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.
APi Inks $3.1B Deal to Buy U.K.-based Fire Safety Firm
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Slated to close by the end of the year, the deal will double APi’s employee count and likely put the company on the Fortune 500 list.
A $3.1 billion acquisition is slated to double APi Group’s headcount.
On Tuesday, the New Brighton-based provider of safety and industrial services announced that it has inked a deal to buy the Chubb fire and security business unit from London-based Carrier Global Corp.
To view full article, visit Twin Cities Business
Cirrus upgrades single-engine jet
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Cirrus Aircraft announced new upgrades for its Vision Jet single-engine aircraft originally introduced in 2016. The G2+ model of the personal jet has an optimized engine, wireless internet connectivity and a new design.
Deliveries of the G2+ Vision Jet are expected in August, Cirrus said in a news release. The interior of the plane can fit up to five adults and two children. It has a Williams FJ33-5A engine with up to 20% increased performance during take-off and increases the plane's range, weight restriction and durability in high temperatures and elevations.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Essentia to open renovated Moose Lake clinic in September
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Essentia Health says it will open its new Moose Lake clinic Sept. 7 with nearly 10,000 square feet of renovated space.
Duluth construction company Kraus-Anderson has completed the renovation of the clinic, which includes a new patient entry, registration and waiting area. There are 14 exam rooms, two procedure rooms and two telehealth rooms.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Finance & Commerce announces Top Projects of 2020
Friday, July 23, 2021
Minnesota’s construction industry stayed busy in 2020 despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the added precautions required to keep workers safe, builders completed a bevy of projects last year, including apartments, office space and medical facilities. From among this impressive collection of projects, an independent panel selected 50 honorees for Finance & Commerce’s annual Top Projects awards.
Projects honored this year include the Dayton’s Project and a new Thrivent headquarters in downtown Minneapolis; several facilities for colleges and universities; and a number of buildings for health care providers throughout the state.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
Northeast Minnesota earns 3 top APEX project awards
Friday, July 23, 2021
The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to announce three outstanding construction projects in northern Minnesota have earned distinction as Finance & Commerce’s Top Projects of 2020. Cantilever Distillery and Hotel, St. Luke’s Lake View Hospital Expansion, and St. Luke’s Emergency Department and Cath Labs are among the state’s best projects.
“The entire region came together to drive progress over the past year despite many unforeseen challenges. It’s been incredible to see,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “The Cantilever and St. Luke’s projects represent forward-thinking, hard work, and a commitment to improving quality of life in northern Minnesota.”
To view full article...
Iron ore shipments on Great Lakes roar back from pandemic lows
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Silver Bay and Two Harbors joined the port of Duluth-Superior in fueling the revival. Those four cities are responsible for 78% of iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes shipping traffic appears whole again, and its revival is being fueled by taconite iron ore.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Northland Foundation announces new loan capital available
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The Northland Foundation announced today more than $2 million in new loan capital available to northeastern Minnesota businesses.
The Northland Foundation loan program has been a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) for more than 20 years. It is one of approximately 1,200 such entities scattered across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. As a CDFI, the foundation has successfully applied for upwards of $10 million for lending in its Northern Minnesota service area.
To view full article, visit Business North
Wells Fargo makes $12 million in grants to Twin Cities community lenders
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
The funding is part of an initial payout of $420 million in grants to community finance providers by the nation's third-largest bank.
Tonya Jenkins, a working mom who started as a high school volunteer, has worked in day care centers as a teacher and manager.
Jenkins plans to realize her dream when she opens her own day care business this fall at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis.
To view the full article, visit Star Tribune
St. Luke's, Blue Cross partner to use new value-based care platform
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Stellar Health incentivizes St. Luke's to keep track of patient screenings and medical histories, which can save the patient and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota money spent on emergency care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is helping St. Luke’s tackle a proactive approach to quality patient care.
St. Luke’s partnered with the insurance company late last year to use the software platform Stellar Health, which helps providers like Duluth-based St. Luke’s focus on value-based care — a reimbursement model that focuses on patient outcomes — instead of service-based care.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Duluth law firm purchases downtown US Bank building
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Hanft Fride Law Firm, who has occupied the 10th floor of the building for nearly 40 years, has purchased the building at 130 W. Superior St. in Duluth. U.S. Bank will continue to operate on the main floor of the building under a long-term lease. The office building at 130 W. Superior St. was listed for sale in October 2020. U.S. Bank will continue to operate on the main floor of the 10-story building under a long-term lease, the release said. The sale is not expected to impact customers or staffing levels. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Northland Foundation initiative seeks to build Indigenous economy
Thursday, June 24, 2021
The Northland Foundation, a mainstay of philanthropic funding in northern Minnesota for more than 30 years, has launched a new initiative to support Indigenous-led projects in the region.
Maada’ookiing Grassroots Grant Program is intended to benefit Native-led nonprofits and individual Indigenous people. Grants may be used to fund activities that support Indigenous youth, language, cultural or spiritual practices, or sustain tribal sovereignty and build Indigenous economy.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
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...
Strengthening Our Transportation and Logistics Sector
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
The APEX Region is fortunate to have a wealth of transportation-focused infrastructure. There are four Class 1 rail lines, three airports (two are international), an international shipping port, numerous trucking companies, an intermodal terminal, and multiple heavy industrial sites. APEX’s efforts to strengthen this sector include the following categories and key areas of focus:
Air – Targeting opportunities for regional airports to expand in air cargo and increasing military presence in Duluth and the Range Regional Airport in Hibbing.
Air Cargo
Expanded Military Presence
Airport Master Planning
Land Assembly/Preparedness – Compiling and preparing available sites surrounding major transportation infrastructure.
Major Industrial Sites
City Master Planning
US EDA Programs
E-Commerce &...
U.S. Great Lakes-Seaway ports see sharp increases
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
U.S. Great Lakes ports and the St. Lawrence Seaway reported sharp increases in cargo volumes of construction materials, steel and iron ore in May to supply renewed manufacturing and building activity in the region.
According to March 22 - May 31 statistics for the St. Lawrence Seaway, overall cargo shipments totaled 8.1 million metric tons, in line with last year. But in the dry bulk category, cement and gypsum shipments totaled more than 776,000 metric tons, up 51% over the same period in 2020 and 59% higher than the five-year average, the Marine Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.
T...
Our prediction for 2021: Women-owned businesses elevating the Northland
Wednesday, June 09, 2021
The year 2020 proved to be a wild ride for working professionals. We became teachers for our kids, provided daycare for infants, managed health risks, and shifted to remote work. Typically, women have been bearing the most of these added responsibilities. Some employers adapted and shifted to support these challenges and others not so much. At the Entrepreneur Fund, we saw an influx of talented professionals who either (1) decided to launch a new business or (2) took their side hustle to the next level.
To view the full article, visit BusinessNorth
DeLuca honored by University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies presented Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director Deb DeLuca with its 2021 Distinguished Service Award today at a virtual ceremony led by CTS Interim Director Dawn Hood.
The William K. Smith Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a private sector professional in the freight transportation and supply chain industry for leadership in the field and contributions to mentorship and education of future leaders.
To view the full article, visit BusinessNorth
Lake Superior College Offering Free Career Exploration Academies and Camps In June
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Registration is now open for LSC’s Career Exploration Academies and Camps 2021, with opportunities for ages 12-18. Students can assemble robots, build computers, weld and more. Participants will learn new skills, explore exciting careers, and have fun. Camps are free and start June 14. Register by June 1 at www.lsc.edu/camps. Please note all recommended CDC guidelines will be followed regarding spacing and masking. To view the full article, visit the Lake Superior College website.
Involta Acquires SecureData 365 Data Center in Canton, Ohio
Friday, May 07, 2021
Involta, an industry-leading hybrid IT, cloud computing, and data center services company, announces today its acquisition of the assets of SecureData 365 and employees in Canton, Ohio. This acquisition adds a new data center and a highly skilled team to Involta’s national portfolio, further empowering its ability to enable digital transformation for enterprises in northeast Ohio.
With this acquisition, Involta will help accelerate SecureData 365 customers’ hybrid IT journeys. Integrating data center solutions with strategic consulting, managed services, and public and private cloud options can improve both customer and employee experiences. This holistic approach is vital in today’s digitally-focused environment.
To vie...
U.S. Bank Taps Minnesota Nonprofits to Distribute ‘Microbusiness’ Grants
Thursday, May 06, 2021
Three Minnesota nonprofits are among the beneficiaries of a new wave of small business funding from Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank.
As part of the national U.S. Bank Access Commitment announced in February, the company is providing $25 million to its nonprofit partners, who will in turn distribute the funds to women-owned “microbusinesses” across the country. U.S. Bank defines a microbusiness as a company with 10 or fewer employees and $500,000 or less in annual revenue.
In Minnesota, money from the U.S. Bank Access Fund will be distributed by the African American Alliance of Black CDFI CEOs and a Twin Cities office of the national Local Initiatives Support Corp. Th...
Enbridge lives up to its values
Friday, April 30, 2021
Enbridge lives up to its values
Lorraine Little: "Enbridge has lived up to its values of safety, integrity, respect and inclusion by engaging with tribal leaders, finding solutions to tough issues, and upholding its project permit conditions. We look forward to completing remaining L3RP construction later this year and to following through on our commitment to safely delivering the energy we all use every day."
Written By: Lorraine Little | 11:00 am, Apr. 29, 2021
Winona LaDuke is known for her environmental advocacy. Unfortunately, as I read her latest commentary, what I found were half-truths that serve no one … especially not the protection of the environmen...
Sun Country to add Duluth to Fort Myers, Phoenix flights
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Sun Country Airlines will add two non-stop flights in and out of Duluth in December.
Flights between the Duluth International Airport and Fort Myers, Florida, and Phoenix, Arizona, were among 18 new routes the Twin Cities-based budget airline announced in a news release Tuesday morning. Flights to both destinations start Dec. 17. One-way tickets begin at $79.
The flights to the Southwest Florida International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport are scheduled for Mondays and Fridays through mid-April. Sun Country will offer service using the Boeing 737-800, a 183-seat aircraft with in-seat power and in-flight entertainment options.
Erin Blanton, Sun Country communications manager, said the service i...
Allete recognized for advancing women in leadership roles
Monday, April 26, 2021
Allette has received statewide recognition for its long history of advancing women in corporate leadership roles.
The 2020 Minnesota Census of Women in Corporate Leadership, produced by St. Catherine University in St. Paul, again named Allete an Honor Roll company with Special Distinction.
Allete is among only eight of Minnesota’s 77 largest public companies with women representing at least 30 percent of its corporate directors and 30 percent of its executive officers, according to the report.
A majority of the Allete board of directors and more than 40 percent of Allete executive officers are women.
Allete and other Honor Roll companies were recognized Apri...
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...
Essentia Health’s Vision Northland project stimulating local economy
Thursday, April 08, 2021
Increasingly larger crews are working on Essentia Health’s Vision Northland project as construction accelerates both on the exterior and interior. The $900 million project, which is on schedule and about 30% complete, will build a state-of-the-art replacement for St. Mary’s Medical Center while providing thousands of good-paying jobs.
Essentia has collaborated with its construction manager, McGough Construction, and the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council to maximize the local impact of those jobs, as well as bring new people into the construction trades.
“Essentia Health is grateful for all the workers of the trades who are helping to make our vision o...
NRRI receives $2 million dollar grant to help advance iron ore pellets
Thursday, April 01, 2021
UMD's Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million dollar grant to help move the mining industry forward.
The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Researchers will be looking for ways to enhance iron ore pellet chemistry, to make them usable for the DRI (direct reduced iron) process.
UMD's NRRI gets a $2 million dollar grant to help develop higher iron content pellet technology for the mines.
UMD's NRRI
Don Fosnacht, NRRI's Associate Director, said, "Different mines on the Iron Range have different capabilities for making direct reduced grade pellets. This will assist Minnesota mines to produce pellets for direct reduced iron...
St. Luke's opens Spine Center offering comprehensive treatment
Thursday, April 01, 2021
St. Luke’s is excited to announce the opening of its comprehensive Spine Center.
St. Luke’s Spine Center is the first of its kind in the Northland. The Spine Center is an integrated program that collaboratively treats all spinal issues, ranging from the common to complex, by bringing together experts who can provide the best possible care.
The Spine Center offers treatment for all spine conditions including minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusion surgery, interventional pain management treatment, spine total disc replacement, back and neck injury evaluation and management, spine decompression surgery, dedicated physiatry programs, treatment of spine trauma conditions, scoliosis and deformit...
Essentia Health wins national quality excellence award
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Essentia Health has won a national quality excellence award for its work reaching patients who need help with things that can affect their overall health, such as a lack of housing or food.
The National Association of Accountable Care Organizations gave Essentia the Leaders in Quality Excellence Award for “outstanding efforts among ACOs working to improve the quality and safety of patient care and advance population health goals.”
Essentia’s project submission was “Connected Communities: addressing social determinants of health and health inequities through partnership and technology.” The need is great — the food-insecurity rate in the neighborhoods surrounding Essentia’s downtown Duluth headquarters...
Prettner Solon reappointed to Port Authority Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
By Jayson Hron
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz this week reappointed Yvonne Prettner Solon (pictured) to a third term on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners.
Prettner Solon served previously on the board as a Duluth City Council appointee from 1990-1994, including a term as board president in 1993. She later became Minnesota’s 47th lieutenant governor, serving in that capacity from 2010-2014, before being appointed by former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton to a second term on the Port Authority board in 2015. Prettner Solon’s most recent appointment extends through January 2027.
Raised in Duluth, Prettner Solon graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth and embarked first on a career i...
Altec partners with Lake Superior College to bring new welding opportunities to women
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Altec, a local manufacturer of electric utility equipment, is partnering with Lake Superior College to offer free welding education to individuals in the Duluth area. The program, Fired Up About Welding, just completed its fourth year.
While there is a class open to men, this program gives women a unique opportunity, as welding is traditionally seen as a trade for men.
Lyndsay Barrett, the program's founder and a fabrication supervisor at Altec, started the program after attending welding classes at Lake Superior 10 years ago. As the only woman in the class, Lyndsay felt like she was alone in her efforts to become ...
APEX Annual Meeting Highlights
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Christopher Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the Site Selectors Guild and Sr. VP & Director, Infrastructure & Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
APEX hosted its Annual Board of Directors and Investor-Member Meeting, held virtually on January 28, 2021. APEX welcomed guest speaker Christopher Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the Site Selectors Guild and Sr. VP & Director, Infrastructure & Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC. Lloyd shared insights into economic development from an experienced site selector’s perspective, paying close attention to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighting opportunities to position the APEX Region for success once business activity returns to a semblance of normal.
“Economic development is ...
Lake Superior College President Receives Award
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Lake Superior College president Dr. Patricia Rogers (pictured) has been selected to receive a 2021 Paragon President Award from the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. The award recognizes new college presidents for their outstanding support of student success.
Phi Theta Kappa will recognize 22 college presidents with the Paragon Award during their annual convention, the PTK Catalyst 2021, broadcast live from Orlando, Florida, April 8-10. Awards are given to new college presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by the students o...
Maurices President Goldfarb Announces Retirement
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
George Goldfarb has been with the company for 36 years and has been president and CEO for 10 years. David Kornberg will succeed Goldfarb in the role.
George Goldfarb, president and chief executive officer of Maurices, announced his retirement Tuesday, and has accepted the role of chairman emeritus for the Duluth-based clothing company.
“It’s been such an honor to lead Maurices," Goldfarb said. "It is an unbelievable brand, with a winning track record, even during a global pandemic. I attribute that success to our seasoned leadership team and talented associates. David’s experience will enable continued success for the brand and his authenti...
Ronald McDonald House Northland
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
The staff of the Ronald McDonald House Northland in Duluth is ready to welcome the first families in need into its care. The space officially opened Wednesday with the capacity to host up to five families at a time.
“We’re ready to go and we’re eager to serve as soon as there’s that need,” said program manager Tara Gallagher.
The Ronald McDonald House is on the fourth floor of 503 E. Third St., next to the Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center. Families who stay there are given access to a private bedroom and bathroom, free laundry facilities, a full kitchen and loung...
Look inward to strengthen our forever-changed region
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Hang in there, Northland. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest weren’t in anybody’s strategic plan for the year. Although we’re working through the survival mode we all adopted during the past few months, we’re not out of the woods yet. It’s time to think strategically about how the business community and our citizens can evolve to address equity issues and tackle the growing needs of customers, employees, business owners, and our economy.
The first step is accessing the resources available to support ongoing operations, provide safe work environments, and build toward long-term success. Emergency funding is available today in bot...
St. Luke’s Showcases New Emergency Department and Cath Labs
Monday, August 31, 2020
On Wednesday, August 12, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) was pleased to co-host their most recent Insider Event at St. Luke’s. The event featured St. Luke’s new state-of-the-art emergency department set to open this fall along with their new Cath Labs. They were honored to have had the opportunity to allow APEX investor-members a sneak peek of this newly developed section of the hospital prior to its opening to the general public.
“St. Luke’s has always offered premier care throughout our region and the expansion of their emergency department is a testament to their growth and success,” explained Bria...
APEX Launches Business Continuity
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
APEX recently added new web content dedicated to providing direct resources and support to business owners facing challenges to operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new content focuses on making strategic, deliberate changes to protect employees and ensure business continuity during these uncertain times.
“As we watched the world transform in response to COVID-19, we also witnessed APEX investor- members making smart, strategic decisions to keep their teams and their clients safe, while maintaining operations,” explained Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “In times like these, when physical separation is necessary for the health of the entire world, it is essentia...
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on global, national, state, and local business, and the landscape is changing almost daily. In March, APEX surveyed our local business owners to gain a better understanding of impacts seen around the region. Our intent is to use the information we glean to inform local and state elected officials, government agencies, and others of the economic and human impact of the COVID-19 virus to our region.
This survey is part of a national effort by local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce. It will be conducted several times as things are changin...
March Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
On March 5, 2020, David Ulrich, Communications Consultant for Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, provided an update on the Twin Metals Minnesota (TMM) Project. The company shared details with APEX investor-members on the intent to develop and operate an economically sustainable 21st century underground mining project on Minnesota’s Iron Range. TMM, with an office and core storage in Ely and an office in St. Paul, plans to mine strategic minerals including copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals.
Steve Burgess (National Bank of Commerce), David Ulrich (Twin Metals Minnesota LLC.), Brian Hanson (APEX)
Ulrich discussed details of the project located within the Superio...
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...
Airport to receive $750,000 grant in effort to establish Duluth-to-Denver flights
Friday, July 23, 2021
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber announced Thursday that Duluth has been awarded a $750,000 grant through the Small Community Air Service Development Program, with the aim to lure a carrier to provide direct service to Denver.
The Duluth Airport Authority has scheduled a Friday morning news conference to talk about the grant and how it will be used. Authority staff did not respond to messages from the News Tribune on Thursday afternoon asking for details on the status of its efforts to establish Duluth-to-Denver service.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Taking Positive Steps to End the Northland’s Childcare Crisis
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Long before the coronavirus pandemic shook the world, parents across the northland struggled to find high-quality childcare. Then, as parents juggled remote working and distance learning, the absolute necessity of childcare became even more urgent than we could have imagined just a year ago. In short, it has become abundantly clear that our economy depends on reliable childcare and our current availability is sorely lacking. Not only are our communities short on available childcare slots, but the financial and regulatory burdens to develop new childcare centers have created severe barriers to entry.
In December, APEX convened a group of childcare providers...
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...
