February 2010 Newsletter

Focused Financial
www.focusfinancial.com

Ginkgo Coffee
www.ginkgocoffee.com

Havens Web Design
www.havenswebdesign.com

Lundquist and Lange LLC Attorneys at Law
www.lundquistandlange.com

Powderhorn Garage

Sprinter Scooters
www.sprinterscooters.com

T.C. Daily Planet
www.tcdailyplanet.net

Vuelta Management
vueltamanagement.com

4:30-6:30 p.m.
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
308 Prince St.
(next to the Farmers' Market)
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-228-9274
www.blackdogstpaul.com

Please join us as we celebrate our 5th anniversary and welcome new board members on Wednesday, March 10 at the newly renovated Amore Coffee, 879 Smith Ave., West St. Paul.

Watch for more info on our metroiba.org, Facebook and Twitter.

Ballots will be going out soon for four board positions. We are very fortunate to have four candidates with lots of small business experience and passion for our cause.

Andy Gesell, BankCherokee
Scott Hamilton, Vuelta Management and Consulting
Tim Medenwaldt, Metro Payroll
Zack Steven, Monkey Island

This month we are featuring three MetroIBA members whose businesses go back three generations.  Family-run businesses, sometimes referred to as “Ma and Pa’s,” are the quintessential independent business that we work to support. Kudos to the following businesses who have contributed so much to their communities.

Warners’ Stellian has been a trusted, family-owned appliance store since 1954 when it was Stellian Appliance on Snelling and Larpenteur. Jim Warner bought the business in 1971 after years as a valued employee and passed down his values of community and great customer service to his nine children, who now own Warners' Stellian. Four of his children still actively operate the company, which has grown to seven locations in Minnesota. A number of third-generation Warners now work at the company, too.

Warners' Stellian is truly your appliance specialist, boasting the largest selection of appliances in Minnesota and an expert staff, many of whom have been with the company for more than 10 years.

Ingebretsen's -- an old world marketplace of fine Scandinavian gifts, food, needlework and clothing -- has been a jewel on Lake Street since 1921. Currently owned and managed by Julie Ingebretsen, the retail store has kept up with the times by offering classes, gift registry and online sales. Their store has both locally produced and imported goods, and they are a key voice on the Lake Street Council (another MetroIBA member) in South Minneapolis.

BankCherokee, oldest family-owned bank in the metro area, has had unwavering commitment to serving its customers and communities since 1908. Heidi Gesell marks the third generation of her family to run BankCherokee and serves as president and CEO.

The bank was first named Merriam Park Bank and opened in 1908 in St. Paul. In 1920, the bank moved and became Cherokee State Bank. After opening several new branches, and ultimately becoming BankCherokee, the business continues to thrive and be an anchor institution in the Twin Cities. In 2001, BankCherokee was recognized with the "Family Celebration" award by a collaboration of family service agencies for its commitment to healthy families and diversity.

MetroIBA on 1570 AM

Listen on Saturday, February 20 1-3 as Executive Director, Mary Hamel is a special guest on Pamela Muldoon’s
Next Stage Business Radio Show 1570 AM. 
Visit www.nextstagebusinessradio.com for more information.

Member in the News
Congrats to Electric Fetus for the big STARR appearance at the Grammys on Jan 31.  Former Beatle, Ringo Starr wore a snazzy, black Electric Fetus T-shirt to the Award Show this year! Our sources tell us that yes, there are more in stock.

The 3rd Place, a new co-working office space in St. Paul, was featured on WCCO 5 p.m. news on Feb. 1.

Mosaic On A Stick -- whose owner is longtime supporter and uber-talented artist, Lori Greene -- was recognized by the Pioneer Press on Jan. 29.

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Questions/Concerns? Contact Executive Director Mary Hamel, 651-387-0738, mary@metroiba.com