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.
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
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 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...
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
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/
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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/