Around (down)town: Downtown Alliance speaker series, Ecolab climate change pledge and more

News from the Downtown Alliance

December 13, 2019

A note from the president

Friends,

This was a great week in downtown Saint Paul! The Friends of the Library hosted a fantastic event with author Eric Klinenberg talking about the importance of quality public spaces--libraries in particular. The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce hosted an amazing holiday party last night with downtown movers and shakers all in attendance. The Broadway-bound musical, SIX is getting all kinds of buzz so I’m excited to see that tonight! Come find me Monday for a review.

I’ll also note that the Downtown Alliance has been working with a number of downtown business leaders and property owners on measures that can increase safety and security outcomes in downtown. There is strong consensus about the need for a joint communications center or “Fusion Center.” Many thanks to the Mayor and City Council for including seed money in the 2020 budget to help get that project off the ground. There will be a lot of work ahead, but it’s a good start!

Finally, mark your calendars for February 4th! The Downtown Alliance will be kicking off our 2020 speaker series with a conversation featuring David Dixon about the future of downtowns. More details coming soon.

Have fun and be safe as you make your way around holiday parties and performances in downtown!

See you all around (down)town,

Joe Spencer

President

The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance

Beth Burns, Friends of the Library president, after a stellar inaugural Catalyst Conversations event.

Ecolab pledges net-zero carbon emissions

Earlier this week Ecolab became one of 140 business to join the UN Global Contact's Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C. In doing do they pledged to lower emissions by half in the next ten years and be net-zero by 2050. Kudos to Ecolab for continuing to be a gloabl leader and innovator.

Winter Carnival Buttons revealed

The 2020 Winter Carnival buttons made their debut this week. Every year the Winter Carnival buttons feature new designs from local artists. Buttons can be purchased throughout the city or online and once you've registered your button you're automatically entered for a variety of local prizes. The Winter Carnival kicks off January 23, 2020.

Learn more about this year's festival and how to get involved now.

CapitolRiver Council holiday happy hour

The CapitolRiver Council would like to invite all downtown neighbors and friends to join them for their annual holiday happy hour. This year's fete will take place Tuesday evening (December 17) from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the newly reopened just/us location . In addition to socializing, meeting neighbors and learning about the work of the CRC, folks are invited to bring a donation for Catholic Charities. This time of year items most in need are :