If you haven’t seen those bright yellow disks poking out of the lawns all over our neighborhoods yet, you soon will! From a distance, they almost look like balloons or giant lollipops. But they’re actually signs of progress, planted in residential yards (with the homeowner’s permission) pointing you in the closest direction to your neighborhood merchants and members of the Northwest Minneapolis Business Association (NWMBA).
“There are over 300 businesses in the NorthWest Minneapolis area, also designated as the Camden planning district by the City of Minneapolis. NWMBA, a group of over 40 of these various business owners and others, have been volunteering and partnering together to promote their members and the local community since 1931,” says Vivienne Williamson, NWMBA president and owner of Mighty Stitch, 2144 44th Avenue North. “This ‘Thumbs Up Camden’ lollipop-shaped sign campaign is a unique and charming way for residents who live here or for those who might be traveling through, to ‘shine a new light’ or introduce folks to the convenient, quality business services right here in the community.”
You don’t have to spend 20 minutes driving, parking and wandering around looking for light bulbs, or to get an oil change, fill your prescription, or enjoy a perfect cappuccino or a great salad, pizza or even a work of art. Almost anything you need is close by. And you can get it in just minutes, with less hassle and more personal help. And you’ll save gas—as well as time.
But there’s more. Every purchase you make, every meal you eat, every errand you complete in our neighborhood helps strengthen our community. Which means everybody wins, including you and your family.
So watch for the NWMBA happy, bright yellow Thumbs Up Camden signs. They are proof this neighborhood is pulling together. NWMBA invites area businesses, old and new, to join the organization and participate in the Thumbs Up, Camden campaign. And if you want to play a part in promoting Thumbs Up Camden by allowing a local merchant to plant a yellow lollipop sign in your yard, contact Vivienne Williamson, 612-529-8744, or Janet Zahn, 612-618-0219.