FEBRUARY 26, 2013 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Ready for Rail - The Green Line

Posted by Charles H. Standfuss 
on Feb 26, 2013
 
The Business Resources Collaborative (BRC) is a partnership of business coalitions, nonprofit community developers and local and regional governments.  The Collaborative's Chairperson, Christopher Ferguson, told Club 10 how BRC mitigates the construction impact on the more than 700 businesses along the construction path of the Central Corridor Light Rail Line, now renamed "The Green Line."

Club 10 Business Report

President Dan McKeown brought the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. on a winter Tuesday in downtown Saint Paul.  A moment of silence was observed for former Club 10 member and president Bill Whitaker (father of member Chuck Whitaker).  Jerry Faletti led the assembled Rotarians in singing My Country 'Tis of Thee (a capella).  Blake Davis provided today's invocation invoking the writings of Sigurd Olson with reflections on "alive-ness," the Northwoods and the BWCA.  Rusty Seltz facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests.  Today's Greeters were Annette Kuyper and Deb Vos.

Steve Gerber noted that there will be a planning meeting for Camp RYLA this coming Thursday evening at the Boy Scouts Council Basecamp at ImageFort Snelling.  Camp RYLA will need volunteer drivers to get campers to camp and also from the Rotary luncheon to their homes, so please watch for the appeal for volunteers in the future.  

Mindee Kastelic introduced new member Carley Stuber of the Minnesota Children's Museum.  

ImageJerry Faletti awarded Paul Harris Fellowships to Linda Mulhern and Andy Currie.  Sarah Kolar collected Happy Dollars.

Mary Ellen Reishsen introduced Christopher Ferguson, Chair of the the Business Resources Collaborative (BRC), a partnership of business coalitions, nonprofit community developers and local and regional governments formed to mitigate the construction impact on the more than 700 businesses along the construction path of the Central Corridor Light Rail Line.  Mr. Ferguson also owns a Dairy Queen franchise and is a member of the Stadium Village Business Association in Minneapolis.  The effort which became the BRC was started by the City of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce.  Construction of the Central Corridor Light Rail line began in Lowertown in 2009.  Since that time, 85 businesses were lost in the blocks adjacent to the Central Corridor.  During the same time, 80 to 85 new businesses have been gained.  The BRC's primary strategy has been to provide information, tools, training and assistance to encourage businesses to prepare for construction and be in a position to thrive once the line begins operation just before the Major League All Star Game in 2014.

Mr. Ferguson described the business survival plan supported by District Councils, the Chambers of Commerce and many smaller efforts that added together, made a difference in keeping many businesses in operation.  The forgiveable loan program provided $20,000 per business to get establishments through the lean times.  Long range goals are to maximize the potential to create jobs with living wages in the corridor and target the creation of skilled jobs.  Community meetings will be used to develop broad community support.  The BRC is also hoping to create a $50 million Growth Fund that can be used to provide money to foster new business growth.  The BRC would like the Corridor to be viewed as a place for "onshoring" where jobs that had located to India, China and Vietnam could return to American workers.  The BRC believes that the community effort to accomplish this begins with K to 12 education and the development of a culture that develops entrepreneurs.  Mr. Ferguson believes that committed business leaders will achieve these goals.

President Dan thanked Mr. Ferguson for his remarks and noted that a donation in his name would be made to the Saint Paul Public Library's "Read With Me" program. President Dan adjourned the meeting at 1:32 p.m.

ImageChuck Standfuss, Scribe