Newsletter & Announcements

Newsletter & Announcements Message

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:21:00 GMT

<a name="top"></a><img src="http://mplstmo.org/images/newsletter.gif" alt="Commuter Connection Newsletter & Announcements"> <div class="block"> Please share this information with co-workers, employees, &/or building tenants.   </div> <div class="block"> <h3>In this issue:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="#tax">Lower Your Taxes!</a> <ul> <li>RSVP for our Transportation Tax Benefits Seminar - October 30, 2008 <li>There is no charge for attending this event! </ul> <li><a href="#choice">Get Recognized at the 2008 Commuter Choice Awards!</a> <ul> <li>Nominations due October 17 <li>Awards ceremony - November 20 </ul> </li> <li><a href="#tcf">Employer Spotlight</a> <ul> <li>TCF keeps employees on the go with valuable commuter programs </ul> </li> <li><a href="#carpool">FREE Parking!</a> <ul> <li>Carpool Wednesdays are back at ABC Ramps though out October, 2008 <li>Show up with a friend, co-worker or neighbor, and park for free. It's that simple! </ul> <li><a href="#southwest">Southwest Transitway Update</a> <ul> <li>Public comment "scoping" meetings scheduled for October <li>Make your voice heard! </ul> </ul>   </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="tax"></a>Lower Your Taxes!</h3> <h4>Transportation Tax Benefits Seminar</h4> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/taxbenefits.gif" alt="" border="0"> When it comes to getting around the Twin Cities, commuters and employers alike are concerned about their bottom line. A pre-tax transportation or parking plan is a great way to cut costs, but unless you're a tax professional these programs can be a challenge to take on. To help employers and their employees take advantage of the significant tax savings available, Commuter Connection, in partnership with St. Paul Smart Trips, 494 Commuter Services, Anoka County TMO and CBIZ Payroll, will host two pre-tax transportation benefits seminars. There is no cost for this event. One seminar counts for two (2) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Session One: 401 N Robert St., St. Paul, MN. 55101 , St. Paul (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=401%20N%20Robert%20St.%2C%20St.%20Paul%2C%20MN.%2055101" target="_blank">map</a>) 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 30th, 2008 <a href="http://www.commuter-connection.org/register.stpaul">Register Online</a> for the St. Paul event. (www.commuter-connection.org/register.stpaul) Session Two: Thrivent Financial Building, Minneapolis Auditorium, 625 4th Avenue South, Minneapolis 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 30th, 2008 <a href="http://www.commuter-connection.org/register.mpls">Register Online</a> for Minneapolis event. (www.commuter-connection.org/register.mpls) Having problems registering? Please contact<a href="mailto:dmaclaughlin@mplstmo.org"> Dan MacLaughlin</a> at 612.370.3987 x204 <a href="#top">Go Back to Top</a> </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="choice"></a>Commuter Choice Awards</h3> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/comchoice08.gif" alt="" height="200" width="98" border="0"> Since 1990, the Commuter Choice Awards have recognized local companies, schools and individuals for their innovative ways in developing, implementing and supporting commuter transportation programs. These programs have helped improve the quality of life in the Twin Cities metro area by reducing pollution and congestion on roadways and giving workers commuter choices to suit their lifestyles. If you feel your organization or someone in your organization should be recognized for innovative ways in developing, implementing and supporting commuter transportation programs, download and submit one of the nomination forms below! Nominations are due by Friday, October 17. <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/pdf/CommuterChoice_Nom_indiv.pdf">Individual Achievement Nomination Form</a> (PDF Document*) <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/pdf/CommuterChoice_Nomgroup.pdf">Employer Nomination Form</a> (PDF Document*) * Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Don't have Acrobat? Download a free copy <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html">here</a>! Save The Date! Awards Ceremony Thursday, Nov. 20 11:30 AM -1 PM Science Museum of Minnesota, Discovery Hall St. Paul <a href="#top">Go Back to Top</a> </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="tcf"></a>Employer Spotlight</h3> <h4>TCF keeps employees on the go with valuable commuter programs!</h4> Contagious Enthusiasm for Commuter Choice (Sarah Hernandez, Minneapolis) At TCF Bank in Downtown Minneapolis, Cindy Mellum, Human Resources Training Coordinator, and Kim Davis, Administrative Assistant and administrator of the Metropass program, have unmistakable enthusiasm for providing transportation benefits to their employees. Despite participating in Metropass since 1999, “This is our rookie year of really promoting the Metropass program,” Mellum says with a big smile. “Before, it was just something that was offered. This year, we’re seeing major success in growing the program.” <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/tcf.jpg" alt="Cindy & Kim" border="0"> Cindy Mellum & Kim Davis of TCF Bank Now, over 800 of TCF’s 1100 downtown employees participate in the Metropass program, riding the bus to and from work instead of driving alone. What’s fueling their effort is a cultural change that is taking place not only as gas prices rise and employees feel the strain on their budget, but also as commuters become conscious of “going green.” The program’s success is the result of collaboration between professionals at TCF and Dan MacLaughlin, Outreach Manager of the Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization (TMO). Giving Power to the People Providing transportation benefits has long been an important part of the corporate culture at TCF. Davis says, “It’s a necessity. Employees can no longer brush it under the carpet and not consider what their options are and what the needs are.” By providing transportation benefits such as Metropass, TCF is, according to Davis, “Giving people their power back.” She continues, “A lot of people say, ‘I don’t have time to relax.’ Well, now you do.” By riding the bus to and from work, TCF employees are not only saving time and getting a chance to read a book or make a few phone calls, they’re cashing in on significant savings at the gas pump. The trend is catching on. Says Mellum, “[Our employees] have actually created a group of friends that ride the bus together. It’s not just the office anymore, it’s the bus.” As people become familiar with their routes and how to ride, they have changed the way professionals view riding the bus. “It wasn’t always an accepted thing, that you’ve got to leave because you’ve got to catch your bus,” adds Davis. “Now it’s become commonplace. And when somebody doesn’t [ride the bus], a common response is, ‘Really? How do you manage that?’” Not only that, TCF employees and thousands of downtown commuters like them are doing their part to be kind to the environment. This year, TCF sponsored its own Commuter Challenge event during the region’s annual Commuter Challenge campaign, with the tagline, “Support the Effort and Your Environment.” Mellum says, “We had our employees fill out their own ‘Commuter Story’ and gave away gift cards and other prizes.” She continues, “We posted the winners and their stories on our web site. It was really exciting to encourage our employees to take part, and it was a big success.” Davis continues, “It’s another way of saying, ‘This is something I can do to make a difference.’ They can see how one person does matter.” Significant Success for TCF’s Program With over 70 percent of eligible downtown employees participating, the success of the Metropass program at TCF has come about through a mixture of presenting the program as a part of New Employee Orientation (NEO) procedure and supporting riders with events sponsored by the TMO. “When we do it in NEO, we give them directions on how to get [to Metro Transit’s downtown store], because it’s so convenient. We spend at least fifteen minutes on it as one of the benefits,” says Mellum. It’s a benefit that employees appreciate across the board. “Half of our new employees rode the bus in on that first day, so when we present the program to them, they’re excited.” Support from the TMO plays a role in the program’s success at TCF, too. The TMO provides personalized outreach services, with everything from one-on-one consultations to free educational events such as Commuter Fairs. “From that side of things, Dan has made the experience [of providing transportation benefits] truly worth it. All I had to do was email him with the time, and he was here.” MacLaughlin has presented “Lunch and Learn” brown bag events at TCF on various topics, such as “Commuting During the RNC,” which have been well-received by many interested employees. Mellum says, “It makes employees feel like you care about them. It makes happier employees, and that is huge.” Showing employees that TCF supports them is what makes the investment worthwhile for Mellum and Davis. The return they see in happier, more effective employees makes the program a valuable part of the benefits package offered. “I want to underline how much our employees value this benefit,” says Mellum. “It makes a huge difference for them. I know a lot of them, myself included, simply couldn’t afford to work downtown without the bus. This benefit is extremely valuable.” She continues, “Not only that, our employees are really liking it. I even know a lot of top management that ride the bus in. It’s worthwhile for all of us.” After all, comfortable, more cost-effective commuting makes a difference for every downtown employee. Resources that Work for Your Business The TMO and its storefront, Commuter Connection, located in the skyway above Sixth Street in the US Bank Plaza building, works hard to support downtown Minneapolis employers and their employees. “Our goal is to make providing transportation benefits for employees a positive experience,” says MacLaughlin. “We have the resources available to make the process easy and effective.” From discounted carpool parking to programs like Metropass, consider the TMO your best resource for information and the tools to get the job done. For example, TCF uses a virtual bulletin board to communicate with its employees, providing transportation links to help their employees plan their routes and use their Metropasses more effectively. The TMO can provide links for your business’ bulletin board, easily completing the research for your company and tailoring the content to your specific needs. “The fun events and newsletters I get from Dan really spark new ideas and cut down a lot of my time,” says Mellum. She uses these resources to provide continued, cost-effective support to her employees, keeping everyone on the go. The free, informative Commuter Fairs and brown-bag events sponsored by the TMO can help your employees keep moving when transportation issues like the RNC or the collapse of the 35W bridge arise. The TMO also periodically offers professional development seminars that can educate your administrators on the best way to reap the rewards of providing transportation benefits. “We were so motivated,” says Mellum of a seminar she and Davis attended to kick off the Commuter Challenge in June. “We came back with knowledge about all these other options, like vanpooling and bike racks, which we hope to look at for the future.” At the end of the day, TCF employees are happy to be riding home with time to relax, knowing they are supported by a company that participates in valuable transportation benefits programs like Metropass. Going forward, says Mellum, TCF will continue to promote “an overall more healthy environment,” and continue to support their employees’ efforts to get to and from downtown without breaking the bank. “We’ve invited Dan to be part of our Benefest, to demonstrate the bike rack on the bus and help our employees plan their routes,” she concludes. By providing cost-effective transportation benefits and education opportunities, TCF can count on the reward of happier employees and keep business on the go. <a href="#top">Go Back to Top</a> </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="carpool"></a>Free Parking!</h3> <h4>Carpool Wednesday</h4> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/carpoolwednesday2.gif" alt="" border="0"> ABC Ramps is excited to announce Carpool Wednesday in October! <ul> <li>FREE parking for daily carpoolers <li>Every Wednesday in October 2008 <li>Ramp A and Ramp B only <li>Enter with at least one passenger between 6:30am - 10:00am </ul> With gas prices continually on the rise, now is the time to try carpooling out for free. Just show up with a friend, co-worker or neighbor it’s that simple! Visit <a href="http://www.abc-ramps.com" target="_new">abc-ramps.com</a> for more information. <a href="#top">Go Back to Top</a> </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="southwest">Southwest Transitway Update</a></h3> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/southwest.jpg" alt="Southwest Transitway" border="0"> <h4>Southwest Transitway Public Comment Period is Open</h4> The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is launching the Southwest Transitway DEIS, the next major phase of project development for the proposed light rail transit (LRT) line. The proposed 14-mile LRT line will serve more than 28,000 trips per day improving travel times and providing access to jobs in the fastest growing area of the metro. The line is proposed to serve the cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, St. Louis Park and Minneapolis. “This is quite a substantial step for the Southwest Transitway project and one that puts it in the queue right behind the Central Corridor LRT project which will connect downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul,” said Gail Dorfman, Hennepin County Commissioner and Chair of the Southwest Policy Advisory Committee. “We’ve had broad-based community and business support in getting to this stage. We’ve worked as a team and that’s essential.” To launch the DEIS, the HCRRA is hosting public “scoping” meetings giving the public an opportunity to review and comment on alternatives for improving transit service in the southwest metro area. The meetings consist of an open house to learn more about the project and a public hearing - a forum for comment. Scoping meeting information is as follows: Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the Hennepin County Government Center (300 South 6th St., Minneapolis, 612 348 3169). Open House 2 p.m.; Public Hearing 3 p.m. To stream the meeting live from your computer, <a href="http://hennepinmn.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2" target="_blank">click here</a>. Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the St. Louis Park City Hall (5005 Minnetonka Boulevard, St. Louis Park, 55416). Open House 5 p.m.; Public Hearing 6 p.m. To stream the meeting live from your computer, <a href="http://www.stlouispark.org/civic_17_live.htm" target="_blank">click here</a>. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Eden Prairie City Hall (8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, 55344). Open House 5 p.m.; Public Hearing 6 p.m. To stream the meeting live from your computer, <a href="http://www.edenprairie.org/vCurrent/live/granicus.asp" target="_blank">click here</a>. Download a copy of the Scoping Booklet <a href="http://www.southwesttransitway.org/technical-documents/doc_download/15-scoping-booklet.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="#top">Go Back to Top </a> </div> <hr aline=center> You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/dada3/mail.cgi/u/newsletter/"> http://www.mplstmo.org/dada3/mail.cgi/u/newsletter/ </a> If you are having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:newsletter@mplstmo.org">newsletter@mplstmo.org</a> <hr aline=center> <center> Commuter Connection 220 South 6th Street, Suite 230 Minneapolis, MN 55402</center>

Newsletter & Announcements Message

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:01:00 GMT

Newsletter & Announcements Message

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:29:00 GMT

<img src="http://mplstmo.org/images/newsletter.gif" alt="Commuter Connection Newsletter & Announcements"> <div class="block"> Please share this information with co-workers, employees, &/or building tenants.   </div> <div class="block"> <h3>In this issue:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="#commuting">Commuting Strategies during the Republican National Convention & Civic Fest</a> <li><a href="#comconbike">Commuter Connection Resource Store Open House</a> <li><a href="#abcbike">ABC Ramps Host Bicycle Commuter Fair</a> <li><a href="#twinsbike">Bike to the Twins Game & Receive 2-for-1 Tickets! ($20 value)</a> </ul>   </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="commuting"></a>Commuting Strategies for the Republican National Convention & Civic Fest</h3> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/stoplight.gif" alt="Civic Fest Logo" border="0"><img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/rnclogo.gif" alt="RNC Logo" border="0"><img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/stoplight.gif" alt="Civic Fest Logo" border="0"><img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/civicfest_logosm.gif" alt="Civic Fest Logo" border="0"><img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/stoplight.gif" alt="Civic Fest Logo" border="0"> <h4>Get Ready for Go Time!</h4> When the Republican National Convention comes to town from August 29th through September 4th, Twin Citizens across the metro area will have a chance to show the world our commuter culture. Commuter choice creates more convenient travel during crunch times, is good for our economy, and is more environmentally responsible. These are our civic values, and we can be proud. Think ahead by developing an alternative commute strategy for this important week. Employers are in a key position to make a positive impact during this exciting time. Show your employees how much you care by supporting them as they get to and from work: <ul> <li>Hosting a commuter fair is a great, easy way to encourage everyone to think about how they can get around. <li>We'll do the work for you by helping your employees develop alternative plans, answering their questions, and supporting people who want to try transit or biking for the first time. </ul> A number of alternative modes can provide a short-term solution that will keep everyone on the go when the going gets rough. You might promote one easy option, such as earlier or later start times, or a nexus of several simple strategies, like biking and walking to work from the periphery and using transit. Keep these alternatives at the ready and reap the rewards of more efficient and relaxed employees: <ul> <li>Try Flexible Work Schedules that allow employees to shift their travel times outside the peak ranges of 6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 6 p.m. <li>Remind them that Biking or Walking to the Core can save valuable time and be a relaxing part of their day. <li>Use Transit. Take advantage of park and ride lots along your route and consider biking to a lot to save parking spaces. <li>Encourage everyone to Share the Ride by carpooling for one week. <li>Telework is a great way for employees to avoid the rush by working from home. </ul> The Downtown Minneapolis TMO is here to help you develop your plan. We have the resources available to support you as you work with your employees. Check our web site, <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/rnc">www.mplstmo.org/rnc</a>, frequently in the coming weeks for updates and valuable transportation links. You will find helpful periphery parking maps for bikes, recommendations for commute plans, and great links to transportation information.All this planning doesn't have to take up your time. We provide customized commute plans for your company with quick on-site consultations, commuter fairs, and more. Let the TMO do the work for you -we'll provide you with the materials and resources you need to help your employees plan ahead. Contact us for more details at (612) 370-3987 or visit <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/rnc">www.mplstmo.org</a>!   </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="comconbike"></a>Commuter Connection Open House</h3> <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/pages/commuter_maptolocation.html"><img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/random/commconn.gif" alt="Commuter Connection" height="72" width="300" border="0"></a> <big> Tuesday, August 19 10 am to 5 pm</big> 220 South Sixth Street Suite 230 - Skyway Level Overlooking Sixth Street <h4>Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Commuter Connection Open House</h4> <ol> <li>Get help creating a back-up commute plan to avoid anticipated congestion during the Republican National Convention & Civic Fest.</li> <li>Learn how to take your bike on the bus with a life-size demonstration model of the bike rack on all metro area buses.</li> <li>Get help planning a commute by bus or bike.</li> <li>Pick up a transit schedule.</li> <li>FREE Popcorn!</li> <li>Learn about how to get 55% of your vanpool costs paid for by the Metropolitan Council's Van-Go! program.</li> <li>Pick up a FREE skyway map with walking routes & distances.</li> <li>Learn about the Guaranteed Ride Home program for people who commute by means other than driving alone.</li> <li>Learn about Bike2Benefits, a free regional bicycle commuting incentive program.</li> <li>Get more out of life! Most commuters spend two weeks of their life every year in their cars - all alone. Why not explore some ways to add some spice to your commute? Get a library card and use your commute to explore new literary worlds. Get on your bike and rejoice in the summer sun. Put on your walking shoes, get off the bus early, and let the birds serenade you on your way home. Find a carpool partner, expand your social time, and share gas and parking costs. Take the money you'll save and treat yourself to something special! And while you're at it, don't forget the FREE Popcorn!</li> </ol>   </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="abcbike"></a>ABC Ramps Host Bicycle Commuter Fair</h3> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/abclogoround.gif" alt="ABC Ramps" border="0"> <h4>ABC Ramps host Bike Commuter Fair for potential bike commuters to learn about bike safety, routes and options during the Republican National Convention.</h4> The upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) has downtown commuters concerned about an increase in traffic and congestion. This, along with the continual increase in fuel costs, are causing commuters to look at alternative routes and methods of getting to work, including carpooling, transit and bicycling. In an effort to raise awareness about bike commuting, ABC Ramps and the City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors will host a Bike Commuter Fair on Wednesday, August 13 from 6:30 to 10 a.m. in the Ramp A skyway. "A key reason many people have not taken advantage of bike commuting is their lack of comfort with the concept," says Mike Sachi, Minneapolis Parking and Skyway Systems Engineer. "Our goal for this event is to raise awareness and provide people with the tools to ensure the safest, most convenient options are available to them." The event will provide information on a wide variety of topics, including: bike safety and maintenance, rules of the road, suggested routes and maps, parking locations and commuting ideas during the RNC. The City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors will be available to answer questions and the Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization (TMO) will demonstrate how to use the bike racks available on all Metro Transit buses. ABC Ramps are located in the downtown Minneapolis warehouse district. With direct access to Interstates 394 and 94 and the skyway system, ABC Ramps are multi-modal facilities and an ideal parking solution for downtown Minneapolis commuters. The ramps provide secure, convenient and affordable parking options for cars, motorcycles, scooters, and non-motorized bicycles. In addition to bike parking, bike lockers, shower facilities and nearby access to the Cedar Lake Bike Trail and downtown Minneapolis bike lanes are also available to bicyclists. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.abc-ramps.com">www.abc-ramps.com</a>. The Bike Walk Ambassadors are managed by the City of Minneapolis as part of the Bike/Walk Twin Cities initiative, an exciting program that is helping more people start bicycling and walking in the Twin Cities. The initiative, administered by Transit for Livable Communities, is part of the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Project, which aims to get more people bicycling and walking by 2010. Visit <a href="http://bikewalktwincities.org">http://bikewalktwincities.org</a> for more information.   </div> <div class="block"> <h3><a name="twinsbike"></a>Bike to the Twins Game!</h3> <img src="http://www.mplstmo.org/images/twins.jpg" alt="Twins" height="112" width="133" border="0"> Saturday, August 16 @ 2:55 PM Take advantage of this beautiful Minnesota summer and ride your bike to the Metrodome! Watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, August 16. FREE bike corral parking on the Metrodome Plaza and 2 for 1 Twins tickets will be available to attendees (a $20 value)! The event is hosted by ABC Ramps, the Minnesota Twins, Dero Bike Racks and the City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors. This inexpensive, fun event is great for the whole family. Take your bike out to the ball game! Visit <a href="http://www.abc-ramps.com">abc-ramps.com</a> for more information. This event is for non-motorized bicycles only.   </div> <hr aline=center> You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: <a href="http://www.mplstmo.org/dada3/mail.cgi/u/newsletter/"> http://www.mplstmo.org/dada3/mail.cgi/u/newsletter/ </a> If you are having trouble, please contact the list owner at: <a href="mailto:newsletter@mplstmo.org">newsletter@mplstmo.org</a> <hr aline=center> <center> Commuter Connection 220 South 6th Street, Suite 230 Minneapolis, MN 55402</center>