The age of the average White Bear and Mahtomedi resident has increased dramatically over the past decade. Today the average resident of Mahtomedi is mid-40s. All you need to do is look at the increasing numbers of senior housing units populating our community. Meanwhile, the younger creative class generation is moving to the bastions of the arts district in Minneapolis and places like Lowertown in Saint Paul. The outflux into the suburbs has reversed into an influx into the inner city. The so-called new generation of highly educated young adults often referred has to the creative class are now calling the gentrified neighborhoods of Saint Paul and Minneapolis their homes.
At our May membership meeting, we will examine this phenomenon and what we can do to attract greater numbers of the young creative class into the White Bear area. We have two expert panelists who will address this issue. The first is Peter Frosch who is the Vice President of Partnership Strategies for Greater MSP. Peter’s job entails the development of regional economic development strategies. MSP is an economic development partnership funded by many of the Fortune 500 companies located in Minnesota along with many of our local communities. Our second presenter is Jason Bristow, CFO of CODE 42, an emerging millennial driven high tech company who was recently singled out by WCCO TV as a Twin Cities emerging young business leader.
If you are interested in the future direction of the White Bear Area business and residential community this is a program you don’t want to miss. It will take place at The Station (formerly Manitou Station) located at 2171 4th Street in White Bear Lake. Cost to attend is $25.00 for Chamber members and $35.00 for non-members. Contact Maureen for reservations at maureen@whitebearchamber.com.
