History of the
Downtown Lakeville Business Association (DLBA)
1995
In January, the City of Lakeville held a meeting for property owners affected by the upgrade of Holyoke - Infrastructure and Road Project. This meeting resulted in preliminary talk of starting a Downtown organization.
The group started meeting regularly in June. In October, they held their first meeting with architect Gary Tushie to determine the process to preserve the downtown and form the DLBA.
1996
In January, speaker and motivator - Bert Stitt - spoke about downtown revitalization. The group continued with monthly meetings. In March, Ernesto Sirrelli spoke on enterprise facilitation. And in May there was an initial strategy session with Suzanne Worthley from White Bear Lake Economic Development.
During the summer, $5000 was collected from area businesses and the City matched the funding to be used for planning and consulting fees. The DLBA produced maps to assist customers during the road construction project in downtown and a loan program was developed.
Suzanne Worthley returned for a boundary discussion meeting in September. In October, a "road construction project completion" party was held - sponsored by Enggrens - over 1200 people came downtown for a free lunch.
Committee meetings continued and a parking study was initiated. In December, the first Santa Claus visit was held.
1997
Work with Suzanne Worthley continued, developing goals for the promotions and economic restructuring committees. In April, Nicole Bennett and Bob Erickson presented issues relating to Downtown Lakeville - SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Worked with Nicole Bennett to search and interview for a summer intern for the DLBA. Hired Ryan Kraft - summer intern June - August 1997. The executive board met weekly with Ryan. Together they developed a building and property inventory of Downtown.
In September, hired our second intern - Roseann Klaphake. DLBA continued to meet monthly working with Andrea Paehler and Roger Knutson to formally set up a special service tax district in compliance with state guidelines. Continued work on BID (Business Improvement District) and issues of Special Taxing Districts. Ended the year with another Santa Claus Day.
1998
Approval of Special Taxing District - funds are available. In June a public hearing was held regarding the Special Service District (SSD). In July, a City Council meeting - hearing and formation of Special Service District as outlined by the Lakeville City Council, resolution approved. On July 20, 1998, a formal vote and approval of SSD by Lakeville City Council. September 17th was the first meeting of the Advisory Board for the SSD. Looking at posting a part-time position for the DLBA, advertised for the DLBA Director position. Ended the year with a lunch with Santa at Babe's.
1999
In January an annual business meeting was held with election of officers:
President - Rod Borg; Vice President - Greg Peterka; Treasurer - Jody Braun;
and Secretary - Nancy P. Smith.
Chris Pommerenke was hired as Director. An Easter coloring contest was initiated. The Ironman bike ride came to Lakeville. DLBA sold concessions and Ironman logo pins. In May, the DLBA put flower pots out on Holyoke Ave. Also meeting with Gary Tushie regarding study on downtown design guidelines. The DLBA worked with the City to obtain new banners for lampposts with a new downtown logo.
October 2, held the Main Street Jamboree with a petting zoo, the Sonny Plumb band and free lunch. Also offered historical walking tours of Downtown Lakeville.
November 15, City Council meeting to review status of project and review TMI (Tushie Montgomery) proposal and redirect funds from Special Service District to cover expenses. November 17, Tushie-Montgomery & Associates, Inc. hired by DLBA. In December, cookies with Santa at Hart Hall and trolley rides.
2000
Continued with weekly Executive Board meetings and monthly general membership meetings. Initiated meetings with the St. Paul Farmer's Market to bring the market to downtown. Market planned for summer of 2000 in Downtown Lakeville.
January, Gary Tushie presented Design Guidelines and recommendations to Bob Erickson and Tom Ryan (city councilman). In March presented to Planning Commission, EOC, and City Council.
Easter coloring contest and egg hunt in partnership with Lakeville park and rec. Participated with concessions at the Ironman event in partnership with Lakeville Rotary and Girls Fastpitch Softball Association. DLBA sold Ironman pins. Flower pots on Holyoke Ave. Farmer's Market, managed by St. Paul Farmer's Market in parking lot of future Fine Arts Center.
In September, fall harvest festival in conjunction with the Farmer's market.
October, Special Service District renewed for a new two-year term. Hired a new executive director, Christine Mondus. New Advisory Board members: Gloria Belzer, Paul Haglund and Ann Miller.
In November, block grant funding was offered to downtown businesses. And in December Santa visited at Enggren's mall and there were trolley rides.
2001
Downtown logo is now on stationery, and available on polo shirts and sweatshirts. February, change in officers: Greg Peterka and Nancy Smith became co-chairs, Larry Werner - Vice President and Jody Braun - Treasurer. The other six directors are: Rod Borg, Amy Povroznik (represented by Gloria Belzer), Mark Hotzler, Paul Haglund, Ann Miller, and Dick Sherman.
Continued with weekly executive board meetings and monthly general membership meetings. Co-sponsored the Easter coloring contest with the Lakeville Life & Times.
Developed this position statement regarding future retail developments in Lakeville: The Downtown Lakeville Business Association recognizes that retail/commercial development is imminent in our city. As an organization we desire to work cooperatively with all developments in Lakeville and see our mission as one to keep downtown as the nucleus of the city. The DLBA holds true to providing a unique shopping experience to the growing consumer base, which will result from expanded shopping centers throughout our community.
Started co-op advertising with a group of downtown businesses advertising together on one page with a header "Discover Historic Downtown Lakeville". The ad is run on a monthly basis. In April, we held our first public forum to receive comments and suggestions from members of the community. Held a follow-up forum in June with a tour of the new retail space in the CDA building.
Sold Ironman pins and assisted with concessions during the Ironman event in Lakeville. Flower pots on Holyoke Ave. Farmer's market to return for the summer of 2001.
Developed "Wednesdays on Main" a monthly promotion to bring more people to downtown. The "Harvest Festival" is set for October 10th.
Initiated a website and co-sponsored Cruise Night for the annual Pan-o-Prog festival held in July.
2002
| February | 265 people attended the DLBA sponsored HOT MUSIC FOR COLD NIGHTS at the Lakeville Art Center. The event included two bands, and a square dance workshop.
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| March | Over 200 children entered the Easter Coloring Contest
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| April | DLBA members sold pins and refreshments at the Ironman Bicycle Ride
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| May | Flower Pots are placed along Main Street for the Summer Season
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| June | Wednesday on Main and Farmers Market begin.
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| July | DLBA sponsors Pan-O-Prog Cruise Night.
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| October | Harvest Festival is held on October 2.
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| December | Holiday on Main brings over 400 people to Downtown
Christine Mondus resigns as Executive Director for health reasons
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2003
| January | Elise Schebler Roberts is hired as Executive Director
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| February | Mainstreet Coffee Café opens in Enggrens Mall. Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum and Carey take the remaining office space in Main Street Manor.
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| March | Over 300 children enter the Easter Coloring Contest
Reconstruction of Ben Franklin facade is completed
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| April | DLBA Members sell pins for the Ironman Bicycle Ride
For the first year, DLBA sponsors a booth at the Lakeville Schools People’s Fair
Co-op Advertising resumes in the Lakeville Life and Times
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| May | Rotary sponsors The First Annual Taste of Lakeville at the Lakeville Area Art Center
This ‘n’ That opens in the Fire Hall.
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| June | The Downtown Lakeville Clock is installed in front of Main Street Manor. The project, spearheaded by Gloria Belzer and Christine Mondus, was made possible by donations from downtown business members, the Dakota County Community Development Association and the City of Lakeville. Ribbon cutting is held on June 25.
The 2003 Wednesday on Main, and Farmers Market season also begin that day. The Farmers Market was moved to the corner of 208th and Holyoke to accommodate more vendors.
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| July | Wednesday on Main continues.
DLBA sponsors the Pan-o-Prog Cruise Night on July 8
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| August | The Teddy Bear Band makes its first appearance for the DLBA, in conjunction with activities provided by Lakeville ECFE.
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| September | The First Annual Lakeville Art Festival is held at the Art Center, Sept. 13-14.
Director Elise Roberts is selected to attend the 1st Leadership Lakeville Program.
The Red Wing Convention and Visitors Bureau makes a presentation to the Downtown Lakeville Membership on future growth potential for Lakeville.
Harvest Festival is held Wednesday, September 24, and for the first time includes programs by ECFE.
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| October | The Lakeville Police Department makes a presentation to the Downtown Membership regarding Safety for Small Businesses.
Work begins on the renovation of Lakeville Tire and Auto.
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| November | The City of Lakeville presents a program to the Downtown Membership called "Partnership and Progress-Opportunities for Downtown Lakeville". It is the best attended meeting of the year.
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| December | Holiday on Main (December 6) brings over 700 people to downtown-the largest recorded attendance for this event.
The 207th Street Bridge opens, linking downtown with the new Village Creek addition.
The downtown occupancy rate is at record levels-less than 1300 sq. feet remains available in downtown.
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The Downtown Lakeville Business Association special service district is a non-profit organization supporting the preservation and redevelopment of historic downtown Lakeville. Questions? Comments? Please email Judy Tschumper, DLBA Executive Director.
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