Business

Submitted by The River City Raven

I remember when I applied to college. Man, that wasn’t a fun exercise. So many decisions … so many forms … so many decisions.

If you’re involved in the application process — as a student, parent or staffer at one of the two esteemed colleges in our comely community — you might want to know that help is available. And that help is coming to town.

Author and educational consultant Steven Roy Goodman will appear at River City Books at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, to talk about his book College Admissions Together: It Takes a Family.

Carleton College will begin construction on two new residence halls on the southeast part of campus on Monday, May 12, with a goal of occupancy for September, 2009. The Northfield City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for the project in their May 5 meeting, clearing the way for construction of the $27.5 million halls to begin.

We've added Sweet Lou's Waffle Bar to the list of places that offer free Wifi access to its customers. 

If we've missed any, please let us know and we'll fix it ASAP.  Or, if you know of another list that would be valuable for Northfielders tell us that as well.

Northfield Dance Academy's Diamond Dancers won a Platinum award for their tap routine, "King of New York" at the Statewide Talent Competition on Sunday, April 27th! Platinum is the highest award given at this competition.

Competition dancers compete again this coming weekend at Minnesota Talent Search and Star Systems. Dancers also have a performance planned at the Northfield Retirement Center on Friday, May 9th at 7pm.

See our website for more information and summer class schedules and registration forms!

YMCA Day Camp Scholarships! Cocoa Bean Fundraiser - Send Kids to Camp!

This Saturday, purchase a tantalizingly delicious Hawaiian Shaved Ice and 50 cents will go towards a YMCA Day Camp scholarship fund to send kids from our community to camp.

"The weather might not know it's spring, but we sure do," said Virginia Kaczmarek, Executive Director of the Northfield Area Family YMCA, "Maybe if you enjoy a Cocoa Bean treat on Saturday - we'll coax mother nature into full (sustainable) bloom!"

While you are out enjoying the city-wide garage sale (supported by 5th Bridge), stop by for a quick treat. Proceeds will go towards a scholarship fund for kids in our community.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

A few days ago Elaine Thurston told me about the "decommissioning" of the Lansing Hardware store. She said: "Grateful customers, friends, neighbors, citizens will gather in the Lansing Hardware parking lot to help the mayor and David lock their doors for the last time. Bring picnic suppers if you will, but bring trash bags and brooms, too. There will be grills and music and a ceremony. Wednesday evening, April 30 from 6:00 to 9:00. The purpose: to celebrate their years of good service to Northfielders."

Get ready get set…. There is only one week left until Sweet Pea’s Loft opens Toys & Treats. There will be two great shops in one great location.

If you haven’t already seen the sign outside the Nutting Block building (220 Divsion St.) where the YMCA offices used to be, Toys & Treats is opening on May 1st.

Toys & Treats we will be featuring toys, candy, ice cream, pop, juice and water.

Stop in between May 1st–4th and enjoy 15% off at either Sweet Pea shop. Special surprise give away and lots of fun!

Just Food Co-op bills itself as a “Natural Food Market” but there’s a lot more to us than just being a place that sells something. The name of the store itself helps direct what the store sells, who we buy from, and how we treat employees and owner/customers. What goes on “behind the scenes” is what makes Just Food more than just a grocery store. And if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the “philosophy” behind this unique store, as well as its day-to-day operations, “Just Food, Inside and Out” is your opportunity to get answers to your questions.

Setting the Tone in Kitchens & Baths at

Olson Brothers Construction Model Home

2205 Carter Court

Northfield, MN 55057

Hosted by Northfield Kitchen Concepts and Three Pines.

Come join us at the model and enjoy an educated tour of the home. This spacious, well-designed one level townhome has all the upgrades at a fraction of the cost. Cherry cabinetry & granite countertops designed by Northfield Kitchen Concepts. Full basement, incredible master suite, hard wood floors, separate main floor laundry and a bright four-season porch that walks out to the generous cedar deck. Convenient location by parks and walking trails.

Cooking Presentation with Catherine at

Olson Brothers Construction

5990 110th St. E.

Learn how to make Classic Tortilla Soup!  MMMM...that sounds good

Also tour the "Builder's Dream Home"

This timeless custom home has every upgrade. Exotic hardwood floors, radiant tile flooring, custom mission style kitchen cabinetry by Northfield Kitchen Concepts, Corian countertops and sink, and Zodiaq island. Exterior features Hardy plank siding, Timberteck deck, concrete driveway and extensive landscaping. This exquisite rambler has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a 3-car heated garage. Situated on 1.10 wooded acres.

The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Northfield EDA present
MARKETING SEMINAR & WORKSHOPS

MARKETING SEMINAR, Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Northfield Golf Club. What does marketing mean and include, different aspects of marketing, the “Power of Brand”, building the foundation of a creative blueprint for each participating business. The presenter is Amy Kemmerer from Idea Outpost, a marketing and communications company from Red Wing. There is no seminar fee because the Northfield EDA has provided funding for the seminar; however, reservations are required, and can be made by contacting the Chamber office at 507-645-5604.

To help area residents protect their identities, First National Bank of Northfield will offer free document destruction on Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Northfielders are encouraged to bring confidential documents (financial statements, tax returns, canceled checks, legal records, credit card statements, etc.) to the bank’s South location, 1611 Honey Locust Drive in the south Highway 3 business district, for secure, on-site destruction and recycling.

First National CEO Dave Shumway said, “We hope all Northfield-area residents are able to take advantage of this free opportunity. In this day and age, identity theft and credit card fraud are real problems. Seeing documents shredded helps everyone rest easier.”

The Northfield Enterprise Center (NEC) and Latino Enterprise Center (LEC) will present two interactive workshops, one for people thinking of starting businesses, and another for experienced entrepreneurs. The first seminar, offered Saturday, April 19, is for those exploring opportunities to start businesses. It will help people plan businesses that meet their personal and professional needs -- while also meeting the needs of the marketplace, evaluate cash flow requirements and determine how to operate their enterprises. The seminar will be offered in English from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and in Spanish from 1 to 5 p.m.

A second seminar will be offered Wednesday, April 23, to teach business owners why existing businesses can strongly benefit from developing and updating business plans.

The Girl Scouts are renovated in several ways. Stop by the office 1025 North Highway 3 to see the beautiful, professional and organized looking office (renovation #1) today from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at 1025 North Highway 3. Newly appointed CEO Linda Keene will be there to share and discuss ideas on the future of Girl Scouts and how the organization can collaborate with businesses and non-profits in the community.

Louis Newman sent us a note about the Grand Re-Opening that he's having at his downtown waffle restaurant, Sweet Lou's, from today through Sunday.

Free coffee, 2-for-1 waffles, live music, and clowns are all part of the deal. You'll find all the information in the attached PDF.