Uptown Association Announces Lawrence Thomas as New Board President

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – October 14, 2026 – Uptown Association is pleased to announce Lawrence Thomas as the new President of its Board of Directors. Thomas is the owner of Lawrence Thomas State Farm Insurance agency and a small business owner committed to revitalizing Uptown and strengthening its business community. Thomas also is a residential property owner in Uptown and is active in the community.

As President, Thomas will help guide Uptown Association’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment, attract investment, bring major events and activations to Uptown, and strengthen relationships among business owners, property owners, city leaders, and community partners.

“I’m passionate about seeing Uptown businesses thrive and making Uptown a place where people are proud to call home,” said Thomas.

The organization is focused on creating an environment where businesses can succeed, investment can grow, and the community can move forward together.

“We are excited to welcome Lawrence as President,” said Stefani Pennaz, Executive Director of Uptown Association. “His experience as a small business owner brings a valuable perspective as we work to create a more business-friendly Uptown, attract new opportunities, and build momentum for the neighborhood’s future.”

Uptown Association looks forward to working with Thomas, its board members, business owners, property owners, and community partners to bring new energy, events, investment, and economic opportunity to Uptown Minneapolis.

About Uptown Association

Uptown Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Uptown Minneapolis through business advocacy, economic development, major events and community activations, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen the neighborhood’s business environment and sense of community.

Media Contact

Stefani Pennaz, Executive Director
Uptown Association
stefani@uptownminneapolis.com
(612) 823-4581

Lawrence Thomas is available for interviews upon request.

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Government & Business Contacts

Need help with a city service request, public safety concern, construction issue, or business resource? Start with our Member Contact Cheat Sheet.

How UA Can Help

UA Business Partners can connect with the business community, explore promotional opportunities, receive updates on grants and city resources, and participate in advocacy efforts affecting Uptown.

Interested in becoming a Business Partner?

The post Uptown Business Resource Guide appeared first on Uptown Association.

The City of Minneapolis provides a dedicated Business Assistance program that connects entrepreneurs with guidance on permits, planning, and business operations. Their resources are especially helpful for navigating city requirements and accessing local support networks.

Another valuable resource is the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which offers a Small Business Digital Toolbox. This platform includes guides, planning tools, and strategies to help businesses strengthen their operations and adapt to a changing marketplace.

For one-on-one support, the SCORE Twin Cities chapter offers free mentoring from experienced business professionals. They also provide workshops, webinars, and templates covering topics like marketing, finance, and business planning.

By taking advantage of these free services, Minneapolis small business owners can gain expert guidance without additional cost and build a stronger foundation for growth.

The post Free Resources Available for Minneapolis Small Businesses appeared first on Uptown Association.

Start by updating all digital platforms with current information. Ensure your website, social media profiles, and online listings reflect accurate hours, services, and reopening details. Consistency across platforms builds trust and avoids confusion.

Sharing your story can be a powerful marketing tool. Customers appreciate authenticity, and communicating what your business has been through helps humanize your brand. Behind-the-scenes updates, recovery progress, and reopening announcements can all create engagement.

Email marketing is another effective way to reconnect with your audience. Sending a reopening announcement, special promotion, or appreciation message encourages customers to return and support your business.

Community engagement also plays a key role. Hosting a reopening event, collaborating with neighboring businesses, or participating in local initiatives can help rebuild foot traffic and awareness.

The goal is to remain visible, consistent, and connected. With the right marketing approach, businesses can rebuild momentum and re-establish their presence in the community.

The post Marketing Strategies to Help Small Businesses Reopen and Regain Customers appeared first on Uptown Association.

The first step in recovery is assessing the current condition of your business. This includes evaluating physical space, inventory, staffing needs, and financial resources. Understanding where you stand allows you to prioritize what needs immediate attention versus what can be addressed over time.

Clear communication is also essential. Let your customers know when you plan to reopen, what services are available, and how they can support you during the transition. Updating your website, social media channels, and Google Business profile ensures that accurate information is accessible.

Rebuilding momentum takes consistency. Regular updates, promotions, and community engagement can help bring customers back and re-establish your presence. Sharing your recovery journey can also create a stronger connection with your audience.

Local partnerships and community networks can further support your return. Collaborating with nearby businesses or participating in community initiatives helps increase visibility and reinforces a sense of shared recovery.

Recovery is not just about reopening doors—it’s about rebuilding trust, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

The post Resilient Small Business Recovery Strategies After Disruption appeared first on Uptown Association.

East Side St. Paul & Greater MN Emergency Fund – LEDC and East Side Funders Group are raising funds to support East Side and Greater Minnesota Latino & immigrant-owned businesses.
Minneapolis Foundation Economic Response Fund – The Economic Response Fund will activate an initial $3.5 million through grants to established community organizations with deep experience in small business support.
Immigrant Rapid Response Fund – Hosted at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, rapid response funds to mobilize and organize communities to support and protect immigrants.
Open for Tomorrow Fund – Main Street Alliance is partnering with the Economic Reconstruction Coalition for a rapid response fund.
Stand with Lake Street in 2026 – The Lake Street Council is fundraising for small businesses and has resource listings.
The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund – Fundraising to support Minnesota’s restaurants, held by the Minneapolis Foundation.
NDC Emergency Relief Fund – Donate to NDC’s emergency relief fund, which will support entrepreneurs who are experiencing difficulties
Additionally, as organizations look to learn more about the realities Minnesota small businesses are navigating, consider taking a few minutes to complete the surveys below:

For businesses across the state, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has a survey to learn how the current economy is affecting businesses. This survey should take about 7 minutes to complete. Take the survey here.
For businesses in Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis has a survey on the business impacts of federal immigration enforcement. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Somali.
The Latino Economic Development Center conducting a short survey to understand how current economic conditions are affecting

Learn more:
https://crfusa.com/resources-for-minnesota-small-businesses/

The post Small Business Resources appeared first on Uptown Association.

A seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience across nonprofit leadership, media, business development, and community engagement, Pennaz has a proven track record of delivering results, building high-impact partnerships, and leading organizations through transformation.

“Stefani is exactly the leader Uptown needs right now,” said Andrea Corbin, Board President of the Uptown Association. “She brings urgency, strategic vision, and a deep ability to unite stakeholders. Her leadership will be instrumental in reigniting momentum, strengthening our business community, and positioning Uptown as one of the most dynamic districts in the region.”

Pennaz most recently served as Major Gifts Director, where she led significant fundraising initiatives, cultivated high-level donor relationships, and advanced key growth strategies.

In her new role, Pennaz will oversee all aspects of the Uptown Association’s operations, including business engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing and communications, and signature events such as the Uptown Art Fair. She will serve as the organization’s chief advocate – working closely with businesses, residents, city leaders, and community partners to elevate Uptown’s visibility, energy, and economic strength.

“This is a defining moment for Uptown,” said Pennaz. “We have an incredible foundation, a resilient business community, and a real opportunity to build something bold and lasting. I’m ready to get to work – bringing people together, amplifying what makes Uptown unique, and driving meaningful, visible progress.”

The Uptown Association is focused on delivering high-impact programs, strengthening member engagement, and creating experiences that attract residents, visitors, and investment to the district.

Media Contact:
Uptown Association
612-823-4581
info@uptownminneapolis.com

About the Uptown Association:
The Uptown Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business trade organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and enhancing the Uptown district of Minneapolis. Through advocacy, events, marketing, and community partnerships, the Association works to ensure Uptown remains a dynamic destination for business, residents, and visitors alike.

The post Uptown Association Names New Executive Director appeared first on Uptown Association.

The post Press Release: The Return of 2026 Uptown Art Fair appeared first on Uptown Association.

From residents and business owners to volunteers and community leaders, the strength of Uptown comes from individuals who show up, stay engaged, and invest in the neighborhood.

That’s the idea behind Uptown United — a community-driven effort focused on creating a more active, connected, and welcoming Uptown.

Working alongside organizations like the Uptown Association, Uptown United helps bring people together to support local businesses, build relationships, and strengthen the district.

What Is Uptown United?

Uptown United is a grassroots community initiative centered around one simple idea:

When more people are present, engaged, and connected, neighborhoods become stronger.

The organization encourages residents and supporters to take an active role in shaping Uptown through small, consistent actions that create a positive impact.

What They Do

Uptown United focuses on building energy and activity in the neighborhood through community-led efforts such as:

Community Walks

Organized weekly walks bring neighbors together to walk key corridors, support local businesses, and create a visible, positive presence.

Neighborhood Engagement

Encouraging residents to connect with each other, local businesses, and community initiatives.

Supporting Local Businesses

Driving foot traffic and visibility for Uptown businesses by simply showing up, visiting shops, and spending locally.

Creating Positive Momentum

Helping shift perception and energy in Uptown by increasing activity, connection, and community pride.

Why It Matters

Neighborhoods thrive when people participate.

Uptown United helps:

• Increase activity along business corridors
• Support small businesses through foot traffic
• Build stronger connections between neighbors
• Create a more welcoming and vibrant environment

It’s not about large-scale programs—it’s about consistent, visible engagement that adds up over time.

How Uptown Association Connects and Supports

The Uptown Association plays a key role in supporting efforts like Uptown United by helping connect businesses, residents, and resources across the district.

The Uptown Association helps:

• Promote community initiatives and events
• Support local businesses through marketing and advocacy
• Connect people to programs, resources, and opportunities
• Strengthen coordination across the Uptown corridor

By working together, Uptown United and the Uptown Association help create both community energy and structural support—two things needed for a thriving district.

The Big Idea

The concept is simple:

When more people are out, engaged, and present, it changes how a place feels.

Uptown United is about showing up—whether that means walking the neighborhood, supporting a local business, or connecting with others.

Get Involved

Anyone can be part of Uptown United.

You don’t need experience, registration, or a specific role—just a willingness to participate.

To learn more, visit:
https://uptownunitedmpls.org

Building Uptown Together

A stronger Uptown doesn’t happen all at once—it happens through consistent, shared effort.

Uptown United provides a simple way to be part of that momentum.

Together, we can continue building a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant Uptown.

The post Uptown United: Building a Stronger, More Connected Uptown appeared first on Uptown Association.

Uptown residents, neighbors, and supporters are coming together through Uptown Community Walks, a simple but powerful way to show up, support local businesses, and bring positive energy back to the neighborhood.

These walks are organized by the Uptown United and supported by the Uptown Association as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Uptown community.

What Are Uptown Community Walks?

Community walks are a way for neighbors to be present, visible, and engaged.

Participants break into small groups and walk key Uptown corridors including:

• Hennepin Avenue
• Lake Street
• Lagoon Avenue
• Lyndale Avenue

The goal is simple:

Show up. Say hello. Support local businesses. Help make Uptown feel like Uptown again.

When and Where to Join

Community walks take place:

Fridays and Saturdays
Meet at 6:00 PM
Location: Seven Points (Lake & Hennepin)

Walks typically last about 1.5 hours, wrapping up around 7:30 PM.

No sign-up is required—just show up and join a group.

What to Expect

When you arrive, you’ll be placed into a small group of about 5 to 10 people and given a general route.

From there, it’s simple:

• Walk together
• Connect with neighbors
• Support local businesses along the way

Many participants choose to stop for a drink, grab food, or continue socializing after the walk.

How to Participate

Community walks are intentionally simple and welcoming.

Do:

• Show up as you are—no experience needed
• Be friendly and welcoming
• Support local businesses
• Stay in small groups
• Help keep the area clean
• Be aware of your surroundings

Don’t:

• Engage in confrontation
• Attempt to intervene in illegal activity
• Take photos of individuals without consent
• Escalate situations
• Feel pressure to “do something” — your presence is enough
• Bring weapons of any kind

Safety and Approach

These walks are not enforcement or policing efforts.

They are about creating a positive, visible presence in Uptown.

If something requires attention:

• Call 911 for emergencies
• Text 311 for non-emergency city issues

Participants are encouraged to use good judgment and stay with their group.

Why It Matters

When more people are out, engaged, and present, it changes how a place feels.

These walks help:

• Increase positive activity in the neighborhood
• Support local businesses through foot traffic
• Build connections between neighbors
• Create a more welcoming environment

It’s a small action with a meaningful impact.

How Uptown Association Supports the Effort

The Uptown Association supports initiatives like community walks by helping promote activity, visibility, and engagement across the district.

By connecting businesses, residents, and programs, UA helps bring more energy and coordination into Uptown—supporting both economic activity and community connection.

Join the Walk

No sign-up required. Just show up, walk, and be part of something good.

For more information, visit:
UptownUnitedMPLS.org

Together, we can help build a stronger, more connected Uptown.

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