EDC Business Forums take place on the Third Thursday of the month (with the exception of the October event, which will be on the fourth Thursday – October 22) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at various locations in the East Downtown. Registration, networking and lunch starts at 11:30 a.m., with the EDC Update and guest presentations beginning at Noon.
2015-2016 Business Forum Series Brochure
September 17, 2015: East Downtown through the Eyes of the Minneapolis City Council
A conversation with the three Council Members of East Downtown regarding development, district identity, and economic aspirations.
October, 22, 2015: (SPECIAL DATE) Introducing Joseph Haj, New Artistic Director for the Guthrie Theater
The newly appointed Guthrie Theater Artistic Director Joseph Haj discussing a future vision for the Guthrie Theater’s programming and engagement with the broader community along with dialogue about Minnesota’s Creative Index and how the Guthrie will lead the way in accessibility and innovation in the arts.
November 19, 2015: 2025 Plan Focus on Ending Street Homelessness
This joint forum with Downtown Council members will feature Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District CEO Steve Cramer presenting along with key community leaders working on ending street homelessness in Downtown Minneapolis.
December 17, 2015: The Healing Presence of Human Services
A panel of leaders from non-profit health and human services organizations in East
Downtown describing the ways their work provides housing solutions for people of all
ages and incomes, restores individual lives, stabilizes neighborhoods and addresses
some of the systemic societal challenges of our time.
January 21, 2016: City Public Realm Framework and Downtown Service Area Master Plan for Parks: What They Are and Why They Matter
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Community Planning and Economic Development leadership unveil the new framework and services for downtown parks and the public realm.
February 18, 2016: 21st Century Security Matters at the 1010 Building
This forum will feature two guest experts in the area of security. Hamse Warfa is founder and principle of TAYO consulting, and will speak to how businesses on the West Bank and in the Somali community are engaging topics of security. Glenn Sanders is Protective Security Advisor for the Minnesota District of Homeland Security and will explore key topics such as Information sharing, business continuity in the face of disruptions, general preparedness, public and private partnerships in the realm of security, and resources that most people aren’t aware of.
March 17, 2016: Crossing the Goal Line: Stadium Completion at Open Book in the 2nd Floor Performance Hall
The Minnesota Sports Facility Authority and the Minnesota Vikings executive staff discussing the final phase of stadium construction leading to the grand opening.
April 21, 2016 (Annual Meeting): The Water Works Project – Culminating 30 years of Mill Ruins Park Riverfront Development at the Normandy Inn
May 19, 2016: The Rapid Growth of Housing and Hospitality in East Downtown at the Guthrie Theater Level 5 Cafe
Leaders from the development community and City staff discussing the now and future growth of housing and what it means to multiple economic indicators.
June 16, 2016: Growing the Minnesota workforce through new and innovative means – Joint event with the Minneapolis Downtown Council at North Central University
Hennepin County, Metropolitan Community Technical College, and regional voices speak to the new delivery systems for more people to have access to more job opportunities.
