The Metro CERTs Network Kick-off on April 15th was attended by over 200 people, from elected officials to community members—and everyone in between! It was held at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, where the main room was buzzing with conversation.
There was good energy, and many great connections made. “It was a very well done get together and I think very beneficial to everyone. You did a great job,” said Ruth Keely. Brian Flanagan felt much the same way: “Great venue last night. Good group of people—excellent for networking. The Food was outstanding; I hope you have more get togethers!” We even dubbed the King and Queen of networking, Beth Bennett and John Dunlop.
Others also sent encouraging words after the event: “I just wanted to again extend my congratulations on yesterday’s event,” Steve Hoffman shared, “It seemed to be a great success: good turnout, lots of energy, a very solid foundation to begin the work of Metro CERTs. All in all, you should feel very good about this important first step.”
We had great speakers, including Senator Ellen Anderson, Representative Bill Hilty, and Janet Streff from the Office of Energy Security. I finished off the speakers with a presentation about how the Metro CERTs Network will operate,
and encouraged communities to become Metro CERTs Affiliates.
We also had the Como Senior High School students who recently won the Sustainable St. Paul Award for youth help at the sign-in table. They were an energetic greeting crew for all of our guests!
Oh yeah, and the array of fruit, bagel chips, outstanding spreads (and more) was AMAZING! Thanks, Common Roots!
We are excited to provide more networking opportunities in the future. Find out what’s happening in the Metro and around the state in the months to come on the CERTs Events page.
You can also stay tuned in with CERTs updates.
Special thanks to our donors, volunteers, & speakers:
Senator Ellen Anderson
Representative Bill Hilty
Janet Streff, Office of Energy Security
Molly’s Gardens (beautiful flowers)
Common Roots (the food!)
Andrew Foreman & Friends (musicians)
Como Senior High School’s Greeneyez Environmental Club
Great River Energy
Office of Energy Security, MN Department of Commerce
State of Minnesota
Peace Coffee
Blue Line Innovations
Blue Sky Guide
Natural Built Home
Cannon River Winery
Do It Green! Minnesota
Frattallone’s Ace Hardware
