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Fruity flavors: Nicotine & tobacco in a smoke-free state
26 July 2010 7:55 PM | No CommentsI hadn’t realized how jarring it is to see people smoking indoors until I watched two DVDs this month. Barbra Streisand, as Katy in 1973’s “The Way We Were” smoked throughout the movie, including during her pregnancy. And from the land of television, Tim Robbins...
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Angels in Minnesota
26 July 2010 7:03 AM | No CommentsAngels are coming to Minnesota — at least that is the hope. The legislature is betting on the old Field of Dreams saying “If you build it, they will come” and hoping it will apply to angel investors and venture capital dollars over the next...
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Gathering ’round the Campfire
22 July 2010 12:29 PM | No CommentsLast Monday I became a parody of myself. I took to the woods with my ten-year-old son, accompanying six of his friends, and some of their parents to Scout Camp in Wisconsin. Our kids are Webelos, going into fifth grade. We joined around 100 other...
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Author Archive
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Social Media, what is it good for?
Posted on July 13, 2010 | 4 CommentsI have many friends and colleagues that will not participate in Social Media. I hear all their reasons and many are valid. But what if you use Twitter, Facebook and Linked In to connect people to the needs of their community? I am a Twitter... -
It’s OK if you do one thing at a time….really!
Posted on June 1, 2010 | No Comments“I didn’t meet anyone.” “I didn’t get any business leads.” “It wasn’t worth my time.” Those are some of the reasons I hear from people dissatisfied with a membership organization, professional development course or community program. If you joined a health club, but didn’t go,... -
I’m Making A List, And Checking It Twice….
Posted on April 21, 2010 | 4 CommentsHo hum, same names, same companies. That’s what I thought when I read the Twin Cities Business magazine’s “200 Minnesotans you should know”. I think I could have listed about 75% of the people mentioned without ever looking at the article. Are you a “usual... -
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
Posted on March 8, 2010 | 5 CommentsBreaking up is always hard to do. Besides personal relationships, most people have a messy “break-up” with a personal trainer, hair stylist or Facebook friend. But what happens when a relationship with a nonprofit runs its course? Some organizations have very strict rules for your... -
Do you have a “Plan B”?
Posted on February 4, 2010 | 2 CommentsA few weeks ago I had a shocking phone call while at work. It was my neighbor who in a very cheery, friendly voice said “just to let you know, the bus got here early so Tess is at our house”. Well that would have... -
Can the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Chambers of Commerce create “A Merger of Equals?”
Posted on January 20, 2010 | No CommentsDenver and Seattle have one. So does Atlanta, Boston and Charlotte. All these cities have succeeded in creating a single, effective business-lead organization that drives economic development and promotes regional leadership. Could the Minneapolis Regional and Saint Paul Area Chambers merge two successful Chambers into... -
To Merge or not to Merge. That is the Question.
Posted on December 28, 2009 | 6 CommentsLast week came the announcement that Kristofer Johnson was leaving his post as the President of the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce. Before their board goes on a lengthy search for a new president, I think both chambers need to seriously consider this question: is... -
The “Art” of the Ask
Posted on November 18, 2009 | 12 Comments“Have your year-end gift to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library DOUBLED on Give to the Max Day! “ “All donations to Teatro will be matched ($20 turns in $40) Wow! What a concept” “GIVE TO THE MAX DAY is here! All contributions... -
What kind of shoes walk into your meetings?
Posted on September 21, 2009 | 9 CommentsAs director of the Leadership Twin Cities program I enjoy all sorts of presentations on our region. Some focus on community issues, others on our business culture and our economic vitality. Curt Johnson, co-founder of CitiStates Group, is a perennial speaker to this group. He...
