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.
AAR results strengthen for quarter, year
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
AAR CORP. reported fourth quarter fiscal year 2019 consolidated sales of $562.7 million and income from continuing operations of $26.6 million, or 76 cents per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of the prior year, the company reported sales of $473.5 million and income from continuing operations of $18.1 million, or 52 cents per diluted share.
Consolidated sales increased 19 percent over the prior year period from continued growth in programs and parts supply activities. The Aviation Services segment, which has an operation in Duluth, experienced 18 percent growth driven by strong demand for both new and aftermarket parts.
To read more, visit Business North.
St. Scholastica launches online master’s degree in applied data analytics
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Classes will start this fall for a new online master’s degree program at The College of St. Scholastica, it was announced Wednesday. The program will prepare graduates for careers in the field of applied data analytics.
Data analytics is the science of converting raw data into relevant and actionable insight to support decision-making. A master’s degree in applied data analytics provides an in-depth study in analytics, the college said in its announcement. Data analysts and scientists are employed in healthcare, banking, marketing, research and development, computer information systems, management and human resources.
To read more, visit the Business North.
GPM expands product distribution and service in Canada
Monday, July 01, 2019
GPM, Inc. announced the expansion of GPM-Eliminator distribution channels throughout Canada with the addition of Western Pump Services as a new Canadian distributor. Paul Cranford is a new regional sales manager for GPM’s sales partner, Sudbury Mining Products, and Continental Mine and Industrial Supply (CMI) is a GPM-Eliminator Authorized Service Center.
Based in Norris Point, Newfoundland, Western Pump Services is now providing both sales and technical service and support for all GPM-Eliminator product lines across Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Western Pump Services is well-known as a provider of high-quality pumps, parts and services to the region, GPM said.
To read more, visi...
St. Luke's Earns Two Awards
Monday, July 01, 2019
St. Luke’s has earned the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2019 Mission: Lifeline® STEMI Gold Plus Receiving Award and NSTEMI Gold Award.
St. Luke’s earned the awards for its commitment and success in implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the AHA for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks, the health care system said in a news release.
To view full article, visit Business North.
Kraus-Anderson Construction wraps up Phase 2 of Falls International Airport
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
The Bemidji office of Kraus-Anderson has completed construction of phase two of the Falls International Airport (INL). The Phase Two construction cost of $5.3 million was a separately funded project and completes the full replacement of the 17,894-square-foot terminal building, and provides new space for U.S. Customs processing, a National Weather Service office, TSA offices and Airport Administration, Kraus-Anderson said in a Tuesday announcement.
Phase one was completed in the fall of 2017 and included the replacement of approximately two-thirds of the old terminal designed by architecture, planning and interiors firm Alliiance. The $10 million project featured a new arrival an...
St. Luke’s hosts ribbon cutting for remodeled inpatient pharmacy
Thursday, June 20, 2019
St. Luke’s Inpatient Pharmacy celebrated its $1.5 million remodeling Thursdayl with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The project expanded the Inpatient pharmacy from 2,600 square feet to more than 4,200 square feet.
The remodel took more than two years of planning and construction. The design was created by Scalzo Architects. Construction was by Donald Holm Construction Co.
To read more, visit Business North.
Carter appointed LHB's chief executive officer
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Richard A. Carter will become LHB’s chief executive officer on July 15. Carter previously held the position of integrative design team leader and was a senior vice president for the company.
He succeeds William D. Bennett, PE, who has been LHB’s CEO and board chair since 2001. Bennett will continue to serve as board chair and will work with LHB’s clients and community organizations until retirement from LHB on Jan. 31.
To read more, visit Business North.
Kraus-Anderson’s Duluth office celebrates 20 years
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Kraus-Anderson is celebrating the 20thyear of its Duluth office.
The 122-year-old construction company opened its Duluth office two decades ago following a steady surge in new business opportunities from Superior, across the Minnesota Iron Range and up to the Canadian border.
To read more, visit Business North.
Duluth Seaway Port Authority rates favorably in Green Marine environmental report
Monday, June 17, 2019
The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point earned high marks in the Green Marine environmental performance report released June 6.
The report rates port authority participants in seven categories: air emissions, community impacts, dry bulk handling and storage, environmental leadership, spill prevention, underwater noise and waste management. Forty-two (42) North American port authorities participated in the 2018 evaluation process, with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority ranking among the United States’ top 5 and No. 10 overall.
To read more, visit Business North.
ALLETE ventures further into providing clean energy to corporate customers
Friday, June 14, 2019
ALLETE Clean Energy’s Diamond Spring wind project will provide renewable energy to large corporate customers including Smithfield Foods and Walmart
ALLETE Clean Energy (ACE) has reach a power sales agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. for the remaining output of the Diamond Spring wind site it will build, own and operate in Oklahoma.
To read more, visit Business North.
St. Luke's names new CEO
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
"Kevin checks all the right boxes. He never asks anything from anyone he wouldn't ask of himself," St. Luke's Board Chair Jeff Borling said in an interview Tuesday.
The Duluth-based health system had been led by John Strange for the past 23 years. Strange retired in February.
To read the full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Destination Medical Center, North? Duluth readies for massive medical investment
Wednesday, June 05, 2019
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson does not hold back when she describes the potential impact of the more than $1 billion in health care investment planned for her city over the next decade.
"There really is nothing like it, this kind of private investment happening concurrently," she said. "The density, the impact — it is completely catalytic and transformational."
To view the entire article, visit MPR
St. Scholastica names new president
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Dr. Barbara McDonald will become the 13th president of The College of St. Scholastica, effective Aug. 5.
She was introduced to the St. Scholastica community at an on-campus announcement this morning.
To read the entire article, visit Howie Blog
Court of Appeals: Additional environmental review of PolyMet not needed
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday said an additional environmental review of the contentious PolyMet copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes is not needed.
Opponents of the recently approved mine, set to be the first of its kind in Minnesota, argued the Department of Natural Resources erred when denying requests for a supplemental environmental impact statement after PolyMet indicated in a March 2018 technical report that its site had enough ore for a substantially larger mine in the future.
To view full article, visit: Duluth News Tribune
Details of Essentia’s proposed project come into focus
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
More details about Essentia Health's plans for a new 18-story inpatient/outpatient facility in downtown Duluth have emerged, as members of the city's Planning Commission prepare to review the proposed project next week.
The design shows the building's tower standing 340 feet tall, and the structure would accommodate two throughways for vehicle traffic, where First Avenue East and the service alley above East Superior Street burrow through the facility.
To view full article, visit: Duluth News Tribune
Volunteer Attorney Program recognizes Hanft Fride as Law Firm of the Year
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
The Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP) has named Hanft Fride the 2018 Law Firm of the Year for the firm’s work in providing legal assistance to underserved populations in northeast Minnesota. Hanft Fride accepted the award on May 3, at LawLawPalooza!, the Volunteer Attorney Program’s annual fundraiser.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from VAP,” said Jennifer Carey, president of Hanft Fride. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal services, and we are proud to dedicate resources to furthering VAP’s mission.”
To view full article, visit: Business North
St. Luke's Advanced Wound Care Center Earns Awards
Friday, May 10, 2019
The folks at St. Luke's Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center in Duluth are thrilled to have earned three national awards, including Wound Care Center of the Year. This means they were the top one out of more than 600 across the country.
Tania McVean, the center's director, said, "We have an amazing team of nurses and doctors who do great things for wound care patients in this community. We're good at healing folks, and getting them back to regular life."
To view full article, visit: WDIO
St. Luke's breaks ground for campus expansion
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
St. Luke’s celebrated the next phase of its campus expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday. Many community representatives attended, including Duluth’s Mayor Emily Larson and Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President David Ross.
The $37.5 million project includes a new Emergency Department (ED), which will be triple the size of the current space. There will be 37 exam rooms total. They will consist of 27 patient rooms with televisions and USB charging outlets, four state-of-the-art trauma bays, four dedicated behavioral health rooms and two triage rooms. The entire space is designed to decrease wait times, ensure privacy and provide a premie...
LSBE’s Marketing Analytics Program team wins competition
Monday, April 22, 2019
Four students from UMD's LSBE’s Marketing Analytics Program (MAP) won first place for data visualization in the eighth annual Midwest Undergraduate Data Analytics Competition (MUDAC). This is the first time that a Labovitz School of Business and Economics team has secured a first place win at MUDAC.
Tucker Hazzard, Joey Kmiec, Camryn Monzo, and Austin Steinmetz traveled to Minnesota State University Mankato to compete against 58 other Midwest teams where the teams spent 24 hours working on a two-part data analytics problem and were judged on their work. This year’s data was provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on wate...
Minnesota Power offers new way for customers to go renewable
Monday, April 22, 2019
Minnesota Power has introduced a new renewable energy program and exceeded a state energy-savings goal as it continues to help customers meet their sustainability goals and make progress toward a cleaner, lower-carbon future.
With today being Earth Day customers can choose to power their home or business with more renewable energy when they enroll in Minnesota Power’s Renewable Source program, the company said in a news release. They also can learn more about how to save energy through the company’s Conservation Improvement Program, which exceeded the state of Minnesota’s 1.5 percent energy-savings goal in 2018 for the ninth consecutive year.
To rea...
U.S. Bank begins year with strong results
Monday, April 22, 2019
U.S. Bancorp reported net income of 1.69 billion on $5.57 billion of revenue during its first quarter of 2019. Diluted earnings per common share were $1.00
The Minneapolis-based bank holding company had a return on average assets of 1.49 percent and a return on average common equity of 14.3 percent. Nonperforming assets decreased 16.5 percent on a year-over-year basis.
To read the entire article, visit Business North.
ALLETE Clean Energy partners with Tecsis to produce wind turbine blades
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
ALLETE Clean Energy has received the 45th set of new wind turbine blades from international blade manufacturer Tecsis for its refurbishment initiative at Storm Lake and Lake Benton wind facilities in Iowa and Minnesota.
The wholly owned division of ALLETE Inc. announced an $80 million project in August 2017 that includes replacing select blades, gearboxes and generators on turbines at the Lake Benton wind site in Lincoln County, Minnesota, and the Storm Lake I and II wind sites in Buena Vista and Cherokee counties, Iowa. The project will improve turbine performance and reliability, generate federal production tax credits at each site and support the renewal o...
LHB receives Governor’s Safety Award
Monday, April 15, 2019
LHB will be recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the Governor’s Safety Awards ceremony on May 8. LHB is one of 294 employers to be honored through the awards program, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council.
“Our employees and clients are our most important assets as a professional services design firm. Our focus on safety exemplifies our commitment to the well-being of our staff and clients both in the way we operate as a company and the designs we produce. We are proud to be recognized with this award,” said Bill Bennett, LHB’s chief executive officer.
To read the entir...
Wells Fargo earns $5.9 billion in quarterly net income
Monday, April 15, 2019
In its first quarter report, Wells Fargo reported net income of $5.9 billion compared with $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2018. Revenue was $21.6 billion, down from $21.9 billion a year ago. The bank holding company had a return on assets (ROA) of 1.26 percent and return on equity of 12.71 percent.
To read the entire article, visit Business North
Allete closes on sale of water company
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Allete Inc., the Duluth-based parent company of Minnesota Power, has closed on its $270 million sale of a water subsidiary to Tokyo-based Kurita Water Industries. The sale was first announced in February.
Allete bought U.S. Water Services four years ago and grew the company markedly during that time. Allete says proceeds from the sale will largely go toward clean energy initiatives.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune
PUC again reaffirms Line 3 approval
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission again on Tuesday stood by its decisions to permit Enbridge's contentious Line 3 oil pipeline in northern Minnesota.
In late June, the Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted in favor of granting the project a certificate of need, but requested Enbridge make additional compliance filings, or modifications, to its plan while also requiring the company to pledge $100 million for economic opportunities to tribal members and businesses.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune
Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors expanding
Monday, March 25, 2019
Administrators at Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors have announced an expansion that would connect the hospital and medical clinic into one contiguous campus.
Lake View is a wholly owned subsidiary of St. Luke’s, and even though it is part of the same health care system, Greg Ruberg, president/CEO of Lake View Hospital and vice president of St. Luke’s, explained the campus has a unique identity and some decision-making latitude.
To read the entire article, visit Business North
Private equity firm to acquire majority stake in Maurices
Monday, March 25, 2019
OpCapita, a private equity firm based in the United Kingdom, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Maurices Inc. Ascena Retail Group will become a minority owner and provide brand support services. In addition to Maurices, Ascena owns a number of brick and mortar stores in the struggling retail clothing segment including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Dressbarn, Lane Bryant, Catherines, Cacique and Justice.
Some members of the Maurices management team, who were not identified, will invest along with OpCapita in the transaction, which values Maurices at $300 million. The purchaser expects to pay roughly $200 million in cash, which Ascena said it will use to pay down it...
Pro Print acquires Jiffy Print
Monday, March 25, 2019
Pro Print, which began in Duluth in 1977, has purchased Superior’s Jiffy Print from Marcia Manion, who is retiring. The Superior location’s name has been changed to Pro Print, but the company remains at 1313 Tower Avenue.
“We’re excited to combine forces with a company that’s long been known for excellent customer service, and we thank Marcia Manion for her great help with this transition,” said Pro Print owner Creston Dorothy. “While the location is still the same, inside its doors we have expanded the economical printing, direct-mail and fulfillment options available to the people and businesses of Superior.”
To read th...
Army Corps OKs PolyMet's wetlands permit
Friday, March 22, 2019
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE ) has issued the last remaining major permit for PolyMet’s NorthMet project near Hoyt Lakes. The company now holds all necessary permits to construct and operate the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals mine and processing plant located near Hoyt Lakes.
Jobs for Minnesotans immediately issued a statement praising the development.
To read the entire article, visit Business North
New leader named for Lake Superior College
Friday, March 22, 2019
An administrator with experience at other Minnesota schools was appointed as the new president at Lake Superior College.
Patricia Rogers’ tenure will begin July 1, according to a news release from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. She will replace Pat Johns, who has served as president since 2010 and announced his decision to retire.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune
Barr earns national recognition
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Barr Engineering, Inc. of Duluth has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 52nd annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) for leading the Highway 210 Reconstruction project in Carlton.
After an intense rainstorm in June 2012 caused extensive damage and slope failures along a section of scenic Highway 210 through Jay Cooke State Park, the Minnesota Department of Transportation considered permanently closing the highway to the public. Six years later, travelers once again enjoy the road’s scenery thanks to the application of innovative geotechnical designs that restored more than 70 slopes along ...
Small Business Development Centers recognized Wednesday
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in Northeastern Minnesota have been highly successful, their executives said at an afternoon news conference in Duluth.
The centers assisted 821 area businesses – including 44 new ones – and created or saved 1,111 jobs, they said. Those statistics were released during a ceremony at the UMD Center for Economic Development (CED), the organization that leads SBDC efforts in the region.
To read the entire article, visit Business North
Duluth City Council approves St. Luke's project
Monday, February 25, 2019
St. Luke’s hospital may now move ahead with plans to relocate and expand its emergency room, as well as its catheterization lab.
By a 6-2 vote Monday night the Duluth City Council upheld a Planning Commission decision to approve the project, despite objections raised by neighbors concerned about noise from a helipad that would be relocated as part of the $36 million undertaking.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune
Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior designated Level IV Trauma Center
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior has been designated as a Level IV trauma center by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Level IV facilities provide stabilization and advanced trauma life support before patient transfer to a Level I or II facility.
The designation indicates St. Mary’s is providing the best possible treatment to trauma patients.
To read the entire article, visit Howie Hanson
Cirrus increases production
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Cirrus Aircraft saw strong growth in 2018, boosting production of its SR22 piston-engine airplanes by 7 percent and delivering nearly triple the number of turbine SF50 Vision Jets it did the previous year.
The 380 piston-engine airplanes Cirrus produced last year marked the highest output the company has achieved since the recession of 2007-2008 hit, causing general aviation aircraft sales to plummet nationwide.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune
PolyMet permitting caps years of hard work
Monday, February 18, 2019
The PolyMet nonferrous mine project near Hoyt Lakes was pretty much on life support in 2012. And its prognosis was bleak after the federal EPA rejected as “inadequate” an initial Environmental Impact Statement in 2009.
“We were down in the mouth at that time,” Al Hodnik said in a recent interview regarding the PolyMet board’s sentiment at the time.
To read the entire article, visit Business North
North Shore Bank Honored for Community Involvement
Sunday, February 03, 2019
DULUTH, MN - The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) has recognized 35 Minnesota banks for their community involvement. Banks play a vital role in their communities and to honor and recognize their involvement, the MBA created the Community Champion recognition program.
North Shore Bank is one of thirty-five Community Champions that worked with hundreds of organizations in their communities, providing funding, volunteers, materials, supplies, or food for their neighbors. Recipients of the recognition range in size from small community banks to large banks with multiple branches.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune.
Port's 2018 cargo exceeds prior year
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
The Port of Duluth-Superior finished the 2018 shipping season on a strong note, with cargo totaling 35.9 million short tons. That compares with 35.2 million during 2017.
“Shipments of Minnesota iron ore accounted for the lion’s share of tonnage moved through the Port of Duluth-Superior—21.5 million short tons, to be exact,” said Deb DeLuca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority executive director. “Iron ore cargoes were up nine percent year-over-year, outpacing the five-year average by 30-plus percent.”
To read the entire article, visit Business North.
AAR expands training partnership with LSC
Thursday, January 24, 2019
AAR — a firm that operates a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for commercial aircraft in Duluth — announced Thursday it will expand its partnership with Lake Superior College, in an effort to bring more skilled workers into its ranks.
Students who earn Federal Aviation Administration aircraft mechanic’s certificates through the school’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Program could be eligible to receive tuition reimbursements as large as $15,000. AAR also will offer students job shadowing and mentorship opportunities.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune.
American Airlines adds Duluth-Chicago service
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
American Airlines is adding daily direct service to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Tickets go on sale Jan. 28 for service beginning on May 23/
“We’re thrilled to bring American Airlines to the Duluth International Airport,” Tom Werner, executive director for Duluth International Airport, said in a Wednesday news release. “They have over 90 years of experience in aviation and a reputation for excellent customer service.
To read the entire article, visit Business North
Republic Bank merging with National Bank of Commerce
Monday, July 08, 2019
Duluth's Republic Bank is merging with Superior-based National Bank of Commerce, pending federal approval.
"This merger presents us with the opportunity to take the best of both organizations and provide superior services as one," National Bank of Commerce CEO Steve Burgess said in a news release Monday. "Together, we will be able to make even more possible for our customers and our community.”
To read more, visit Duluth News Tribune
Website update brings improvements for News Tribune audience
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Based on feedback from user studies conducted by a third-party firm, FCC developers, product managers and user experience professionals identified high-priority features to deliver a variety of new functionality, including a streamlined navigation system.
"We're excited for the launch of our new websites today and what it means for our audience's experience," said Duluth Media Group Publisher Neal Ronquist. "Our audience seeks quality, local content published across multiple different platforms, including print and digital.”
To read the entire article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Minnesota 'perfect' for mass timber manufacturer
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Minnesota is fertile ground to plant a new kind of timber company, according to a study whose backers hope to lure such a manufacturer to the state.
Mass timber, a type of building material big in Europe and gaining in popularity for commercial projects in the U.S., could bring 50 good-paying jobs, more business and stability for sawmills and access to greener construction supplies for the region, according to the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Minnesota Duluth, which is releasing its study Monday.
To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune
