article!
added, noting that the future of way to get more involved
the Patrol as “a walk with neigh- • Experience East African culture and enjoy No writing skills necessary,
bors to see what’s going on in the some of the best East African food in the area just an interest in your fel-
neighborhood” will be bright if low business owners
the stroll has enough volunteers at Contact Tayo Yokoi at (612) 387-3320 for
the April 14 kick-off meeting. more information about the event and/or contact Dave: 435-0277
how to act as a co-sponsor. SRI@[Link]
Page 4 SCCA NEWS
Wood from the Hood Lives Green in May MEETING NOTES continued
by Dave Madsen from page 1
An innovative and creative eye combined with a deep concern Guild then announced the City of Minneapolis’s Step-up sum-
for the environment has made the Seward-based company, mer youth internship program, an experience for dedicated
Wood from the Hood, a respected service in the neighbor- students who are seeking employment from local companies,
hood. The company’s high-quality products range from cut- nonprofits, and/or government agencies. According to Guild,
ting boards to picture frames, but what makes their operation Step-up interns provide a wide variety of services to more than
so well regarded is their dedication to use only quality lumber
130 local business owners. Nearly 2,400 students commit to
from reclaimed trees in the Minneapolis area. This sustainable
approach to business, particularly their attention to support- this program each year. For more information about the Step-up
ing a local economy has reserved their space at this year’s Liv- program, contact Jeremiah Brown (jbrown@[Link]) or
ing Green Expo on May 7 and 8. Tammy Dickinson ([Link]@[Link]).

The Living Green Expo is organized each year by the Minne- Megan Sheridan of Redesign then took the floor to announce
sota Environmental Partnership and, according to their mis- three important items for local business owners to consider. The
sion statement, “seeks to turn values into actions to achieve first item on her agenda was the regular and ongoing social me-
the highest quality natural environment for Minnesotans.” dia workshops hosted by Peter Fleck. Business owners who have
Part of this commitment to sustainable living in Minnesota an interest in creating an online presence are welcome to attend
includes an annual showcase with more than 300 exhibitors, these workshops at no cost. A follow-up meeting can be sched-
workshops, and activities for environmentally conscious resi- uled with Peter for $35. Secondly, Sheridan announced that Re-
dents and business owners.
design recently received a grant from the City which enables
Cindy Siewert, co-founder and operator of Wood from the business owners to apply for funds from a revolving loan fund
Hood, said that the company’s participation in the Living to help establish or expand their businesses. Finally, Sheridan
Green Expo will provide them with an opportunity to com- announced that the applications for the City’s Façade Improve-
municate directly with potential customers and fellow “green” ment program are due on May 2.
business owners. But the decision to participate in the Expo
was motivated by more than expanding their customer base; Eddie Landenberger, Senior Project Manager for Redesign, then
according to Siewert, “The Living Green Expo is a chance stood up to discuss the work Redesign and his associates are doing
for people to learn and find ways their decision can make a to improve the neighborhood for businesses and residents alike.
difference. It is great how so many ‘green’ companies come According to Landenberger, he has been working on a project
together for one great show to help educate the public on that will make use of the empty storefronts and sparse tenants
those choices.” in the industrial sector of the Seward neighborhood. Due to the
nature of the housing industry, many tenants and neighbors of
During the Expo, those who stop by Wood from the Hood’s
booth will learn about how reclaimed trees are converted into Seward chose to move out of the neighborhood when the reces-
useable, high-quality products. In addition to learning about sion was in full force. By improving the industrial corridor of
the process, people who visit Siewert at the booth “will see the neighborhood, Landenberger said, the neighborhood would
what the wood actually looks like from the many local trees become more workable and livable.
species,” she said. Products from the company will also be
available for people to purchase for their homes or for a gift. If more industrial business owners utilized federal grants and
the revolving loan programs, Landenberger said that the neigh-
Siewert reported that the principles that guide the Living borhood has potential to sustain a more vibrant neighborhood
Green Expo not only fall in line with the vision of Wood economy and housing market. If your business or if a business
from the Hood, but the emphasis on a local economy that has you know needs space for a manufacturing operation, contact
a commitment to recycling, reclaiming, and reusing resources Landenberger at eddie@[Link].
directly reflects the Seward neighborhood. To celebrate their
participation in the Expo, Wood from the Hood plans to sell
“some ornaments available from the ancient burr oak that
once overlooked the Mississippi River for 700 years right here
in the Seward neighborhood.” Other noteworthy items that
Siewert plans to showcase are a new raised garden bed and
some limited editions of black walnut cutting boards.
 SCCA NEWS Page 5

Free Learn-to-Ride
SHELDON continued Business Loan and Grant Pro- Bike Classes
from page 2 gram for Energy Efficiency
by Dave Madsen Interested in learning to
joked. As a Board Chair, Mains’ re- bike this spring? Don’t
sponsibilities include organizational If you own a small business in Seward and are have a bike to learn on?
matters, fund raising and how to bet- discouraged by the amount of money associated
ter engage the surrounding areas of with regular energy costs, you could be eligible When: Sunday , Apr. 17,
Minneapolis. In Mains’ words, “the to apply for a city-sponsored energy efficiency 1:00pm-3:00pm
Daily Planet is designed to help com- project. According to a press release from the and Sunday Apr. 24
munities tell their own stories in the Center for Energy and Environment, commer- 1:00pm-3:00pm
shadow of the larger reporting on the
cial property owners in Seward may be able to
metropolitan area.” Where: 2310 Snelling
apply for a series of business loans and grant
Ave. (between Coast-
Since Mains joined the Media Alli- programs designed to help with reducing en- al Seafoods and the
ance, he has witnessed the growth of ergy costs. Franklin LRT station)
the organization and the success as- We have an indoor
sociated with the expansion. In fact, Recently, the City of Minneapolis has allocated and outdoor space, so
Mains reported that in the past year, funds and partnered with the Center for Energy the event is on rain or
the Daily Planet doubled its individ- and Environment in order to assist in this en- shine!
ual donations. In addition to mon- ergy efficiency program’s goal to help local busi-
etary support from neighbors, the nesses. This funding program includes a com- Who: Everyone who
Media Alliance has received funding bination of a loan and grant monies, the press wants to learn how to
from the Challenge Fund for Journal- release stated, and the “grant will be realized as bike, or who wants to
ism, the McKnight Foundation, the share their enthusiasm
the borrower repays the loan.”
Minneapolis Foundation, the Saint and knowledge. Bring
Paul Foundation, the Still Ain’t Sat- yourself and your posi-
isfied Foundation, and the F.R. Big- The features of this program include a grant tive attitude. Bikes and
elow Foundation. in the amount of 20% of the project cost after
instructors will be pro-
rebate (not to exceed $5,000), a loan amount
vided
According to Mains, there isn’t a of up to $75,000, 0% interest, closing costs of
week-to-week—much less a day-to- $200, and a loan term of up to 60 months. Contact Harris Grigo-
day—routine for his work life. When ropoulos at (773) 852-
a client requests services from his Contact Mark Opdahl at Center for Energy and 9911 or [Link]@
consulting business, Mains’ priorities Environment for more information. He can be
always default to that commitment. reached at 612-747-7625 or mopdahl@mncee.

If Mains’ consulting service is run-

org. Include your
ning slow, and he cannot find an am- business in the
ple amount of time to invest in SNG or the Media Alliance, Mains’ fourth job consists Member Update
of improving and remodeling his “full-time hobby home” in Seward. Section!
For those who are interested in participating in neighborhood involvement, Mains en-
If your business has news
couraged that residents and business owners first decide on what area they are interested
in. Whether it is becoming personally involved in the restorative justice process, or to share, we want to hear
submitting an article to the Daily Planet, Mains said that it is important to choose an about it. Let us know if
area to focus on in order to not get too overwhelmed. According to Mains, anyone who you’ve won an award, are
shows up to SNG’s public meetings can vote on matters as long as they live, work or offering a new product or
own property in Seward , and anyone in the neighborhood can become involved with a service, moved your space,
committee by just showing up.
etc. and we’ll share it here.
Visit [Link] to read more about Mains’ consulting business,
[Link] for more information about SNG, and [Link] contact Megan: 435-0279
net to read the Twin Cities Daily Planet. megan@[Link]
Page 6 SCCA NEWS

Thank you to SCCA members who have contributed in 2011!

A Craft Windows * Air Engineering and Supply * ArtiCulture * At Last Gourmet Foods, Inc
Beaupre Aerial Equipment * Birchwood Café * Boneshaker Books * Buck Brothers Construction
CaptionMax * C.H.I.L.D. (Creative Hours in Learning Development) * CaptionMax
Charles Levin Architects * Coastal Seafoods * DeVries Bar Grinding * DigiGraphic Photos Inc
Employment Action Center * Field Outdoor Spaces * Franklin Housing Cooperative
Garlock French Roofing * Glaciers Café * Garlock French Roofing * Hi Line Unique Flooring
Hiawatha Metalcraft Inc * History Crafters * Imagin Studios * Infinite Real Estate Group
J.C. Miller and Sons Cement * Jennifer Larson Communications Design * Jim’s Barber Shop * Koyi Too Sushi
Lucy’s Ethiopian Restaurant * Madden Accounting & Tax Service * Mill City Builders
Northern Clay Center * Pizza Lucé * Posl Photography * River Realty * Seward Church
Seward Community Co-op * Seward Neighborhood Group * Sheldon Mains
Sierra Club North Star Chapter * SwirlyGig Industries * Three Smooth Stones
Tracy’s Saloon * True Thai * United Noodle * Welna II Hardware * Whiskey Junction
Woodland Stove and Fireplace * World Endeavors * Worry Free Lawn Care * Zipp’s Liquors

Don’t see your business on this list?

Contact Megan Sheridan to find out how you can join SCCA for 2011!
megan@[Link] or (612) 435-0279

Minneapolis, MN 55406
2619 E Franklin Avenue
Seward Civic & Commerce Association