One of the NDDC’s founders, Bardwell Smith, is Professor Emeritus of Religion and Asian Studies at Carleton College.  The organization has always had at least one board member from each of the colleges.  In addition, the NDDC has conducted annual outreach campaigns during major college events such as New Student Week, Family Weekend, Commencement Weekend, Reunion Weekend, and Homecoming Weekend.  Each year, the college presidents have been the NDDC’s guests at a Downtown Forum.  Finally, the organization has led or participated in many community projects that were powered by Carleton and/or St. Olaf College students.

The  NDDC’s relationship with Carleton and St. Olaf has not been solely focused on marketing the downtown to the college communities.  The organization has looked to the colleges for ideas and leadership, as well as time, talent, and “tithes”.  Increasingly, the NDDC has sought input from the colleges’ employees and students for clues in predicting and building downtown Northfield’s economic future.

The writers of Northfield’s 2006 Comprehensive Economic Development Plan confirmed the NDDC’s long-standing strategy.  Among the tactics cited in the plan were engaging the leadership of the colleges, connecting with current and former students, and reaching out to alumni entrepreneurs.  The NDDC has always been and will continue to be a leader within the local economic development community for these initiatives of college-community collaboration.

About two years ago, at the suggestion of St. Olaf College President David Anderson, and later with the added support of Carleton College President Steve Poskanzer, the NDDC began meeting regularly with key players at the colleges.  The goal was to broaden and deepen college-community collaborations for mutual benefit.

One of the new initiatives that this group developed was alumni entrepreneur recruitment.  In addition to promoting downtown Northfield as a marketplace, we wanted to promote it as a business location, particularly to the graduates of Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges. We introduced the concept for the first time at this year’s Homecoming Weekends.

It was just the “beta test” for a new tactic in this larger strategy.  Already, there are proposed changes to both the message and method.  However, we got it out there, as evidenced by this photo.

Photo courtesy of Griff Wigley.

From the very first session with Bill, the resulting Conceptual Diagram and Planning Considerations included east-west connections, the river, the “commons” (the central portion of our historic transportation network or the center section of Highway 3 between the railroad tracks and the river), the residential/commercial interface, key gateways, vistas, and developments, and “greening”.  It was kind of a view from 10,000 feet.

Subsequent sessions where more of a perspective from 100 feet.  The Framework Concepts and Framework Ideas focused on the Q Block, a river park, safe crossing, arts and the library, greening the commons (which was designated as a “Big Idea”), the northern gateway zone, Highway 3′s central section, the southern gateway zone, S. Water Street, 5th Street enhancement, 6th Street river access, and Bridge Square.

The group’s current focus is on taking the thoughts that have emerged to date and sharing their summary of these ideas with others, many of whom were involved in their generation in the first place and some for whom the Framework Plan thinking is new.  They are doing this over the next half year or so mostly through conversations with various local groups, boards, and commissions.

They are working on a website that will hopefully be launched sometime in November, but for now it’s probably best to contact Roundtable members.  Locally Grown’s Griff Wigley has helpfully posted their “slide show”: http://www.slideshare.net/griffinjay/northfield-frameworkplansept2011

The Roundtable is a group of Northfield citizens, inspired by a group of private investors in Holland, MI.  The Holland group secured private investment, land-banked property, and created a guiding vision for real estate development in their community.

The Northfield Roundtable was originally formed by Dave Van Wylen, Blake Abdella, and Rick Estenson.  The group has steadily grown over the past two years and now includes a baker’s dozen of prominent citizens.

The NDDC was founded in 2000 by Bardwell Smith (Carleton College), Brett Reese (Rebound Enterprises), Jim Braucher (Professional Design Group), and Keith Covey (two-time Mayor of Northfield).

The Downtown Forum is free and open to the public.  Coffee and cookies will be served.

The NDDC has been working collaboratively with Northfield’s Economic Development Authority to produce a downtown forum focused on the EDA’s proposed Northwest Business Park.

Members of the NDDC’s board and staff have been in discussion with the EDA’s board and staff for a number of weeks regarding this forum; the May 3rd deadline just proved to be too aggressive.

The NDDC and EDA envision this forum as consisting of a brief review of the essential details of the plan and then opening it up for discussion.  The focus is on sharing information, eliminating misinformation, identifying concerns, and answering questions.

The NDDC is confident that the Downtown Forum on the Business Park will be scheduled in the not-too-distant future, perhaps later in May.

Patrick simply loves Northfield.  He shaped his career path so that he and his family could live here.  He liked the natural beauty, the historic charm, and, in particular, the good schools.

He listed what he sees to be Northfield’s strongest assets: 1) Intellectual Capital, 2) the Cannon River, and 3) an Active Citizenry.  Patrick suggested that our political and economic strategies build on these assets and look for increasing the leverage from them.

Patrick warned that there are tough decisions to be made this year.  It won’t be easy trying to find a balance between services and taxes.  He believes that our assets should shape our prioritizations.

Suzie wants her kids to grow up with Midwest values.  That’s why she’s happy that her husband’s job brought their family to Northfield.  Suzie has been very active in building local groups including the Northfield Contra Dance Association and the Northfield Transit Initiative.

She’s worked in politics her whole life.  Suzie believes that politics draw from the well of individual motivation and that the political energy in Northfield is nourished by all the incredible people who live here.

Working both with community-created organizations and government-created organizations in Northfield, Suzie suggests that both types of group can contribute to our quality of life.  She looks for the potential to contribute, and collaborate, in all groups.

Patrick and Suzie believe that the current challenges that Northfield faces can be met by drawing upon the resource of our active and informed citizenry.  They argue that encouraging discussion, and even debate, is more effective than trying to limit it.  They acknowledged that sometimes we are going to disagree but that it’s just part of the process and we need to keep working together in spite of the disagreements.

They both advocate for more  unfiltered and unencumbered communication between the citizens and the councilors.  In particular, they proposed more direct communication between boards and commissions and the council, noting that reducing staff involvement will not only remove filters but lower the cost.  Patrick and Suzie stated that the boards and commissions should have a clear charge, the freedom to recommend, and pursue community-derived goals.

Patrick and Suzie closed their remarks with the recognition that when anxiety increases, relationships are often the first thing to go.  We need to accept the fact that we will disagree and make the commitment to keep talking.

Patrick is currently a Development Officer at Carleton College. He previously served as director of the Cannon River Watershed Partnership and Public Affairs Specialist for the Peace Corps, after serving as a volunteer in Thailand. Patrick is a former member of the Northfield Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo. Patrick, his wife Meaghan, and three children live in Northfield, and spend much time cooking together.

Suzie has served the Northfield community as a member of the Environmental Quality Commission, the Planning Commission and most recently as facilitator of the Northfield Grass Roots Transit Initiative. She previously worked in national political and non-profit campaigns including the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Centennial Celebration and the presidential campaign of U. S. Senator Bob Dole. Suzie is a graduate of Columbia University and is currently on leave from a doctoral program while raising two “above average” Minnesota kids with her husband Peter.

Patrick and Suzie spoke often during their campaigns of the significant challenges facing the City Council, while at the same time recognizing the unique opportunities available to the community of Northfield. Both of these new Councilors welcome direct, unfiltered discussion with the citizens of Northfield

The NDDC is a non-partisan, non-profit community organization dedicated to the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Northfield. The event is free and open to the public. As always, coffee and cookies will be served.

For more information, contact Executive Director Ross Currier at (507) 663-0319 or rcurrier@nddc.org.

Tim’s first job in city administration was in St. Louis Park, a suburb of Minneapolis.  However, his next three positions, Excelsior, Waseca, and Faribault, were in communities with historic downtowns.  He noted that it is an on-going struggle for these historic business districts to remain vibrant and vital.

He grew up in Washington, Pennsylvania, a town of about 15,000 near Pittsburgh,  working at his parents’ store on Main Street after school and on weekends.  Over the past thirty or so years, Tim has watched the impact of the changing economy on his hometown’s downtown.

Northfield is relatively fortunate, Tim believes.  Its downtown is in the top rank statewide in terms of economic viability.  However, he recognizes that it faces many of the same challenges as other older business districts.

Tim majored in history and his first job out of college was as a civics teacher.  He says that Northfield is an intense, dynamic community, with a high level of citizen involvement and many people of  strong opinions.  It is exactly the behavior that he encouraged in his students.   There is also greater volunteerism here than any other community he’s ever seen.  Facing the big challenge of large cuts in LGA, Tim sees this volunteerism as a potential resource.

He shared his preliminary goals as interim city administrator.  They are: 1) support the Mayor and City Council on policy and decision-making, 2) lead city employees to assure delivery of quality services to citizens, and 3) work with community groups to make Northfield a better place.

He noted that the City provides a very diverse range of services, including water and sewer, the public library, and police protection; and that this wide range of functions can make optimal performance challenging.  Tim will work with staff to have the City gain additional credibility in the community.  His goal is to have the City earn the same reputation for quality as other institutions in the community.

As for Northfield’s economy, Tim advocates recognizing the existing drivers: the Highway 3 commercial corridor, the industrial base, the two colleges, and the downtown.  He notes that Minnesota was once nationally recognized as a brainpower state.  He believes that Northfield has the the human and institutional infrastructure to be recognized as a brainpower town.

Tim suggested that the Crash is an opportunity for a paradigm shift.  For Northfield, that could mean a greater awareness of our existing economic assets, an increased focus on their priorities, and a renewed commitment to give them what they need.

Madigan, who replaced the departing Joel Walinski on September 3rd, has decades of experience in city administration, including cities with historic downtowns such as Excelsior, Waseca, and Faribault. In a meeting with the NDDC Board of directors last month, Madigan said that a city’s downtown can be the key driver behind the overall economic success of a community.

With a wealth of appropriate experience, Madigan could be the City Administrator who both values and nurtures Northfield’s historic, scenic and authentic downtown.  The NDDC Board of Directors urges downtown stakeholders to meet with Tim, hear his perspectives, and share their ideas in this open and constructive forum.

The NDDC is a non-partisan, non-profit community organization dedicated to the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Northfield. The event is free and open to the public. As always, coffee and cookies will be served.

For more information, contact Executive Director Ross Currier at (507) 663-0319 or rcurrier@nddc.org.

Steve grew up in Cortland, NY a college town that is also the namesake of a popular apple.  His father was both a college professor and a local politician and  Steve said that “town and gown” issues were common topics at the family dinner table.

He wanted to be a diplomat, specifically the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.  Identifying the common career path, he studied African Politics at Princeton and then went on to Harvard Law School.  He practiced law in the private sector for a number of years before moving into higher education, working 12 years in public colleges and 12 years in private colleges.

Steve has felt very welcomed by the Northfield community.  He notes that welcoming new people is not something we should take for granted.  In fact he believes that it can give us a competitive advantage in economic development.

There is much that is familiar to him in the Northfield and some things that are different.  In Cortland, of their three major employers, they had a Smith-Corona Typewriter factory that closed, a Mack Truck factory that moved first to South Carolina and then overseas, and the college, SUNY Cortland.  The loss of major employers, as well as the development of big boxes out on the highway, have greatly hurt Cortland’s downtown.  Steve noted that all of the out-of-town guests for his inauguration commented on the relative vitality of Northfield’s downtown.

Steve noted that colleges create jobs and good jobs.  In addition, they can be a magnet that draws people and businesses to the community.

Thoughtful and intentional efforts can increase this economic leverage, Steve suggested.  He offered to work with the NDDC to better connect the college to the economy, more vigorously promote the community to the world, and, something he believes is very important, help to rebuild that connection between the college and the community that was characteristic of an earlier era.

Finally, Steve noted that sometimes a college president can help “close the deal” with a business considering relocating to a community.  He said that if at all possible, he would make himself available at such critical moments.

Note: Carleton recorded President Poskanzer’s presentation at the NDDC Forum.  You can watch it here on the Carleton College website.

Poskanzer began active duty at Carleton on August 2, and was installed as Carleton’s 11th president on September 25. He comes to Carleton after serving for the past 12 years in the SUNY system, the New York state system of higher education that encompasses 64 campuses. Since 2001, he served as president of the SUNY-New Paltz campus.

Poskanzer is a native of upstate New York; he grew up in Cortland, New York (home of the Cortland apple and a community very similar in size and atmosphere to Northfield), where his father was a Distinguished Service Professor of Health Education at the SUNY-Cortland campus. He earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, later receiving his JD from the Harvard University School of Law.

Poskanzer recognizes the important relationship between the college and the community, noting, “We understand and value how the College’s and the Town’s futures are always linked.” He also believes it is important to “Be Local…Buy Local,” adding “Let’s all build a great future for our community by shopping locally, and taking full advantage of the cultural, historic, and recreational opportunities in our home town.” A college town “is the best place to live,” he believes, “a-nd I’m excited to get to know Northfield.”

Poskanzer is married to Dr. Jane Nofer Poskanzer, a clinical child psychologist who specializes in the diagnosis of autism and related disabilities. The Poskanzers have two children, Jill and Craig.

The NDDC is a non-partisan, non-profit community organization dedicated to the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Northfield. The event is free and open to the public. As always, coffee and cookies will be served.

For more information, contact Executive Director Ross Currier at (507) 663-0319 or rcurrier@nddc.org.