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.
St. Luke’s Unveils Remodeled Hospice And Oncology Inpatient Units
Thursday, November 17, 2022
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s leadership came together Wednesday to recognize the remodel of its Hospice & Oncology Inpatient Unit.
$1.1 million was awarded to help modernize these specific areas as part of Phase II of St. Luke’s health Forward Initiative.
To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online
U.S. Bank opens its first military flagship location near Washington State base
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) has opened its first military flagship branch near Tacoma, Wash.
The U.S. Bank branch, located in Lakewood, Wash., just a few miles from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, features military-inspired artwork and dedicated parking for military personnel and veterans. The bank said employees are also training on the best ways to meet the needs of military personnel and veterans.
To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Regulators OK Minnesota Power plan to retire coal by 2035, add renewables over next 15 years
Friday, November 11, 2022
DULUTH — State regulators approved Minnesota Power's plan to end its use of coal and add more renewable energy sources.
Under the plan, unanimously approved by the five-member Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, the Duluth-based utility would add up to 700 megawatts of renewable energy — 400 megawatts of wind and 300 megawatts of solar — over the next 15 years.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
U.S. Bank to double number of financial-wellness coaches in 2023 in underserved communities
Wednesday, November 09, 2022
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) plans to double its number of financial coaches across the country in 2023 to help low-income individuals improve their financial well-being.
The effort is a continuation of Hope Inside, a partnership between U.S. Bank and Operation Hope, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that focuses on the economic empowerment of low- to moderate-income individuals and families in underserved communities.
To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Minnesota Power plans for more renewable energy over next 15 years
Tuesday, November 08, 2022
DULUTH — Minnesota Power is planning to add more renewable energy to its mix.
The Duluth-based utility company said it will add up to 700 megawatts of renewable energy — 400 megawatts of wind and 300 megawatts of solar. It’s a considerable increase over the 300 megawatts of solar and wind it proposed when it first announced its plan almost two years ago.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
U.S. Bank, General Mills ranked among best companies for working parents
Friday, November 04, 2022
U.S. Bancorp and General Mills Inc. are among the best companies for working parents, according to a new ranking.
Seramount's 2022 100 Best Companies are ranked according to more than 400 questions concerning workplace parental programs. Seramount was formally known as Working Mother magazine.
To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Congratulations to investor-members U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, APi Group, and Essentia Health for being recognized as a top company for working parents!
Turn that pumpkin into compost with UMD
Wednesday, November 02, 2022
DULUTH — Don't throw away your jack-o'-lantern just yet. For the third year, students at the University of Minnesota Duluth are collecting pumpkins to turn into compost, according to a news release.
Students in assistant professor Teresa Bertossi's sustainable food systems class, with help from the UMD Land Lab, are hosting a pumpkin compost drive. The goal is to keep pumpkins out of the landfill and divert them to the Land Lab, where they can be converted into compost.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Bike Duluth Festival raises $54,000 for local cycling efforts
Tuesday, November 01, 2022
DULUTH — Organizers of the 2022 Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival held at Spirit Mountain in August gave a $54,000 check to local nonprofit groups last week with the money aimed at expanding cycling opportunities in the Northand.
The money went to the Harbortown Rotary and the nonprofit Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. Much of the money raised is used to support cycling trails and amenities in the Twin Ports area.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Entrepreneur Fund expands Wisconsin reach with $8 million grant
Friday, October 28, 2022
SUPERIOR — The Duluth-based Entrepreneur Fund, which currently serves 16 counties in northeast Minnesota and Wisconsin’s Douglas County, unveiled plans to extend its reach to an additional 12 counties in northern Wisconsin at a press conference at the Superior Entrepreneurship Center Thursday, Oct. 27.
The move is fueled by $8 million in Diverse Business Assistance and Diverse Business Investment grants from the state of Wisconsin. The funding is aimed at helping small business owners start, grow and expand their businesses. The three-year grant will include $5 million in revolving loan funding and $500,000 for direct grants to businesses. The Entrepreneur Fun...
Minnesota Power solar projects in Duluth, Brainerd online by year end
Friday, October 21, 2022
DULUTH — Two new solar projects in northern Minnesota will begin providing power to the grid by the end of the year, and a third will come online in the spring.
Once all are operational, Minnesota Power's three projects will produce a combined 20 megawatts — enough solar energy to power approximately 4,000 homes.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Maurices Associates Spend Day Supporting Organizations That Help Children In Duluth
Friday, October 14, 2022
More than 350 maurices associates are visiting the corporate office in Duluth this week to connect with the company and also give back to the community.
Formerly known as “The Best Day Ever,” maurices is now calling the community service day the “Difference Making” event, held between the training and bonding experiences the company has put on for its associates this week.
To view full article, visit https://www.fox21online.com/2022/10/13/maurices-associates-spend-day-supporting-organizations-that-help-children-in-duluth/
Vision Northland will bring outdoors inside to create calming atmosphere for patients
Friday, October 07, 2022
Essentia Health is making every effort to ensure patients feel safe and comfortable in the replacement St. Mary’s Medical Center. From building design and efficiencies to the latest and best medical technologies, right down to how the building is furnished.
Essentia is incorporating elements of Ojibwe culture, the Northland and area landmarks to create a hospital that connects with patients from the area and gives everyone a taste of the region.
To view full article, visit http://www.duluthtimes.com/
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
To view recap of the DEED Commissioners tour, click here.
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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...
Duluth-made Cirrus jets deploy parachutes in recent emergencies
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
DULUTH — Chalk up another first for Cirrus Aircraft.
The Duluth-based manufacturer was the first company in the world to build a personal jet standard equipped with a whole-plane parachute. And this year, that system has finally been put to a real-world unsimulated test, including a day-after-Thanksgiving save near Indianapolis, Indiana.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
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
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