Academic Civic Engagement: Business leaders proposed a list of over 20 projects through which Carleton and St. Olaf students and classes could benefit the community and enrich their academic experiences. Similar projects were often suggested by several sources, and below are the four broad themes. 

Defining the consumer

Where are particular demographics shopping? In town or outside? What businesses do consumers want that Northfield is lacking?

Reaching college students

What businesses do students want?  How can businesses advertise to them effectively? How can the downtown capitalize on new student week, parents’ weekend, and graduation?

Internet and websites

Many businesses want help creating websites to build backdoor strategies. They also want help creating and maintaining an online forum for communicating with each other.

Marketing Northfield

How can the city market its economy to the outside? How can it become a stronger tourist destination? What would attract Carleton and St. Olaf alums back to the city?