Northside Business Fair in planning stages

With data that boasts the economic market strength of North Minneapolis, the Northside Neighborhood Alliance (NNA) would like to hold a “Business Fair” to attract retailers and developers to the area. The first step of the plan is to develop communication materials in order to inform and build support for the Fair among Northside residents. After educating the community through neighborhood associations and recruiting sponsors to help fund the project, a Business Fair would be held, most likely in 6-8 months. The next NNA meeting is Tuesday, October 2 from 6-8pm at NorthWay Community Trust. If you’d like to get involved in planning the Business Fair, come to the meeting or contact Lance Knuckles, NorthWay’s Outreach Program Manager, by phone (612-521-4500) or email.

NorthWay 2006 Annual Report hot off the press!

You can check out NorthWay Community Trust’s 2006 Annual Report on our website or contact us by phone (612-521-4500) or email to request that a copy be mailed to you. This new, colorful 12-page publication focuses on our accomplishments and highlights from the past year.

NMTF seeks its own nonprofit status

The Northside Marketing Task Force (NMTF) has chosen to spin off and incorporate as a separate non-profit organization.  Members are also discussing collaboration with the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition, the City of Minneapolis and the Northside Home Fund. In other news, NMTF completed its Town Hall meetings and plans to roll out the proposed North Minneapolis community identity at a big celebration (date and place will be noted in the November Beam). Thanks to everyone who participated and shared their ideas about what makes North Minneapolis a great place to live, work, learn, shop and play.   For more information, contact stories@northminneapolis.com

NorthWay Family Project Update

Jessica Rogers has been hired as the first NorthWay Family Coach for the NorthWay Family Project, a unique program that helps participants obtain work-based life skills and earn wages while gaining confidence and strengthening school connections.  With her strong background in partnership promotion, work-readiness training and urban youth development, Jessica will work to link disadvantaged youth and their families to work experience, mentoring, professional training and community resources. Her office is at Minneapolis North High School, a convenient location for provision of these unique family services.

The NorthWay Family Project is a partnership of the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program, Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, and the Minneapolis Public Schools. Using a family-centered approach to serve disadvantaged youth, this new concept is designed to reach an entire family with employment, evening coaching sessions and a potential career path. A team is currently working to identify the “in-need” families in North Minneapolis to participate in this pilot program. For more information, contact Jessica by email or at 612-673-5292.