Riverview Economic Development Association

I've been a resident of the West Side neighborhood that REDA serves for over four years. One of the big reasons I chose the West Side when I bought my house was because of the vibrant murals, public art, and diverse businesses on the West Side. REDA is the driving force behind these features of District del Sol, the main commercial corridor in the West Side. I was excited to join REDA as a staff person just a few months ago so that I could support and contribute to the work that REDA does. Despite the many strengths of our neighborhood, the District del Sol commercial corridor is plagued with vacant storefronts and blighted properties. Streamlining our website navigation and improving our website design to tell the story of the West Side more clearly will help us to recruit and engage new businesses, community members, and funding resources to revitalize and celebrate our diverse neighborhood. Please consider us!!

REDA is a great organization which does great work for the West Side community. A revamped website would allow REDA to reach out to a larger community and increase interactive participation among West Side business owners. Many of the businesses on the West Side do not currently have a web presence. Being highlighted on a new user friendly REDA website will be a great starting point for many of these small businesses, where business owners can see how a website can positively affect their bottom line. The current site is static and outdated. With improved website design and features, REDA will also be able to really draw attention to all the great work they do, including highlighting community owned businesses, various programs, resources and events. An engaging new site that promotes interactivity and fresh content will truly reflect the vibrant community that REDA supports and further REDA’s mission of “assisting small businesses to improve and expand.”

After moving back to the States from an extended stay in various parts of Latin America I returned home with a strong desire to connect with Spanish Speakers and people of Latin American heritage. Back in Minnesota, one of the first memories that came to my mind was the Cinco de Mayo festivals I had attended as a high school student on the West Side. So, it was only natural that REDA was the organization I looked to for learning about the Latino community here in Minnesota. At the time I was interested in seeking out bilingual employment, networking opportunities, and learning of local Latino/Hispanic businesses. My interests brought me right to their website where I was happily informed of the various oportunities in the West Side Community. The website was of great help, yet I distinctly recall thinking that it needed a revamp to become more user-friendly and technologically advanced so that it could reach people and provide more resources. Since arriving back in the States almost three years later, I have been so impressed to see the vastness of REDA's outreach, networking people of all different backgrounds, building community, bringing over 100,000 people together each Cinoc de Mayo, and providing the essential resources to promote growth and success to small businesses in the area. To think, 100,000 people gather at the Cinco de Mayo festival with the website the way it currently is, how many more thousands will come when Sierra Bravo chooses to revamp REDA's wesite! REDA impacts people on a 1-1 personal level... yet with their unprecedented knack to organize, they manage to gather the masses for cultural community building. They bring the pulse to the West Side, please do consider REDA for your revamping.

The Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA) has really given me the opportunity to reach out to a larger community besides my own. I live in St. Cloud, but really love driving to District del Sol - the area that REDA both resides in and works with community partners to maintain a positive area for all. I started working at REDA as an intern, but it's positive impact on the area around it has kept me around for many more years volunteering as a Cinco de Mayo planning committee member and Steering Council member. Driving through District del Sol, you can see the many touches of the great employees at REDA. They work tirelessly to maintain good relationships with community members by giving great service. I have often overheard people at REDA discussing ways to increase visitors to the area with outsiders like myself, talking with local business owners about how their business is going, and working with government officials to ensure a good Cinco de Mayo fesitval in St. Paul. They do not have a large staff, but their staff is dedicated and really deserve a pat on the back for their hard work. A website revamp would be perfect to make the organization, and the Cinco de Mayo festival that REDA puts on, stick out in a crowd! The website is functional, but the Cinco de Mayo festival's motto is "Minnesota's Spiciest Celebration!". So something to make the website a bit more "caliente" - kind of like the big yellow grocery store El Burrito next to REDA - would be great!

Who is this Rita person? That is one of the standard question asked when you talk about REDA (Riverview Economic Development Association). As a person that works on the West Side of St. Paul and has been involved with this community organization for over 3 years, this is one of the most asked questions. Our jobs as an organization is to let people know who we are and what we do to help support & grow the West Side Community and it’s businesses. A web-site redesign is the perfect way to get this important information out in front of the people we serve and those that are able to help the organization grow. We want to let them know what we have accomplished as an organization and what we hope to do in the future. This is such a vibrant community and has so much to offer, wonderful restaurants, unique shops and a variety of interesting businesses. We need to give REDA an identity that the neighborhood & city can recognize so in turn the organization can help the community flourish and be recognized.

REDA is incredibly important to the success of Saint Paul's West Side. It is a very unique organization, as well, in that it functions as both a Community Development Corp. and Business Organization. The support that REDA offers to area businesses, which are almost all small, independently-owned businesses, is tremendous, and keeps the colorful fabric of our community thriving. REDA is also responsible for the creation and execution of many wonderful community events on the West Side, which bring neighbors and visitors together. Many of the events are free and open to the public. We have even received national recognition for one event, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! If REDA is chosen to win the website redesign, it will be put to exceptionally good use. An updated website can speak to our potential visitors, offer information on area businesses and allow us to engage with our community. Every piece of progress that REDA makes is progress for Saint Paul's fantastic West Side!

REDA would be a wonderful recipient of the overnight website challenge! There are so many committed individuals who support REDA's work and mission, and we would be thrilled to have this type of expertise working for us. A strong foundation exists for this project - REDA's staff and volunteers are excited and passionate about redesigning its website. Without the help of the overnight website challenge, REDA would not be able to improve its outdated site.

As a volunteer for a number of years for Cinco de Mayo as well as an astute observer of the work that REDA has been doing over the years, I am very impressed by the significant accomplishments of this small group of dedicated REDA staff. The Annual Meetings typically draw close to two hundred people who support REDA, testimony to the number of local businesses who are touched by and supportive of the work that REDA does. Many of these businesses have benefitted from REDA's work. I have observed the enthusiasm and energy of the volunteers for the Cinco de Mayo festival for a number of years. One also feels the enjoyment of people attending the festival. It is to REDA's credit that they are able to organize and pull off this event every year with the success that it is. I am aware also, of the golf tournament which is a very successful fund raiser and of the Movies in the Park program. I have attended the latter and enjoyed both the music and the movies together with others from the community. This program, sponsored by REDA and organized by their staff, provides a lovely opportunity for families in the area to get together for summer evenings of family enjoyment. The community is fortunate to have REDA working on their behalf on economic development issues as well as other community events. It is amazing to me over and over that REDA is able to accomplish as much as they do, especially given the small number of staff working for their organization. What a lot of hard work and talent they bring to what they do.

As a former volunteer of three years for the Riverview Economic Development Associaton and now a current staff member, I can't emphasize enough how this organization brings folks together and makes them want to stay connected! The revitalization and marketing efforts that REDA has driven in District del Sol have drawn crowds of people each year to see what the buzz is all about. Vibrant storefronts, great food, and unique events really set apart this culturally-rich community. Our small office of four, dedicated partners, members, business owners, and volunteers truly create positive results in our community. The groups mentioned above would benefit greatly from a fresh REDA website that is easy to navigate, highlights our programs, events, resources, and developments throughout the year. Thank you for your consideration!

As owner of one of the longest standing and successful businesses in the District del Sol community I have been privelaged to witness and benefit from the evolution of the Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA). Without question, our relationship with REDA has been a key contributing factor to many of our successes and we are grateful for their support in the many shapes it takes. It's my opinion that El Burrito Mercado, whom I represent, the West Side of St. Paul, District del Sol and REDA have all reached a point at which we need to agressively promote ourselves to endure the miriad of changes to come and secure our future success. Having the right tools and resources to do this is an essential to this process. An effective website is one such tool and will help draw support for the businesses and community it serves, including ourselves.

When my wife and I were looking for our first home there were only so many neighborhoods we could afford. We were amazed to find that the West Side was one. Entering District del Sol on Wabasha we saw a beautiful garden, vibrant murals, public art and great restaurants (the welcoming retaining wall--another REDA project--had not yet been built). We thought to ourselves, this is great, somebody cares about these streets. That "somebody" turned out to be REDA--not exclusively, of course, but REDA, for almost three decades, has quietly committed to making this neighborhood a safer, more beautiful, more diverse place to live and shop. Imagine our amazement when, after having found an affordable house on a nice street just up the hill from El Burrito Mercado, friends and neighbors from other parts of St. Paul joked about not coming to visit us "without a gun." More jokes about gangs and ghettoes and graffiti. Wow. Where could such an unfair image problem be coming from? It certainly doesn't reflect lived experience here. A new website for REDA, one which accurately reflects in content and in form the exceptional work REDA does is essential for continuing to improve our sense of pride and ownership within the neighborhood and for marketing it to others. Yes, District del Sol is a work in progress, but this is an American neighborhood which does justice to the word. Fifth generation families live next door to families just arrived from Mexico or East Africa. Streets are safer than many in the city and neighborhood connections stronger than most. Still, most residents agree that we have work to do. More, and more diverse, stores and restaurants, both for entertainment but also for meeting basic needs are essential for continuing to improve the quality of life of our residents. We have buildings that have been vacant for 20 years taking up whole blocks. We have polluted sites on busy corners that are too complicated for market-driven investors to touch. REDA has stepped up to meet these challenges and as a resident I am grateful. Realizing that much of the quality of life I enjoy was thanks to REDA, I volunteered and recently joined to Board of Directors. I am now more excited and confident than ever about the efficacy and committment of this organization to the people in District del Sol. Our website doesn't reflect who were are. Help us match our message with our mission.

I have volunteered at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for a few years and I have been impressed with the coordination of the volunteer services through REDA. However, it would be much easier if REDA had a website that could provide volunteers pertinent information about upcoming events. In the past, I have sent numerous emails to the volunteer coordinators, which in turn, utilized much of their time and energy. REDA could benefit from having their own website that could be accessible to members, neighborhood residents and volunteers who want to learn about community events and assistance programs within the area. This would be a more practical approach, saving REDA time, cost and energy in, for example, printing brochures and/or reiterating information to interested parties. Furthermore, I am very proud of the hard work and dedication that REDA has shown to their community. I have learned that REDA has been a contributor in many ways to the neighborhood streets, residents, businesses and community events. REDA has motivated and committed staff who do an extraordinary job assisting those within the community. Finally, REDA has many contacts and working relationships with local agencies, businesses and nonprofits, which I think, in turn, helps and comforts the people who turn to REDA for assistance and guidance.

This is my first year as a volunteer for REDA and the Cinco fiesta, but in the short amount of time that I have been involved with this organization, their impact on the community has been made extremely evident to me. The dedication of both the staff and the volunteers at REDA to creating a better West St. Paul is strong and unwavering. West-siders are clearly a unified group, devoted to maintaining the cultural and historical significance of their city – not to mention their loyalty to improving and enriching the lives of all those on the West side. Restaurants, bars, barber shops, places of worship, clothing, banks, non-profits…the list of businesses and organizations affected by REDA is a long one. They certainly deserve this website make-over so they can ensure the West Side remains a vibrant, safe and culturally diverse gem of St. Paul. I’m proud to be a part of this great organization, and would love to see them get the opportunity to increase their outreach potential in order to further the great work they do.

During its 25 years, REDA has played a key role on the West Side of St. Paul in strengthening businesses and the Cesar Chavez commercial corridor. It's innovative marketing strategies and successful event management have put the neighborhood on the map - especially its branding of District del Sol and the Cinco de Mayo event. REDA has accomplished these things with a very small, productive, and "can do" staff by leveraging and engaging the work of thousands of volunteers.

The REDA Mission speaks for itself in a reason for them to be awarded this honor...To enhance the quality of life on St. Paul's West Side by cultivating a sustainable and vibrant business community. The REDA office, a small perch atop a local merchant, houses the "life" behind this vital organization. A web site revision could offer a new face for the organization responsible for new growth, expanded community involvement, improved business presence in a time when much of small suburbia is falling to the wayside. You feel the gift REDA has given back to their community every time you enter the district. An added sense of pride in the residents, a feeling of community and nurture, a diverse base working together for a common goal all visible with the help of the REDA, their staff, volunteers and business partners. Please give strong consideration to this organization and all they give back to the community.

The Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA) is key to the vitality and commercial success of St. Paul's West Side or District del Sol neighborhood. From hosting the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - one of the 10 largest in the country - to promoting businesses on the West Side to driving growth in the neighborhood, the organization works to enhance the quality of life for all who live and do business in the District del Sol neighborhood. Speaking in regard to my experience with the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - an up-to-date website would GREATLY enhance numerous aspects of the fiesta, for the planning committee as well as fiesta-goers. A comprehensive website that is easy to navigate, interactive, and effectively branded would allow for clear and consistent communication, strengthened outreach, informed visitors and positive experiences on the West Side. With one of the largest festivals in the nation planned by a few staff members and a volunteer committee - an effective website better streamline the efforts of all involved. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

As a resident of District Del Sol, I am so excited about this opportunity for REDA to have a chance for a Web Site Make Over ! The staff, board members, committee members, volunteers and business members know and appreciate the work and effort that REDA contributes for our community. However If REDA had a polished website I know residents/ business owners could see what we already know; how valuable REDA is to District Del Sol. The website they have now is outdated. Although they have resouceful information, it is hard to find. A website that can show off the postive influence REDA has on District del Sol- would be great for this community and other communities vistiting us. A new website design that is quicker to navigate and the content easier to view would draw the attention of our community. We want people to visit District del Sol and a new website grabbing the attention of viewers would be great!

The work that REDA does in the District del Sol Commercial Corridor spans over thousands of people, be it through the many programs and events it produces throughout the year, or through the economic vitality it has injected in the community over the last 25 years. It is hard to believe that this breadth of reach can be accomplished when the REDA office is made up of four dedicated individuals who not only believe in their mission but also inspire others to join in. As a past staff person and Cinco de Mayo Fiesta volunteer, I feel that REDA would benefit from a new website, not only because it would make information more readily available for its residents and local businesses, but also because it would create a positive wave of interest in tourists that often don't know about the community, but would like to be more involved. Yet, I feel the most important benefit of a new website would be to highlight those things that make the District del Sol Commercial Corridor stand out among others in the City of Saint Paul, such as its warm hospitality, its exciting and vibrant businesses, its colorful streets and locales, and most of all the richness of cultures.

The REDA staff are committed to the community vitality of District del Sol. With only 4 staff members, they do a tremendous job at identifying key projects that will enhance the community, bring outsiders into the community to benefit local businesses, and celebrate the heritage of the community. While the current website meets their basic needs, a website redo is a definite must to support the complex and diverse set of primary audiences that visit their site. Taking a look at pictures of past projects, accessing details related to Cinco de Mayo and providing access to member only information are three key areas that should stand out on the website, but currently don't. With a more interactive site, REDA will be better able to 'tell their story', especially to the more than 100,000 visitors to the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta each year. It will provide an opportunity to better brand their projects and events. Finally, with an update, the website could add the value of a 5th employee to the organization - having interactive areas to support its members. Thank you for considering REDA for this website challenge, I couldn't think of a more deserving organization.