Holiday Gathering Opportunity

We can all agree that our spirits need an extra bit of “joyful” to get lift-off into the holiday mood this year. The Moving Company, a theater group that has its roots in the storied Jeune Lune, is staging “Liberty Falls” at the Lab Theater through December 20. Featuring the talents of Nathan Keepers, Steven Epps, Christina Baldwin and Jennifer Baldwin, directed by legendary Dominique Serrand, “Liberty Falls” is irreverent, raucous and guaranteed to bring laughter when we could all use a large dose. Word of mouth is working its magic. This is the hottest production in town. That said, the Lab Theater’s big boss lady, Mary Leer, tells us that there is still room to book blocks of tickets for business or family group outings. If you are interested call the Lab Theater Box Office at 612-333-7977.

Keep it Sharp

We are long-time fans of the crew at Eversharp, the Twin Cities’ foremost cutlery emporium, located at 344 Taft Street Northeast in Minneapolis. If you haven’t brought your knives in for a tune-up you procrastinated to the right moment. Through Saturday, November 28, if you bring in a bag of nonperishable food items or donate $15, Eversharp will sharpen five straight-edged knives for free. While you are waiting we bet you find a couple of perfect gifts for the chefs on your list in Eversharp’s showroom.

A Good Fight, Over

Sometimes these little blurbs are more difficult to write than others. Such is the case as we note the passing of Francis M. “Frank” Kenney who slipped from this vale of tears Monday last

[November 23]. The entire South Minneapolis Kenney clan was a force of nature as a group and they have proven forces for good as individuals. Those close to Frank always weave in the word “stubborn” in describing him. We acknowledge this but prefer “passion” as an appropriate substitute.

Frank first made his mark on the Twin cities as a Catholic priest as a pastor at Ascension in North Minneapolis and later at St. Stephen’s in South Minneapolis, where he served both his parish and the community as if scripted by St. Matthew himself. Frank’s compassion for the poor and disenfranchised led him to the emerging American Indian Movement, a group he served as counsel and official chaplain for several years. After soul-searching Frank made an agonizing decision to turn in his collar but never his back on the poor among us. He found happiness in the form of Bobbi Wilson, the belle of Humboldt Avenue North, and started a family.

Frank and Bobbi raised their three kids in Oregon but returned to the Twin Cities to attend to unfinished business serving the Indian community along Franklin Avenue. Frank charmed his way into a simple assembly project and put a dozen people to work around his dining room table. He reached out to his close friend from Nazareth Hall days, Joe Selvaggio, who teamed with Frank to launch Project for Pride in Living Industries. The endeavor put hundreds of our community’s hardest to employ individuals to work, offering both paychecks and training. With support from a variety of customers ranging from ADC Telecommunications to Hennepin County Environmental Management, PPL Industries proudly boasted $5 million in billings.

Frank’s contributions, while largely unsung, will long be felt. His inspiration will not soon be forgotten. We like to think that Frank has passed to a just reward. God already knows he has a livewire in the palm of his hand. Be at Peace, Frank. The next ladder dance is for you.

Bright Blue Lights

For those commuting along I-394 you may have noticed a new, rather handsome, sign just west of Penn Avenue. It belongs to the venerable account firm formerly known as Lurie, Besikof and Lapidus which has been a fixture since the days of Wayzata Boulevard. This year in recognition of its seventh-fifth anniversary, the firm brightened its look and shortened its name to Lurie, LLP. They certainly have not shortened their bench. Now 120 professionals and support staff serve clients locally and nationally, with widely recognized accounting services. Congratulations! (Closed circuit to PR pro Jeanne Carpenter: Thanks for the tip!)

Politics

We want to remind you that Online is available to promote your candidates’ or party’s events, regardless of the stripes or spots they wear. We have four to report this issue:

• Rich Stanek, our favorite Sheriff of all Hennepin County, is the host and guest of honor at a holiday-themed fundraiser December 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Elsie’s Restaurant, 729 Marshall Street Northeast in Minneapolis. FFI sheriffstanek.com.
• On Monday, December 14, supporters of the Sheriff’s colleague, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, are holding a reception at the Riverview Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, from 5:30-7:30 pm. FFI Peter McLaughlin’s Facebook page.
• Minneapolis City Council Member Linea Palmisano’s committee will be hosting an event on Wednesday, December 16, from 5:00 to 6:30 in the beautiful reception area of HGA Architects in Ford Center (just across from Target Field Station). Free parking is available on the north side of the building.

Finally, this is one event that should hit home for many because it ties persons, places and things together in the spirit of peace and community unity. “Music for the Holidays with Senator Bobby Joe Champion” will be held at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway, on Thursday, December 17. The event begins with a reception at 6:00 pm and at 7:30 the performance kicks off with a bevy of talent that includes American Idol veteran Paris Bennett and Ashley DuBose of The Voice. In addition to the music there will be an opportunity to donate to Threads for Teens Clothing Drive. FFI Bobby Joe Champion Facebook page or [email protected].

Spotlight on North Loop

This issue features Roe Wolfe, a wonderful boutique featuring affordable fashion-forward stylings located at 113 Washington Avenue North. We could rave on about the selection, service and the glam makeup artists on hand but we would rather salute Roe Wolfe’s proprietor, Ashley Kilcher, who is stepping forward as a community leader. Putting time and money where her mouth is, Ms. Kilcher is organizing two self-defense classes geared toward women at the store on December 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm or December 12 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Ashley, inspired by some assault experiences of her own, has worked with law enforcement to organize this event. FFI call the boutique: 612-294-6583.

Thanksgiving Wishes

Your Online staff is rocked by the events unfolding in our beloved hometown, a feeling shared by our clients and loved ones. We like to think things will be okay when it’s over and if it’s not okay it’s not over. Please follow this link as proof that love will triumph and accept that notion as our wish for peace and love to you and yours.

Firecracker Follow-up

Last issue we took editorial liberties with our Firecracker of the Year Committee’s annual missive. They placed two very worthy individuals into the Firecracker Hall of Fame and—given the length of the issue—we saved these for the special attention they deserve. From the Committee:

In 2014 and now in 2015 your Committee found two very special candidates for our Firecracker Hall of Fame. Both, sadly, are posthumous, but richly deserving of the honor.

• 2014 saw the passing of two great contributors to this community. State Chamber of Commerce leader David Olson, just a few weeks after the death of his father Glenn. David’s accomplishments were well chronicled by the media. Because your readership skews to such young demographics we wanted to recognize the elder Olson whose contributions, in part because of his humble personality, have flown under the radar screen. Glenn Olson embodied civic activism in its most altruistic meaning. He became active in politics with the legendary GOP mafia that controlled Minneapolis south of Lake Street for decades. Many remember Popham, Flakne, Schwartzkopf and their crew. Glenn was elected to the Minneapolis City Council representing the Eleventh Ward. He was a voice of moderation concentrating on bettering basic municipal functions. In matters where those city councils spoke with one voice it was usually Glenn’s. He left to join NSP (now Xcel) in their community affairs group and leveraged that company’s influence for many good things, specifically in matters transit. In retirement Glenn served on the Deephaven City Council, the Metro Transit Board, and coordinated the Minneapolis Downtown Transportation Management organization. It is fair to say Glenn’s vision and energy were instrumental in defining our evolving bus and LRT rapid transit system.

[Editor’s note: Long-time readers may note that Olson, ever the stickler for honesty, forced Online to implement the “Glenn Olson Rule” identifying clients when we write about them.]

The 2015 entrant, restaurateur Mike Andrews, arguably changed the face of modern Minneapolis. Although he was born in Iowa, Mike was raised on the mean streets of Kenwood in Minneapolis, learning the fabric of the good life from the hoi polloi and what it means to have a good time from his pals who lived on the other side of the tracks, in this case east of Hennepin Avenue. After graduating from Mankato State, Mike and his childhood chum, John White, opened Ichabod’s, famous for its long narrow layout, Cheesebrough art and New York feel. Possibly our first fern bar. From there he headed east to Seven Corners and opened Sgt. Preston’s, launching a bar scene that Minneapolis had not experienced. Who knows if it was the ethereal energy left behind from the glory days of the Mixers and Joe & Pete’s two-and-a-half or if Mike just had the right touch, but Prestons offered a unique environment; let’s call it semi-controlled debauchery. Along the way Mike collaborated with then City Council President Lou DeMars to shutter Minneapolis’ most antiquated laws, the “liquor patrol limits.” Believe it or not, youngsters, there was a day when one could not serve hard liquor west of First Avenue North. In 1982 Mike and John opened the Loon Café and the Warehouse District entertainment mecca was born. There are lots of ways to view Andrews. Wily businessman who brought sweat equity partners into every business (Tim and John at the Loon, Pat at J.D. Hoyts, Val at Liquor Lyles, etc.). There was the art collector who was patron to several very important local artists, and radio Mike who showed up as a regular contributor in the glory days of Dark Star at the old neighbor ‘CCO. Our favorite was Mikey the philosopher, who could be found at the corner of any one of his bars, cigarette in hand, nursing a glass and exploring the meaning of life with the dishwasher just off shift (usually an ex-con). They don’t make ‘em like Mikey anymore.

Aquatennial: Short but Still Sweet

The news of the death of the Aquatennial has been greatly exaggerated. Yes, the summer festival has had a great reorg, but there is still plenty of fun left in the grand old gal. It starts tonight with the Torchlight Parade, sponsored by CenterPoint Energy. It will end with the always spectacular fireworks on the downtown riverfront sponsored by Target. There are plenty of fun activities including the very popular water ski shows. Just follow this link: Aquatennial.

Soccer fans, tonight (July 22) is a two-fer for you. Enjoy viewing the U.S. Men’s Team face off with Jamaica in this knockout match of the Gold Cup at Target Field Plaza. The match begins at 5:00 p.m. so meet up at the Loon or Fulton for a cold beer first, join the crowd to cheer on the USA, and repair back to Hennepin Avenue in plenty of time for the parade. Thanks to the Minnesota Twins and the Ballpark Authority for bringing a new tradition to town!

Dancing with the Stars

A few weeks back the Star Tribune published a commentary supporting the establishment of a working group by the City of Minneapolis to sort through the issues related to public participation in the proposed major league soccer facility. The objective was to laud the progress and encourage the group to consider expansion to include the county and the larger civic community who also have resources to fill the yet-to-be-identified gaps in the largely team‑funded project. Strawberries and cream, served up during Wimbledon. The poor fellow was taken aback with the reaction that came from City Hall. This crème fraîche left a rancid taste in several mouths. There was allusion to the cynicism regarding the football stadium financing and for some that was the headline. Junior editor guy tried to draw a distinction but was already out of letters in this round of hangman. We must remember the lesson learned at eighth grade mixers: if you are trying to get people to dance, don’t start by stepping on their toes.

Wearing the Online hat now, we are freely willing to Rumba unapologetically in a related matter. We hope that there was a considerable unreported effort on the part of Minneapolis development officials, prodded by the elected leaders, to woo the Vikings to relocate the Winter Park training facility and other developments to Minneapolis. If this went to Chanhassen without a fight it would be a colossal mistake. The public-private partnership forged by the city’s $150 Million contribution should put them at any table, in our view, with first right of refusal. A training facility would provide year round jobs and the opportunity for kids to witness day in and day out the hard work and complexities behind professional sports. And yes, we are old and get to say that it would be good for the youth in our community to see that not everybody driving fancy Escalades and custom pickups are showing off ill-gotten gains. We are certainly willing to pass along what may have happened in that regard. Sometimes cheap land trumps all. We just hope somebody tried.

Finally, we will be publishing our annual “Summer Reading” issue in August. Please submit your recommendations, along with a brief review, to [email protected]. We have been publishing this special issue for more than twenty years and over that time period received maybe that many authentic reviews. The rest, well, hell, we made up. Please save us the work!

The Canadian fires had cast a veritable June gloom over our Union Plaza digs. Even the office mercury vapors had a gray haze about them. The door opened and everything brightened up. “Dobry den…Hello? Good day?” The bright brown eyes and big smiles were all too familiar: Oksana and Marianna, the ambassadors of good will who come each summer from Ukraine to spread cheer while selling flowers and vegetables for Untiedt’s at area farmers markets. “Oh, the Firecracker Committee. They were very mad at you. We delivered last year’s award to Young Quinlan; office was empty,” said Marianna with a bit of a scolding tone to her voice. Oksana, ever the peacemaker, quickly added: “But then they became VERY worried. Online, like its editors, seemed to vanish.” It was none other than Farmers Market cohort Danny Tollefson who picked up the scent and contacted the Committee when Online resumed publishing and your editors launched their spiffy new website.

So we set the well-worn Red Owl grocery bag on the conference table, carefully removed the Arco coffee can, popped the lid, and unwrapped the missive from the Firecracker of the Year Committee; taking care, of course, to preserve the section of Tribune Sunday sports Peach it was, as always, wrapped in.

Let’s begin with a note of joy and relief. Many, many years ago a group of us were enjoying a Pimm’s cup or two in the gloom of the front bar at Charlie’s. There was a consensus that the sparkle of civic magic in this community was starting to dim. It was decided that our merry band would meet the first Tuesday after Memorial Day and recognize an individual, or group, that kept things lively in these Twin Towns. We first approached Roger Parkinson and Tim McGuire at the Star and Tribune. Roger regaled us with stories of valor, adventures of single-handedly chasing the entire Viet Cong into retreat well into China. Mr. McGuire explained in great detail that he was the smartest man in any room and if there was awarding to be done, he would do it. The late great David Carr isn’t the only one spurned by the Strib. We met Leary, Spano and Janecek at the St. Paul Hotel thinking Politics in Minnesota would be an ideal sponsor. Horse laughs times three and we felt like the asses. We had all but scraped the plan when Mrs. H., a railroad baroness from Lake Minnetonka way, mentioned Neerland & Oyaas Online, a sassy little self-aggrandizing but nonetheless informative newsletter which was delivered via fax twice a month. And so it began. Your Committee determined it best to stay in the shadows, even from you two.

We recognize that last year’s misfire was on your end but believe that the 2014 Firecracker should indeed get public recognition. We also installed a record three in the Lifetime Achievement section and want your readers to know why.

[Editor’s note: We will hold this until next issue.]

There are several deserving nominees for the 2014 award. In the interest of space we go right to the winner. Late 2012 into 2013 Minneapolis City Hall was awash in sixties rad. It was as if someone had infused orange sunshine into the organic peace coffee stash and the elected officials were throwing rainbows of ideas off the walls. One that started to stick was municipalization of the gas and electric utilities. This notion was gaining momentum fueled (pardon the pun) by a national movement, replacing Stop Wall Street as cause du jour. Locally the supporters had considerable substance. A coalition of sustainable energy organizations and individuals formed Minneapolis Energy Options (MEO) to push the public ownership envelope. Leadership was comprised of experienced advocates with impressive technical backgrounds if somewhat lacking in practical business acumen. They hired a community organizer, Dylan Kesti, fresh from his native Duluth to put some meat on the MEO bones. Sure enough, momentum started to get the local utilities’ attention. Operatives for the electric utility at first were eager to “squash ‘em like bugs.” Fortunately wise leadership at the top decided to let things play out. Down the street at CenterPoint Energy the powers that be (in this case the “power that be” is EVP Joe Vortherms) asked: “What is it exactly that MEO wants? Why don’t we go ask them?” So local government point person Al Swintek put a team of conservation experts, regulatory gurus and legal beagles together and reached out to MEO—through Mr. Kesti. Both groups learned a lot about each other and after several meetings agreed they had more in common than disagreement in terms of vision. Together CenterPoint and MEO crafted a memorandum of understanding clearly defining a path and levels of accountability. At some risk of getting his own rear kicked, Mr. Vortherms kicked the concept to the CenterPoint “C” suite in Houston and lo and behold a national model for utility and advocacy cooperation was hatched. None of this would have happened had Dylan Kesti not decided to put the bullhorn down and have genuine conversation. Congratulations to Dylan Kesti, the 2014 Firecracker of the Year.

Now to 2015. In keeping with the theme of your last few issues of Online, both nominees and the winner are headed to retirement.

First there is John Bergman, M.D. and the go-to dermatologist for most of Minneapolis across several generations. This wise and gentle doctor has scraped, burned and otherwise poked and prodded thousands since he opened his practice in 1974. Dr. Bergman has helped patients ward off some of the nasty cancers and been a rock of support for them and their families when the worst news arrives. Talk about old school; he genuinely believes HIPAA was an all-city fullback for Harding High School in the late fifties and just smiles when he thumbs through photo albums of patients’ before-and-after photos. An accomplished competitive swimmer, a legend at St. Paul Johnson High School, we wish him many years of laps and enjoyment.

What can this Committee say about Judith Carol Martinson Corrao that hasn’t been said? Judy finally decided to hang up the phone for good after more than twenty years as a mainstay of Hennepin County’s volunteer services. Corrao is a frenetic ball of energy with a golden soul that radiates with basic human kindness. Marshaling volunteers to help the most in need in her community was a perfect fit, to be sure. Judy’s family and close friends agree that her unrelenting drive has served her well across life’s journey. From Minneapolis City Council to local television talk show host, we know that anyone whose life Judy has touched would agree: she’s truly one of a kind. Watch out, World—she’s not done yet!!

So it is with Gay Jacobson who is leaving the Metro Cable Network, retiring after 28 years as Cable Channel Six’s chief cook and bottle washer. Jacobson was the nonprofit public affairs network’s first employee and oversaw its growth from a department of Northwest Community Television to a twenty-four-hour, seven-day-a-week cable exclusive service bringing everything from live government to polka and religion to more than one million viewers across the seven county metro area. Gay and her husband Rick, also an integral player at MCN/6, are taking their talents to South Beach, of Lake Mille Lacs, that is. The Committee wishes her well.

Finally, on to the 2015 Firecracker. Public service comes in many forms, from those like 2014 Firecracker Kesti to creative and passionate career civil servants like the late great city manager of Edina, Ken Rosland. One model of service we want to salute with this award is the path that takes one from successful private sector career to the public sector. Our Firecracker dabbled in the political arena during a brief misspent time in his youth, working as a staffer in the Minnesota Senate. It didn’t take Patrick Born long to wise up, and he left the shouting behind to begin an accomplished career with Evensen Dodge assisting governments and other institutions in obtaining infrastructure financing from the capital markets and providing related financial services. Born quickly gained a reputation as an impeccably honest and creative advisor (not always traits that are linked) to state and local governments as well as prominent educational institutions. Pat earned his keep on many complex deals, including sports facilities and waste-to-energy. He was never afraid of the easy payday either; can you say competitive bid? As the kids finished college, and with a nice run of paydays behind him, Mr. Born answered when then Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton called. For the next fifteen years serving as Minneapolis Chief Financial Officer, Born was the rudder keeping municipal finances in order and righting the ship when many other comparable cities crashed on the rocks. One of Mayor Rybak’s most impressive, albeit unsung, moves was to keep Patrick in place. He provided the roadmap for elected leaders—notably Rybak, Council Presidents Ostrow then Johnson, and Council Member now Mayor Hodges—and they deftly followed it. Minneapolis is a better place for all of their efforts. For the past few years Pat has been an important voice of fiscal reform at the Metropolitan Council, a daunting energy-sucking task at any point in a career. Thank goodness for the extended Born family. Pat is finally taking his bag of tricks and several bankers boxes of awards home to enjoy life. The Committee desperately hopes there are more budding private sector champions who will give back the way Mr. Born has. Congratulations, Patrick Born, 2015 Firecracker of the Year.

Previous Firecrackers of the Year:
R.T. Rybak (2013), Sam Grabarski, Lifetime Achievement, and Will Leer (2012); Todd Andrews (deceased, 2011); Kieran Folliard (2010); George Brophy (deceased, 2009); Arvonne Fraser, accepting on behalf of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barbara Alivato (deceased), Rochelle Olson, Kathleen O’Brien, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Barbara Johnson, and Julie Kramer (2008); Joe Kimball, Lifetime Achievement, and Peter McLaughlin, accepting on behalf of Anita Duckor, Friends of the Minneapolis Library, Colin Hamilton, Sheldon Mains, Gary Thaden, Kit Hadley, Amy Ryan and John Gibbs (2007); Shane Nackerud (2006); Michael Opat (2005); Joe Baier and Julie J. “JJ” Haywood-Palmer (2004); Nick Koch (2003); Ann Barkelew (2002); Betsy Hodges (2001); David Barnhill (2000); Judy Zaitz (1999); Cornell Moore (1998); James Lileks (1997); Rick Stafford (1996); Coral Houle (1995); and Michael Rainville, The Original (1994).

WINDOWS ON…

Whither the Downtown YMCA

We were able to confirm what we have overhead in elevator talk over the last couple of months: that the Downtown YMCA building on Ninth Street is for sale. While the current Y building was constructed in 1990, the “Y” has been a fixture on Ninth and LaSalle since the original, the Central Building, was constructed in 1918. Into the 1970s that facility was a hub of civic and athletic activity. The new “Y” was constructed as part of the Frauenshuh redevelopment of the entire block that resulted in the LaSalle Plaza, a revitalized State Theater and a brand new YMCA. The Central building now hosts 121 apartments.

The Downtown YMCA still hosts athletic facilities and a robust daycare program as well as summer youth activities. We have heard, but cannot confirm, that one possible new home could be in the United Properties development on the pad atop the Target Station transit interchange. That facility, we understand, would not include athletic or child care amenities.

May the Wind be Always at your Back

We guess it is just the stage we are at in life but since our last newsletter we have attended two more retirement parties of remarkable and noteworthy contributors to the “good life” and want to pay homage to the following:

• Bob O’Rourke began his career with Target Stores working the overnight at a store in Waterloo, Iowa. Upon graduation from the University of Northern Iowa Bob moved into the management training track and for the next fifteen years moved his family twelve different times as his responsibilities grew. Eventually Bob moved back into the headquarters district here in the Twin Cities, and ultimately became a Group Senior Vice President. Across his career Bob touched the lives of thousands of Target employees as a manager overseeing a fleet of stores and as a motivational speaker teaching core Target values. In typical class Bob fashion he hosted his own retirement party, not to say “goodbye” but “thank you” to the hundreds who worked for him over the years. As Target Corp. continues to regroup we suggest that they stay close, not eschew the Bob O’Rourkes, for it is truly the culture that provides the competitive advantage. Bob would want us to make certain we acknowledge the foundation that wife Tammy and his three kids provide. Twelve moves in fifteen years; we say “A” for Amen to that!
• The elegant surroundings of the Minneapolis Club were certainly an apt location to host the retirement party for Milestone Growth Fund CEO Judy Spika Romlin. Milestone has performed a unique and important function in this community, providing much-needed growth capital to entrepreneurs of color since it began operating in 1990. (The noteworthy list of successes can be found at milestonegrowth.com.) Milestone’s founder Esperanza Guerrero-Anderson originally recruited Judy to originate loans and oversee the portfolio, knowing of her stellar reputation in traditional commercial banking with stops at Wells Fargo, Marquette and National City Banks before joining Milestone. In 2012, the nonprofit’s Board tapped Judy to become its third CEO knowing that her skills and reputation were what was needed to lead Milestone out of the murky waters created by the economic disasters of the preceding years. They were right. Judy worked with creditors, clients, federal agencies and a host of others to right-size the organization. She credits both U.S. Senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Congressman Keith Ellison for providing much needed help with federal regulations. Milestone, now closely affiliated with MEDA, is running again on all cylinders, and Judy can take a much-needed break. We are eager to see what’s next and wish Ms. Romlin only the very best in whatever adventures she chooses.
• Peter Carter, one of this state’s most respected finance lawyers, has announced he is leaving Dorsey & Whitney, his home for the past 23 years, to join Delta Airlines as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Mr. Carter has consistently exceeded the standards of skill and integrity that the Dorsey firm expects of its partners. Personally, he meets and exceeds the standards expected of a true gentleman. We know Peter will be missed both professionally and personally by the firm and its clients.

Mirrors, Please

There is a municipality in the Twin Cities where some of the elected officials are trying to seize the holier-than-thou high ground by way of forcing the private sector into increasing the minimum wage. Said municipality has scores, if not hundreds, of employees locked below 32 hours per week so they can avoid paying benefits. These same champions of justice oversee a policy where tips are not allowed for those providing services like catering or taxis. Maybe if sequential attention to detail is in order, it is time to put down the bullhorn and put your own municipal house in order. Until then such outcry is pathetically fraudulent.

While we’re at it, are we the only ones frosted that this same municipality that went to extraordinary lengths to pony up $150 million for a new stadium for the Vikings seems to be sitting on its hands as the team prepares to build new headquarters and practice facilities in Chanhassen? Really? Nobody can assemble a comparable amount of land in town, say, near North Minneapolis?

ROUND the LOOP

Timberwolves CMO Ted Johnson himself asked us to invite you specifically, dear reader, to the Timberwolves Draft Party at Target Center on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 5:30 PM. Witness franchise history as the Minnesota Timberwolves make the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Bring your friends and celebrate the event with fellow fans. To enjoy additional VIP access and amenities throughout the event, take your place in the Pack with a 2015-16 Membership in the Hardwood Club. Members also receive:

• The chance to win an opportunity to attend the press conference welcoming our #1 pick
• Have your photo taken with Crunch, the Dancers, and Andrew Wiggins’ Rising Stars MVP Trophy
• Get access to the best available locations before the #1 pick is announced
• Special prize giveaways throughout the event

If you have questions, or to register, click here.

Bulletins and Bytes…

The Department of Justice and the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice would appreciate your participation in a community convening to discuss the National Initiative project. The NIBCTJ is a three-year, $4.75 million project funded by the Department of Justice and announced by Attorney General Eric Holder. Its goal is to improve relationships and increase trust between communities and the criminal justice system, as well as to advance the public and scholarly understandings of the issues contributing to those relationships. Minneapolis was one of six “pilot sites” selected for the National Initiative. At this convening, they will introduce the goals and methods of the project. They will also explain how you can participate more directly in this historic initiative, and how through research and community collaboration we can begin to rebuild trust. This open event will be held from 6:00-7:30 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Minneapolis American Indian Center (1530 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404). (Flyer)

Celebrate the new Bloody Mary Law on Sunday, June 14, from 8:00-10:00 am, by enjoying half off the epic 35-foot Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar at Hell’s Kitchen. The archaic prohibition-style law prohibiting alcohol sales on Sundays before 10:00 am, on the books for 127 years, was knocked on its ass first by the House, then by the Senate, next by the State of Minnesota and then just minutes ago (Friday morning) by the City of Minneapolis.

Check out this Comcast readable voicemail from Ribnick Fur & Leather:

“Hello this is redneck first calling to remind you it’s time to bring in your for and she for summer storage. We also would like to tell you about our remodeling event this Thursday Friday and Saturday where you can transform your old code into a fresh new style reversible or vast. Thank you from redneck-mcpherson(?).”

You gotta love technology!

WINDOWS ON…

Sustainable Democracy

In the rarified air of Wonkville, Minnesota, there is considerable buzz regarding a conference to discuss worldwide efforts to build partnerships among organizations, universities, businesses and others committed to finding sustainable solutions to the social, economic and environmental problems outlined in the World Business Council for Sustainable Developments Vision 2050. Partnership for Change (PFC), an NGO founded in Norway, is a key collaborator and has pledged support for the holistic approach of Vision 2050 by identifying major milestones in fulfilling this agenda. Minnesota 2015: Democracy in a Sustainable Future, is the first such milestone in the journey.

Okay, we know, we are so busted. Your editors would so rather be watching Blaine Boyer maintain his scoreless May streak than sustain a five minute conversation about the world in 2050. The “but” here is a big one: our fine friends and clients at HGA are hosting a prequel event this coming Wednesday, May 20 (as in tomorrow), in their beautiful reception/conference area in the Ford Center (450 Fifth Street North, 55401). Persons who are Vision 2050 curious or more to the point interested in learning how you or your company can support the conference are cordially invited to attend. The event begins at 5:30 and features Orlyn Kringstadt, the Executive Director of PFC USA, and Don Shelby (who has a far more sophisticated view of these matters than your editors—just ask him) along with co-chairs Marilyn Carlson Nelson and Walter Mondale. RSVP or FFI Ariane Laxo, [email protected] or Nick Koch, [email protected].

Repurpose Extraordinaire

Speaking of HGA (and indeed we just did) one of your editors got to tag along as Hennepin County and Minneapolis officials were given a tour of the newly renovated Gaviidae, which is now home to CenterPoint Energy Minnesota’s (CNP) headquarters. The company bought the former Neiman Marcus building two years ago and partnered with HGA’s Dave Paeper in repurposing a largely windowless department store configuration into a true model for a 21st century workplace. Invoking the Glenn Olson/Erich Mische rule, both HGA and CNP are clients and this is a bona fide “two-fer.” On the main level there is a painstakingly carefully curated history of the local natural gas franchise which previews the inspirational artwork that enhances work space throughout. Clever use of natural light and state-of-the-art technology combine to form pleasant surroundings in an energy-efficient textbook on display. Not only will this be new digs for CNP and almost 300 employees but in a couple months Meet Minneapolis (the convention and visitors bureau) will be opening its street level visitors’ center in what has to be the perfect location, Fifth and Nicollet, right across from the LRT station.

Sharper Pencils Meet Creative Thinking

Maybe it’s just because the issue is standing in the shadow of the Legislative session of late, but it also appears calmer minds are back in charge of the Southwest Light Rail project in the wake of the hysteria that followed a $300 million surprise in cost estimates. One thing for certain: the government agencies that are at the LRT wheel are going to have to retool their silo style planning process and involve the private sector in planning and possibly paying for stations around stops that are attractive for development. No doubt that there are stops potentially on the bean counters’ chopping block that could be saved with authentic partnership initiatives. Authentic means putting aside jealousy and prejudice. During a recent brainstorm session one development official commenting on the potential of housing around the stop on 21st Street on the Kenilworth Corridor declared point blank, “Those people would never cooperate.” Here’s a tip from “those people”: if you hadn’t treated them as “those people” from the onset the mess that is left to clean up would be considerably smaller. Soccer park or no we still believe that the Royalston stop and a Farmers Market district redevelopment offers the very best chance for a successful public-private partnership.

ROUND the LOOP

Last issue we featured the newly-opened clothes emporium Atmosfere and received word that several readers stopped in to check them out. Please don’t give us any credit for this recommendation; it will hurt more than help. That said we can’t say enough good things about Thursday nights at J.D. Hoyt’s on Third Avenue and Washington. Why Thursday? It’s because the legendary barkeep, comedian and former altar boy of the year Al Panzino holds court behind the two-tiered bar. On any given Thursday night you just may see UofM coach Jerry Kill exchanging barbs with his boss Norwood Teague or witness another football legend Ezell Jones celebrate another insurance conquest. Do stay for dinner; buy one chop or chicken breast and get the second for just a dollar more. Al will so not cheerfully box it up for you.

Where Are They Now?

We do love to report when our former interns do well, and we have two such reports this issue.

• Max Musicant, founder of the Musicant Group and an original N&O rodeo monkey, has announced an action-packed season at the Piazza on the Mall (1221 Nicollet). Music each and every Wednesday after work, free yoga every Saturday, along with daily doses of ping pong, bocce ball and giant checkers. The activity on the Piazza will be a welcome respite as Mall construction starts in earnest. FFI [email protected] or Piazza on the Mall on Facebook.
• As a wide-eyed ninth grader Sean Oyaas waded into the exciting world of public affairs, soliciting supporters for a new Twins ballpark at community festivals and bar stool to bar stool along First Avenue North. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Sean began a three year stint as Legislative Assistant to the incomparable (and we do mean that) State Senator Terri Bonoff. As this session winds to a close, hopefully by the time this issue gets delivered, Sean will have formally announced that he is leaving the Capitol to join the State Government Relations team at Cargill. His PR flack (and mother) Joan Oyaas explains that this is part of Cargill’s future CEO training program and notes that his first day of work, June 1, will go down in the books as important as the day ol’ W.W. Cargill moved his first load of grain 150 years ago. Both of Sean’s parents are extremely grateful for the mentoring (and nurturing) that Senator Bonoff extended to Sean during his time in her employ. They would tell you that there is genuine hope for leadership from the political center and encourage all of you out there to take heart: There are Terri Bonoffs over in Saint Paul and they can be effective in making sensible change in government. From your old pals at Online, “Way to be, Seanie!”

WINDOWS ON…

The Big IDEA

With rumors of Hennepin County considering using some of the surplus from the Target Field sales tax to assist with the proposed new Soccer Park on Royalston near the Minneapolis Farmers Market, perhaps it is time to peel back the curtain and shed light on stadium funding and management generally. Like the rest of the interested public we presume no deal is announced because no deal has been arranged. We know there is land to be assembled and infrastructure to be, well, structured to connect the soccer facility to the street grid, LRT and hopefully the HERC (aka Old Smokey, the happy garbage burner). It is public policy to connect the many underused public assets to potential development, ideally bringing the energy from the North Loop across / along Glenwood Avenue and into near North Minneapolis.

Coincidentally, across the street from the Government Center, leaders in Minneapolis City Hall are moving towards putting another, much-needed $24 million into the Target Center renovation. Wouldn’t it be nice if the City and the County could press pause and figure out how to manage these two efforts together? The City turns over title to Target Center, along with funds pledged previously, to the Ballpark Authority. The County would ask the Legislature for permission to extend the purpose of the 0.15% sales tax for soccer and Target Center, while keeping the amount of tax and retirement date in place. Joint management of publicly-controlled facilities, with tenants comprised of jointly owned sports teams. The “big idea” might be what everybody, including the so-far-reluctant state legislative leadership, needs to buy in to “one more stadium.”

Salut!

There was a veritable who’s who of the Minneapolis advertising luminaries at the BANK in the Westin Hotel to wish long-time Campbell Mithun exec Jim Romlin a long, healthy and fruitful journey as he ends more than 35 years with the venerable firm. Over his remarkable career at that agency, Mr. Romlin has overseen the media planning and buying strategies for the firm’s biggest clients. Across the years he has touched the lives of most everybody who works in the media side of the business in this market, as a colleague who leads by example and as a mentor who takes the time to teach. Jim has been a proud and staunch member of the Campbell Mithun team, not out of blind loyalty but out of respect for the weight of the institution and what that means about value for the firm’s clients. The advertising business is certainly in a great deal of flux and there is a great deal of “making it up as you go” in terms of the worldwide web. There is much to be said about tried and true. Jim Romlin knows how to sell your brats, lawn mowers and luxury cars, and folks, it ain’t on Facebook. We wish Jim only the very best, knowing he is far from putting his talents away. The dabblers who are running his old agency now have decided to drop the Campbell portion of the wonderful C-M brand. For their sake we hope they recognize that leaning on institution gravitas is indeed the only way to fly.

 

ROUND the LOOP

We will never quite shake our love for the Minneapolis Downtown Core and the vibrant skyways that connect it, but the energy of the North Loop is certainly contagious. Beginning this installment Online is going to begin a new feature, Round the Loop. This issue we welcome Atmosfere, a clothing store featuring both new and now threads for the young at heart and some old-timey style suits and sports coats for the old fellas who still feel naked without them during the business day. Located in the garden level of the Else Warehouse (730 North Washington), this is the sibling of the flagship in Minneapolis Uptown. Long-time clothiers Dan Dapetz and his son Damon are adding very interesting and unique women’s lines in addition to their popular men’s selections. Take a warning from us. Have a beer at the Freehouse after you stop in. You won’t need much prodding to shop; you’ll need self-control to stop.

BULLETINS and BYTES…

The joys of this fair Metro are not only found in the North Loop. When exploring new adventures in the visual arts we are often drawn to the exhibitions at 2001 A Space Gallery owned and operated by two of Minnesota’s great curators, Kathleen Sullivan and Dean Hawthorne. This month they are featuring the most recent works of Nina Holiday-Lynch and LaVonne  Mountain. Both artists are known for their passionate use of color in still life and more abstract pieces, hence the title of the show, “Images of Color & Change.” The show opens with a public reception on April 10 (6-9 PM). The gallery is located at 2001 5th Avenue NE, just two blocks east of Jax Café.