From Employee-Owned Furniture Retailer to Community Mourning: A Month of Notable Developments in the Twin Cities

Room & Board, a furniture retailer based in Golden Valley, has recently become an employee-owned company. This development was approved earlier this month and marks a significant milestone for the company. Each of its 1,100 workers has taken a piece of ownership in the company.

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.

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.

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.

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.