Twin Cities North Chamber Blogcast: Recent Comments

Comment on New Brighton Candidates Respond to Business Community Survey

Rich Sonterre — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:27:39 GMT

In order to provide a snapshot of the candidate’s views, plans and expectations they were asked to provide a response of no more than 75 words. However, we invited each to provide a more in-depth response that could be viewed by chamber members via a link. I will say that I was disappointed to learn that none of the candidates provided responses to these important community and business issues beyond the maximum of 75 words. I will give a few credit for requiring less than 75 words to provide a clear and complete answer, but on a whole, a lot more detail should have been provided

Comment on New Brighton Candidates Respond to Business Community Survey

Pat Whelan — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:17:52 GMT

Great comments by all the candidates. I appreciated the time they took to let the local business community know their thoughts and ideas before the election.
The business community plays a large role in supporting the community and we need hear the candidates views which effect our local businesses.

Comment on Governor Writes to Legislature on Flood Information and Possible Special Session Criteria

Beverly aplikowski — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:31:07 GMT

This Chamber member feels that a special session is not needed and would only lead to the passage of special taxes. Once called the control goes from the Gov. to the Legislature - and they are out to tax the way out of problems. A shift in priorities is necessary and perhaps a dip into the surplus as well but we do not need to open the door for an extended special session. I have full sympathy for any of the storm victims but with all that federal money and our own "planned disaster funds" we should be able to cope without the session.

Comment on www.ChangingTheWayWeDoBusiness.biz

Doug McNurlin — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:34:18 GMT

The internet has dramatically changed the way I do business both with my clients and with the insurance companies I represent.

As always change can be challenging however for the most part I would say it has had a positive impact.

Comment on www.ChangingTheWayWeDoBusiness.biz

Avonelle Lovhaug — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:09:31 GMT

My business wouldn't be the same without the internet, since a big part of my business is building web applications!

But even if I was writing software that didn't use the web, it would still have a profound impact on the sales and marketing of my business. The internet has brought business to me, without any solicitation on my part other than my website. And it makes research so much easier. Not only can I manually search for businesses that might be good potential customers, but I can also use tools like news readers and Google Alerts to automatically watch for new information that might be relevant to my sales and marketing efforts.

The one thing we all have to remember is that nothing stays the same - change is inevitable. Those businesses that can't embrace the change and find ways to capitalize it likely won't survive. (Clearly these realtors have been successful in figuring out how to make the internet work for them!)

Comment on www.ChangingTheWayWeDoBusiness.biz

Keith — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:41:02 GMT

The internet has increased my sales capabilities and has allowed me the time to reach out and touch more customers.

Comment on VMN Executive Director Resigns

Beverly aplikowski — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:40:38 GMT

Sorry to hear about Bob M. I hope everything is ok He is such a high strung person that I sincerely hope it is not a physical condition that caused this. The hospitality industry is about as endangered as mine right now. building them but cut throat prices makes it tough on personnel services. Bev

Comment on The Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center 28 Days From Being Sold

Bruce Nustad — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 07:34:51 GMT

Dan and Charlie Hall recently announced that Mermaid ownership is going to stay in their family. All discussions with potential buyers are done. In addition, they have advertised in local newspapers that they will unveil a Vegas-style midway at the Mermaid around the end of summer. "5,000 sq. ft. of fun, games and excitement for the whole family!"

Comment on Members Weigh In on Smoking Bans

Mark Wernimont — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 07:30:45 GMT

Here's all you need to know about smoking bans and the negative effects they have on business.

110+">http://cleanairquality.blogspot.com/2007/01/100-bars-and-restaurants-put-out-of.html">110+ Twin Cities bars and restaurants closed since local smoking bans were enacted 3/31/05

Comment on Fridley Northstar Station: City Looks at TIF for Funding

Doug McNurlin — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:10:42 GMT

It is a shame that funding for the station was not included in the inital legislation as the station had always been part of the plan. I believe it does make sense for the city to try and become part of a transit system that will be running through its community.