The Regional Business Climate
APEX investor-members are focused on growth. Their successes and achievements have a positive impact on the region. Browse recent headlines to get a sense of how investor-members are impacting, and demonstrating their commitment, to the region.
APi Inks $3.1B Deal to Buy U.K.-based Fire Safety Firm
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Slated to close by the end of the year, the deal will double APi’s employee count and likely put the company on the Fortune 500 list.
A $3.1 billion acquisition is slated to double APi Group’s headcount.
On Tuesday, the New Brighton-based provider of safety and industrial services announced that it has inked a deal to buy the Chubb fire and security business unit from London-based Carrier Global Corp.
To view full article, visit Twin Cities Business
Cirrus upgrades single-engine jet
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Cirrus Aircraft announced new upgrades for its Vision Jet single-engine aircraft originally introduced in 2016. The G2+ model of the personal jet has an optimized engine, wireless internet connectivity and a new design.
Deliveries of the G2+ Vision Jet are expected in August, Cirrus said in a news release. The interior of the plane can fit up to five adults and two children. It has a Williams FJ33-5A engine with up to 20% increased performance during take-off and increases the plane's range, weight restriction and durability in high temperatures and elevations.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Essentia to open renovated Moose Lake clinic in September
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Essentia Health says it will open its new Moose Lake clinic Sept. 7 with nearly 10,000 square feet of renovated space.
Duluth construction company Kraus-Anderson has completed the renovation of the clinic, which includes a new patient entry, registration and waiting area. There are 14 exam rooms, two procedure rooms and two telehealth rooms.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Finance & Commerce announces Top Projects of 2020
Friday, July 23, 2021
Minnesota’s construction industry stayed busy in 2020 despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the added precautions required to keep workers safe, builders completed a bevy of projects last year, including apartments, office space and medical facilities. From among this impressive collection of projects, an independent panel selected 50 honorees for Finance & Commerce’s annual Top Projects awards.
Projects honored this year include the Dayton’s Project and a new Thrivent headquarters in downtown Minneapolis; several facilities for colleges and universities; and a number of buildings for health care providers throughout the state.
To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce
Iron ore shipments on Great Lakes roar back from pandemic lows
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Silver Bay and Two Harbors joined the port of Duluth-Superior in fueling the revival. Those four cities are responsible for 78% of iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes shipping traffic appears whole again, and its revival is being fueled by taconite iron ore.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Northland Foundation announces new loan capital available
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The Northland Foundation announced today more than $2 million in new loan capital available to northeastern Minnesota businesses.
The Northland Foundation loan program has been a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) for more than 20 years. It is one of approximately 1,200 such entities scattered across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. As a CDFI, the foundation has successfully applied for upwards of $10 million for lending in its Northern Minnesota service area.
To view full article, visit Business North
Wells Fargo makes $12 million in grants to Twin Cities community lenders
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
The funding is part of an initial payout of $420 million in grants to community finance providers by the nation's third-largest bank.
Tonya Jenkins, a working mom who started as a high school volunteer, has worked in day care centers as a teacher and manager.
Jenkins plans to realize her dream when she opens her own day care business this fall at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis.
To view the full article, visit Star Tribune
St. Luke's, Blue Cross partner to use new value-based care platform
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Stellar Health incentivizes St. Luke's to keep track of patient screenings and medical histories, which can save the patient and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota money spent on emergency care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is helping St. Luke’s tackle a proactive approach to quality patient care.
St. Luke’s partnered with the insurance company late last year to use the software platform Stellar Health, which helps providers like Duluth-based St. Luke’s focus on value-based care — a reimbursement model that focuses on patient outcomes — instead of service-based care.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Duluth law firm purchases downtown US Bank building
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Hanft Fride Law Firm, who has occupied the 10th floor of the building for nearly 40 years, has purchased the building at 130 W. Superior St. in Duluth. U.S. Bank will continue to operate on the main floor of the building under a long-term lease. The office building at 130 W. Superior St. was listed for sale in October 2020. U.S. Bank will continue to operate on the main floor of the 10-story building under a long-term lease, the release said. The sale is not expected to impact customers or staffing levels. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
Northland Foundation initiative seeks to build Indigenous economy
Thursday, June 24, 2021
The Northland Foundation, a mainstay of philanthropic funding in northern Minnesota for more than 30 years, has launched a new initiative to support Indigenous-led projects in the region.
Maada’ookiing Grassroots Grant Program is intended to benefit Native-led nonprofits and individual Indigenous people. Grants may be used to fund activities that support Indigenous youth, language, cultural or spiritual practices, or sustain tribal sovereignty and build Indigenous economy.
To view full article, visit BusinessNorth
U.S. Great Lakes-Seaway ports see sharp increases
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
U.S. Great Lakes ports and the St. Lawrence Seaway reported sharp increases in cargo volumes of construction materials, steel and iron ore in May to supply renewed manufacturing and building activity in the region.
According to March 22 - May 31 statistics for the St. Lawrence Seaway, overall cargo shipments totaled 8.1 million metric tons, in line with last year. But in the dry bulk category, cement and gypsum shipments totaled more than 776,000 metric tons, up 51% over the same period in 2020 and 59% higher than the five-year average, the Marine Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.
T...
Our prediction for 2021: Women-owned businesses elevating the Northland
Wednesday, June 09, 2021
The year 2020 proved to be a wild ride for working professionals. We became teachers for our kids, provided daycare for infants, managed health risks, and shifted to remote work. Typically, women have been bearing the most of these added responsibilities. Some employers adapted and shifted to support these challenges and others not so much. At the Entrepreneur Fund, we saw an influx of talented professionals who either (1) decided to launch a new business or (2) took their side hustle to the next level.
To view the full article, visit BusinessNorth
DeLuca honored by University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies presented Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director Deb DeLuca with its 2021 Distinguished Service Award today at a virtual ceremony led by CTS Interim Director Dawn Hood.
The William K. Smith Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a private sector professional in the freight transportation and supply chain industry for leadership in the field and contributions to mentorship and education of future leaders.
To view the full article, visit BusinessNorth
Lake Superior College Offering Free Career Exploration Academies and Camps In June
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Registration is now open for LSC’s Career Exploration Academies and Camps 2021, with opportunities for ages 12-18. Students can assemble robots, build computers, weld and more. Participants will learn new skills, explore exciting careers, and have fun. Camps are free and start June 14. Register by June 1 at www.lsc.edu/camps. Please note all recommended CDC guidelines will be followed regarding spacing and masking. To view the full article, visit the Lake Superior College website.
Involta Acquires SecureData 365 Data Center in Canton, Ohio
Friday, May 07, 2021
Involta, an industry-leading hybrid IT, cloud computing, and data center services company, announces today its acquisition of the assets of SecureData 365 and employees in Canton, Ohio. This acquisition adds a new data center and a highly skilled team to Involta’s national portfolio, further empowering its ability to enable digital transformation for enterprises in northeast Ohio.
With this acquisition, Involta will help accelerate SecureData 365 customers’ hybrid IT journeys. Integrating data center solutions with strategic consulting, managed services, and public and private cloud options can improve both customer and employee experiences. This holistic approach is vital in today’s digitally-focused environment.
To vie...
U.S. Bank Taps Minnesota Nonprofits to Distribute ‘Microbusiness’ Grants
Thursday, May 06, 2021
Three Minnesota nonprofits are among the beneficiaries of a new wave of small business funding from Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank.
As part of the national U.S. Bank Access Commitment announced in February, the company is providing $25 million to its nonprofit partners, who will in turn distribute the funds to women-owned “microbusinesses” across the country. U.S. Bank defines a microbusiness as a company with 10 or fewer employees and $500,000 or less in annual revenue.
In Minnesota, money from the U.S. Bank Access Fund will be distributed by the African American Alliance of Black CDFI CEOs and a Twin Cities office of the national Local Initiatives Support Corp. Th...
Enbridge lives up to its values
Friday, April 30, 2021
Enbridge lives up to its values
Lorraine Little: "Enbridge has lived up to its values of safety, integrity, respect and inclusion by engaging with tribal leaders, finding solutions to tough issues, and upholding its project permit conditions. We look forward to completing remaining L3RP construction later this year and to following through on our commitment to safely delivering the energy we all use every day."
Written By: Lorraine Little | 11:00 am, Apr. 29, 2021
Winona LaDuke is known for her environmental advocacy. Unfortunately, as I read her latest commentary, what I found were half-truths that serve no one … especially not the protection of the environmen...
Sun Country to add Duluth to Fort Myers, Phoenix flights
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Sun Country Airlines will add two non-stop flights in and out of Duluth in December.
Flights between the Duluth International Airport and Fort Myers, Florida, and Phoenix, Arizona, were among 18 new routes the Twin Cities-based budget airline announced in a news release Tuesday morning. Flights to both destinations start Dec. 17. One-way tickets begin at $79.
The flights to the Southwest Florida International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport are scheduled for Mondays and Fridays through mid-April. Sun Country will offer service using the Boeing 737-800, a 183-seat aircraft with in-seat power and in-flight entertainment options.
Erin Blanton, Sun Country communications manager, said the service i...
Allete recognized for advancing women in leadership roles
Monday, April 26, 2021
Allette has received statewide recognition for its long history of advancing women in corporate leadership roles.
The 2020 Minnesota Census of Women in Corporate Leadership, produced by St. Catherine University in St. Paul, again named Allete an Honor Roll company with Special Distinction.
Allete is among only eight of Minnesota’s 77 largest public companies with women representing at least 30 percent of its corporate directors and 30 percent of its executive officers, according to the report.
A majority of the Allete board of directors and more than 40 percent of Allete executive officers are women.
Allete and other Honor Roll companies were recognized Apri...
Essentia Health’s Vision Northland project stimulating local economy
Thursday, April 08, 2021
Increasingly larger crews are working on Essentia Health’s Vision Northland project as construction accelerates both on the exterior and interior. The $900 million project, which is on schedule and about 30% complete, will build a state-of-the-art replacement for St. Mary’s Medical Center while providing thousands of good-paying jobs.
Essentia has collaborated with its construction manager, McGough Construction, and the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council to maximize the local impact of those jobs, as well as bring new people into the construction trades.
“Essentia Health is grateful for all the workers of the trades who are helping to make our vision o...
NRRI receives $2 million dollar grant to help advance iron ore pellets
Thursday, April 01, 2021
UMD's Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million dollar grant to help move the mining industry forward.
The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Researchers will be looking for ways to enhance iron ore pellet chemistry, to make them usable for the DRI (direct reduced iron) process.
UMD's NRRI gets a $2 million dollar grant to help develop higher iron content pellet technology for the mines.
UMD's NRRI
Don Fosnacht, NRRI's Associate Director, said, "Different mines on the Iron Range have different capabilities for making direct reduced grade pellets. This will assist Minnesota mines to produce pellets for direct reduced iron...
St. Luke's opens Spine Center offering comprehensive treatment
Thursday, April 01, 2021
St. Luke’s is excited to announce the opening of its comprehensive Spine Center.
St. Luke’s Spine Center is the first of its kind in the Northland. The Spine Center is an integrated program that collaboratively treats all spinal issues, ranging from the common to complex, by bringing together experts who can provide the best possible care.
The Spine Center offers treatment for all spine conditions including minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusion surgery, interventional pain management treatment, spine total disc replacement, back and neck injury evaluation and management, spine decompression surgery, dedicated physiatry programs, treatment of spine trauma conditions, scoliosis and deformit...
Prettner Solon reappointed to Port Authority Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
By Jayson Hron
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz this week reappointed Yvonne Prettner Solon (pictured) to a third term on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners.
Prettner Solon served previously on the board as a Duluth City Council appointee from 1990-1994, including a term as board president in 1993. She later became Minnesota’s 47th lieutenant governor, serving in that capacity from 2010-2014, before being appointed by former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton to a second term on the Port Authority board in 2015. Prettner Solon’s most recent appointment extends through January 2027.
Raised in Duluth, Prettner Solon graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth and embarked first on a career i...
Altec partners with Lake Superior College to bring new welding opportunities to women
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Altec, a local manufacturer of electric utility equipment, is partnering with Lake Superior College to offer free welding education to individuals in the Duluth area. The program, Fired Up About Welding, just completed its fourth year.
While there is a class open to men, this program gives women a unique opportunity, as welding is traditionally seen as a trade for men.
Lyndsay Barrett, the program's founder and a fabrication supervisor at Altec, started the program after attending welding classes at Lake Superior 10 years ago. As the only woman in the class, Lyndsay felt like she was alone in her efforts to become ...
Lake Superior College President Receives Award
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Lake Superior College president Dr. Patricia Rogers (pictured) has been selected to receive a 2021 Paragon President Award from the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. The award recognizes new college presidents for their outstanding support of student success.
Phi Theta Kappa will recognize 22 college presidents with the Paragon Award during their annual convention, the PTK Catalyst 2021, broadcast live from Orlando, Florida, April 8-10. Awards are given to new college presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by the students o...
Maurices President Goldfarb Announces Retirement
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
George Goldfarb has been with the company for 36 years and has been president and CEO for 10 years. David Kornberg will succeed Goldfarb in the role.
George Goldfarb, president and chief executive officer of Maurices, announced his retirement Tuesday, and has accepted the role of chairman emeritus for the Duluth-based clothing company.
“It’s been such an honor to lead Maurices," Goldfarb said. "It is an unbelievable brand, with a winning track record, even during a global pandemic. I attribute that success to our seasoned leadership team and talented associates. David’s experience will enable continued success for the brand and his authenti...
Ronald McDonald House Northland
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
The staff of the Ronald McDonald House Northland in Duluth is ready to welcome the first families in need into its care. The space officially opened Wednesday with the capacity to host up to five families at a time.
“We’re ready to go and we’re eager to serve as soon as there’s that need,” said program manager Tara Gallagher.
The Ronald McDonald House is on the fourth floor of 503 E. Third St., next to the Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center. Families who stay there are given access to a private bedroom and bathroom, free laundry facilities, a full kitchen and loung...
Airport to receive $750,000 grant in effort to establish Duluth-to-Denver flights
Friday, July 23, 2021
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber announced Thursday that Duluth has been awarded a $750,000 grant through the Small Community Air Service Development Program, with the aim to lure a carrier to provide direct service to Denver.
The Duluth Airport Authority has scheduled a Friday morning news conference to talk about the grant and how it will be used. Authority staff did not respond to messages from the News Tribune on Thursday afternoon asking for details on the status of its efforts to establish Duluth-to-Denver service.
To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune
