SPUR offers lots of amenities for Northfield entrepreneurs
With Northfield struggling to create a friendlier business climate, the recent opening of a business incubator may be just the ticket. SPUR opened it’s doors in late July. It’s a coworking center which offers a variety of services. Launched by the Northfield Enterprise Center, Executive Director, Meghan Tsui explains that Northfield is a city of entrepreneurs. The SPUR environment offers all the amenities of a business office including work spaces, a conference room, WiFi, a networked copier/printer/scanner, mailboxes, coffee and “lunch-and-learn” sessions with business coaches. But it also provides a place for like minded people to talk, generate ideas and share the challenges and victories of owning your own business. They’re currently open 9 to 5, however there are different membership levels that can allow you access 24/7. The first day you choose to work there, it’s free. You can then become a member. The space can fit 25 workers at once, they also have conference rooms. She says the space is flexible. The program is funded by the EDA with a 100% matching grant received from SMIF, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund. The hope is that SPUR will become self sustaining. For more information go to their website northfieldspur.com. Tsui says the NEC will also be forming a business task force this Fall to seek out ideas to further enhance Northfield’s business climate. They would love to have many voices to offer opinions. If you’re interested in being a part of the task force, call the NEC at 507-649-1810
HRA meeting archived online
The HRA met last night. Part of their agenda was the initial planning of the Veterans Park project with Jenny Larson. Members will also reviewed their work session with City Council. Issues surrounding the manufactured homes parks and working collaboratively with the council were discussed. And finally they reviewed the Rice County HRA presentation of the Housing Study. the meeting is archived online at kymnradio.net.
Social Services committee formed but not without resistance
Rice County Commissioner Galen Malecha proposed a Social Services committee Tuesday morning during the commissioners regular meeting. The county was facing state sanctions due to their inability to fulfill their state mandated obligation to vet all the applications for services such as food and medical. Earlier this year, the committee approved hiring 2 workers to sift through the applications when 4 were recommended by staff. Issues remain which is why Malecha proposed forming the committee. It was met with resistance to say the least. According to the Faribault Daily News, Commissioner Steve Bauer flat out refused to serve on the proposed Social Services committee. Malecha then focused on Commissioner Jake Gillen who reportedly grumbled while remaining silent. It took more than 20 minutes of debate but Malecha got his committee. He and Gillen will serve alongside assorted staff. Learning — in detail — about the complexity and cost of the Social Services system was the motivating factor for Malecha to suggest the committee.
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