History
APEX was founded in 2003 by progressive members of the region’s business community who recognized that private-sector leadership and a regional approach were key to growing the Northland economy.
The idea emerged from a region-wide economic summit, held in 2001. That timely gathering of business and community leaders also identified industry sectors that showed high growth potential in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, and APEX continues to pursue development opportunities in these industries today:
- Applied technology
- Aerospace/aviation
- Clean energy/biofuels
- Education
- Forest Products
- Healthcare
- Mining and metallurgy
- Precision machining and manufacturing
- Tourism
- Transportation
Backed by the region’s largest companies and most experienced corporate executives, APEX was formed to target these industries and spearhead economic development efforts for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.
