News

In partnership with the Longfellow Business Association, we have launched a new Facebook group for local businesses: Seward+Longfellow Business Community. This is a private group for business owners and community leaders to share information and ideas and support each other. We hope you will join the group and use it as a resource. Members can post links to events, sales, job postings, etc. at your business or organization. Have exciting news to share? The Facebook group allows you to communicate directly with other businesses. Currently we have almost 50 members with more joining daily. Check it out and then invite other Seward and Longfellow based business owners to join as well. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewardLongfellowBusinesses/

Each year the SCCA Board of Directors selects two businesses from the Seward Neighborhood to honor with the SCCA Business Honor Roll Award. The 2015 awards were announced at the Annual Celebration in December and went to Suzanne Weinstein of Coastal Seafoods and Bethany Lutheran Church for the Soup for You program.

(Photo: SCCA President Joe Buck with Suzanne Weinstein)

Suzanne Weinstein of Coastal Seafood’s accomplishments include:

• For 30 years your business has provided a wonderful selection of fish to the Midwest through two retail locations and a thriving wholesale business supplying over 200 restaurants and co-op grocery stores.
• The numerous classes Coastal Seafoods sponsors have educated hundreds of folks on the pleasures of preparing and eating great fish from around the world.
• You have successfully mentored employees who have gone on to establish their own businesses based on the knowledge and passion you have shared.
• You serve on a number of boards including the Seward Civic and Commerce Association, Metro IBA and Redesign.
• You have been active in helping to shape the wonderful transformation of the Seward Commons area into a planned transit oriented development.
• The purchase of the property on Snelling Avenue and your plan to transform it into a world-class wellness center is a wonderful addition to the community.
• You support urban farming by sharing your available land.
• You host and donate the food for the annual fall SCCA social and numerous other events.
• You quietly give when you see the need as evidenced by your continuous generosity to the Community Meal Program at Bethany Lutheran Church.

(Photo: Mike Matson of Bethany Lutheran)

Pastor Mike Matson accepted the award on behalf of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Soup for You program:

• SCCA recognizes Bethany Lutheran Church for the establishment of the community meal that is provided here in the Seward Community.
• In your first year, over 10,000 healthy nutritional meals have been served. Monday through Friday a racially, ethnically, economically and religiously diverse group of people sit down to share wonderful soup and conversation. A dedicated core of volunteers serves this meal.
• We want to acknowledge the leadership provided by John Karason, Church Council President. John is committed to Bethany being a vital and active part of the Seward neighborhood.
• We extend a special thanks to Judah Nataf, the Soup Master and creator of Soup for You, who had a vision to provide healthy meals to everyone in our community regardless of their economic means. His passion and talent to create a wide range of delicious soups every day attracts a following from throughout the Twin Cities.
• Pastor Mike, you have a fantastic ability to make things happen when others would find a reason not to move forward. We are thankful for your work and the continued presence of Bethany Lutheran Church in the Seward neighborhood.

Congratulations to the 2014 SCCA Business Honor Roll recipients!

Business Advisory Meeting: Plastic Bag Ban and Working Families Agenda

February 19, 2016: 2:00–3:30 P.M. Calhoun Square: Former Republic Space #2200 2nd Floor / NW Corner | 3001 W. Lake Street

Does your business use plastic bags? Join us at this Business Advisory Meeting to learn from Minneapolis City Council Member Cam Gordon on how the proposed ban would affect your businesses. Plus provide feedback about how the proposed ban would affect your businesses.

How do you take care of your sick employees? Deputy City Coordinator, Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde will be present to answer questions and listen to feedback about upcoming mandatory sick time policies for Minneapolis businesses. These policies may significantly affect your business and we want to make sure your are informed and your voice is heard.

For more information visit the Lake Street Council website.

6^th Annual Sweethearts & Spirits Fundraiser

Zipp’s Liquors presents the Sixth Annual Sweethearts and Spirits: Beer, Liquor and Wine tasting fundraiser on Friday, February 26th from 6:30-9:00pm at the Minneapolis Eagles Club (2507 E 25th St).

Enjoy samples of beer, wine and liquor. Eat delightful treats from local businesses and partake in Zipp’s now famous silent auction.  Stay for the after party where a keg of Summit will be tapped in the Eagle’s bar.

All proceeds benefit Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership, a program that works with the community and young offenders to repair harm by involving the victim, offender, and community in solutions that promote healing, accountability, and reconciliation.

Tickets available at Zipp’s or at the door for $20.

Sponsored by Zipp’s, Eagles Club, Summit Brewing, Thrivent Financial and Seward Co-op with support from Birchwood Café, Welna II, Wood from the Hood, Fun City Dogs, Common Harvest Farm, Northern Clay Center, Just Photos for Humans, K’ul Chocolate, Soberfish, Gandhi Mahal, Mon Petit Cheri, Coastal Seafoods, and Prohibition Kombucha.

January Business Buzz

Paid Sick Leave Public Meetings

The paid sick leave workgroup has officially set dates for their public meetings to get feedback as they work to develop a policy recommendation. This group is composed of 15 members, just more than half of whom are business owners or representatives of business associations.

Remaining meetings include:

January 17^th – for Hospitality and Service Industry
7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Aster Café, River Room, 125 SE Main Street.

January 28^th – for Public Health and Health Care
2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Allina Commons, Pettingill Hall (lower level,) 2925 Chicago Ave S.

For more info see: http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-group-studying-sick-leave-sets-public-meetings/364132291/

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your City Council member.

Cedar/Franklin/Minnehaha Intersection Reconfiguration – Public Meetings

Hennepin County is preparing for the repaving of Franklin Avenue (County Road 5) between South 16th and South 21st avenues in 2016. This includes the high volume intersection of Franklin and Cedar, which is immediately adjacent to the intersection of Franklin and Minnehaha avenues.

The paving project could also provide improvement opportunities for vehicular traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians. Information regarding the most recent concept and details regarding the scope and timing is available at:

http://www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/franklin-and-cedar

The County is still finalizing these improvements, and holding informational meetings to discuss the proposal:

Tuesday, January 26th
General Public Open House Meeting
3-4 pm – Discussion of future use for vacated Minnehaha Avenue
4-5 pm – General Open House meeting to discuss concept improvements
SPOKES Offices (1915 E. 22nd Street – near 22nd Street / Minnehaha Ave.)

Tuesday, February 9th
Seward Neighborhood Community Development Committee
7:00 pm – Final consent to move ahead to design tasks
Matthews Community Center

Boneshaker Books celebrate 5^th Anniversary 1/15

Friday (today) marks exactly 5 years since Boneshaker Books first opened in Seward. Asa Debolt says, “We opened in a challenging environment. The fact that we are thriving 5 years later is a testament to the value our community places on good literature, progressive ideas and the independent book stores that make space for them. Thank you!” Come celebrate with Boneshaker tonight! Starting at 8pm, there will be snacks, drinks and a 20% discount on books. You can see more information at: www.boneshakerbooks.com/anniversaryparty

Boneshaker Books is a radical & progressive bookstore located in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Boneshaker, staffed solely by volunteers, first opened in January of 2011. They specialize in progressive/radical literature, children’s books, and a curated fiction section.

Better Futures Minnesota Grand Opening Open House – Feb 4th
Thursday, February 4
4:00 – 6:30 pm
2620 Minnehaha Ave S

The event will include tours of the new facility, examples of innovative materials reuse, refreshments, and an opportunity to learn more about the nonprofit’s profound impact on individuals and the community.

Better Futures Minnesota, the pioneering nonprofit organization that helps guide men who have faced a variety of personal challenge to a positive, productive path through its transformative program, is on the move. The organization’s headquarters and popular reuse materials warehouse have been located at two different sites along Olson Memorial Highway. The relocation to 2620 Minnehaha Avenue South in Minneapolis consolidates its administrative services, training, and retail center to one primary location, allowing the organization to expand its programs, services, and clientele.

For more information about Better Futures Minnesota, and event details visit BetterFuturesEnterprises.com.

Entrepreneurship Class Offered by Corcoran Neighborhood & NDC

Are you interested in pursuing additional training to help expand or start a small business? The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization has partnered with the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) to provide the “Plan IT” entrepreneurship training program for area small businesses and residents.  “Plan It” is a good fit for small businesses who hope to expand/stabilize as well as individuals who may want to start a business.

This 12-week course, taught by an experienced instructor, covers the fundamentals of managing and growing a small business. In addition to leaving with a sound businesses plan, course graduates will receive 10 hours of free one-on-one consulting and access to a host of services through NDC.  These benefits include access to low-cost accounting, marketing and real estate services as well as eligibility to apply for small business financing programs.

Visit http://www.corcoranneighborhood.org/planit for more information.  We’ve extended the application to next Friday (1/15).

When: One evening per week (day TBD) late January through March.
Where: CNO’s office (3154 Cedar Ave. S)
Cost: Businesses typically pay $100 to $600. (Most pay $100) Scholarships are available.

How to apply: Complete and return this application by January 15th. (Applications can be returned via mail or e-mail to: Heidi Johnson McAllister 3451 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407 | heidi@corcoranneighborhood.org)

Café Racer offer Sunday night events and Date Nights

In December Café Racer began offering Sunday Fundays 6- 9 pm.

The calendar for the month of January is:
-Sun Jan 17th: Hot in the Kitchen Cooking Class: Brunch Basics. $30/person covers a cooking class.
-Sun Jan 24th: Karaoke. Join in for a night out of the house and out of the cold!
-Sun Jan 31st: Forum Night. Come and hear from local people from the Twin Cities about a wide range of topics. Want to share about a project or hobby you’re interested in? Let the Café know.

Each Sunday Funday features drink and tapas specials. The Café would love to hear from you if there is a theme night you would like to see. Local artisan and craft shows, game nights, movie nights — send your ideas! They want Seward to have lots of options for winter, no matter what the weather.

The Café also started Date Night at Cafe Racer Kitchen on Tuesday-Thursday nights from 5pm-8pm. $40 per couple gives one alcoholic beverage per person, two appetizers, two entrees, and one shared dessert. Plus, bottles of wine will be available for sale during these times. Watch for Valentine’s Day specials, too!

Café Racer is located at 2929 E 25th St at the corner of 30th Ave and 25 St E. They offer healthy, modern, Latin-inspired cuisine for brunch through dinner. http://www.caferacermn.com