Brainerd Lakes Chamber

Busy Brainerd City Council Meeting - November 16, 2009

2009-11-16T21:44:00.006-06:00

I attended the Brainerd City Council and Safety & Public Works meeting tonight, November 16. I know these posts are supposed to be short, but so much happened at the meeting that this one is a little longer.

Before the meeting, Mayor Wallin had vetoed an ordinance regarding Specialty Food Shops in B-2 zoning districts because it contains the wording “coffee cannot be roasted on site” because he felt the wording was too restrictive against one type of specialty shop. When this came back before the City Council the mayor's veto was upheld and the ordinance was sent back to the Planning Commission.

The City Council held a public hearing and final reading of the ordinance about hunting regulations and the discharge of firearms in the City of Brainerd. The ordinance allows the discharge of firearms for hunting or target practice on private parcels of land over five acres if they meet all other requirements under state law, have permission of the property owner, and are authorized by annual City permit.

The City Council voted to increase residential rental registration rates from $24/year/unit to $32/year/unit with a 4-2 vote.

A first reading was held for rezoning the block located west of City Hall on Laurel and 4th Streets from B-4 (General Business) to B-3 (Central Business District). The first reading was held with a 5-1 vote. The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for the next Council meeting on December 7.

The first reading was held for a Liquor Zone amendment regarding the definition of the maximum space in a restaurant that may be used as a bar and eliminating the need for a wall dividing the two areas.

A committee will be formed to bring a recommendation for managing the use of the public right-of-way including the encroachment by signs, fences, and parking. Liability is also planned to be discussed. The committee will include two Councilors to be appointed at a later time.

The winter stars will not be put up on Washington Street or South Sixth Street this season in Brainerd due to energy and cost concerns. It was decided on a 4-2 vote.

The next public informational meeting for the 2010 South 8th Street Street/Utility Reconstruction Project will be Tuesday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Brainerd City Hall.

Emily Northey, Chamber Main Street Coordinator, enorthey@explorebrainerdlakes.com.

H1N1 & Business

2009-11-06T10:04:00.001-06:00

You may call it flu, influenza or some other name, but the H1N1 virus is receiving a lot of attention in the news media. Now called a global pandemic by the World Health Organization this illness is something we all need to keep informed about. Most businesses can have a role in helping to prevent the spread of H1N1. Business owners need to be aware of a few simple steps they can take to help protect their employees, customer and themselves from catching and spreading the flu. A few simple steps include keeping plenty of hand sanitizer available, keeping equipment sanitized or not sharing equipment like telephones, and working with employees who have flu symptoms to take time off from work or work from home. Small business owners should have plans about what they will do if many of their employees contract the flu and cannot work. Preparedness can be key to keeping your doors open during this difficult time. A good resource for more information is at http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/smallbiz The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College. For more information on the SBDC program visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call us at (218) 855-8140.

Greg Bergman
Regional Director, Small Business Development Center
gbergman@clcmn.edu

Baxter Transportation Concepts Aired

2009-10-27T15:45:00.000-05:00

Baxter and Mn/DOT officials shared updates on Elder Drive and information about transportation concepts being evaluated by the City of Baxter to about 40 chamber member business representatives at a meeting hosted by the Chamber’s Brainerd/Baxter Business Council.

Congratulations to Baxter for exploring these concepts in anticipation of transportation needs for its growing commercial and residential areas. The Chamber continues to support the development of a regional transportation plan to establish priorities for future highway, street, transit, and train expansion and preservation projects. Congressman Oberstar has included funds for this regional plan in the proposed Federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill, and we are hopeful of its approval, but this may be delayed up to 18 months due to other priorities from the White House. Funding for local transportation projects continues to be a challenge, as all projects require a local match – either all or in part.

· Anderson Bros. Construction is nearing the completion of a ¾ intersection for Elder Drive. The road should be open by October 31.
· The Elder Drive project prompted the city and Mn/DOT to investigate extending Elder Drive to Excelsior Road. They are gathering preliminary cost estimates, traffic details, and sewer and water expansion. While Mn/DOT has allocated some funds for the project, the city will need to contribute some funds if they decide to proceed.
· Because Inglewood serves as a through street to Woida, County Road 77 and the Excelsior business districts, moving the traffic signal from Knollwood to Inglewood may be beneficial. Challenges include a trail connection and railroad crossing. This could offer an opportunity to extend city water/sewer into the residential area on the north edge of Perch Lake.
· The city is exploring grants to extend trails along Fairview as part of the “Safe Routes to School” program.
· Potlatch has requested an upgraded access to Highway 210 and railroad crossing on the west side of Baxter (where Stock Lumber was located).
· County Road 48 and 371 traffic continues to increase and has been the site of several accidents. The city has talked with Congressman Oberstar’s office about funds to build an overpass that includes a trail but a lot of planning needs to occur and no preliminary design is done. If this project occurred, there is consideration for realigning County Road 48 south and west along Mapleton to connect to the Camp Jim Road in Sylvan Township, Cass County. The current portion of County Road 48 from Mapleton north would become a city street.
· While it hasn’t been discussed for five years, at one time there was interest in moving the County Road 48 intersection at 210 to Memorywood to address safety and stacking concerns at this intersection. Currently not even in the “concept” phase.
· The issue that generated the most discussion was the extension of Cypress Drive. The city has approved a roundabout for the intersection of Cypress and Excelsior. There were many comments about the congestion at Golf Course and Excelsior, widening of Excelsior, and extending Cypress to 49 to the north and College Drive to the south. The current plan includes creating a ¾ intersection at Golf Course and 210 and moving the traffic signal at Golf Course to the new Cypress and 210 intersection.
· Because of the planned Baxter Medical Clinic expansion on Isle Drive there are options to extend Isle Drive in a cul de sac to the clinic or continuing all the way south to County Road 48. All improvements would be assessed to adjacent property owners if current policies were followed.
· Improvements to Novotny Road (near Edina Realty and Brainerd General Rental) are being driven by potential developer interest and include infrastructure expansion and road straightening.

Special thanks to Nate Grotzke, Chair of the Business Council, for moderating this meeting.

2009 Voters Guide

2009-10-21T08:58:00.004-05:00

This year the Chamber's Voter's Guide focuses on the only local race - the ISD 181 School Board. Thanks to all the candidats who submitted responses to our three questions on topics regarding their priorities to the future workforce. Take a few minutes to read the 2009 Voters Guide.

Be sure to vote on Tuesday, November 3. Visit www.isd181.org for information on polling places.

Miranda Anderson
Event & Communications Director, Brainerd Lakes Chamber
manderson@explorebrainerdlakes.com

Chamber Shares Bridges Info with Governor's Council

2009-10-16T13:59:00.002-05:00

Twyla Flaws, HR Director at Clow Stamping, serves on Governor Pawlenty’s workforce development council and we're fortunate to have such a positive and talented representative from our area representing business! She invited us to present information about the Bridges Workplace Connection and Career Academies – programs coordinated by the Chamber and Central Lakes College in partnership with 22 area school districts (see http://www.bridgesconnection.org/).

Steve Razidlo, Superintendent of Brainerd Schools, and I, planned for a 30 minute presentation at Best Buy’s headquarters in Bloomington - but we presented for over an hour - with participants asking numerous questions about each slide and afterward sharing business cards for more information. The power point is attached.

The GWDC's mission is to analyze and recommend workforce development policies to the Governor and Legislature toward talent development, resource alignment and system effectiveness to ensure a globally competitive workforce for Minnesota.
Gov%20WFC%201009.ppt

Healthy Communities Partnership Update - Brainerd 10/15/2009

2009-10-16T10:39:00.005-05:00

Lisa Paxton and I attended the Healthy Communities Partnership (HCP) informational meeting last night at the Brainerd Fire Station. Dan Frank from the Initiative Foundation and Mark Ostgarden, Brainerd City Planner, led the presentation and discussion.

The HCP program helps communities determine their assets, challenges, and goals and then, trains citizens to mobilize local resources and achieve results over 18 months. Selected communities receive an initial grant of $10,000 as well as technical assistance...>learn more

Nearby past HCP participants include Baxter; Crosslake; Nisswa; Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Jenkins & Sibley Township; Staples; Wadena.

The Brainerd City Council had approved submitting an application 6-1 at their September 21 meeting. Four communities are selected each year. The pre-application meeting is November 10 at the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls with the application due December 15. Selection of communities to the program occurs in January.

Emily Northey, Chamber Main Street Coordinator, enorthey@explorebrainerdlakes.com.

Smart business owners seek information

2009-10-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

Recently the Brainerd Lakes Chamber hosted a nationally recognized economist who told us he and other experts feel the U.S. is slowing coming out of the most recent recession. Smart business owners seek information like this from a variety or sources so they can react in a timely manner to trends within their trade area and within their industry. Identifying trusted sources of information is an important part of managing your business. Those sources can include traditional news outlets but should also include participation in Chamber type events, monitoring industry publications and blogs, and talking with you customers and suppliers. Keeping aware of you business environment will help you effectively manage your business resources. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Business and Industry (B&I) Center at Central Lakes College. For more information on the SBDC program visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call us at (218) 855-8140.
Greg Bergman
Regional Director, Small Business Development Center
gbergman@clcmn.edu

One-stop shop for business assistance

2009-10-14T14:52:00.001-05:00

If you’re a typical business owner, running your business is a full-time job – plus. You almost always lack time to track down all the questions that surface on a regular basis. Businesses now have a resource – and it’s free. BusinessConnection is a single entry point to become connected with private and public resources to solve everyday business problems. It is operated by Grow Minnesota!, the subsidiary of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Grow Minnesota! is focused on job retention and creation. The service is available to all businesses and can be reached toll-free by calling 1-888-MINN-BIZ (646-6249), with live operators standing by. On the Web, go to www.mnbizconnect.com.

Businesses face enough obstacles in today’s economy without being frustrated in their attempts to find answers to simple questions or to navigate the regulatory landscape. BusinessConnection is our way of guiding you to quick, complete and accurate answers. We can provide information ranging from how to start, expand or sell businesses to securing permits and patents to providing direction on human resources and marketing issues. We worked closely with DEED, as well as other public and private economic development organizations, to shape the service.

Jim Pumarlo
Director of Communications
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
jpumarlo@mnchamber.com
www.mnchamber.com

“Lasting positive economic impact” is the mission of the Small Business Development Center

2009-09-18T10:03:00.002-05:00

“Lasting positive economic impact” is the mission of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Minnesota. For those of you who are not familiar with the SBDC program it is part of a nationwide network of organizations that provide business consulting, information, and training to existing and prospective business owners at low cost or no cost to the business. Central Lakes College is one of nine regional centers in Minnesota covering approximately an eleven county region. According to the 2008 Minnesota SBDC Annual Report the North Central (Central Lakes College) region helped small businesses create or retain almost 1,300 jobs and helped small businesses raise over $34 million in capital through loans and equity investments. The center accomplishes this through partnerships with lenders, local development corporations and other business development organizations. The SBDC is part of the Business and Industry (B&I) Center at Central Lakes College. The B&I Center offers a variety of customized and pre-packaged training services to businesses in the region. For more information on the SBDC program visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call us at (218) 855-8140.

Greg Bergman
Regional Director, Small Business Development Center
gbergman@clcmn.edu

Crosslake City Council Update

2009-08-18T07:09:00.001-05:00

Went to Crosslake City Council meeting on August 10; here is my summary for you :
· Ruth Ann Hanson and Doreen Gallaway, Crosslake Days Chair, attend and received approval for Transient merchant permit for the Arts and Craft Show for Crosslake Days and then informed the City Council and the public of all activities for Crosslake Days
· The city of Crosslake 2010 Budget meetings were set for August 19 and 26 and September 2 with a public hearing to review budget scheduled for December 7
· The city is looking for alternate committee members for Planning and Zoning. September 4 is the deadline for applicants and you may access the forms at City Hall.

Ruth Ann Hanson
Area Director
(218) 692-4027 Crosslake
(218) 568-8911 Pequot Lakes
(218) 692-1828 Crosslake Fax
(218) 568-8910 Pequot Lakes Fax
rhanson@explorebrainerdlakes.com
www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Selling in a Tough Economy - Focus on Your Future

2009-05-06T11:51:00.002-05:00

Early in my selling career, I was taught the old sales saw “ABC” (Always Be Closing) and that you had to ask for the sale repeatedly and go through several “no’s” before you heard the magic word, “Yes.” Selling in today’s economy requires a more sophisticated approach and a willingness to adapt quickly or be prepared to hear several “no’s”.

As I visit with salespeople throughout central and northern Minnesota, selling topics of interest come up, regardless of the economy. The first one goes something like this: What is the best response when the customer says "we like you, we like your company, and we think your products are good ... but ..."

I think many salespeople rely on their relationships to make sales. Our founder, Dale Carnegie, wrote the book “How To Win Friends and Influence People” so I’m not against relationships, but in today's competitive, global marketplace relationships are not enough to hit sales targets. When our existing customers are uncertain about the economy, fear causes them to avoid making buying decisions of any kind. We must be prepared to address these fears throughout our sales process.

Rick Cole
Dale Carnegie Training®
www.minnesota.dalecarnegie.com

Access to Business Capital - Focus on Your Future

2009-05-06T11:37:00.002-05:00

Planning for the start up or expansion of a business is critical to survival. Thinking ahead and researching all the possible alternatives and options will flush out any possible problems that would impede success of the business endeavor. It is crucial to understand your product and market, the management team, and how your cash flow affects the business from day to day. By working with your banker and others you can enhance your ability to access business capital.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at Central Lakes College and the Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation (BLADC) offer an array of services to assist entrepreneurs and businesses with their start up or expansion projects. The SBDC and BLADC also help determine which economic development lending programs may fit a project’s financing needs.

Elissa Rogers
Economic Development Specialist, Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation

Marketing in a Tough Economy - Focus on Your Future

2009-04-01T08:43:00.007-05:00

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber will be having a Focus on Your Future Business Workshop series this spring addressing specific topics for business. For each topic we will have a blog initiated by a Chamber member. Carol Russell, CEO of Russell Herder -- an integrated marketing communications firm located in Brainerd and Minneapolis, has posted the following marketing advice based upon what she has been experiencing with clients over the past year. Carol leads RH’s strategic practice, which is known for its creative efforts targeting both consumers and business-to-business markets...

Few are the businesses that aren’t faced with the need for budget reduction these days. And whether small organization or large, one of the first line items to be considered is often advertising.

But studies show that companies that cut back their marketing during a recession end up losing more ground than they would have otherwise. Why? Because while they did it, their competition took a risk and increased marketing efforts. The result? Businesses that trimmed promotion lost visibility during a time when they needed it most, while their competitors that increased advertising maintained and even grew sales.

So, should you rush out and spend to get ahead? Without a solid plan, absolutely not. Budget dollars thrown at unfocused or ineffective marketing strategies are dollars you’ll probably never see again. But neither is it a wise idea to place your company’s brand on hold. Instead, focus on investing in strategy. According to “When the Going Gets Tough,” today’s economy “provides an unusual opportunity to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd.” Here are a few ways to consider doing it:

Scrutinize – Get to know your existing customers like never before – and understand how the current economy has changed their preferences, needs and purchase motivators. How? Market research, networking lunches, deep dives into their businesses – all the things you should have been doing even when times were good. Also, consider creating a loyalty program as a way to reward these critical spenders.

Prioritize – As Best Buy CMO Barry Judge recommends it’s important to take a closer look at the marketplace for areas where customer demand remains relatively strong or is emerging as a result of the weakened economy. How? Direct efforts to drive greater share in these key areas while cutting back where demand has declined.

Digitize – Use online to cost-effectively reach your target markets where they are, when they are. How? Use social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.); pay-per-click online advertising; online videos and more to bring your message to life.

Customize – Create messaging that relates to your customers’ specific interests and needs – or don’t waste your marketing dollars. This isn’t a time for shotgun strategies – use a rifle when you offer solutions. How? Find out what your customers’ hottest issues are via their website, on-site visits or networking, then use outreach strategies that allow you to tailor the messaging such as email campaigns and personal letters.

Analyze – Establish marketing metrics for everything you do – and pay attention to the results. How many people are visiting your website? Where are they coming from and how long are they staying? How many people responded to your ad and did they convert into sales? How does your brand preference stack up against your competition? What’s your cost-per-inquiry – and cost-per-sale? How? You can track nearly anything with little or no cost. Use Google Analytics to monitor website visits; internal sales training to ask customers the right questions and record their answers; lifetime value calculations to understand who your ‘best’ customers really are.

A challenged economy isn’t easy for anyone – companies or their customers. At the same time, however, difficult times provide a unique and valuable opportunity to retool worn business tactics and reposition you for better times ahead.

Carol Russell – CEO, Russell Herder
http://www.russellherder.com/
http://russellherder.com/blog