The Regional Business Climate
APEX investor-members are focused on growth. Their successes and achievements have a positive impact on the region. Browse recent headlines to get a sense of how investor-members are impacting, and demonstrating their commitment, to the region.
The Memo: Duluth Seaway Port Authority makes waves
Wednesday, July 06, 2022
DULUTH — The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point rank among the nation’s top performers in the "Green Marine 2021" environmental performance report.
With 50 port authorities in North America participating, Duluth Seaway Port Authority ranked sixth in the U.S. and first among U.S. Great Lakes ports. It scored 3.8 on the 5-point scale, compared to the overall average of 2.97.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Kraus-Anderson completes $10.2M fire station
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson has wrapped up construction of a $10.2 million fire station in Maplewood.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
APEX Board and Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board and Investor-Member meeting on May 5, 2022, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Downtown Duluth, and virtually via Zoom. Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO, thanked University of Minnesota Duluth Chancellor, Lendley Black, for his contributions on the APEX Executive Committee over the past 12 years. Chair, Lisa Bodine, welcomed keynote speaker, Kathy Graul, Manager of Public Relations for Twin Metals Minnesota.
Kathy provided context surrounding the importance of mining and metals in everyday life. It’s the foundation for our modern society. The World Bank has predicted significant increases in cobalt (+460%), nickel (+100%) an...
EDAM: Economic Development Association of Minnesota Summer Conference
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
APEX Director of Business Development, Ian Vincent, participated at the annual Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s (EDAM) Summer Conference in Nisswa, Minnesota from June 1-3, 2022. Attended by dozens of the state’s leading economic developers from the private and public sectors, this year’s conference focused heavily on workforce, housing and land preparedness.
Another major focus of the conference is to allow the Minnesota economic development community to network. The APEX network was well represented with attendees from Northspan, Minnesota Power, an ALLETE Company, Great River Energy, WSB, BNSF Railway, Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Itasca Economic Development Corporation, Kraus-Anderson, Lake Country Power...
FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain Summit
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
In mid-May, APEX Director of Business Development, Ian Vincent, attended the FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain Summit in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to learn from global logistics industry leaders about the cutting edge shifts in supply chain management and visualization in a late-stage pandemic world.
Vincent took in sessions from VPs of Amazon and JB Hunt, and a dozen other leading and diverse logistics firms. In addition to industry insiders, Vincent learned from representatives from the Pentagon discussing the global supply chain impacts of the war in Ukraine and continuing COVID shutdowns in China, as well as a professional from MIT Digital Econom...
High School Students Tour Regional Manufacturers
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
After a brief COVID-related hiatus, manufacturing tours are back! APEX was pleased to help coordinate a tour of regional manufacturing facilities for area high schoolers in April and May. Over 200 students from 12 schools participated in the event, gaining valuable insight into the types of companies and jobs available right here in our region.
These tours are truly transformative, exposing students to skilled and lucrative manufacturing careers close to home. They connect students with potential manufacturing employers while also connecting the manufacturers with potential future workforce. This connection has proven to be a “win-win”! IPS Cranes, for example, hired a...
Mass Timber Conference
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Matt Shermoen, APEX Senior Business Developer, attended the 7th Annual Mass Timber Conference in Portland, OR, in April. With over 2,000 attendees and 100+ exhibitors, the energy and excitement in the room were palpable. Every aspect of the conference, from casual networking to the four learning tracks, focused on helping mass timber become more widespread throughout North America.
“The APEX team is working diligently to attract a mass timber manufacturer to the APEX region,” said Shermoen. “Attending the Mass Timber Conference solidified the fact that we are strategically positioned to support the mass timber industry’s growth. We have access to th...
Northwood Technical College received donations from Cenovus Energy and Enbridge to power mobile welding lab
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Northwood Technical College received donations totaling $90,000 from Cenovus Superior Refinery and Enbridge Energy to assist in buying a generator for its new mobile welding lab. The purchase will allow welding students to gain hands-on skills from anywhere.
General Manager Chris Fortenberry of Cenovus presented Northwood Tech Foundation with a $50,000 check, while Community Engagement Strategist Michelle Johnson of Enbridge presented Northwood Tech Foundation with a $40,000 check at the Superior Campus Thursday, June 23. Dean of Academic Programming and Associate Dean of the Ashland Region Karen Hoglund and Executive Director Kimberly Pearson of the Northwood Technical College Foundation received the checks on behalf of the project.
T...
Operation Round Up® gives more than $57,000 to community programs
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Through the contributions of Lake Country Power's participating members, the Operation Round Up® Electric Trust Board recently approved $57,115 in assistance to local community programs during its quarterly meeting.
The cooperative’s Trust Board reviewed and considered 44 grant applications and distributed funds to 42 projects and programs this past quarter. Since the program’s inception in October 2004, more than $2.9 million has been distributed to community-based projects and programs.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Entrepreneur Fund to open new Superior Entrepreneurship Center
Monday, June 27, 2022
he Entrepreneur Fund has opened an office in the new Superior Entrepreneurship Center, located in the former post office building at 1401 Tower Ave. in Superior.
“We have seen the demand for accessible small business financing in northern Wisconsin grow significantly over the past few years. While we have always served Douglas County businesses, expanding to add an office in Superior will increase accessibility to our team, services, and financing that boost entrepreneurial development,” said Shawn Wellnitz, president & CEO of the Entrepreneur Fund, in an official statement.
The expansion is a result of a collaborative partnership between the Entrepreneur Fund, Wisconsi...
Lake Superior College ranked among 50 Best Online Community Colleges in the Nation
Monday, June 27, 2022
Lake Superior College in Duluth has received more national recognition and is once again ranked among the 50 Best Online Community Colleges in the Nation, by College Consensus.
Lake Superior College is ranked as the 42nd best community college in America to earn your degree online.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
Nine from Essentia Health receive ‘Joyful Nurse’ award
Monday, June 27, 2022
Nine Essentia Health nurses are recipients of the 2022 Restoring Joy Award.
The awards are presented by Restoring Joy to Leadership, a “spiritually based leadership-development consulting firm.” Nurses from a variety of organizations across the country were nominated; there were a total of 22 award winners. Recipients are “intentional in their efforts to add JOY to the work environment … in spite of the whirlwind, these nurses manage to brighten their environment with the light of a joyful heart!”
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
New local diversity index finds U.S. Bank, 3M, Target, among those with best record
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
An inaugural racial-equity analysis of 40 Minnesota companies shows progress in company diversity, but also shows much more work is needed.
3M, U.S. Bank, Target, Allianz Life Insurance, Allina Health and Best Buy all scored very well on the St. Paul-based Center for Economic Inclusion's first Racial Equity Dividends Index released Tuesday.
To view full article, visit Star Tribune
Non-traditional lenders sponsor lunch forum
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Join Northspan for presentations from non-traditional lending sources and to learn about opportunities for financing your project or business. Bankers, lenders, for-profit business owners, and entrepreneurs are welcome to attend.
Presenters will include ARDC, the Carlton County EDA, Cloquet EDA, Entrepreneur Fund, Lake Country Power, MBFC, Northland Foundation, Northland SBDC and Northspan.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Banking on technology
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Have you been inside your bank’s lobby lately? No? Well, neither has anyone else. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but, you get the idea.
The pandemic kept people out of bank offices and branches, but even in the months since banks have re-opened for in-person services, the increasing use and popularity of online and mobile banking have changed the financial sector’s landscape to make those bank lobbies as quiet as libraries.
Like so many other industries, banks have gone digital. Business is now largely conducted online or from mobile phone apps. This is the case for both consumer and business banking. Think onlin...
Essentia in affiliation talks with Mid Dakota Clinic
Thursday, June 16, 2022
DULUTH — Essentia Health announced the health care system has signed a letter of intent with Mid Dakota Clinic of Bismarck, North Dakota, to discuss a potential affiliation.
The Duluth-based health care system and the independent physician practice stated in a news release that the organizations share a common vision of strengthening and supporting rural health care. Mid Dakota Clinic CEO Marvin Lein said the affiliation would bring new specialties including women's services, and would make them a part of an integrated system of doctors, hospitals and outpatient care.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
DEED Announces $2.1 Million in Funding for Job Creation and Business Expansion in Minnesota
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced $2.1 million in funding for three Minnesota businesses. These businesses are expanding their locations or moving to Minnesota and are expected to create 165 new jobs over the next three to five years. This funding is expected to leverage more than $19.5 million in investment to the state.
Individual Projects Listed Below:
Cirrus Design Corporations, Duluth - $500,000 MIF - $695,000 JCF
Cirrus is purchasing an existing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) building at the Duluth Airport and converting it to a Product Development Innovation Center. The total project cos...
APEX hosts insider event at Wheeler Associates new office space
Monday, June 13, 2022
Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) was pleased to host an APEX Insider Event at Wheeler Associates’ new office space on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. The event featured Wheeler’s beautifully renovated, state-of-the-art space downtown Duluth in the Medical Arts Building on Superior Street.
“APEX is thrilled to bring back Insider Events after a two-year hiatus. This was an excellent opportunity to celebrate Wheeler’s investment in its space, the Wheeler team and the greater community,” said Lisa Bodine, APEX Chair. “Wheeler’s new space accommodates a hybrid business model, creating spaces to meet with clients and partners both in-person and virtually. The wa...
Hodnik Family Forest comes to life
Monday, June 13, 2022
A 1,000-acre parcel of land between Aurora and Hoyt Lakes is now the Hodnik Family Forest.
ALLETE, Inc., last June donated the land to the Rajala Woods Foundation.
The Rajala Woods Foundation named the forest in honor of Al Hodnik, former ALLETE president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board, his late sister Margaret, Minnesota Power vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs, and their late father Ralph, a longtime Minnesota Power employee.
Minnesota Power, an ALLETE subsidiary, and Rajala Woods Foundation have partnered in tree planting across the region.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
BARKO develops remote platform to monitor heavy machinery
Thursday, June 09, 2022
Superior-based BARKO Hydraulics announced this week the development of its remote platform to monitor heavy machinery performance.
BARKO Insight uses real-time data to inform proactive maintenance and operating decisions for a single machine or an entire fleet. “With this type of information at the fingertips of owners and operators, both will gain a better understanding of how their machines perform in real-time. This obviously directly impacts productivity optimization and the extension of equipment life," said BARKO President, Justin Rupar, in an official statement.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Free maurices jeans for Nashville Festival attendees
Wednesday, June 08, 2022
Duluth-based maurices is partnering with country music superstar Lauren Alaina to give every attendee of Nashville, Tennessee’s signature country music event a pair of Maurices jeans. For a limited time following the four-day festival, attendees can show their festival ticket at any of Maurices’ 900 stores across the United States and Canada between June 18 and June 24 for a free pair of classic m jeans by maurices.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
NBC purchases Superior City Center building
Monday, June 06, 2022
After outgrowing its IT and operations center on South Tower Avenue, National Bank of Commerce in Superior announced a major real estate purchase to accommodate the company’s growing footprint.
NBC has closed on the purchase of the old city hall at 1409 Hammond Ave., not to be confused with Superior’s other old city hall at Broadway and Hammond. City and county offices, including the Douglas County Jail, had occupied the structure until 2003. The 63,000-square-foot building later was purchased by A&L Properties and Tom Stender, was remodeled and then converted to a private office building that once house Le Bistro restaurant.
To vie...
Local educators, employers partner to provide pathways to the trades
Wednesday, June 01, 2022
“Workforce shortage” may seem like a recent media catchphrase that gets blamed for all manner of things, from why you can’t get your new car on time to why you wait on hold for more than an hour to schedule an appointment. But the current labor shortage was a challenge that many foresaw years ago, particularly local employers in healthcare, manufacturing and the trades. [Oncoming] Baby Boomers retiring, lower birth rate trends and younger generations moving away from the region all pointed to a labor shortage that the pandemic only brought to a head much faster and more acutely tha...
Got an idea to solve a problem or need in Duluth? Pitch it to 'Builders and Backers Idea Accelerator'
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
DULUTH — Entrepreneurs are invited to pitch ideas for how to solve problems in the city.
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and city of Duluth have partnered with Heartland Forward for the Builders and Backers Idea Accelerator program. It will accept 10 entrepreneurs from Duluth for a three-month period to test their ideas to see if they work. Participants can receive a $5,000 grant from Heartland Forward to fund the test.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Lake Superior College to partner with Ascent Aviation
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Lake Superior College is partnering with Ascent Aviation to continue to offer the professional pilot program at LSC’s Center for Advanced Aviation.
Ascent Aviation, a subsidiary of Lake Superior Helicopters, has been chosen by Lake Superior College after a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Pending approval of the Minnesota State Board of Trustees at the June meeting, the new agreement will begin this summer.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
St. Luke's gives away hearing aid batteries this week
Monday, May 23, 2022
DULUTH — St. Luke's Ear, Nose and Throat Associates is giving away hearing aid batteries through Friday to raise awareness for Better Speech and Hearing Month.
Patients and community members are invited to ENT Associates, 920 E. First St., Suite 301, Duluth, or any St. Luke's primary care clinic this week to pick up the free batteries while supplies last, St. Luke's said in a news release.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Round 3 of Women in Business honorees includes leaders at Ecumen, APi, more
Friday, May 20, 2022
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal marks our 25th annual Women in Business awards this year. Over the course of this awards program, we have recognized 1,162 women, including this year’s honorees.
Each year, we select around 50 business and community leaders from across the Twin Cities metro area to celebrate their professional achievements, industry involvement and philanthropic work. Every day this week we will publish their stories at MSPBJ.com, and feature them in two special print edition's in Friday's paper.
Today's featured honorees includes: Velma Korbel, APi Group Corp.
To learn more about Velma and the other honorees, view full article at Minneapolis/St. Pau...
Essentia Health-Cloquet Clinic and urgent care ribbon cutting
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Essentia Health will open its new clinic and urgent care in Cloquet with a ribbon-cutting and open house starting at 4:30 p.m. Mon., May 23.
The event will feature several leaders from Essentia, including East Market chief operating officer, Brad Beard, as well as the Cloquet Chamber of Commerce.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Matt Baumgartner on settling into his new role as President of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce:
Thursday, May 19, 2022
"Busy first couple months, but it's been exhilarating. Duluth has challenges right now, which to me are opportunities. If we can address those challenges and meet the opportunities, I think there's no place better positioned for future success than Duluth.
You can't recreate the economic drivers we have here. We just need to prioritize a couple things. I think we'll see a great era ahead for Duluth. My first few months have been filled with asking a lot of questions, filled with a lot of meetings and seeking solutions. I’m spending a lot of time thinking about economic development and busines...
Essentia to incorporate health science curriculum into area schools
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
DULUTH — Essentia Health announced Monday it has partnered with two organizations to incorporate health science curriculum into 25 high schools across Essentia's service range.
While the list of participating schools is not yet finalized, the partnership will allow for Essentia to work with schools to create Minnesota HOSA–Future Health Professionals student chapter organizations and health care career exploration opportunities. HOSA offers student competitions, conferences and introductions to health care professionals.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
In Duluth, preschool moves from the classroom to the forest
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Duluth is at the forefront of a national trend to move preschool from the classroom to the outdoors. A dozen nature based play schools have opened in the Duluth area in the past decade. There's even a new major at the University of Minnesota Duluth in Childhood Nature Studies, the first program of its kind nationwide.
To view full article, visit MPR News
32 High school students receive scholarships from Lake Country Power
Monday, May 16, 2022
Lake Country Power is pleased to announce 32 local high school seniors from 27 different schools have been awarded the Lake Country Power 2022 Les Beach Memorial Scholarship. The Les Beach Memorial Scholarship honors a former co-op employee and recognizes student commitment and contribution to local communities.
The $4,000 scholarships, issued at $1,000 per year for four years, will help the following graduating seniors pursue their college plans and career dreams.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Community growth program to stimulate entrepreneurship in Duluth
Thursday, May 12, 2022
The Community Growth Program and Toolkit (CGPT) is coming to Duluth to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking and action.
The program is spearheaded by Heartland Forward and its partners, Builders + Backers, the office of Mayor Emily Larson, Northland Foundation and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.
“My goal for Duluth is to be the entrepreneurial engine of the state of Minnesota and I'm thrilled that we’re the first Minnesota city to partner with Heartland Forward and Builders + Backers to bring their national Idea Accelerator to our community,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson in an official statement. “Together we’ll help bring new peopl...
Cruise ships coming to Duluth this summer
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Cruise ships are coming to Duluth this summer, including Viking’s new expedition ship Octantis. The first ship is expected May 30.
The Twin Ports has not seen cruise ships since 2013.
The announcement Tuesday was part of the International Cruise the Great Lakes organization annual meeting in Duluth May 10-11, which brings representatives from cruise lines, port authorities, state and local governments, and tourism bureaus from across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
The Great Lakes region is seen by some, including Conde Naste Traveler magazine, as one of the top cruising destinations in the world. Lake Superior has not been included in the recent itinerarie...
St. Luke's plans two-story addition to Building A
Thursday, May 12, 2022
DULUTH — St. Luke's announced Wednesday its proposed plans to add a two-story expansion on top of its Building A. The addition would have 56 single-patient rooms and house the intensive care unit and cardiac care unit.
In addition, the health care system plans to rebuild the hospital parking ramp on East First Street to add 177 spaces and an additional floor. Because the expansion of the ICU and cardiac unit will add more inpatient rooms, the existing inpatient hospital rooms will be remodeled from double rooms to single-patient private rooms.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
U.S. Bank, community groups reach agreement over MUFG Union Bank acquisition
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) on Monday announced a $100 billion community-benefits plan agreement with activists key to winning regulatory approval for its planned $8 billion acquisition of MUFG Union Bank.
American Banker has a report on the accord, dubbed the largest of its kind by Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank and community groups.
To view full article, visit Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
Essentia's Cloquet clinic opens to patients next week
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
CLOQUET — Essentia debuted its Cloquet clinic and urgent care facility to the public with an open house Monday night. The clinic at 1413 Minnesota Highway 33 S. will open to patients Monday, May 16.
The clinic’s services include primary family medicine; obstetrics; imaging and radiology; telehealth access; urgent care; and a laboratory. The lab can do urinalysis, pregnancy testing, mononucleosis testing and a COVID/RSV/influenza/step test. Any other tests will be taken to the Duluth lab through a courier that will run four times a day.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
maurices honors educators, healthcare workers, first responders and military members across hometowns
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Leading women’s fashion retailer, maurices is dedicating the month of May to hometown heroes through a month-long campaign on maurices.com and in maurices’ nearly 900 stores.
As a heartfelt thanks to educators, healthcare workers, first responders and military members, maurices is offering an extra 10% off all purchases, stackable with other offers, in stores and online, throughout the month of May.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
St. Luke's seeks input on next phase of campus redevelopment
Tuesday, May 03, 2022
St. Luke’s is inviting the public to learn more about the next phase of its Duluth campus redevelopment.
On Wednesday, May 11 at 6 pm, St. Luke’s will host a campus redevelopment community forum. At the event, St. Luke’s leaders will share plans for Phase II of its Health Forward Initiative campus redevelopment plan and then facilitate a discussion about the plans.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Essentia Health-Cloquet clinic and urgent care to open in May
Friday, April 29, 2022
Essentia Health announced the opening of its new Cloquet clinic and urgent care on May 16 -- another milestone in its commitment to provide the highest quality healthcare close to home for the communities it serves.
“We know that there is an unmet need in the community and we know this can help fill that gap,” said Trina Lower, operations director for Essentia. “We see many patients traveling from the Cloquet area to receive high-quality care at our facilities in Duluth and Moose Lake. By opening this clinic, we are eliminating barriers and making a healthy difference in people’s lives.”
To view full article...
With help from new CEO, Maurices works to expand store footprint, products and brand awareness
Monday, April 25, 2022
DULUTH - David Kornberg spent 15 years as a top executive at Express, the trendy mall retailer that appeals to fashionable 20-somethings.
When he was later approached to become CEO of Duluth-based Maurices, Kornberg first decided to visit one of the company's stores, which, with their bright lighting and decor, are quite different from the gloss of Express.
To view full article, visit Star Tribune
Co-op community connects in Cohasset for Lake Country Power Annual Meeting
Thursday, April 21, 2022
More than 300 co-op members and guests gathered at Lake Country Power’s service center in Cohasset for the annual membership meeting on April 20. The audience learned about the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic on material costs, supply chain issues, historic inflation and the impacts all of it has on providing safe and reliable electric service.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Wells Fargo Debuts Small Business Financial-Assistance Portal
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Wells Fargo on Tuesday (April 19) announced the launch of what it is calling its “Small Business Resource Navigator.”
The service, according to the San Francisco bank, will let small business owners complete brief questionnaires online and then connect with appropriate community development financial institutions, or CDFIs.
“As the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic persist, small businesses continue to need our help,” Derek Ellington, head of small business at Wells Fargo, said in a prepared statement. “We see a lot of value in supporting a resource like this to help small businesses connect to as many options as possible.”
To view full article...
Essentia starts nursing residency program
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
DULUTH — Essentia Health announced this week its new residency program for nurses has debuted in Duluth, Brainerd and Fargo.
The residency program consists of two cohorts of about 40 nurses each who recently graduated and have less than a year of nursing experience. The program includes one four-hour session each month for 12 months to build skills in specific departments.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center earns 2 national awards
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center has been recognized with a President’s Circle award and named a Center of Distinction by Healogics.
St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center earned the awards by hitting high quality benchmarks. Exceptional clinical outcomes were achieved for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate of 97% and a wound healing rate of 85%.
The prestigious President’s Circle award is only given to a Center of Distinction with outstanding performance. St. Luke’s was one of only 25 centers nationally to earn the honor.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Northland Foundation awards grants
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Northland Foundation awards 7 Maada’ookiing grants to Indigenous individuals for community projects Diversity of creative, grassroots work approved for $17,000 in funding by Maada’ookiing Board Members
From shared geography of Northeast Minnesota and all or parts of five Tribal nations – The Northland Foundation is pleased to announce the individuals and projects awarded Maada’ookiing grants. The Maada’ookiing board met in March to review and approve awards. Maada'ookiing (“the distribution” in Ojibwe) is a Northland Foundation program to strengthen relationships with Indigenous community, build partnerships with Native nations, and offer support for community members to expand capacity in northeastern Minnesota...
St. Luke’s Pharmacy Wins Clinical Excellence Award
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Luke’s Pharmacy has won an award for clinical excellence with the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy.
The award is given to clinical partners of the the U of M who express innovation and excellence within their pharmacy and go beyond what is expected to support learners.
To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online
Corps of Engineers schedules three days of hearings on NorthMet project
Monday, April 18, 2022
Beginning on May 3, the US Army Corps of Engineers will host three days of hybrid in-person and virtual public hearings to discuss potential downstream impacts – specifically on the Fond du Lac Reservation, more than 110 river miles downstream - from the proposed NorthMet Project.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has already awarded the plan a 401 Water Quality Certification after concluding it will have no downstream impacts. This certification helped inform the Corps of Engineers’ decision to award a 404 Wetlands Permit for the copper-nickel, precious metals project, PolyMet said.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
For more information on ho...
Cirrus Aircraft Opens Sales Office in France
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
At a time when numerous companies are going remote, Cirrus Aircraft is going overseas. Last week, the Duluth-based aircraft company announced that it opened its first ever sales office outside the U.S. in France. The French sales office officially launched March 31.
Cirrus Aircraft has seen growing demand worldwide, but especially in France, said spokeswoman Nadia Haidar. The company landed on France in particular due to its “extensive aviation culture,” she said.
To view full article, visit Twin Cities Business Magazine
U.S. Bank starts two-day Minneapolis hackathon to find, boost young tech talent
Friday, April 08, 2022
On Thursday morning, 50 students at the Minneapolis Community & Technical College kicked off a hackathon to design an application that would help students be successful in managing their money.
The two-day event is sponsored by U.S. Bancorp and serves as a way for the bank to tap into a pipeline of young and diverse talent as it currently has 800 open technology jobs. (28% of the hackathon participants are women while 50% are minorities).
To view full article, visit MinneInno Business Journal
NBC awarded Community Catalyst Award
Wednesday, April 06, 2022
The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) was awarded the Entrepreneur Fund’s Community Catalyst Award at the Regional Economic Indicators Forum on April 5. The award recognizes NBC’s outstanding commitment to the region’s small business community and leadership during the pandemic.
National Bank of Commerce has been a leader in the business community throughout the pandemic, the Entrepreneur Fund said in announcing the award. During March 2020 when there was significant confusion around PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) NBC bstepped forwarded by making a strong commitment to working alongside our region’s small businesses by getting them access to PPP and Covid-19 relief with or withou...
DEED Announces Recipients of Targeted Community Capital Project Grants
Thursday, March 31, 2022
St. Paul – Today the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced recipients of the Targeted Community Capital Project (TCCP) grants. In recognition of the statewide impact of COVID-19, natural disasters, and the civil unrest that occurred in the last two years, the 2021 Minnesota legislature authorized $18 million for DEED to administer this competitive grant program, providing much-needed funding for complex and costly capital projects. Capital projects utilizing these funds must result in providing, increasing, and/or expanding access to economic development, education, or workforce development programs or services to underserved communities or economically disadvantaged persons or groups.
“We kno...
Study finds UMD contributed $581 million to region's economy in 2019, 2020
Thursday, March 31, 2022
DULUTH — The University of Minnesota Duluth contributed nearly $582 million to the Northland's economy in 2019 and 2020, according to a new study by the Labovitz School's Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
The report compiled school operation data from UMD's finance department, information about student impact from One Stop Student Services, and visitor information from a Wilder Research study. Monica Haynes, director of the BBER, said the study found that the impact on Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin, had slightly increased compared to 2015 data, despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Two LHB projects recognized in national engineering competition
Friday, March 25, 2022
LHB earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ 55th annual Engineering Excellence Awards for the Superior Street Reconstruction Project in downtown Duluth.
The eleven-block corridor encompassing one of the city's oldest streets has been completely rebuilt, including replacement of utilities that dated back to the 1880s. The project also converted the city’s 1932 steam-heat system to a more efficient hot water distribution network, and replaced brick with decorative, durable concrete elements that allow flexible spaces for businesses and events.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Essentia, Rock Ridge Schools enter $400k partnership to promote health care careers
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
DULUTH — The Rock Ridge School District board has approved a $400,000 partnership with Essentia Health to provide scholarships and health care career guidance to fill areas of high need at Essentia, the health care system announced Wednesday in a news release.
The Education to Employment program will designate $300,000 for scholarships to Rock Ridge students. Tuition disbursements of up to $30,000 will be awarded annually for up to 10 years to students who attend post-secondary education for certain high-need roles. Currently, Essentia has a high need for technicians specializing in radiology, ultrasound, medical lab, echo, surgical and pharmacy, plus certifie...
Kraus-Anderson wraps up $34M school project
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson has completed a $34 million elementary school in Eveleth, one of a handful of big construction projects stemming from the consolidation of three Iron Range school districts.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
Duluth joins Great Lakes cruise ship coalition pledge to implement environmentally friendly cruising practices
Wednesday, March 09, 2022
On Monday the Duluth Seaway Port Authority joined other members of the international Cruise the Great Lakes coalition in announcing a pledge to implement 19 environmentally friendly and sustainable cruising practices starting with the upcoming 2022 cruising season.
As an intimate alternative to the larger ocean-going cruise lines, the Great Lakes cruise ship industry hopes to strengthen their environmentally conscious cruising practices with a focus on 4 key areas.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Essentia's surgery center at Miller Hill Mall on track to open this summer
Tuesday, March 08, 2022
DULUTH — Essentia Health's 41,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center in the Miller Hill Mall is nearing the end stages of its construction. The Essentia Health Surgery Center-Miller Hill is anticipated to open in July.
The surgery center will open with four 600-square-foot operating rooms, with the capacity for up to 12 operating rooms to be used in the future. The facility will also have 20 private rooms for patients to use before their operations, and four 23-hour rooms for patients who need to stay a while longer after their surgery.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Just Sold: Work to start on Old Central High apartments
Friday, March 04, 2022
Workers from Kraus-Anderson in Minneapolis are about to start the school's $30 million transformation into 122 apartments, anchored by a community coworking space.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
North Shore Bank announces teen video contest "Lights, Camera, Save!"
Wednesday, March 02, 2022
North Shore Bank is accepting submissions for its "Lights, Camera, Save!" video contest. The contest, organized by the American Bankers Association Foundation, is a national competition that encourages teens to use video to communicate the value of sound money management and set their peers on a sound financial path.
"Lights, Camera, Save! gives area students an opportunity to harness their creativity and learn about using money wisely," said Ken Johnson, President/CEO at North Shore Bank. "A strong financial education is critical to a successful future and we are thrilled to participate in a contest that reinforces that message.”
To view full article...
Essentia encloses new Duluth tower
Monday, February 28, 2022
DULUTH — The new Essentia Health hospital tower and clinic are now fully enclosed, the health care system announced in a news release Monday morning.
The Vision Northland construction project is sealed off from outside elements and crews are progressing on casework, flooring, painting and other indoor projects in the temperature-controlled interior. Exterior work also remains.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor awarded $10,000 for equity efforts
Thursday, February 24, 2022
DULUTH — A University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor, Allen Mensinger, was awarded $10,000 to further his equity efforts for higher education STEM students.
Mensinger will take two diverse students to the marine biology lab in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, for three months in the summer. The $10,000 will be used for student housing in Massachusetts as they continue their marine biology research.
The Justice, Equity and Inclusion Award is awarded to University of Minnesota faculty members who exhibit leadership and service to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in their field of study.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
United Aviate Academy buys Cirrus fleet for pilot training
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
United Aviate Academy in Goodyear, Arizona, has purchased a fleet of 25 Cirrus TRAC SR20 aircraft for its pilot training program, Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft announced Friday.
The luxury interior of the high-performance airplanes has been replaced with all-weather floor liners and water-resistant seats. According to Cirrus, the plane's cabin is larger than a typical training aircraft, which makes for a spacious training workspace. Seats in the rear allow for additional students or observers to view training.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Essentia Health to boost ICU capacity at new Duluth hospital
Monday, February 21, 2022
DULUTH — Essentia Health announced Friday its intention to include additional intensive care capacity in the new St. Mary's Medical Center now under construction downtown.
The 17th floor of the structure had not yet been dedicated to a specific use, but will now house hospital rooms that are ICU-ready at a time when the pandemic has stretched the Northland's care capacity.
"We anticipate the health care needs of Northlanders to increase in the future, and we want to be ready for that demand," Dr. Robert Erickson, Essentia's physician lead for the Vision Northland project, said in a written statement. "With that i...
Public assistance, building lease to help Cirrus grow production in Duluth
Thursday, February 17, 2022
DULUTH — The Duluth Economic Development Authority called a special meeting at noon Wednesday to enable Cirrus Aircraft to proceed with its expansion plans immediately.
Members of the authority were unified in their support of a proposal to lease an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility formerly occupied by AAR Corp. to Cirrus for up to 16 months at a cost equivalent to the building's holding costs, including property taxes. At the end of that term, Cirrus will have the opportunity to purchase the facility outright for $1.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Rising health needs drive U's new effort to draw Native students to medical school
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Medical student Fred Blaisdell has a few months to go before anyone calls him doctor, but the Oneida Nation tribal member’s already learned one lesson around the importance of Native physicians serving Native patients.
During a recent psychiatry rotation at a Minneapolis clinic, he introduced himself to a patient who lit up when she heard him speak Ojibwe.
“After that, the patient really opened up and started to talk about a lot more things that she hadn't really engaged with us before,” recalled Blaisdell, 27, who’s from the Detroit area but chose the University of Minnesota’s medical school in Duluth for it...
St. Louis County backs Cirrus expansion
Wednesday, February 09, 2022
DULUTH — The St. Louis County Board approved $600,000 in taxes Cirrus Aircraft won’t have to pay as it expands its campus, including a move into the vacant airport building that formerly housed AAR and Northwest Airlines maintenance facilities.
“As we stand here today, we expect our intention is to triple the size of our business over the next 10 years,” Cirrus executive Bill King told the board. “It’s going to take a lot of real estate to do it.”
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Ronald McDonald House Northland to celebrate first anniversary
Tuesday, February 08, 2022
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest (RMHC-UM) will celebrate the first anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House Northland on Thursday.
Built in partnership with Duluth-based Essentia Health and the Essentia Health Foundation, the five-bedroom facility offers a home-away-from-home and a caring community of support to families with seriously ill and injured children.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
How important is a Twin Metals mine to supply critical minerals?
Friday, February 04, 2022
On one hand the fight over the proposed Twin Metals mine outside Ely, Minn., is a classic “Not in My Back Yard” fight. Opponents condemn the severe environmental risks posed to the federally protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; supporters tout the hundreds of high-paying jobs the mine would create, and billions of dollars in investment it would bring to the region.
But more recently, backers of the proposed project have pushed a more global argument — that the minerals the mine would extract are essential to confront climate change.
"The World Bank has said we're going to need as much coppe...
Fortune names Most Admired Companies of 2022; Ecolab, U.S. Bank and UnitedHealth lead categories
Thursday, February 03, 2022
Target Corp. and 3M Co. are tops among Minnesota companies on Fortune magazine's 2022 ranking of the world's most admired companies. But other big Minnesota businesses score even higher in their respective fields.
The list, compiled by Fortune in partnership with consulting firm Korn Ferry, scores the largest U.S. companies (along with some non-U.S. companies from Fortune's Global 500) by reputation. Criteria include measurements on long-term investment value, social involvement and the companies' ability to attract talent.
Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) was tops in superregional banks.
To view full article, visit Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
Enbridge signs letter of intent for Line 5 segment relocation project
Wednesday, February 02, 2022
Enbridge, Inc., North America’s largest energy infrastructure company, has signed a letter of intent with Michels Pipeline, Inc. as the mainline contractor for the Line 5 Segment Relocation Project in Wisconsin. Michels Pipeline, Inc., headquartered in Brownsville, Wis., is part of the Michels family of companies. Combined, Michels is an international energy and infrastructure contractor with more than 60 years of pipeline construction experience.
The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Ashland, Bayfield and Iron counties, as well as the state of Wisconsin. According to an economic impact study from Capital Policy Analytics, the project will support 70...
APEX board of directors announces 2022 executive committee
Monday, January 31, 2022
The APEX board of directors elected its 2022 executive committee members at its annual meeting Jan. 27.
APEX 2022 Executive Committee Officers and At-Large Members
To view full list of elected Officers, visit BusinessNorth
APEX looks at impact of health and wellness on economic development
Monday, January 31, 2022
The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted its annual board of directors and investor-member meeting and reception on Jan. 27 at Pier B Resort in Duluth and virtually via Zoom.
At the event, APEX welcomed virtual keynote speaker Andrea Walsh, president and CEO of HealthPartners, the largest consumer-governed nonprofit healthcare organization in the nation. Walsh shared insights on the importance of business partnerships in improving health and wellbeing, highlighting the Itasca Project: First 1,000 Days as an example of a successful, meaningful business/community partnership.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Cirrus Aircraft launches Duluth expansion plan
Monday, January 24, 2022
DULUTH — Cirrus Aircraft aims to grow its operations, and the company is looking to the city and St. Louis County for a bit of help, in the form of a $1.2 million tax abatement package.
Both the city and county will be asked to forgo $600,000 in tax revenues over the next 10 years as Cirrus seeks to ramp up production, with the goal of tripling its output within the same decade, according to a county document.
The growth is expected to result in the creation of at least 80 additional jobs, bringing the company’s local workforce to more than 1,286...
A push to spur rural relocation
Friday, January 21, 2022
APEX’s Brian Hanson, along with Investor-Members Itasca Economic Development Corporation and several community partners are quoted in BusinessNorth’s continued reporting on our regional workforce shortage and what industry leaders are doing to find and retain crucial staffing during the pandemic. This article focuses on relocating remote workers to rural areas, including Itasca County, and what’s being done to draw and retain those workers to those areas.
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Northeastern Minnesota’s small town life, community unity, available jobs and recreational opportunities are key advantages for those looking to relocate, said Brian Hanson, president and CEO of the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX...
maurices names country music superstar Lauren Alaina as celebrity brand ambassador
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
maurices has named rising country music superstar Lauren Alaina as its first ever celebrity brand ambassador for a year-long partnership.
Throughout 2022, the partnership will include dozens of opportunities inclusive of Alaina’s upcoming ‘Top of the World’ tour presented by maurices, a “Hometown Heroes” program, including a CMA Fest sweepstakes prize packages and a maurices t-shirt design collaboration.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
St. Scholastica introduces tuition-matching scholarship
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
DULUTH — The College of St. Scholastica has launched a $27,000 "Saints Match" scholarship to first-year or transfer students that were admitted to St. Scholastica and any of the University of Minnesota campuses.
Beginning in fall 2022, the scholarship will match the average cost of attendance for students accepted for admission at any University of Minnesota school including Duluth, Crookston, Twin Cities, Morris or Rochester.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Addressing the workforce shortage
Friday, January 14, 2022
APEX’s Brian Hanson and Ian Vincent, along with Investor-Members The Entrepreneur Fund and Lake Superior College, are quoted in BusinessNorth’s January edition on our regional workforce shortage and what industry leaders are doing to find and retain crucial staffing during the pandemic.
Keeping talent in the Northland is key, said Hanson, noting that primary and secondary schools in the region are addressing this issue through a variety of programs. Low and no-barrier training programs are also ways the community and companies can help keep people in our area, said Ian Vincent, senior business developer at APEX and president of th...
Local View: Acid rock drainage a nonissue with Twin Metals mine
Friday, January 14, 2022
From the column: "Furthermore, Twin Metals has a host of innovations that set the project apart as a model operation, such as the environmentally friendly dry stack tailings method, carbon sequestration, an electric fleet, and a goal to become net zero."
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
New helipad to greatly reduce patient-transport times in emergency situations
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Now that structural steel placement is complete and Essentia Health’s replacement hospital for St. Mary’s Medical Center is taking shape, design plans are set in motion for the new helipad atop the building.
The new helipad will improve patient care, especially in emergent situations during which time is crucial. Efficiencies will include swifter transport of patients to the emergency department, where physicians can begin treatment. Currently, care teams must navigate a circuitous route to bring patients to the ED.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
University of Minnesota Duluth nature preschool set to reopen
Friday, January 07, 2022
The Preschool in the Park program is set to open its doors again Monday. The preschool services 3-5 years old and is licensed for 15 students.
After closing its doors in March 2020, the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Preschool in the Park is again accepting applications for students.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Grant money available for main street revitalization
Thursday, January 06, 2022
Northland Foundation is seeking input from Northeastern Minnesota communities that are interested in being part of a Main Street Revitalization Program. Northland could serve as the fiscal agent on behalf of area communities to tap into a second round of statewide funds being made available for projects in the region. If awarded a grant from the state, Northland Foundation could offer grants or guaranteed loans to area communities to cover a significant portion of the project costs.
To learn more about this opportunity and view the full article, visit BusinessNorth
APEX Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Cohasset Welcomes Engineered Wood Products Manufacturer, J.M. Huber Corporation
APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board and Investor-Member meeting on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the Inn on Lake Superior and virtually via Zoom. After the September 2021 meeting minutes and financials were approved, Lisa Bodine, APEX Chair and Giant Voices President, introduced keynote speaker Tamara Lowney, President of Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Tamara shared an update on the J.M. Huber Corporation’s (Huber) expansion into Minnesota, the company’s largest capital investment to date. Huber Engineered Woods (HEW) will be opening a manufacturing plant in Cohasset which will produce a high-quality engineere...
APEX Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board & Investor-Member Meeting virtually on May 6, 2021. Steve Licari, CPA with Licari, Larsen & Company, shared the results of APEX’s 2020 financial audit. The audit went well, due in large part to solid accounting practices, reasonable checks and balances, and oversight from Brian Hanson and the Finance Committee.
APEX has hosted several roundtable discussions this year, bringing regional leaders together to discuss and develop solutions for key challenges in specific areas. Ian Vincent, Senior Business Developer, and Matt Shermoen, Business Developer, shared updates on three recent discussions.
Childcare - APEX continues to help with childcare attractio...
Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Access to quality healthcare is essential in every size community. Careers in healthcare are stable and offer ample opportunity for both the young professional and for continued career growth. However, retaining and offering proper training for this diverse workforce is a complicated situation in the APEX Region.
In April 2021, APEX convened 30 regional healthcare leaders, economic developers, educational leaders and educators to begin collaborating on solutions for building a stronger healthcare sector. Key solutions include:
Education – Collaboration and synergy between community/technical schools, colleges and universities and their respective accrediting bodies to develop better pathways with “stackable” and transferable credentials, resultin...
March Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Friday, April 23, 2021
Dr. Jim Bowyer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and author of The Irresponsible Pursuit of Paradise
APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board & Investor-Member Meeting virtually on March 11, 2021, and welcomed guest speaker Dr. Jim Bowyer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and author of The Irresponsible Pursuit of Paradise. Dr. Bowyer greeted investor-members with a question: Do any of the products you’ve used in the past two weeks have their origins outside of mining, drilling, forestry or fishing? The answer was a resounding "no." Most things we use on a daily basis can be attributed to the natura...
Celebrating the Long-Lasting Impact of Dr. Pat Johns, Outgoing Lake Superior College President
Monday, July 15, 2019
Economic development is all about people, and it truly begins with education. In northeast Minnesota, we are fortunate to be home to several of the state’s finest higher education institutions. The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) has been proud to partner with Dr. Pat Johns, recently retired president of Lake Superior College (LSC), on many levels over the years, creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in the type of jobs that lend strength to our economy.
Dr. Johns led an impressive career in academia and always recognized the important role that higher education plays in the overall wellnes...
APEX Welcomes Bailey Plemel as Operations Specialist
Monday, July 15, 2019
Duluth, MN: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to welcome Bailey Plemel to the team as Operations Specialist. Plemel brings a strong background in customer service, having worked in insurance, regional retail, hospitality, news/media and restaurant industries.
“Bailey’s energy and passion for the region make her a great fit for APEX; we’re pleased to welcome her to the team,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “Her diverse experience, organizational skills and drive to learn will help her provide excellent service to APEX and our investor-members.”
The APEX Operations Specialist serves as the first point of contact for client...
APEX Annual Meeting Keynote Featured Cleveland Cliffs’ President and CEO
Thursday, March 21, 2019
On January 15, APEX hosted the organization’s Annual Meeting at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The crux of the meeting centered around the important connection between industry and the Duluth economy.
APEX was pleased to welcome Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (Cliffs) as the featured guest speaker. Goncalves shared insights and opportunities for clean steel manufacturing and how Minnesota plays an important role in this effort, both nationally and globally.
Left to Right: Brian Hanson with APEX, Brian Maki with Lakehead Constructors, Inc., Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. and Brian Thun with maurices
Cliffs has lon...
APEX Annual Meeting Focuses on the Connection Between Industry and the Economy
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Duluth, Minnesota: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted their annual Board of Directors and member-investor meeting and reception on January 15, 2019 at the Kitchi Gammi Club. APEX was pleased to welcome Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (Cliffs) as the featured guest speaker. Goncalves shared insights and opportunities for clean steel manufacturing in Minnesota and discussed Cliffs’ leadership role in addressing climate change issues.
Cliffs has long been a global leader in iron ore pellet production, specializing in using ferrous scrap to create high-grade customized pellets that can be fed directly into blast furnaces. Thi...
APEX Insider Event Celebrates RSM’s 100 Years of Service
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Duluth, MN: Yesterday, RSM celebrated 100 years of serving the region with tax, audit and consulting services at the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion’s (APEX) Insider Event at their newly-renovated RSM office in Downtown Duluth on September 26, 2018.
“RSM’s long history of service has been critical to the success of many regional businesses. The RSM team helps drive investment every day by sharing their deep understanding of the accounting nuances facing mid-market businesses in the region,” explained Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “The APEX Insider Event celebrated RSM’s investment in the the Duluth office, and highlights 100 years o...
Future Forest Stewards Invites High School Juniors and Seniors to North Star Expo
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Grand Rapids, MN: Future Forest Stewards (FFS) is pleased invite high school juniors and seniors to learn more about careers in Minnesota’s forestry industry at the Minnesota Timber Producers Association’s 65th annual North Star Expo. The expo will be held on September 14-15, 2018, at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
The expo will provide students first-hand opportunities to learn about the importance of the forestry industry in Minnesota and the wide variety of jobs that make Minnesota a strong timber and timber products producer. The industry includes career opportunities in logging, trucking, foresters, millwork, mechanics, research, manufacturing, forest products an...
APEX Hires New Operations Specialist
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
Duluth, MN: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to welcome Janet Windus to the team in the newly created position of Operations Specialist. Windus comes to APEX with a wealth of experience in accounting and payroll services, customer service, and administrative functions. She joined the APEX team on April 11, 2018.
“We’re so pleased to have Janet as part of our team,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “Her 18+ years of professional office experience and organizational skills will help streamline our operations. She is already a great addition to APEX.”
As Operations Specialist, Windus is responsible fo...
APEX Annual Meeting Focuses on the Connection Between Water and Industry
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Duluth, Minnesota: On January 25, 2018, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted their annual Board of Directors and investor-member meeting and reception at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The meeting featured guest speaker LaMarr Barnes, CEO of U.S. Water Services, Inc. (U.S. Water) speaking about the interconnection of water and industry in our region and the importance of understanding and managing water in a sustainable way.
Barnes shared valuable insight into the changing hydrological cycle, explaining the intricacies of the water/energy nexus throughout industries. Generating electrical power, agriculture, public water and industry are the largest water-using sectors in our econom...
APEX Investor Members Support ISD 709 Construction Technology Program
Friday, December 15, 2017
Duluth, Minnesota: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) and several APEX investor-members are pleased to support ISD 709’s Construction Technology program. The Boldt Company, APi Group, Inc., United Piping, Inc., The Jamar Company and Northland Constructors donated much-needed cold weather work gear and safety equipment to the Construction Technology program.
“When the district reached out to APEX, we were more than happy to get involved,” said Sandy Johnson, Manager, Member Relations and Administration at APEX. “Many APEX investor-members seized the opportunity to support the next generation of trades workers.”
This fall, students in the Construction Technology program have been working i...
APEX Debuts 360-Degree Virtual Reality Tour
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Duluth, MN: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to announce the availability of a 360-degree virtual reality (VR) tour that provides prospective business partners and site selection consultants a full-immersion experience of the APEX region from anywhere in the world. The Place VR tour, created by Golden Shovel Agency, highlights existing industry and infrastructure and showcases the region’s high quality of life.
“It’s one thing to see images or video of our region. It’s quite another to be fully immersed in the Place VR tour,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “This innovative approach showcases many element...
Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project to Support 8,600 Jobs in Northeast Minnesota: New Economic Impact Study from UMD's BBER
Monday, June 12, 2017
Duluth, MN: The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics recently released the results of the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Construction Economic Impact Study (EIS). The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) requested this study be conducted to help stakeholders better understand the significant contribution this project will provide. The BBER concluded that the project will create approximately 8,600 jobs and will represent an investment of over $2.0 billion in the 15-county study area in the northern portion of the State of Minnesota.
“APEX supports the Enbridge Lin...
APEX Annual Meeting Highlights Economic Optimism for Region
Friday, April 07, 2017
Duluth, MN: On January 26, 2017, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted their annual Board of Directors and investor-member meeting and reception at the Kitchi Gammi Club. Nearly 100 regional, public and private sector leaders were in attendance for the event and to hear guest speaker John R. Elmore, Vice Chair of Community Banking and Branch Delivery at U.S. Bank. Elmore shared his insight into recent economic shifts.
Elmore expressed optimism for economic development in the region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Equity markets and the treasury yield curve are trending upwards. Overall wages have been on th...
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