Notes from April 21, 2006

Midtown Mornings

Return to Meeting Notes Next Steps

• MidTown, My Town concept discussion:

Important to create a MTMT "manifesto"; a quick statement of what this project is and is not (must be positive, not desperate). The "package" includes networks, outreach, collaboration, diversity, virtuality, community, past & future, quality, connected people and places, inclusive, your space/my space, ownership, emotional connection, openness, informal, etc.

This IS: a model for collaboration, honest, about participation, a conduit, personal, positive, a call to action, beyond the "bounds" of MT.

This IS NOT: a CDC, a bureaucracy, a campaign, solicitation, an ego trip, desperation.

• Jak Prints, now open in MidTown: Discuss rate sheet for area businesses. Discuss their potential involvement in helping launch the MTMT initiative, with the goal to produce static sticker, direct mail and promo. items through them.

MTMT Website:

• We discussed a website to promote and communicate MidTown, My Town. This site could, over time, serve multiple purposes including defining the objective and positioning of the MTMT initiative, promotional items info. and ordering, postcard downloads (and customization), community blog, calendar of events, directory, links to related blogs, wikis, sites, etc.

Why a website? To fuel a response and call to action. Jeff Friedman expressed an interest in working with NBP to develop the new MidTown, MyTown website. NBP's Mark and Mark met with Jeff this past Monday (4/24) to discuss possibilities. NBP has purchased/secured the following domains: midtownmytown.com and mymidtown.com. We prefer mymidtown.com, as it is much easier to recall.

• Business sponsorship of MTMT projects would allow businesses to customize the MTMT "logo" with an object that is representative of their business/interest.

MidTown Market

• open weekdays only (potentially more traffic, and a another way to differentiate from existing markets which open on weekends).

• 18,000 employees in MT

• Consider Heinen's prepared foods model

• Location: consider "Rose Alley" or "Rose Way" b/w Perkins and Payne (runs along 3635 lot)

• Gallucci's interest in becoming involved?

• Asian Market theme

• Combine artists with farmer's market

New MT Brewery

• What is the status? Discuss MT branded/packaged brews

Venture Capital

• We need funding for new initiatives. Will banks take a vested interest and match shareholder contributions? • Large banks are working desperately to act small, as clients demand greater service, accessibility, customized products and more user-friendly solutions. NBP met with Matt Salmon (Chester/40th branch manager) and Michael Lee (VP, Global Treasury Mgmt) on 4/26 to discuss opportunities. It seems like a logical fit for NCB to sponsor the MTMT website, especially if they can bring value-added services to area businesses (ie. points program, Stored value debit card (see below), "switch" packages, group benefits, etc.) Their local presence makes this significantly more attractive, and NCB has much to gain by continuing to build a strong local presence.

• Need to invite Scott Roulston of Fairport Asset Mgmt. to a session to discuss potential collaboration.

Cash/Debit Card

• NCB currently offers a card similar to the Privacash model, but potentially with more attractive benefits to cardholders. NCB is very interested in participating, and will provide more info. on this program. Matt Salmon will be present for the upcoming 4/28 MT Mornings session. Rather than (or in addition to) providing discounts to national retailers (ie. FedEx, GAP, Staples, etc.), we should consider negotiating deals with local businesses for discounts if the MTMT card is used, including businesses outside of MT.

Idea Engine

• Talk/model: Susan discussed the initiative involving Lexington youth. Can we get them to Cleveland to discuss opportunities and leverage their insight?

General

• Why MT? We need to educate audiences on all that is MT: centrally located, under 8 min. to the Clinic, Univ. Hospitals and CWRU; 20 min. from airport, eight major access points to interstate highway system, 8 minutes from Public Square, 2000 residents, 650 businesses with 18,000 employees, etc.. We need to confirm #'s. MTC should be able to provide current info.

• Hire Summer interns to conduct data research for the MT directory?