Memorials and Celebrations: Community Reacts to Loss of Local Business Owner, Impact100 Twin Cities Distributes First Grant, Childcare Industry Remains Optimistic, Arts Organizations Plan for Post-Pandemic Resurgence and Room & Board Embraces Employee Ownership

Community members are mourning the sudden death of Sammy McDowell, the owner of Sammy’s Avenue Eatery in North Minneapolis. McDowell was recognized by TCB in 2021 for his achievements as a small business owner. His passing has left a void in the community, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the local restaurant scene.

Impact100 Twin Cities has distributed its first grant round, with the new women’s grant-making group allocating $100,000 to the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center to help scale its Women’s Wealth and Equity Building Initiative. This initiative aims to support women in building wealth and achieving financial equity.

Despite ongoing challenges in the childcare industry, a recent survey by the Minneapolis Fed revealed that some providers are feeling optimistic about the future. The childcare crisis continues to impact families and providers, but there is hope for improvement in the coming months.

Twin Cities arts organizations are working on innovative strategies to lure audiences back to live performances. With concert halls and theaters reopening, these organizations are finding creative ways to attract people to their shows and events.

Room & Board recently announced that it has become an employee-owned company, with each of its 1,100 workers taking a piece of ownership. This plan was approved earlier this month and marks a significant development for the Golden Valley-based furniture retailer.