Euro-Local Fare on the Square
February 29, 2008
Two businesses with Francais-inspired names are making a big hit on the Capital square. Sucre on West Mifflin and Fromagination on North Carroll street are taking the first steps in creating an international flavor for local, green businesses.
Sucre, a recently opened patisserie and wine bar, took as many steps possible to come up with ways to create an environmentally friendly establishment through local vendors. The boldly designed orange and white shop speaks well of its ability to combine style with locally available materials. The blonde wood flooring comes from a sustainable producer in Spring Green, and their furniture was found through a distributor on Willy Street. They chose low VOC paint and to-go containers made of recycled cornstarch to keep a clean atmosphere. The digital artwork on the wall, provided by local artist Jeffers Egan, keeps pace with other trendy patisseries across the Atlantic.
Sucre also strives to keep their ingredients local. Stop in for a lunch special and you will find breads baked fresh in-house, salads and dressings from scratch, and meats and cheeses from local and organic farms – sometimes straight from the indoor farmers market. Of course, some of the ingredients for the sweets are imported from Europe, but it’s best not to question Punky Egan, Sucre’s sole proprietor, about that. She has more than 20 years (and counting) of experience as a pastry chef instructor at MATC and knows what to use to make desserts delectable. Though she still keeps a full course load, she enjoys the chance to have a chance to experiment outside the classroom. “Everything I do here I want to be different. I have a ton of knowledge that I am able to use to bring new ideas and help evolve recipes”.
Ken Monteleone, owner and creator of Fromagination came from a somewhat different background. After 14 years of working in product development for Famous Footwear and traveling the world looking at shoe trends, he found that he was paying more attention to food specialty shops than footwear boutiques. As a longtime resident of Madison and influenced by the local farmer’s market, Ken knew that Madison would be a perfect place for a specialty food store, and what better food to focus on in the dairy state than cheese?
Ken spent a year working on his business plan, design and layout – consulting with local chefs, cheesemakers and food connoisseurs to make sure he got the concept right. The feedback he received was all positive – a good indicator that the city was ready for a high class cheesemonger. Madison, especially downtown Madison, was the perfect environment and locale for a small, artisanal cheese shop featuring local makers.
Of course, the dream cheese boutique would have to be environmentally friendly as well as chic to best showcase the artistic collection of fromage. Mr. Monteleone worked with a local architect to find building materials that were either almost entirely recycled or renewable for the entire shop. The result? Cabinets made from eucalyptus wood, floor tiles that are actually reclaimed shingles from an abandoned Chicago warehouse, ceiling beams from an old barn, and walls, made of American Made Plaster and milk protein paint, that reflect the warm and inviting texture of the hand-crafted cheeses found in the store.
These two foodmongers represent what we hope is a growing trend in new businesses on the capital square. Their international flare invested into local stock is a remarkable way to translate a simple localized businesseses into something fantastic. Sucre and Fromagination add a bit of elegance amongst the bourgeois backdrop without commiting the sin of exclusivity – something that the owners took great pains to avoid. Both the stores’s atmospheres reflect the attention, passion and drive that the entrepreneurs put into them without being overworked. DMI is excited to see such great combinations of green, local, international and tasty flavors added to the square, and we can’t wait to see what new creations will move in next door!
Economic Development Draft revealed!
February 27, 2008
Consultant Tom Ticknor has been as good as his word.
After listening sessions which began in September of 2007, internal city discussions, interviews, and revisions, a draft of the Strategic Economic Development Implementation Plan is now ready.
The city Economic Development Commission will be witness to the first official presentation, though the Office of Business Resources has been summarizing the relevant details for the DMI Economic Development Committee.
Matt Mikolajewski, Manager of the Office of Business Resources, pointed out that the last plan was written in 1983. Much has changed in Madison since then. This plan is designed to be a three-to-five year guide to implementation of good economic development policy.
The plan focuses on core economic development and basic sector job creation with the understanding that more basic sector jobs mean service sector positions will follow. Studies of comparable cities such as Des Moines, Austin, Ann Arbor and Boise give us a few ideas; the interviews and economic reviews done by Ticknor & Associates provide a clearly Madison direction.
Read the draft for yourself at the OBR website, and attend either the Feb. 27th Economic Development Commission meeting (5:00 pm., United Way of Dane County, 2059 Atwood Ave, Evjue Boardroom) or one of the review sessions on Tuesday March 25th ( read the invitation here.) Your opinion matters–tell us and the city what you think!
FYI, The ABCs of DMI
February 21, 2008
OK, we realize that DMI has a slight dependency on acronyms, just like Madison has a slight dependency on snow plows right now. But, in our defense, as our techie world and jargon lingo gets more complex it just makes sense to downsize. Saves on ink, easier to text.
That being said, the following are a few of the acronyms we throw out every now and again.
DMI – Downtown Madison Inc. , the downtown organization for cool people, but you already knew that.
BID – Short for Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, an assessment district stretching from Memorial Union and State Street to the Capitol Square. The BID is an excellent liaison between business and property owners, the city, and downtown stakeholders. Check the link for maps, gift certificates, and goings-on.
CNI – Capitol Neighborhoods Inc. A neighborhood association of citizens bound together by a geographical area who cooperate to support and improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. Capitol Neighborhoods consists of six “districts”, First Settlement, Bassett, Mifflin West, Mansion Hill, James Madison Park and State/Langdon, which have independent identities, but are integral parts of the whole association
GMCVB (aka the CVB) - Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau. They are the greater Madison area’s official destination marketing organization. The GMCVB is responsible for attracting new destination events to the community, as well as providing service and support to existing and repeat events, and providing comprehensive information to visitors to the area.
GMCC – Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the Greater Madison business community in the city, county, and state public arenas. The GMCC monitors, researches, analyzes, and lobbies on policy issues that affect the daily operations of local businesses, and advocates for policies that foster regional economic development in Greater Madison.
RTA – Regional Transit Authority, an entity not yet in existence that would oversee and implement transportation options for Madison and the surrounding region.
BUILD - Better Urban Infill Land Development – Planning grants for downtown revitalization
HZA – Hospitality Zone Assessment. A comprehensive and integrated approcah to identify current and emerging issues in hospitality zone management. The assessment involves community discussion with representatives from the community, policing agencies, and the hospitality and entertainment industry.
RHI – Responsible Hospitality Industry: A not-for-profit organization committed to making safe and vibrant places to socialize. Facilitators of the HZA.
TIF – Tax Incremental Funding: A tool that uses future tax gains to finance current development projects that will create and increase said gains. Block 89 is an example of project partially funded by TIF funds.
TID – Tax Incremental District. The area created around an economic generator for TIF projects.
IDA – International Downtown Association: A worldwide network of downtown associations and BIDs committed to providing resources to create vital and liveable urban centers.
PUD – Planned Unit Development: Both a type of building development and regulatory process. These developments are most often mixed-use centers. In part due to a downtown plan which is not yet up to date, many projects have to be submitted as a PUD.
THRIVE – Not an acronym. Formerly known as the Regional Economic Development Entity. A non-profit organization for promoting the economic development of Dane County and the surrounding region to improve quality of life.
SBDC – Small Business Development Center: A network of offices run by the UW Extension to provide educational services and programs for small-business clients. Low cost courses, seminars and workshops covering every step of small business development are available throughout the year.
GSSBA – Greater State Street Business Association: The businesses of the State Street area form this nonprofit. Their main event is Maxwell Street Days, a great time to visit the Farmer’s Market, see the exhibits, and shop!
CDA – Community Development Authority: A standing committee in the City of Madison government. The CDA is a housing, redevelopment and community authority.
DCC – Downtown Coordinating Committee: A standing city of Madison committee devoted to making recommendations on ongoing issues of 0peration, design, safety, maintenance, use of downtown area; provide advice on development, implementation, and revisions to plans for improvement in the downtown area.
Downtown Loves Valentine’s Day!
February 13, 2008
The Cap Times noted yesterday that downtown restaurants are quickly filling up with reservations for the impending V-Day. If you are still looking for something to do for tomorrow’s holiday, downtown Madison has something to offer for the serendipitous singles and culturally-minded couples. No need to be “Anti” Valentines with all of these cool events. Feb 13th:Tunes at the Monona Terrace5:30-7pm, Monona TerraceWho should go: EveryoneWhy: It’s a free concert with concessions and snacks available for purchase. Tonight’s band is Joe Scalissi and the Dry Martinis and will feature Rat Pack favorites. There’s nothing more romantic and fun than some 1950s glam in the year of the rat.
Feb 14th
WI Women’s Basketball WI vs. IL
7pm @ Kohl Center
Who should go: Those au pair and in groups.
Why: It’s conference women’s basketball, why not? The fun and sporty atmosphere makes it a good event for groups of friends, and couples to support UW Women’s athletics and celebrate in a relaxed setting.
8am-6pm, Marriott Madison West (Middleton)
Who should go: The career-minded woman.
Why: Networking, seminars, exhibitors and the DMI Prez Susan Schmitz as the luncheon Keynote Speaker. Guaranteed to be an empowering and inspiring event for all working women.
7:30pm @ the Capital Theater, Overture Center
Who should go: Chicas in groups.
Why: The all-female dance troupe combines urban culture with classic choreography to create “hip hop ballet”. It’s funky fresh, yo, and economically friendly – tickets are $15, $22, and $25.
School of Music Faculty Concert
7:30pm @ Mills Hall, Mosse Humanities Building
Who should go: Groups, couples, singles and families.
Why: It will be a family-friendly night beautiful music from some accomplished artists and educators. Has potential for a double-header as the School of Music will also be hosting their concert in Morphy Hall at 8:30pm.
Why stop celebrating the people you love after one day? These events make it possible to find the love all through the weekend.
Feb 15th & 16th
Barrymore Theatre, $15. 7:30pm
Who should go: EVERYONE. Seriously.
Why: Profits go to domestic abuse and intervention services. Enjoy a night of monologues that are hilarious, thought-provoking, powerful and expressive—sometimes all at once–and help a good cause.
Feb 15th-17th
Madison Symphony Orchestra, Beethoven’s Lyrical Beauty
Show times vary, Overture Center
Who should go: Families and couples
Why: The concert will feature Cho-Liang Lin, an award-winning artist and supreme violinist, and it’s the MSO. Again I say to ye, why not?
Feb 16th
International Festival at the Overture Center
11am-5pm, featuring Ballet Folklorico Mexico at 4pm
Who should go: Families, couples, groups
Why: It’s a festival! More celebrations through music, dance, storytelling, an international food court and a craft fair. Another opportunity to learn and grow and love thy multicultural neighbor.
Feb 16th
11am-3pm, Olin Turville Park
Who should go: The bravest of the brave.
Why: Also to support a good cause as plungers are asked to raise at least $75 to take the…you know… and support Special Olympics. Those who are less bi-polar can volunteer at the event or watch from the sidelines and gape in awe.
And if you’re feeling more gifty than going-out, here’s a few ideas!
- If your loved one has a sweet tooth, be sure to check out Candina’s Chocolatier on Capitol Square for locally made delectable dainties for your darling.
- Instead of roses that wilt in a few days, visit the art galleries downtown and support a local glassblower, painter, or sculptor while you get buku points for flowers that last!
- MMoCA has a huge selection of jewelry, cards, vases, and strange twirly things to impress your amore’ with your chic urban sensibilities. Make it a one-of-a-kind valentine.
- Pamper your precious one with an appointment at Cameo Spa Salon, where soothing music and gently flavored tea relaxes stress away.
- Do something for your sweetheart: turn a cluttered corner into a creative space simply by cleaning and organizing a spot for him or her to connect with him or herself. Decorate with their favorite images and colors for a personalized haven your partner will always appreciate.
- Volunteer together! Show love to each other and your community by volunteering with a local organization, or check out this website for more ideas about charitable holiday work. Open your heart to the possibilities.
