Northfield Downtown Development Corporation

The NDDC’s new radio show, hosted by Board Member Joey Robison, debuted this week.  The first show focused on the Sixth Annual Taste of Northfield (Thursday, June 16th and Friday, June 17th).  Joey’s guests were Julie Bixby, Greg Brown, and Norman Bulter.

It seems only right that the locally-created community economic development organization would have a radio show on the locally-owned radio station.  Of course, it helps that station owner Jeff Johnson is an NDDC Board Member.

The show, brain-child of NDDC Board Member Jessica Paxton, has been incubating for months.  It will focus on topics that are important to downtown, as well as all of, Northfield.

If you missed the Saturday morning show, you can hear it through KYMN’s archives.  Here’s the link to the NDDC Radio Show on KYMN.  Enjoy the show and come on down(town) for the Taste of Northfield.

The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation (NDDC) is proud to present its Sixth Annual Taste of Northfield, Thursday and Friday, June 16 and 17, from 5 to 10 p.m. daily, in and around Bridge Square—located in the heart of historic downtown Northfield. Featuring delicious food and beverages, a beer and wine garden, fantastic live local music and entertainment, and fun for the whole family—this year’s Taste of Northfield promises a good time for everyone.
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Yeah, sometimes it seems like Northfield’s favorite food is alphabet soup.  But you gotta admit, it would’ve been hard to pass on that title for this post.

PAM, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, contacted the NDDC (the Northfield Downtown Development Corp.) a while back about hosting a tour of our historic district.  I think they started with us because of our almost two-year involvement in their effort to restore the national Main Street Program to Minnesota. (more…)

As Northfield nears the end of the 60-day comment period on the USPS concept to close the downtown postal facility, the NDDC, as convener of the Mayor’s Save Our Post Office Task Force (SOPO), thought it would be a good time to share an update with the public.

Two weeks ago. Congressman John Kline’s office got involved in the issue.  The congressional staff has been a much-appreciated addition of energy, ideas, and information to our efforts.  A conference call between the Washington office, the Minnesota office, City Administrator Tim Madigan, Councilor Suzie Nakasian, and NDDC staff led to a focused strategy for key next steps.

Last week, a letter from the City Council was sent to USPS Regional Director Anthony Williams requesting a postponement of the decision to consolidate so that an alternative plan could be developed.   At the suggestion of congressional staff advisors to this project , an accompanying Task Force letter was also sent to Mr. Williams indicating that our City’s SOPO Task Force is in negotiation with his USPS area representative on an alternative proposal that will reduce USPS operating costs while allowing them to maintain a downtown presence.

At Mr. Williams’ own verbal request to congressional staff members, our letter outlined the information we have requested to detail our alternative proposal.   Congressman Kline’s Office has sent an accompanying letter asking Mr. Williams to heed Northfield’s request.  As we await the USPS response, we will continue to develop our alternative proposal when we meet next week.

The Northfield City Council has been unanimous in its support of our efforts.  We have kept the staff of Senators Klobuchar and Franken informed.  Congressman Kline’s office is clear that they feel we are on the right course.

Please keep signing petitions and sending letters, for one more, long, weekend.  The fourth quarter is not the time to slacken our efforts.

Thank you for all your support.

Inspired by Washington State-based architect (and Roundtable advisor) Bill Johnson’s belief that the Cannon River is the “gem” of our community, a group of people (including NDDC representatives) have been meeting since November to talk about and plan for our river.  It seems that the more we learn, the more we need to explore. (more…)