Como Business Network

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The Como Business Network started in 2013 and meets quarterly to connect business owners/operators with each other for information and support.[/caption] By JAN WILLMS One of the biggest challenges for businesses in Como Park is that there is no downtown area and no business district. This has made it difficult for area merchants to connect and try to speak with one voice or exchange ideas, according to Ted Blank, District 10 Como Community Council’s administrator and coordinator. But with the advent of Como Business Network, businesses both large and small are finding an opportunity to connect. “We started meeting last year on a quarterly basis,” Blank explained. “We meet for breakfast at different venues, and it’s kind of like a mini-neighborhood Chamber of Commerce.” The number of people attending varies from 15 to 30, and represents both large neighborhood businesses as well as home-based businesses. “We have a lot of realtors, too,” Blank added. He said any business, either located in Como Park, or serving the Como Park neighborhood, is welcome. Meetings so far have been held at Black Bear Crossings, Lyngblomsten Care Center and the Como Park Grill. “The quarterly breakfast on Fridays seems to work well,” Blank said. “It’s hard for the smaller business owners to get away and meet more often.” He said the group has talked about a variety of initiatives so far, such as a neighborhood guide and business directory and business participation in community events. “We have discussed the aging population boom and what impact it will have on businesses,” he noted. “And we have also talked about what can make Como an attractive place for businesses.” He said District 10 has provided volunteer staff and support for the organization.

“We have mutual concerns, but these conversations don’t happen on their own.”

Shannon Parker, President Como Business Network

“This has been a new experience for District 10,” Blank said. “Business owners sometimes have different perspectives on things, and District Councils were designed to represent both neighborhoods and businesses, so we are keeping with our mission.” Shannon Parker, the manager of Corporate Engagement for Lyngblomsten, is serving as the president of Como Business Network. “It’s interesting how things come about through conversations in the community,” she said. “I was meeting with Ted and our director about the Lyngblomsten mid-summer festival, and we started talking about the Como Business Network. That conversation led to other opportunities, and Lyngblomsten agreed to be part of this organization with me as volunteer chair.” She said that since the care center is a major employer in the area, the staff felt a responsibility to bring neighborhood businesses together for conversation and support. “The purpose of the Como Business Network is to provide an opportunity for business people to network and build relationships and get to know who their business neighbors are. A lot of strength comes from that,” Parker said. “A lot of times we go to work and sit within our four walls,” she continued. “This lets us open doors and ask how are we similar? How are we different? How do we align on things? It is a way to build support in the Como neighborhood.” She said the meetings offer a chance for merchants to share ideas in a comfortable format. Feat9_14ComoBusAssoc2“At our July meeting, we had a discussion on what businesses are looking for. It was so interesting,” Parker said. “We have mutual concerns, but these conversations don’t happen on their own.” “For me, it has been a really nice chance to meet with others in the community where our paths have not crossed,” Parker added. “We can find different ways to support one another in the Como neighborhood.” This support is also important to Steve Finnegan, owner of Como Park Grill, who hosted the July Como Business Network. “I am hoping this will bring more information to the residents of Como Park,” he said, “and communicate how many businesses there are in the neighborhood.” He said he finds it helpful to talk with other business owners, learn about challenges they may have and how they have overcome them. “We all deal with the City of Saint Paul, which needs to be more business friendly,” he said. He sees the organization as an outlet in which businesses in the area can be more vocal and strengthen their voices when working with issues addressed by the City Council. “Como is a great neighborhood,” he affirmed. “We have a lot to offer: the zoo, the parks and the fairgrounds.” He hopes to see more businesses drawn to the area. The next meeting of the Como Business Network will be Friday, Oct. 24 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center, 1480 N. Snelling Ave.

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