APEX was founded in 2003 by progressive members of the business community who recognized that private-sector leadership was key to growing the regional 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:

• Health care
• Clean energy
• Aerospace
• Transportation
• Education
• Forest products
• Applied technology
• Mining and metallurgy
• Precision machining and manufacturing
• Tourism

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.