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.
UMD to host student-run artisan market
Wednesday, October 05, 2022
DULUTH — The University of Minnesota Duluth will host Art in Ordean Court, its second biannual student-run artisan market on campus, at 1305 Ordean Court on Oct. 15.
This public event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is aimed to foster a sense of entrepreneurship as well as provide art and design students the opportunity to sell their work. More than 30 vendors will feature student-made jewelry, ceramics, prints and more.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Minnesota commissioners to visit Northeastern Minnesota
Friday, September 30, 2022
A contingent of Minnesota state commissioners are touring businesses, industry and community projects in northeastern Minnesota.
The Oct. 4-6 visit brings almost a dozen commissioners to Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, the Duluth Port, the Chester Creek Restoration project, and a forum at ALLETE, Inc.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Kraus-Anderson starts 2nd phase of Hopkins project
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson has started the second phase of The Hallon, a mixed-use development that will bring hundreds of new homes and retail offerings to Hopkins.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
Minnesota Power Assists Florida in Power Restoration
Thursday, September 29, 2022
DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota power has stepped up to help bring light to Florida’s darkness.
While Hurricane Ian destroys powerlines and causes power outages everywhere, there just are not enough local repair crews.
On Wednesday, 25 workers with Minnesota Power packed up all of their gear and began the nearly 24 hour drive to Fernandina Beach.
To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online
maurices Sport Court Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
DULUTH, Minn. – The recreational sport court at Gary New Duluth Park has a new name.
A ribbon cutting was held to inaugurate “maurices Sport Court” after maurices secured naming rights through their donation of 50 thousand dollars. This funding will go toward community programs run through GND Rec and to further advance community offerings.
To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online
Cirrus Aircraft Chief Information Officer Receives 2022 Twin Cities CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Award
Monday, September 26, 2022
Cirrus Aircraft’s Senior Vice President of Information Technology, Michelle Roemer, has been recognized as Chief Information Officer of the Year for a Large Corporation by the 2022 Twin Cities ORBIE® Award, the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States.
“We could not be happier for Michelle to be awarded the prestigious CIO of the Year ORBIE Award,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “It is a testament to her skill and capability, which underscores the culture at Cirrus Aircraft and our constant pursuit to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver world-class aviation experiences.”
To view ful...
Minnesota Power hosts car show for Drive Electric Week
Friday, September 23, 2022
Minnesota Power is highlighting the benefits of electric vehicles by hosting an EV Car Show in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District as it joins energy providers and other organizations across the nation to mark National Drive Electric Week.
Support for EVs, including expanding access to public charging stations, special rates for EV charging and rebates for home chargers, is part of Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward vision for a carbon-free energy future by 2050. The company’s vision also includes adding more renewable sources of energy and investing in infrastructure for managing the delivery of increasing amounts of renewable energy. “Tax credits and othe...
Kraus-Anderson finishes $63M Mapleton school
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Kraus-Anderson has finished construction on a $63 million school for the Maple River School District in Mapleton.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
Duluth Chamber launches new nonprofit foundation to benefit business community
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
DULUTH — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday the launch of its new foundation.
After conducting research, hiring third-party attorneys, as well as a strategic planning, human resources, professional accounting and finance consultants, the chamber determined it could best serve its members, businesses and community with a foundation.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Kraus-Anderson begins renovation to convert Historic Old Central High School
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Kraus-Anderson Duluth has begun an extensive $29.7 million renovation that will convert Historic Old Central High School into a mixed-use residential apartment building. The iconic building located at 215 North First Avenue East in downtown Duluth was built in 1892 as Duluth Central High School (DCHS). It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Prior to its purchase by Zenith Properties the building most recently had served as offices for ISD 709, Education Equity, Indian Education and the St. Louis County Soil & Water District.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
APEX Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Monday, September 19, 2022
APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board and Investor-Member meeting on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Pier B Resort and online via Zoom. Chair Lisa Bodine introduced new investor-members Ulland Brothers and Bell Bank and welcomed all APEX investor-member interns attending the meeting. Next, Bodine introduced Deb DeLuca, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority (DSPA). DeLuca provided valuable background on port operations and shared detail on the DSPA’s functional strategic plan – Under Full Sail.
“The Port of Duluth-Superior is a critical asset that connects the entire region to the world,” explained DeLuca. “We’re governed by a diverse, 7-member board o...
APEX Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights
Monday, September 19, 2022
APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board and Investor-Member meeting on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Downtown Duluth and online via Zoom. Chair Lisa Bodine introduced new member-representatives from Altec and ALLETE, a few folks back with APEX and a couple of guests. Lisa then introduced Rachel Johnson, APEX’s incoming President and CEO, who said a few words relaying her excitement about getting started in her new role. Bodine then welcomed Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, who provided the meeting’s keynote address titled Minnesota’s Economic Position and Outlook for Progress.
Dou...
Cirrus Aircraft plans $15 million 'Innovation Center' in Duluth
Monday, September 19, 2022
Small airplane manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft, which opened its first facility in Duluth in 1994, announced Monday it plans to invest $15 million in a new “Innovation Center” at the Duluth airport, where engineers will design future products.
Cirrus said it plans to hire 80 additional engineers over the next three years to staff the new hub, which will be located in a giant hangar the company recently acquired from the city of Duluth.
To view full article, visit MPR News
UMD adds second major for budding outdoor educators
Thursday, September 15, 2022
A wooded area off West Fifth Street in Duluth has more than just trees.
Stand on top of a stump there, a preschooler in Desi Hagenbeck’s impromptu class at Wind Ridge Schoolhouse explained on Wednesday, and you might find yourself covered in honey. If you strike a cool pose there long enough – for a lifetime, even – you might turn to stone.
The student, who meandered away without answering follow-up questions from the News Tribune, is one of about a dozen enrolled at the Observation Hill neighborhood preschool, which emphasizes outdoor learning. Hagenbeck, meanwhile, has ticked several boxes required for ...
Cirrus supports pilots flying animal-rescue missions
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
DULUTH — In aviation circles, the term "dogfighting" usually conjures images of pilots engaged in close and often deadly mid-air combat. But Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft is encouraging its clients to consider a different form of dogfighting, in the sense of fighting for dogs' survival by transporting animals slated to be euthanized in one place to another location where loving homes await.
Cirrus recently provided a fueled new SR22 G6 turboprop to model and actor Aaron O'Connell, star of "The Haves and the Have Nots" and "Love Accidentally," to help him fly a dog to safety in California. O'Connell has now flow...
Duluth's Intrepid Building purchased by local developers
Monday, September 12, 2022
Two Duluth-based developers announced today they have purchased the Intrepid Building, located at 230 E. Superior Street.
Brian Forcier, CEO of Titanium Partners, and Joe Gregorich, DDS, owner and partner of Gregorich and Matack Family Dental, have purchased the building with plans to re-develop the 70-year-old structure.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
Kraus-Anderson begins construction on new Virginia school
Monday, September 12, 2022
Kraus-Anderson Duluth has begun construction on a new elementary school in Virginia for Rock Ridge Public Schools. North Star Elementary School will be located at 411 S. 5th Ave.
Designed by Cuningham Group in collaboration with the local design firm of ARI, the three-story, $33.7 million school will serve students in grades 3-6.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
NBC participates in SWL&P’s solar garden
Friday, September 09, 2022
National Bank of Commerce (NBC) purchased 60 blocks of solar from Superior Water Light and Power’s (SWL&P) new community solar garden. This new solar garden will provide renewable energy to Superior’s residents and businesses that wish to partake. Uniquely enough, the split between residential and commercial customers is about 50/50. The garden will be built on the corner of 28th and Hammond near Heritage Park.
Joscelyn Skandel, Manager of Regulatory Compliance, Policy & Rates at SWL&P stated, “Having a business like NBC sign up and support us on this project is a win-win-win for NBC, the community and SWL&P. NBC is a respecte...
Northspan to hold second annual equity summit
Friday, September 09, 2022
Duluth-based nonprofit consulting firm Northspan Group, Inc., is set to host the second annual Equity Summit, Belonging in Northeast Minnesota, on November 10 in partnership with regional and statewide collaborators.
The equity summit is an opportunity for community leaders, businesses, educators, creatives, workforce and economic development, government, health care, philanthropy, and YOU to engage around themes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and forge a more inclusive future in northeast Minnesota.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Northern Minnesota researchers close in on sulfate pollution solution
Thursday, September 08, 2022
Outside the wastewater treatment plant in the Iron Range town of Aurora, a small trailer could hold clues to solving a big environmental problem facing northern Minnesota — how to protect wild rice from sulfate, a pollutant released by iron ore mines, wastewater treatment plants and other industries.
Mei Cai, an environmental engineer with the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth, points to a series of tanks where a chemical called barium chloride reacts with dissolved sulfate in the water to form particles.
To view full article, visit MPR News
Northland Constructors upgrades Class 8 trucks, improving air quality and public health
Thursday, September 08, 2022
Northland Constructors of Duluth recently replaced two 1996 and one 1997 Class 8 Mack trucks with the help of Project Green Fleet, an Environmental Initiative program that replaces older, inefficient diesel engines in heavily used professional equipment, helps business owners save money, reduces diesel exhaust emissions, and protects the health of workers and neighbors.
“Thanks to Project Green Fleet, we are retrofitting our fleet’s engines to be more efficient and reduce air pollution, strengthening our ability to serve our customers and improve air quality in our community,” said Aaron Holmgren, Vice President of Operations, Northland Constructors.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
First Avenue, U.S. Bank stake out metaverse trademarks
Wednesday, September 07, 2022
The metaverse, the growing array of virtual reality and digital platforms with online personas, real estate and businesses, offers its users a chance to experience a simulacrum of the world. However, for the companies looking to sell on the platforms, the questions around brand protection are very real.
If companies anticipate that they'll want to advertise or sell in virtual worlds, they might want to start looking at how to protect their intellectual property from infringement, experts say, and it might pay off to be proactive.
To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Minnesota Chamber visits Duluth in preparation for next legislative session
Wednesday, September 07, 2022
DULUTH — In preparation for the next state legislative session, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce President Doug Loon visited Duluth to present to Area Partnership for Economic Expansion during its board of directors and investors meeting Thursday. APEX is a business development engine with a mission to leverage private sector resources to drive investment throughout the region.
In addition, Loon made stops at area businesses, the Duluth Chamber of Commerce , mining associations and met with the News Tribune for an interview during his stay in the Northland.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Area hospitals find ‘win-win’ financial remedies for patients, bottom line
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
These days, healthcare providers face a tricky financial challenge: How to help patients with the high cost of services while ensuring the business remains economically viable.
This challenge is getting harder, say area hospital billing experts, as insurance plans shift to larger deductibles and co-pays, with more fine print and less education to the patient about what is and isn’t covered.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Inflation Reduction Act Poised to Bolster Renewable Energy in Minnesota
Monday, August 22, 2022
The company said “over the long term,” Great River Energy expects the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce costs for cooperative members, both through financial incentives for energy innovation on the electric system “as well as reducing overall energy costs by making it easier for cooperative members to use electricity in new, efficient and cost-effective ways, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.”
To view full article, visit Twin Cities Business Magazine
APEX announces new president, CEO
Thursday, August 18, 2022
DULUTH — The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion recently appointed Rachel Johnson as its new president and CEO. The position was formerly held by Brian Hanson for 10 years.
APEX is a business development engine with a mission to leverage private sector resources to drive investment throughout the region. In her new role, Johnson will lead APEX to increase investor-membership and build relationships that create new growth opportunities in talent attraction, site selection and business expansion.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Birthplace, midwife suite in Vision Northland project to enhance baby-delivery experience
Thursday, August 18, 2022
As part of the Vision Northland project, Essentia Health’s replacement hospital will feature several enhancements aimed at making the baby-delivery experience unique, private and comfortable.
Giving birth is one of the most special days in a mother’s life, and we kept that top of mind throughout the entire design process,” said Dr. Michael Kassing, Essentia’s section chair for obstetrics. “We created a private, intimate and personalized space so this experience can be truly special for everyone involved.”
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce seeks feedback
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is currently conducting a strategic plan to define our organizational priorities to best influence the regional business community. The Chamber seeks feedback from its members and community stakeholders – to help shape the future of our Chamber.
Seven Strategic Planning Focus Group sessions are offered to provide feedback and candid conversation about the direction of the Chamber. The Chamber wants to learn the priorities, barriers and developments impacting its members and the region.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
APEX announces Rachel Johnson as president and chief executive officer
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX), the private sector-led business development engine for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, announced today that Rachel Johnson has been appointed as the organization’s new president and CEO. Johnson will lead the organization in executing its strategic mission to leverage private sector resources to drive investment throughout the APEX region.
“The APEX Executive Committee is thrilled to place Rachel at the helm of the organization,” said Lisa Bodine, APEX board chair. “Rachel has been building relationships with key community stakeholders throughout the region for over 20 years. Her ability to bring people together to driv...
McMillan takes helm at UMD
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
DULUTH — Dave McMillan’s office at the University of Minnesota Duluth is still bare-bones: a desk and chair, of course, stacks of papers here and there, mostly empty bookshelves, plus a few hockey sticks and a football signed by some of the school’s championship teams that his predecessor left attached to the walls of an adjoining conference room.
McMillan’s first day as the school’s interim chancellor was Aug. 8. He said he spent most of his first week meeting with administrators at the school, plus some regional business leaders via the city’s chamber of commerce and Apex, a Duluth-based business developmen...
Ulland Bros celebrates centennial
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Over a century ago, brothers Oscar and Palmer Ulland started a business venture in road construction called Ulland Brothers , Inc. Recently discovered historical ledgers from the company confirmed that a Newry Township grading job June 3, 1922, was the brothers' first-ever road construction project.
"For those of you not familiar with Southern Minnesota, Newry is a township in Freeborn County directly north of Moscow Township in which the Ulland homestead is located," Ulland Brothers, Inc. President Jeff Carlson wrote in a letter to employees and retirees of the company. "We commemorated our 100-year anniversary on June 3, 2022, in typical Ulland Brother...
Duluth airport to add third Chicago flight
Monday, August 08, 2022
DULUTH — United Airlines announced Monday it will add a third daily flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport to its schedule starting Sept. 6. The additional flight will operate during the afternoon, enabling passengers to better make connections for ongoing travel.
“Regional communities around the country have felt the impact of pilot and crew shortages through the loss of air service. We’re excited United is in a position to add another daily flight out of DLH,” Tom Werner, executive director of Duluth International Airport, said in a written statement. “Demand is strong in this region and flights are operating with ver...
Increased aircraft production prompts growth in Duluth
Monday, August 08, 2022
DULUTH — American Precision Avionics’ parking lot has been overflowing, and it’s only going to get more crowded, as demand from its largest customer, Cirrus Aircraft, continues to grow and the business continues to add new clients.
The maker of wiring harnesses and other airplane components already employs 87 people and hopes to hire another 25 production workers yet this year, said Ashley Dingmann, an accounting and human resources specialist for the company. Meanwhile, the manufacturer has parking for just 40 vehicles, regularly forcing vehicles to spill onto Prosperity Road, where on-street parking technically is not allowed, said Deborah DeLuca, executiv...
Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center receives highest rating for quality and performance
Friday, August 05, 2022
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the 2022 ratings for hospitals as part of its Care Compare program, and Essentia Health’s hospitals in downtown Duluth fared remarkably well.
Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center received a five-star rating, the best rating a health care facility can receive. Of the more than 3,000 health care facilities scored nationwide, less than 14% received a five-star rating.
To view full article, visit Duluth Times
Nursing partnerships established between Essentia Health, several Northland colleges
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Essentia Health is excited to announce Academic Practice Partnerships with Northwood Technical College in Superior, the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Lake Superior College in Duluth and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College in Hayward to invest in the future of nursing at Essentia.
Partnerships such as these are essential in the hospital's efforts to achieve Magnet Nursing Designation, the highest credentialing for nursing facilities in the United States, according to a statement released by the hospital.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Vision Northland progress: New hospital on track to accept patients in a year
Thursday, July 28, 2022
DULUTH — Construction at Essentia Health’s Vision Northland project is about 80% complete and is on track to be open to patients in about a year, Essentia and McGough Construction representatives said during a media tour of the facility Wednesday.
The 18-story hospital tower, which is 942,000 square feet, will become the new Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. David Herman, CEO of Essentia Health, said the health care system expects to take possession of the building in February. Staff will be given several months to move into and train in the new building before patients are admitted, which is anticipate...
Minnesota Power, Great River Energy plan nearly $1 billion line connecting Iron Range, central Minnesota
Monday, July 25, 2022
DULUTH — Minnesota Power and Great River Energy are planning to build a nearly $1 billion, 150-mile-long transmission line from the Iron Range to central Minnesota.
On Monday, Minnesota Power, a Duluth-based utility owned by Allete, and Great River Energy, which provides electricity to cooperatives across Minnesota, announced it would jointly build the double-circuit 345-kilovolt line stretching from Minnesota Power’s Iron Range Substation in Itasca County to Great River Energy’s Benton County Substation and then to a new Great River Energy substation in Sherburne County.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Northland Foundation awards 46 quarterly grants
Monday, July 25, 2022
Northeast MN and five Tribal nations’ shared geography – The Northland Foundation made 21 grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and Native nations as well as 25 Tech Boost initiative grants made to small businesses which underwent technology audits.
The two largest grants last quarter were part of a special funding opportunity to support systems change work in the region, offered through a competitive application process. Two organizations received multi-year grants of $150,000: CHUM (Churches United in Ministry) to help house and serve individuals that have experienced homelessness, and Northspan, to support implementation of the Welcoming Communities initiative in northeast Minnesota sites.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Kraus-Anderson wraps up $14.4M renovation
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson has completed a $14.4 million renovation of the Scott County Government and Justice Center in Shakopee.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
PolyMet joins forces with Canadian company
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
HOYT LAKES — A pair of operations with nearly half of the known copper-nickel holdings on the Iron Range joined forces Wednesday, when Minnesota-based PolyMet and Canadian-owned Teck Resources announced a joint venture, NewRange Copper Nickel.
The agreement will place each companies' copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum resources under single management, with plans to further develop PolyMet’s proposed first copper-nickel mine on the Iron Range, referred to as the NorthMet mine.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Study: Enbridge Line 3 generated billions in economic impact
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
DULUTH — Since replacement of Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline began in 2017, a significant increase in economic activity has been experienced across the region, a recent economic impact study found.
The study was commissioned by Area Partnership for Economic Expansion, a private-sector-led business development engine for northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. There are 31 members of APEX's board of directors; two are employed by Enbridge: Jerrid Anderson and APEX Executive Committee At-Large Member Lorraine Little. APEX also participated in the regulatory process to help bring the Line 3 project to fruition.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
To view the Executiv...
Cirrus Aircraft expands its Duluth headquarters
Monday, July 18, 2022
DULUTH — The Duluth Cirrus Paint and Finish Facility's 16,000-square-foot expansion became fully operational on Friday, July 15, bringing the overall center to 86,000 square feet.
The additional space will allow for a 35% increase in aircraft spray capacity. The facility is dedicated to finishing the end stages of the manufacturing process. After assembly, Cirrus airplanes come to Duluth for personalized touches. The modernized facility will help reduce Cirrus' cost structure and improve efficiency, according to Patrick Waddick, president of innovation and operations at Cirrus Aircraft.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
“Top Gun” and Duluth Airshow boost interest in aviation industry, LSC spokesperson says
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
DULUTH, MN. (KBJR) - The Duluth Airshow takes off this weekend, peaking students’ interest in wanting to become pilots and aircraft, maintenance workers.
Daniel Fanning, the Vice President of External Affairs and Advancement at Lake Superior College said the school sees a jump in people enrolling in the aviation program around the airshow.
To view full article, visit KBJR 6
Entrepreneur Fund launches new program for BIPOC entrepreneurs
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
The Entrepreneur Fund has launched a comprehensive program to advance economic justice through entrepreneurship. The Stride program is designed to create a low barrier entry and peer focus to business ownership and growth for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs. Participants will gain individualized support, accountability, and networks to grow their confidence as entrepreneurs.
“Our goal is to provide the opportunity and strategic support to grow the wealth and economic advancement of BIPOC individuals through entrepreneurship in our community,” said Shawn Wellnitz, president/CEO of the Entrepreneur Fund. “It has become apparent that CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institution) suc...
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
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...
Entrepreneur Fund named Minnesota’s 2022 SBA Microlender of the Year
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
The Entrepreneur Fund has been named Minnesota’s 2022 SBA Microlender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Minnesota District.
Last week, the SBA Minnesota District recognized 11 lenders throughout the state for their commitment to helping small businesses succeed.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
Five Fryberger attorneys named Super Lawyers
Thursday, August 04, 2022
Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. is proud to announce five attorneys: Stephanie A. Ball, Robert R. Kanuit, Paul B. Kilgore, Paul A. Loraas and Daniel D. Maddy were named 2022 Minnesota Super Lawyers. Through a rigorous selection process, Super Lawyers recognizes lawyers in their state who distinguished themselves within their practice - an honor only 5% of Minnesota lawyers are awarded yearly.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
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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