Buzz

Locations from 70s-era 'Mary Tyler Moore Show get a nod in new book

WCCO Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A recent WCCO story describes New York-based author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s book, Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted, which centers on the “Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

The 1970s TV show was set in Minneapolis.

In researching the book, Armstrong looked at a handful of places seen in the show. For example, Kowalski’s on Hennepin Avenue is where Mary shops for groceries. “The neighborhood overall also made sense for Mary, a young and single urbanite, as the Uptown area developed into an artsy enclave,” the book states.

When Moore tossed her beret into the air at 7th and Nicollet, which is marked by a statue of her character, “director Reza Badiyi captured the moment for what would become one of the most indelible TV credit sequences of all time.”

Minneapolis deemed one of the best sports cities

NerdWallet Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Minneapolis is a good place for anyone who’s into sports, according to the financial literacy website NerdWallet.

The website examined cities across the country, evaluating them on what sports are represented, attendance at games, ticket prices, and local sports culture.

By its criteria, Minneapolis came in in sixth place, after Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and San Francisco.

The article cites reasonably priced tickets and the fact that teams like the Vikings and the Wild, which recently went to the playoffs, have generated a lot of enthusiasm from fans.

When the Vikings play their “archrival,” the Green Bay Packers, “thousands brave the bitter cold to tailgate before these games in mid-winter.”

Minnesota has also been called the State of Hockey, “which locals make clear with attendance at Wild games over 100% this season,” the article states.

Soon, Minneapolis will host the 2014 MLB All-Star game, when the Midsummer Classic visits Target Field, it adds.

Report shows rise in Minnesota tech venture funding

TECHdotMN Wednesday, May 15, 2013

At least 24 Minnesota tech ventures raised in excess of $28 million in the first quarter of the year, according to a report from local technology site TECHdotMN.

Analyzing data from January 1 to March 31, the site compiled data from multiple sources, and noted that actual numbers are estimated to be at least 20 percent higher, based on information from investors who couldn't disclose their investment activity publicly.

In comparison, 24 companies in the same quarter last year raised $58.6 million, and while this might seem like this year is a decline in tech venture funding, last year's total was skewed by a single deal for Code 42 Software worth $52.5 million. When that deal is removed from consideration, it shows a significant rise in funding overall for tech in the state.

Two local enterprises on fastest-growing, women-led companies list

Women Presidents' Organization Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Women Presidents' Organization, a peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million-dollar companies, released its annual list of "Top 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies," and two Minnesota enterprises made the ranks.

Coming in at number 25 is Burnsville-based Innovative Office Solutions, led by Jennifer Smith, and at number 45 is Bloomington-based eCapital Advisors, helmed by Lisa David.

The organization noted that the top 50 generated a combined total of $3.2 billion in 2012 revenues and collectively employed 24,000 people.

To be eligible for the list, companies had to be women-owned or led, privately owned, and must have reached revenues of $2 million by the end of 2012. Marsha Firestone, the organization's president, noted that this year's list is the most diverse ranking ever, with 20 states represented, and companies ranging from precious metal dealers to food service distributors.

Minneapolis ranked one of "10 Best Locavore Cities"

The Daily Meal Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Food and drink website The Daily Meal recently ran a feature called "The 10 Best Locavore Cities in America Right Now," and Minneapolis landed at number eight.

Each city's listing showcases a restaurant that represents a commitment to locavores (those who seek out only locally sourced food). For Minneapolis, Corner Table got the nod.

"Minneapolis has come into its own as a food city, and Corner Table epitomizes the town's focus on fresh and friendly Midwestern cuisine," the article notes, before praising the restaurant's globally inspired dishes and seasonal tasting menus.

To come up with the list, editors at the site looked at which cities had the most restaurants known for serving locally sourced ingredients. Coming in at the top of the list is Asheville, North Carolina.

First Avenue lands on best music venues list

Rolling Stone Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Rolling Stone magazine recently identified the country's top 10 music venues, which it called "The Best Big Rooms in America."

First Avenue in Minneapolis came in at number three on the list, with a major nod toward hometown musician Prince. "Throughout the Eighties, he and the Revolution were sort of the house band here--you can see it all in the famous concert scenes in Purple Rain," the article noted.

The club was also a key staging ground for the city's punk-and-hardcore scene, the article continued, noting that bands like the Replacements, Hüsker Dü, and Soul Asylum got their start on First Avenue's no-frills stages.

The top two "best big rooms," according to Rolling Stone, are 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and The Fillmore in San Francisco.

Earth Policy piece highlights Twin Cities' Nice Ride

Earth Policy Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Earth Policy describes various bike-sharing programs around the world in a recent post.

The post mentions Nice Ride, the bike-sharing program in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which is the second largest in the U.S. Nice Ride has 1,550 bikes at 170 stations, it states. Capital Bikeshare, which serves the Washington, D.C. area, is the biggest, with more than 1,800 bikes at 200 stations,the piece notes.

Bike-sharing programs are popping up more and more, these days. “Forward-thinking cities are turning back to the humble bicycle as a way to enhance mobility, alleviate automotive congestion, reduce air pollution, boost health, support local businesses, and attract more young people,” according to the article.

Bike-sharing systems “are being embraced by a growing number of people in the urbanizing world who are starting to view car ownership as more of a hassle than a rite of passage.”

'Wits' gets national stage

KARE 11 Wednesday, May 08, 2013

The locally produced comedy variety show “Wits” has made it to the next level.

A number of other National Public Radio stations are picking up the MPR show, which is recorded live at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul, Kare11 reports.

“Wits” includes such well-known talent as singer Rufus Wainright and “30 Rock” alum Kristen Schall, the story states.

The show’s senior producer, Larissa Anderson, describes the winning formula for “Wits,” which mixes improv, comedy, music, and theater: "It's comedy, it's music, it's surprises; and sometimes things go off the rails, and we love it when that happens,” she says.

Minneapolis on list of best cities to start a business

NerdWallet Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Personal finance website NerdWallet celebrated May's designation as Small Business Month with a report on "Best Cities to Start a Business," and Minneapolis landed on its list of top 10 cities in the nation.

Coming in at number eight, Minneapolis was lauded for strength in healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services, and was called "a growing hotspot for startups and small businesses."

The city has a very low unemployment rate of 6.3 percent, the article noted, and a highly educated population. Minneapolis business resources got a nod, including technology group MHTA, nonprofit community development association MCCD, and technical assistance groups funded by the city.

The site calculated the results based on ease of obtaining funding, business-friendly resources, local economic indicators, hiring, and affordable living. The top three cities, according to NerdWallet, are Atlanta, Raleigh, and Austin.

Food site highlights dining at Twin Cities museums

The Daily Meal Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Food and drink website The Daily Meal recently ran an article about dining options at Twin Cities museums, highlighting three major local museums.

Although the article is titled "Minneapolis' Best Museum Food," one of the entries is Cafe Minnesota at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. The article notes that the cafe highlights sustainable, local ingredients, and offers self-service dining with a grill and an array of entrees.

Another notable museum dining experience, according to the site, is FIKA at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The Nordic-inspired cafe serves a seasonally inspired menu dedicated to regional ingredients, which includes smoked sturgeon with pickled beets.

The third highlight is the Walker Art Center's Gather restaurant, which also focuses on locally sourced ingredients for its globally inspired dishes.

The article notes, "As we know at The Daily Meal, a key part of any traveling experience is the food. Although food service at a museum might not be the establishment's first priority, many do cater to their guests' appetites, and they do it well."

Andrew Zimmern collaborates on food truck

Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal Wednesday, May 01, 2013

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that a Minnesota lawyer, John Levy, is teaming up with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern on an Arizona food truck.

Levy leads the new Minnesota Food Truck Association.

The story quotes Levy as saying, “Through my friendship with Andrew and my experience as a business lawyer, I thought it would be cool on the side to have an interest in a food truck.”

Minneapolitans to get creative with The deVine Film Fest

deVine Film Fest Wednesday, May 01, 2013

The deVine Film Fest, which runs June 23, features six-second videos made by locals with the Vine app.

The film fest is a part of Comedy Corner Underground, which hosts an open mic night.

Right now, the group is accepting submissions for the film fest.

On the fest’s website, founder Andy Erikson writes, “My friends and I have loved using the Vine app immensely, and wanted a way to showcase the six-second videos made by local Minneapolis comedians and artists.”

At the film fest, the best submissions will be played several times. “There will be prizes and also some standup comedy planned for the evening. The best part is, you don’t have to be from Minneapolis to submit, nor do you have to be a trained filmmaker,” the website states.

Study gives Minnesota a high grade for small-business friendliness

Thumbtack.com Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Online service Thumbtack.com, in partnership with the entrepreneurship organization Kauffman Foundation, conducted its second annual study about business friendliness, compiling survey results from over 7,000 small business owners throughout the United States.

Minnesota received a grade of "A-" in the study, showing marked improvement over its "B" grade in 2012. Survey respondents gave high grades to the ease of starting a business in the state and overall friendliness. Zoning and training programs both received lower scores of "B-."

In terms of areas for improvement, the state's small business owners gave the state a "D+" for ease of hiring and a "C+" for regulatory issues like health and safety and the tax code.

The site also includes some comments from survey respondents, highlighting both advantages and challenges for small businesses in the state. For example, the owner of a moving company in St. Paul complained that "workman's comp in Minnesota is extremely brutal," while an entrepreneur in Cottage Grove noted: "This is a great place to start a business."

MSP International on list of world's top airports

Skytrax Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport made the "World's Top 100 Airports" list, compiled by travel research firm Skytrax.

Coming in at number 71, down from 65th last year, the local airport is one of only 15 U.S. airports to make the list. The highest-ranked in the U.S. is Denver International Airport, at number 36.

Skytrax identified Singapore's Changi Airport, South Korea's Incheon International Airport, and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport as the top three airports in the world.

The firm came up with its rankings through surveys filled out by over 12 million airline passengers over a nine-month period. The questionnaires covered almost 400 airports and asked respondents to rate aspects of service and performance, such as dining options, security procedures, baggage delivery, and cleanliness.

Local baker to be recognized as small business person of the year

Star Tribune Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Next month, Peter Kelsey of the New French Bakery will be honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the Small Business Person of the Year for Minnesota, according to the Star Tribune.

Kelsey, who started out modestly in 1997, “credits his success to hard work, luck and the SBA,” the story states.

In the past, he ran a small shop in the Warehouse District. “Kelsey believed bread could trump booze and a hard-rock joint,” but he needed the money to make it happen, the story states.

Luckily, others believed in him and the New French Bakery grew into the 400-person operation it is today, according to the story.

John Rimarcik, a Minneapolis restaurateur, is quoted in the story, saying that Kelsey "is just driven to be one of the best bread bakers in the United States."

Twin Cities strong in 'wallet wellness'

Pioneer Press Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Twin Cities is in first place in the area of “wallet wellness,” according to an online company that compares credit cards, the Pioneer Press reports.

The company defines “wallet wellness” cities as those that “lead to a financially satisfying, low-stress lifestyle,” the story reads.

To evaluate the country’s 30 major cities, the company examined “factors such as rate of job growth, cost of living and average commute time. CardHub.com listed the Twin Cities above second- and third-place finishers Houston and Dallas,” the story states.

Minneapolis named one of the "nerdiest" cities in the country

Movoto Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Given the importance of science and technology in every aspect of social and professional life, being a nerd is a great thing, and it appears that Minneapolis has plenty of that greatness.

Real estate site Movoto recently released a list of "nerdiest" cities in the country, and found Minneapolis to be the 5th nerdiest, after Atlanta, Portland, Seattle, and Sacramento. Rounding out the top ten were Boston, Las Vegas, Miami, San Jose, and Denver.

The site created the ranking by measuring the number of science museums and computer stores in each city, as well as comic book stores, video game stores, and sci-fi/fantasy conventions. Even distance to a Renaissance faire was a factor.

In his blog post, survey author Randy Nelson noted that these cities are "Nerdvana" and that when nerds eventually take over the world, their new capital will be Atlanta.

Three Minnesota breweries land on association's top 50 list

Brewers Association Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Twin Cities brewery boom isn't going unnoticed.

Brewers Association, a craft beer organization, has released its annual list of the top 50 brewing companies in the U.S., based on 2012 beer sales volume.

Three Minnesota breweries appeared on the list: Summit Brewing Co., Cold Spring Brewing Co., and August Schell Brewing Co. Topping the craft beer list is Boston Beer Co.

Last year, craft beers took just over six percent of the total beer market, with record sales, noted Brewers Association director Paul Gatza.

In releasing the association's top brewing companies list, he noted: "Increasingly, beer lovers are turning to craft brewed beer from small and independent producers to satisfy their thirst for bold, innovative and flavor-forward beers."

New York Times story shows how local American Indians are shaping the area

New York Times Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A recent New York Times story titled “Quietly, Indians Reshape Cities and Reservations,” shows the impact of American Indians in Minneapolis and other major U.S. cities.

In recent years, there’s been a “largely unnoticed mass migration of American Indians, whose move to urban centers over the past several decades has fundamentally changed both reservations and cities,” it reads.

Despite major challenges such as poverty, “many view Minneapolis as a symbol of progress.”

That is, in Minneapolis, the Indian population is “more integrated than in most other metropolitan areas, and there are social services and legal and job training programs specifically focused on them.”

Also, the city also has several Native American leaders,the story states.

Star Tribune nabs two Pulitzers

Star Tribune Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Star Tribune picked up two Pulitzer Prizes on Monday for local reporting and editorial cartooning, the newspaper reports.

The story goes on to say that Brad Schrade, Jeremy Olson, and Glenn Howatt won the reporting honor for their “powerful series of reports on the spike in infant deaths at poorly regulated day-care homes, resulting in legislative action to strengthen rules.,,,Since the series ran, the number of deaths at day cares has dropped dramatically.”

Steve Sack, an editorial cartoonist, won for his “diverse collection of cartoons, using an original style and clever ideas to drive home his unmistakable point of view,” the story reads.

Study shows Minnesotans becoming more connected to mobile tech

Connect Minnesota Wednesday, April 10, 2013

St. Paul-based public-private partnership Connect Minnesota recently released data from a series of residential technology assessments in the state, and found that approximately 2.1 million adults use the Internet on their cell phones or subscribe to a mobile wireless service for a laptop or tablet computer. That usage represents 51 percent of Minnesota's adult residents.

The survey was conducted to support the organization's efforts to close Minnesota's digital gap. Connect Minnesota explores the barriers to broadband adoption among various demographics as a way to boost more Internet usage.

Connect Minnesota State Program Manager Bill Hoffman noted that the research shows that mobile broadband plays an ever-increasing role in how Minnesotans get online. A previous study showed that only 39 percent of the state's adults used a mobile Internet service.

"As we look ahead, I think mobile broadband will continue to be an integral part of Minnesota's broadband landscape," Hoffman stated.

Artropolis on list of country's best web design firms

10 Best Design Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Design review firm 10 Best Design recently released its ranking of the country's top web design companies, and Minneapolis-based Artropolis won a spot on the list.

Coming in at number eight, Artopolis specializes in driving visitor purchases on e-commerce websites. Featured work on the 10 Best Design site included sites for temporary staffing firm Current Temp and restaurant company Big Thrill Factory.

10 Best Design evaluated firms based on multiple variables within its proprietary analytics system. The top three agencies were The Creative Momentum in Atlanta, Kohactive in Chicago, and Vento Solutions in New York.

Local music venues host bands before they get big

City Pages Wednesday, April 10, 2013

City Pages has compiled a list of the top local clubs "to see bands before they break big."

"We are truly fortunate to have plenty of intimate rooms here in the Twin Cities, where local and national bands alike can find their footing in a live setting while building a solid reputation within the Minnesota music community--a rep that will follow them as they return to the area to play bigger clubs to match their rising profile," the story reads.

The Triple Rock Social Club, Turf Club and 7th St. Entry are among the most-established venues for seeing artists that have gone on to play for bigger audiences.

But the list also includes some new clubs, like the Icehouse in Minneapolis and the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul. The Amsterdam has already "seen its fair share of breakout acts, including Cloud Nothings' rousing first local performance...and the emergence of the Girls Got Rhythm Festival."

Gallup survey shows Twin Cities a top place for safety

Star Tribune Wednesday, April 10, 2013

A recent Gallup survey shows that Twin Citians "have the highest sense of personal security among Americans living in the nation’s top metro areas," the Star Tribune reports.

Of those interviewed, 80 percent of locals responded that they feel comfortable walking around at night.

That's a couple of points ahead of Denver and Raleigh, N.C., while the national average is 72 percent.

The results are compiled as a part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the Star Tribune story reads.

Four Minneapolis eateries on list of most popular restaurant bars

Urbanspoon Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Online restaurant reservation website Urbanspoon singled out the country's most popular restaurant bars and four Minneapolis eateries landed on the list.

Bar La Grassa, 112 Eatery, George and Dragon, and Tilia were included on the list of 200 popular U.S. restaurant bars.

Urbanspoon included selections from 101 cities across 33 states, and selected the most popular based on reviews from food critics, bloggers, and Urbanspoon users. Florida claimed the most spots on the list with 31 entries, while Ohio and Missouri rounded out the top three.

In addition to selecting specific restaurant bars, Urbanspoon also noted a few trends in its results. Beer proved to be a defining feature for a number of the bars chosen, and on the liquor side, restaurants that offer specialty cocktails and house-infused spirits tended to get a place on the list.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International named a kid-friendly airport

TravelNerd Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Travel research site TravelNerd recently noted that airports are increasingly providing kid-friendly amenities to appeal to a range of travelers, and released the results of a study that highlighted the best and worst airports for kids.

Based on the number of nurseries and play areas, as well as kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis-St. Paul made the top 10, squeaking in at number nine, just ahead of Seattle-Tacoma.

"In honor of the creator of Snoopy, a Minnesota native, there is a Snoopy statue in Terminal 1 near one of two kid play areas," the article notes about the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. "To feed the baby, head to Terminal 1 Concourse C for a private mothers room. P.S. If you forgot extra diapers, a pacifier or sippy cup, there is a vending machine with kid essentials in Terminal 1’s kid play area."

The top three airports for kid-friendly amenities are San Francisco, Portland, and San Jose. Dubbed the worst airports for kids are Atlanta, Denver, and JFK.

St. Paul grocer nabs cover of Wells Fargo annual report

Wells Fargo Wednesday, April 03, 2013

A St. Paul grocer landed on the cover of Wells Fargo & Company’s recently released 2012 annual report.

The annual report leads with an anecdote about Shua Xiong, owner of Golden Harvest Foods, and his conversation with a banker. Eventually, Wells Fargo helped to finance the store’s remodeling project.

Conversations like this “are also a beginning because they often lead to something more. A deeper relationship. A great idea. A way to solve a problem. That happened over the course of their relationship,” when banker Abby Ward recommended treasury management and equipment finance services to Xiong, the report states.

“Relationships like these are a Wells Fargo staple because they help our customers succeed financially," the report adds.

St. Paul school lunch program is ahead of the curve

Pioneer Press Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Efforts in St. Paul schools to serve nutritious lunches are getting props on a national level, according to the Pioneer Press.

On March 26, an official delegation comprising state and federal representatives dropped by Crossroads Elementary to see it in action.

The delegation wanted “to learn more about the district's all-out health-food kick and its bid to get a head start on stricter federal school lunch rules, announced earlier this year,” the story states.

New USDA guidelines require schools receiving federal funding to cut down on sodium and boost whole grains, an area where St. Paul schools are ahead of the curve, according to the story.

Target, Best Buy land on Best Retail Brands report

Interbrand Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Brand consulting firm Interbrand recently released its annual list of "Best Retail Brands" in the nation, and Minnesota-based Target and Best Buy both found a spot.

Target was second on the list, just behind Walmart. The retailer's sales and revenue grew last year, and store remodels helped to freshen some locations. Also, the first City Targets opened in three cities, and many retail analysts praised the move as a new approach that could impact Target's future operations.

Best Buy ranked at number 13 on the list, and showed a steep decline in "brand value" as defined by Interbrand. In the past five years of the Interbrand list, Best Buy has usually made the top 10, and this is the first time it's dropped below that higher ranking.

Other companies in the top 10 include The Home Depot, Amazon.com, CVS, Coach, Walgreens, Sam's Club, eBay, and Nordstrom.

"Most Trustworthy Companies" list features three Minnesota companies

Forbes Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Business magazine Forbes released its ranking of "America's 100 Most Trustworthy Companies" and three Minnesota companies made the list: Hawkins, Apogee Enterprises, and Patterson Companies.

The magazine rated U.S. companies using AGR scores, a statistical method that links accounting reports with financial statements and governance to detect any fraudulent activity. Companies on the list also show positive forecasts for equity returns, and don't have any SEC enforcement actions pending. The analyst firm that provided the rankings, GMI Ratings, noted that 60 different governance and forensic accounting measures were used.

The companies on the list have "consistently demonstrated transparent and conservative accounting practices and solid corporate governance and management," Forbes noted. "They do not play games with revenue and expense recognition, or with asset valuation."

Twin Cities chefs in the running for James Beard awards

vita.mn Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Last week, the James Beard Foundation released the names of the nominees in its various chef and restaurant award categories, in Charleston, S.C., Vita.MN reports.

Jack Riebel, the chef and co-owner of Butcher and the Boar in downtown Minneapolis, is up for best chef at these “Oscars of the food world,” according to Vita.MN.

Riebel used to work at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant in Minneapolis and La Belle Vie in Stillwater, the story states.

Michelle Gayer, the chef and owner of the Salty Tart, who’s been nominated for outstanding pastry chef before, is a candidate for regional best chef.

Local musicians up for independent music awards

The Current Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Current blog has a recent post about Minnesotans in the running for a couple of Independent Music Awards, in which individual songs are judged by a group of well-known artists.

Sleep Study, a pop quartet, is up for an award in the Indie/Alt. Rock category for “Flower Song,” which the post describes as “a lo-fi, driving ’70s pop cut off their debut full-length, 2012′s Nothing Can Destroy.”

Secondly, Minnesota Remembers Vic Chesnutt, a compilation, is a nominee in the Tribute Album category. Luke Redfield, a Duluth songwriter, led the project, which nonprofit Rock the Cause released. It features covers of Chesnutt songs by local performers, including Dan Wilson, Haley Bonar, Dave Simonett, and Charlie Parr.

The results of the contest will be tallied up later this summer.