Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com
Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/democracy
Tel/Text: +1.612.234.7072
Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/democracy
Tel/Text: +1.612.234.7072
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <<email obscured>>
Date: Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Subject: Resources: News from Latino Economic Develoment Center - October
2012
To: <email obscured>
**
Subject: News from LEDC October 2012 Date: 10/9/2012 3:11:43 P.M.
Central Daylight Time From: <email obscured>
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*In This Issue* MERA MN in Action Da De Los Muertos Agua Gorda
Cooperative Harvest Business Spotlights Micro-entrepreneurship
Training. Construction
Course Social Media Training MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and
Responsibilities Orientations for Beginner Farmer Rancher Program
LEDC Newsletter
October 2012 *Dear Larry,*
The fall harvest serves as an appropriate metaphor for this issue's topics.
In this issue you'll read about the bounty of LEDC's work with an
agricultural cooperative in the Long Prairie/Staples area; the results of
helping Latino-owned businesses start up and grow; and, the fruit of months
of organizing to help restaurateurs amplify their collective voice and
exercise their collective purchasing power. To continue with the metaphor,
LEDC, through its training, is planting seeds so Latinos have greater
opportunities in farming, construction and as upstart entrepreneurs. We
invite you to read the brief columns below and contact us with your
thoughts, support or referrals.
*MERA MN in Action**
*
It's been about a year since the formation of the *Mexican Restaurant
Association of Minnesota (MERA MN)*. Brought together by a vision to
exercise collective purchasing power and to promote Mexican culture through
food, *MERA MN* is working with* LEDC* and the *Mexican Consulate's St. Paul
* office to connect with Latino-owned agricultural cooperatives in
Minnesota and Mexico. By uniting and creating a purchasing block,
*MERA MN*members are positioning themselves to do business and support
start-up
*Latino farmers in Minnesota* and farmers from *MERA MN* members' hometowns
in Mexico.
This fall,* MERA MN* is co-sponsoring its first event by supporting a
week-long series of *Da de los Muertos* activities at the market. Members
of MERA MN will also host and participate in a training to learn how to
better reach and gain customers through social media.
*LEDC, MERA MN*, and other partners will continue to work together to bring
Mexico's culinary heritage to Minnesota and build an economic model in
which Mexican restaurant owners can boost economic development in
communities through their collective economic power as entrepreneurs,
workers, and consumers.
*Da De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival *
This year the Mexican Restaurants Association of Minnesota (MERA MN), the
Consulate of Mexico in St. Paul, the *Latino Economic Development Center*,
the *Midtown Global Market*, Mercado Central and El Colegio are hosting a *Da
De Los Muertos Festival*. Da De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday
celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world on November 1st. The
holiday brings together people to pray for and remember friends and family
members who have passed on. Traditions connected with the holiday include
building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls,
marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Family and
friends visit the graves with these gifts and also leave possessions of the
deceased. This year, the *Da De Los Muertos* Festival will take place at
Midtown Global Market, Mercado Central and *El Colegio* from October 28th
through November 3rd. This week of celebrations will include live music,
free food and beverage samples, *Da De Los Muertos* traditions with local
artist Tina Tavera, skull mask decorating for kids, cooking demonstrations
at Kitchen in the Market, and other activities. Join us as we will
celebrate the lives of our ancestors and the dreams of our community!
Visit https://www.facebook.com/MnDiaDeLosMuertos for more info.
*Agua Gorda Cooperative Finished its 2012 Harvest *
The *Agua Gorda Cooperative* members have finished harvesting and selling
fresh vegetables to Latino businesses and community in Long Prairie, St.
Cloud and Minneapolis. This harvest was the culmination of many months of
planning, physical work, dedication, education, and investment on the part
of the Latino farmers.
The farmers in Long Prairie harvested 6,500 pounds of Roma tomatoes, 900
pounds jalapeno peppers and 250 bell peppers, while the farmers in Staples
harvested 1,500 pounds of tomatillo, 1,000 cucumbers and 300 watermelons
and melons, all of excellent quality. In total, the cooperative sold
approximately $6,600 in vegetables.
"We started having meetings and organizing in November 2011, and it was not
easy to reach this point, because we have had many obstacles, such as
getting land to grow, plants, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation materials,
pest control, beating the drought and finding a market for our products"
said Jose T. Garcia, treasurer of the group. "Each of us has regular jobs
and family to support. We worked on the project at nights, weekends or when
we had time available. We knew everything was sacrifice and hard work at
first." This cooperative was formed with the support and technical
assistance of John Flory and Jaime Villalaz at *LEDC* and advising from
Rodrigo Cala, owner of Cala Farm in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
*Business Spotlights*
*
Pollo de los Santos *
Angel de los Santos,owner of Pollo de los Santos, was one of the first
entrepreneurs that Yolanda Cotterall met when she began working at *LEDC in
2004.* When Angel first came to *LEDC* he was a typical entrepreneur with a
dream of operating his own business using the skills he had gain working at
a rotisserie chicken restaurant in Texas. He opened *Pollo de los
Santos*in two different locations, but like many entrepreneurs, Angel
had to learn
the hard way about the challenges of business ownership. He has now
operated for two years at the deli counter of a convenience store on
17thand Lake Street, where he has been able to stabilize his business,
grow his
customer base, and make a profit. He is now ready to expand his offering
by opening a mobile unit in the gas station parking lot, which will be
permanently parked with a dedicated corner for his business. He was
approved for a $20,000 loan from* LEDC* and the* Metropolitan Consortium of
Community* Developers to help him launch his new venture. He will offer a
simple menu of Mexican fast food in the mobile unit while continuing to
offer his popular rotisserie chicken inside the store. Look for Angel's new
trailer to open soon and stop by for the newest delicious food option on
Lake Street.
*El Milagrito Botique*
We also want to highlight the recent opening of El Milagrito Boutique, a
new business in Rockville, MN opened by Raul Garcia. The boutique features
clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories for women, pre-paid calling cards,
and a money transfer station. LEDC staff assisted Raul to locate commercial
space, contact suppliers, and open a business bank account.
Congratulations, Raul!
*Training: Micro-entrepreneurship Training *
*(En Espaol)** *
Description: This training course consists of 14 sessions (28 hours of
class) and hands-on exercises to teach participants how to start a business
and empower them to put their ideas into immediate action.
Dates:* October 16th to November 27th*
Time:* 5:00pm to 7:00pm*
Where:* LEDC St. Paul Office*, Neighborhood House (179 Robie St East, St
Paul), Classroom #137
*Cost**: $75.00*, but scholarships are available - please ask!
*Training: Construction Course *
*(En Espaol)** *
Description: This training course consists of 16 sessions (48 hours) of
class and hands-on exercises and teaches participants how to be a
successful contractor, create accurate estimates, and submit successful
bids.
Dates: *October 8th to December 12th*
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where:LEDC St. Paul Office, Neighborhood House (179 Robie St East, St
Paul), Classroom #137
*Cost**:* $50.00, but scholarships are available - please ask!
*Training: Social Media Training *
*(En Espaol, **for MERA members only) *
Description: This one-time workshop is an introduction to social media for
business owners and will teach participants how to use social media tools
to drive more customers to their business.
Date: November 16th
Time: 7:00am to 10:00am
Where: LEDC Office Plaza Verde 1516 E. Lake St, Suite #201, Minneapolis
Cost: $50.00 per business
*Training: MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and Responsibilities *
*IN MINNEAPOLIS *
MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and Responsibilities *(En Espaol) *
Description: This workshop will help business owners understand their
responsibilities to follow MN labor laws and provide resources and advice
to help them be compliant.
Dates: October 24th
Time: 8:00am to 9:30am
Where: LEDC Office, Plaza Verde, 1516 E Lake St., Suite #201, Minneapolis
Cost: FREE! Light breakfast provided.
*IN ST. PAUL*
MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and Responsibilities
*(in English) *
Description: This workshop will help business owners understand their
responsibilities to follow labor laws and provide resources and advice to
help them be compliant.
Dates: November 8th
Time: 8:00am to 9:30am
Where: U.S. Bank, 1000 Payne Ave, St. Paul
Cost: FREE! Light breakfast provided.
These trainings are presented by LEDC, in partnership with US Bank and the
MN Department of Labor and Industry.
*Orientations for Beginner Farmer Rancher Program*
* *
This fall, LEDC is kicking off a series of orientations for its new
Beginner Farmer Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). These orientations
include an explanation of LEDC's rural agricultural funding and farmer
training supported by BFRDP funds. These orientations also give LEDC an
opportunity to assess the skills and talents of Latino immigrants in rural
MN and connect those talents to farming and other agricultural
opportunities. The orientations also include a brief overview of LEDC's
history, programming, rural strategy, and other agricultural opportunities
such as farmer co-op development.
* *
City Date Meeting Location (Tentative)
Worthington
October 17, 2012 Chamber of Commerce Long Prairie
October 20, 2012
Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Middle School
Melrose October 24 , 2012 Library Morris November 3, 2012 To be
determined St. James November 8, 2012 Watonwan County Library Winona November
10,2012 To be determined Owatonna November 10,2012 Centro Campesino Mankato
November14,2012
ACLU
Willmar
December 8, 2012
WAM-BC
Marshall
December 8, 2012
Elementary School
Call LEDC for more information about the time, location and content of
these orientations.
*Sincerely,*
*Ramon Leon*
President and CEO
Latino Economic Development Center
Forward this
email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=4tiduvhab&m=1107753542271&ea=lwalkerkmi%40aol.com&a=1111191140515>
From: <<email obscured>>
Date: Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Subject: Resources: News from Latino Economic Develoment Center - October
2012
To: <email obscured>
**
Subject: News from LEDC October 2012 Date: 10/9/2012 3:11:43 P.M.
Central Daylight Time From: <email obscured>
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here
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[image: Logo Oficial]
*In This Issue* MERA MN in Action Da De Los Muertos Agua Gorda
Cooperative Harvest Business Spotlights Micro-entrepreneurship
Training. Construction
Course Social Media Training MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and
Responsibilities Orientations for Beginner Farmer Rancher Program
LEDC Newsletter
October 2012 *Dear Larry,*
The fall harvest serves as an appropriate metaphor for this issue's topics.
In this issue you'll read about the bounty of LEDC's work with an
agricultural cooperative in the Long Prairie/Staples area; the results of
helping Latino-owned businesses start up and grow; and, the fruit of months
of organizing to help restaurateurs amplify their collective voice and
exercise their collective purchasing power. To continue with the metaphor,
LEDC, through its training, is planting seeds so Latinos have greater
opportunities in farming, construction and as upstart entrepreneurs. We
invite you to read the brief columns below and contact us with your
thoughts, support or referrals.
*MERA MN in Action**
*
It's been about a year since the formation of the *Mexican Restaurant
Association of Minnesota (MERA MN)*. Brought together by a vision to
exercise collective purchasing power and to promote Mexican culture through
food, *MERA MN* is working with* LEDC* and the *Mexican Consulate's St. Paul
* office to connect with Latino-owned agricultural cooperatives in
Minnesota and Mexico. By uniting and creating a purchasing block,
*MERA MN*members are positioning themselves to do business and support
start-up
*Latino farmers in Minnesota* and farmers from *MERA MN* members' hometowns
in Mexico.
This fall,* MERA MN* is co-sponsoring its first event by supporting a
week-long series of *Da de los Muertos* activities at the market. Members
of MERA MN will also host and participate in a training to learn how to
better reach and gain customers through social media.
*LEDC, MERA MN*, and other partners will continue to work together to bring
Mexico's culinary heritage to Minnesota and build an economic model in
which Mexican restaurant owners can boost economic development in
communities through their collective economic power as entrepreneurs,
workers, and consumers.
*Da De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival *
This year the Mexican Restaurants Association of Minnesota (MERA MN), the
Consulate of Mexico in St. Paul, the *Latino Economic Development Center*,
the *Midtown Global Market*, Mercado Central and El Colegio are hosting a *Da
De Los Muertos Festival*. Da De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday
celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world on November 1st. The
holiday brings together people to pray for and remember friends and family
members who have passed on. Traditions connected with the holiday include
building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls,
marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Family and
friends visit the graves with these gifts and also leave possessions of the
deceased. This year, the *Da De Los Muertos* Festival will take place at
Midtown Global Market, Mercado Central and *El Colegio* from October 28th
through November 3rd. This week of celebrations will include live music,
free food and beverage samples, *Da De Los Muertos* traditions with local
artist Tina Tavera, skull mask decorating for kids, cooking demonstrations
at Kitchen in the Market, and other activities. Join us as we will
celebrate the lives of our ancestors and the dreams of our community!
Visit https://www.facebook.com/MnDiaDeLosMuertos for more info.
*Agua Gorda Cooperative Finished its 2012 Harvest *
The *Agua Gorda Cooperative* members have finished harvesting and selling
fresh vegetables to Latino businesses and community in Long Prairie, St.
Cloud and Minneapolis. This harvest was the culmination of many months of
planning, physical work, dedication, education, and investment on the part
of the Latino farmers.
The farmers in Long Prairie harvested 6,500 pounds of Roma tomatoes, 900
pounds jalapeno peppers and 250 bell peppers, while the farmers in Staples
harvested 1,500 pounds of tomatillo, 1,000 cucumbers and 300 watermelons
and melons, all of excellent quality. In total, the cooperative sold
approximately $6,600 in vegetables.
"We started having meetings and organizing in November 2011, and it was not
easy to reach this point, because we have had many obstacles, such as
getting land to grow, plants, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation materials,
pest control, beating the drought and finding a market for our products"
said Jose T. Garcia, treasurer of the group. "Each of us has regular jobs
and family to support. We worked on the project at nights, weekends or when
we had time available. We knew everything was sacrifice and hard work at
first." This cooperative was formed with the support and technical
assistance of John Flory and Jaime Villalaz at *LEDC* and advising from
Rodrigo Cala, owner of Cala Farm in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
*Business Spotlights*
*
Pollo de los Santos *
Angel de los Santos,owner of Pollo de los Santos, was one of the first
entrepreneurs that Yolanda Cotterall met when she began working at *LEDC in
2004.* When Angel first came to *LEDC* he was a typical entrepreneur with a
dream of operating his own business using the skills he had gain working at
a rotisserie chicken restaurant in Texas. He opened *Pollo de los
Santos*in two different locations, but like many entrepreneurs, Angel
had to learn
the hard way about the challenges of business ownership. He has now
operated for two years at the deli counter of a convenience store on
17thand Lake Street, where he has been able to stabilize his business,
grow his
customer base, and make a profit. He is now ready to expand his offering
by opening a mobile unit in the gas station parking lot, which will be
permanently parked with a dedicated corner for his business. He was
approved for a $20,000 loan from* LEDC* and the* Metropolitan Consortium of
Community* Developers to help him launch his new venture. He will offer a
simple menu of Mexican fast food in the mobile unit while continuing to
offer his popular rotisserie chicken inside the store. Look for Angel's new
trailer to open soon and stop by for the newest delicious food option on
Lake Street.
*El Milagrito Botique*
We also want to highlight the recent opening of El Milagrito Boutique, a
new business in Rockville, MN opened by Raul Garcia. The boutique features
clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories for women, pre-paid calling cards,
and a money transfer station. LEDC staff assisted Raul to locate commercial
space, contact suppliers, and open a business bank account.
Congratulations, Raul!
*Training: Micro-entrepreneurship Training *
*(En Espaol)** *
Description: This training course consists of 14 sessions (28 hours of
class) and hands-on exercises to teach participants how to start a business
and empower them to put their ideas into immediate action.
Dates:* October 16th to November 27th*
Time:* 5:00pm to 7:00pm*
Where:* LEDC St. Paul Office*, Neighborhood House (179 Robie St East, St
Paul), Classroom #137
*Cost**: $75.00*, but scholarships are available - please ask!
*Training: Construction Course *
*(En Espaol)** *
Description: This training course consists of 16 sessions (48 hours) of
class and hands-on exercises and teaches participants how to be a
successful contractor, create accurate estimates, and submit successful
bids.
Dates: *October 8th to December 12th*
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where:LEDC St. Paul Office, Neighborhood House (179 Robie St East, St
Paul), Classroom #137
*Cost**:* $50.00, but scholarships are available - please ask!
*Training: Social Media Training *
*(En Espaol, **for MERA members only) *
Description: This one-time workshop is an introduction to social media for
business owners and will teach participants how to use social media tools
to drive more customers to their business.
Date: November 16th
Time: 7:00am to 10:00am
Where: LEDC Office Plaza Verde 1516 E. Lake St, Suite #201, Minneapolis
Cost: $50.00 per business
*Training: MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and Responsibilities *
*IN MINNEAPOLIS *
MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and Responsibilities *(En Espaol) *
Description: This workshop will help business owners understand their
responsibilities to follow MN labor laws and provide resources and advice
to help them be compliant.
Dates: October 24th
Time: 8:00am to 9:30am
Where: LEDC Office, Plaza Verde, 1516 E Lake St., Suite #201, Minneapolis
Cost: FREE! Light breakfast provided.
*IN ST. PAUL*
MN Labor Laws - Know Your Risks and Responsibilities
*(in English) *
Description: This workshop will help business owners understand their
responsibilities to follow labor laws and provide resources and advice to
help them be compliant.
Dates: November 8th
Time: 8:00am to 9:30am
Where: U.S. Bank, 1000 Payne Ave, St. Paul
Cost: FREE! Light breakfast provided.
These trainings are presented by LEDC, in partnership with US Bank and the
MN Department of Labor and Industry.
*Orientations for Beginner Farmer Rancher Program*
* *
This fall, LEDC is kicking off a series of orientations for its new
Beginner Farmer Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). These orientations
include an explanation of LEDC's rural agricultural funding and farmer
training supported by BFRDP funds. These orientations also give LEDC an
opportunity to assess the skills and talents of Latino immigrants in rural
MN and connect those talents to farming and other agricultural
opportunities. The orientations also include a brief overview of LEDC's
history, programming, rural strategy, and other agricultural opportunities
such as farmer co-op development.
* *
City Date Meeting Location (Tentative)
Worthington
October 17, 2012 Chamber of Commerce Long Prairie
October 20, 2012
Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Middle School
Melrose October 24 , 2012 Library Morris November 3, 2012 To be
determined St. James November 8, 2012 Watonwan County Library Winona November
10,2012 To be determined Owatonna November 10,2012 Centro Campesino Mankato
November14,2012
ACLU
Willmar
December 8, 2012
WAM-BC
Marshall
December 8, 2012
Elementary School
Call LEDC for more information about the time, location and content of
these orientations.
*Sincerely,*
*Ramon Leon*
President and CEO
Latino Economic Development Center
Forward this
email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=4tiduvhab&m=1107753542271&ea=lwalkerkmi%40aol.com&a=1111191140515>