News

Essentia Health receives grant to expand telehealth services

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Essentia Health was recently awarded nearly $1 million of federal funds to continue providing high-quality care via telehealth. The Federal Communications Commission gave $981,204 to Essentia to acquire remote monitoring devices and video charts with peripheral cameras, to increase broadband coverage at eight clinics, and to purchase additional equipment. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

Kraus-Anderson completes Iron Trail Motors Event Center

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

The $38 million regional convention center renovated the former Miners Memorial Facility into a multi-use facility for concerts, tradeshows, events and meetings. The project for the city of Virginia encompasses the area’s heritage and pays tribute to the mining industry by incorporating elements into the exterior, such as taconite, iron colors and shale rocks in the landscaped areas. Designed by DSGW Architects, the two-story, 120,000-square-foot facility provides two state-of-the-art hockey and ice sport arenas, a 6,400-square-foot ballroom that can be divided into four 1,500-square-foot sections, two meeting rooms offering 1,000 square feet of event space, and a 320-square-foot board room for meeting...

2021 Most Admired CEOs: Bob Gardner on building a company with culture top of mind

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Bob Gardner said he never takes himself too seriously, an attitude he carries as CEO of Gardner Builders. "When we win a project, I'll usually do a cartwheel," said Gardner, who founded the Minneapolis construction company in 2010. Creatin an environment where employees want to come to work was one of the goals Gardner set for himself. But it isn’t just about fun; he’s committed to making sure his Gardner Builders employees feel both challenged in their work and valued for who they are. To view full article, visit Business Journal

MBFC Wins 7th MN CDC Lender of the Year Award

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

MBFC President & CEO, Tom Saehr, and Nadene Kruize, Senior Vice President, were presented the Lender of the Year award, based on loan volume, at the SBA Minnesota Lender’s Conference, on Thursday, September 9th, in Minneapolis, MN. This is the 7th consecutive award presented to MBFC for results with the SBA 504 loan program in Minnesota. Saehr and Kruize extend thanks to Brian McDonald, District Director of the SBA Minnesota District Office, for SBA’s service and continued support of the various Minnesota Lenders. To view full announcement, visit MBFC

Sober ride program operated by Essentia Health expanding services

Friday, September 10, 2021

A sober ride program called Northeastern Minnesota Joyride, operated by Essentia Health and the Driving 4 Safe Communities coalition, is expanding its service to include events at Bayfront Festival Park, as well as Duluth’s Oktoberfestival. “The Twin Ports is a fun place, and we want people to be able to enjoy all that the area offers, but we also want people to get home safely after a night out,” said Allison Nicolson, Essentia’s injury prevention specialist. “This program offers people a safe alternative that is not only affordable, but utilizes existing infrastructure to connect people to a sober ride home.” To vie...

The Entrepreneur Fund receives U.S. Small Business Administration grant

Thursday, September 09, 2021

The Entrepreneur Fund has received a Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME) grant award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The awards were given to 27 organizations across the United States to provide technical assistance and training to economically disadvantaged businesses. In Minnesota, The Entrepreneur Fund and Initiative Foundation are each receiving a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide direct technical assistance to low-income entrepreneurs and help them get financing to establish and expand their small businesses through the Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs, more commonly known as PRIME. This award will support Minnesota’s low-income entrepreneurs gain access to capital to establish and expan...

Duluth airport receives first funding to start major reconstruction project

Friday, September 03, 2021

The grant will be used to start work on the airport's latest major project — a taxiway reconstruction across numerous phases expected to cost $60 million-$70 million, the Duluth International Airport said in an email about the project. Taxiway A — a parallel taxiway for the main runway serving the airport — is the project target. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Kraus-Anderson donates funds for safety equipment to school district’s Construction Academy projects

Friday, September 03, 2021

As Kraus-Anderson Duluth helps to prepare the Rock Ridge School District for the start of its Fall Semester’s Construction Academy projects, the construction company has donated $5,300 to the District to better equip students working on the job site with additional safety equipment. KA supervisors will provide training and mentorship to the instructors and students on the proper implementation and use of the safety items. The Career Academy projects are part of Rock Ridge High School’s Tech Ed Department’s “hand’s -on contribution” to its new high school project. The students will be working on a series of different builds, including athleti...

St. Luke’s Earns National Re-certification for Hip & Knee Replacement Program

Wednesday, September 01, 2021

St. Luke’s is honored to be recognized again as a DNV Healthcare certified Hip & Knee Replacement Center. “This certification shows our community that we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible care for hip and knee replacements,” said Dr. David Fogarty, St. Luke’s Medical Director Hip & Knee Replacement Program. “It’s a combination of the right people, tools and training that contributes to our expertise in orthopedic surgery within the scope of hip and knee replacement-related procedures. Achieving certification validates our investment into this program ensuring the health and safety of our patients.” To view full article, visit Dulut...

Vision Northland construction nears halfway point

Wednesday, September 01, 2021

As Essentia Health's Vision Northland project nears its second year of construction in Duluth, cranes are at their maximum height as the structural steel and decking of the final floors of the hospital tower come together. The $900 million project to build a replacement for St. Mary’s Medical Center and clinic is very close to 50% completion, said Phil Johnson, project manager for McGough Construction. Vision Northland, which is Duluth’s largest-ever private investment, broke ground Sept. 11, 2019. Since then, more than 800,000 hours of work have been invested in the project. Construction is on schedule and within the budget. To vie...

Updated study reveals increasing benefits from industrial sector

Monday, August 30, 2021

Building on a 2018 study by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority today released updated information compiled by Northspan highlighting the economic value and social significance of Duluth’s industrial sector. The 2019 data, representing the most recent available, not only support the previous findings (which were based on 2016 data), but also indicate an increasing contribution from the industrial sector to Duluth’s economic vitality and community infrastructure. To view full article, visit Duluth Times

Attorneys at Fryberger Law Firm Named Best Lawyers in America

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Stephanie Ball, Paul Kilgore and David Oberstar of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick, P.A. were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022 (Copyright 2020 by BL Rankings, LLC., of Aiken, SC). www.bestlawyers.com Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. For the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, over 8 million votes were analyzed. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazin...

Pipe featured in Safest Way Tour makes final stop in Bemidji before it's connected to Line 3

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

BEMIDJI, Minn. — A length of pipe that has been hauled across the state of Minnesota made its final pit stop in Bemidji, Minnesota, on Friday, Aug. 20, before it's added to the Line 3 replacement project. Hosted by LaValley Industries in Bemidji, the Safest Way Tour concluded after stops in rural Minnesota and in front of the state Capitol building in St. Paul. The tour was supported along the way by the organization Minnesotans for Line 3. To view full article, visit: Duluth News Tribune

Essentia to open pharmacy at new Ely grocery location

Friday, August 13, 2021

Essentia Health announced Friday it will open a pharmacy in Ely later this year. The Essentia Health-Ely Pharmacy will be in the new location of Zup's Food Market, in the former Shopko building at 1500 E. Sheridan St. The grocery store is expected to open in early October. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Twin Metals plans electric vehicle fleet for mine near Ely

Friday, August 13, 2021

Twin Metals Minnesota said Thursday that it plans to rely almost exclusively on electric vehicles for its proposed underground copper-nickel mine near Ely. Using electric mining and support vehicles instead of diesel vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the mine by 65 percent and will reduce ventilation and heating needs underground, Chief Regulatory Officer Julie Padilla said. The company plans to acquire 65 electric vehicles, she said. To view full article, visit MPR News

U.S. Bank Buys Fintech Startup Bento Technologies

Friday, August 13, 2021

Deal extends company’s digital banking expansion. Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Bento Technologies, a fintech startup that provides payment and expense management services to small businesses. Bento, which is known as Bento for Business, is based in Chicago and San Francisco. “Fintech” is shorthand for “financial technology.” “Business owners work hard every day to turn their passion into a business. Our goal is to make money management easier for them so they can spend less time on administrative tasks, and more time on doing what they love – serving their customers,” said Tim Welsh, vice chair of Consumer and Busines...

Port Authority climbs in Green Marine environmental rating

Thursday, August 12, 2021

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point earned high marks in the recently released Green Marine 2020 environmental performance report, improving from a 3.8 rating in 2019 to a 4.0 score on Green Marine’s five-point scale. The overall average for reporting participants was 2.9. The annual 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. A record 49 North American port authorities participated in the 2020 evaluation process, with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority ranking No. 4 in the Unite...

Strong steel industry brightens outlook for Allete

Thursday, August 05, 2021

The Duluth-based power provider anticipates mines will continue to operate at or near capacity for the remainder of 2021. During a Wednesday morning earnings call with power industry analysts, Allete Inc. Chair, President and CEO Bethany Owen touted the company's plans to cut carbon emissions 80% by 2035, with the goal of completely eliminating its carbon output by 2050. Allete is the parent company of Duluth-based Minnesota Power. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

CW Technology acquires Superior Computer Products

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

CW Technology has acquired Superior Computer Products, a company specializing in management IT and technology services based in Duluth. “Superior Computer Products is a strong, local company, and I'm very excited that we can combine with a team who shares our culture and passion. We look forward to serving our new clients and investing in the community. This acquisition strengthens and expands our ability to offer solutions in the Northern markets of Minnesota," David Manion, CEO of CW Technology, said in a formal announcement. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

Northland Foundation awards Maada'ookiing grants

Monday, August 02, 2021

Northland Foundation awards first 13 Maada’ookiing grants to Indigenous individuals for community projects. Members of the Maada’ookiing board recommend $32,300 in funding for diversity of creative, grassroots work. From shared geography of Northeast Minnesota and all or parts of five Tribal nations – The Northland Foundation is pleased to announce the individuals and projects being awarded the first-ever Maada’ookiing grassroots grants. The Maada’ookiing board met in late June and recommended funding 13 of 19 applications submitted for this new Indigenous-led grantmaking initiative. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

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

Northeast Minnesota Earns Top Project Awards

Friday, July 23, 2021

Northeast Minnesota Earns Four Top Project Awards On Thursday, July 22, business and community leaders along with APEX’s Matt Shermoen gathered in Minneapolis to honor Finance & Commerce’s Top Projects of 2020, which recognized projects based on several factors: the degree of difficulty, creativity in design, innovative construction techniques, cooperation among contractors, and management and sustainability efforts. APEX President and CEO, Brian Hanson, commented “The entire region came together to drive progress over the past year despite many unforeseen challenges. These projects represent forward-thinking, hard work and a commitment to improving quality of life in northern Minnesota.” Cantilever Distillery and Hotel The beautiful ne...

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

APEX Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board & Investor-Member Meeting virtually on May 6, 2021. Steve Licari, CPA with Licari, Larsen & Company, shared the results of APEX’s 2020 financial audit. The audit went well, due in large part to solid accounting practices, reasonable checks and balances, and oversight from Brian Hanson and the Finance Committee. APEX has hosted several roundtable discussions this year, bringing regional leaders together to discuss and develop solutions for key challenges in specific areas. Ian Vincent, Senior Business Developer, and Matt Shermoen, Business Developer, shared updates on three recent discussions. Childcare - APEX continues to help with childcare attractio...

Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Access to quality healthcare is essential in every size community. Careers in healthcare are stable and offer ample opportunity for both the young professional and for continued career growth. However, retaining and offering proper training for this diverse workforce is a complicated situation in the APEX Region. In April 2021, APEX convened 30 regional healthcare leaders, economic developers, educational leaders and educators to begin collaborating on solutions for building a stronger healthcare sector. Key solutions include: Education – Collaboration and synergy between community/technical schools, colleges and universities and their respective accrediting bodies to develop better pathways with “stackable” and transferable credentials, resultin...

Strengthening Our Transportation and Logistics Sector

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

The APEX Region is fortunate to have a wealth of transportation-focused infrastructure. There are four Class 1 rail lines, three airports (two are international), an international shipping port, numerous trucking companies, an intermodal terminal, and multiple heavy industrial sites. APEX’s efforts to strengthen this sector include the following categories and key areas of focus: Air – Targeting opportunities for regional airports to expand in air cargo and increasing military presence in Duluth and the Range Regional Airport in Hibbing. Air Cargo Expanded Military Presence Airport Master Planning Land Assembly/Preparedness – Compiling and preparing available sites surrounding major transportation infrastructure. Major Industrial Sites City Master Planning US EDA Programs E-Commerce &...

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...

March Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights

Friday, April 23, 2021

Dr. Jim Bowyer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and author of The Irresponsible Pursuit of Paradise APEX hosted its bi-monthly Board & Investor-Member Meeting virtually on March 11, 2021, and welcomed guest speaker Dr. Jim Bowyer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and author of The Irresponsible Pursuit of Paradise. Dr. Bowyer greeted investor-members with a question: Do any of the products you’ve used in the past two weeks have their origins outside of mining, drilling, forestry or fishing? The answer was a resounding "no." Most things we use on a daily basis can be attributed to the natura...

Essentia Health wins national quality excellence award

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Essentia Health has won a national quality excellence award for its work reaching patients who need help with things that can affect their overall health, such as a lack of housing or food. The National Association of Accountable Care Organizations gave Essentia the Leaders in Quality Excellence Award for “outstanding efforts among ACOs working to improve the quality and safety of patient care and advance population health goals.” Essentia’s project submission was “Connected Communities: addressing social determinants of health and health inequities through partnership and technology.” The need is great — the food-insecurity rate in the neighborhoods surrounding Essentia’s downtown Duluth headquarters...

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 ...

APEX Annual Meeting Highlights

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Christopher Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the Site Selectors Guild and Sr. VP & Director, Infrastructure & Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC APEX hosted its Annual Board of Directors and Investor-Member Meeting, held virtually on January 28, 2021. APEX welcomed guest speaker Christopher Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the Site Selectors Guild and Sr. VP & Director, Infrastructure & Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC. Lloyd shared insights into economic development from an experienced site selector’s perspective, paying close attention to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighting opportunities to position the APEX Region for success once business activity returns to a semblance of normal. “Economic development is ...

APEX Launches Business Continuity

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

APEX recently added new web content dedicated to providing direct resources and support to business owners facing challenges to operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new content focuses on making strategic, deliberate changes to protect employees and ensure business continuity during these uncertain times. “As we watched the world transform in response to COVID-19, we also witnessed APEX investor- members making smart, strategic decisions to keep their teams and their clients safe, while maintaining operations,” explained Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “In times like these, when physical separation is necessary for the health of the entire world, it is essentia...

COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on global, national, state, and local business, and the landscape is changing almost daily. In March, APEX surveyed our local business owners to gain a better understanding of impacts seen around the region. Our intent is to use the information we glean to inform local and state elected officials, government agencies, and others of the economic and human impact of the COVID-19 virus to our region. This survey is part of a national effort by local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce. It will be conducted several times as things are changin...

March Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

On March 5, 2020, David Ulrich, Communications Consultant for Twin Metals Minnesota LLC, provided an update on the Twin Metals Minnesota (TMM) Project. The company shared details with APEX investor-members on the intent to develop and operate an economically sustainable 21st century underground mining project on Minnesota’s Iron Range. TMM, with an office and core storage in Ely and an office in St. Paul, plans to mine strategic minerals including copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals. Steve Burgess (National Bank of Commerce), David Ulrich (Twin Metals Minnesota LLC.), Brian Hanson (APEX) Ulrich discussed details of the project located within the Superio...

Celebrating the Long-Lasting Impact of Dr. Pat Johns, Outgoing Lake Superior College President

Monday, July 15, 2019

Economic development is all about people, and it truly begins with education. In northeast Minnesota, we are fortunate to be home to several of the state’s finest higher education institutions. The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) has been proud to partner with Dr. Pat Johns, recently retired president of Lake Superior College (LSC), on many levels over the years, creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in the type of jobs that lend strength to our economy. Dr. Johns led an impressive career in academia and always recognized the important role that higher education plays in the overall wellnes...

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

Taking Positive Steps to End the Northland’s Childcare Crisis

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Long before the coronavirus pandemic shook the world, parents across the northland struggled to find high-quality childcare. Then, as parents juggled remote working and distance learning, the absolute necessity of childcare became even more urgent than we could have imagined just a year ago. In short, it has become abundantly clear that our economy depends on reliable childcare and our current availability is sorely lacking. Not only are our communities short on available childcare slots, but the financial and regulatory burdens to develop new childcare centers have created severe barriers to entry. In December, APEX convened a group of childcare providers...

APEX Welcomes Bailey Plemel as Operations Specialist

Monday, July 15, 2019

Duluth, MN: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to welcome Bailey Plemel to the team as Operations Specialist. Plemel brings a strong background in customer service, having worked in insurance, regional retail, hospitality, news/media and restaurant industries. “Bailey’s energy and passion for the region make her a great fit for APEX; we’re pleased to welcome her to the team,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “Her diverse experience, organizational skills and drive to learn will help her provide excellent service to APEX and our investor-members.” The APEX Operations Specialist serves as the first point of contact for client...

APEX Annual Meeting Keynote Featured Cleveland Cliffs’ President and CEO

Thursday, March 21, 2019

On January 15, APEX hosted the organization’s Annual Meeting at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The crux of the meeting centered around the important connection between industry and the Duluth economy. APEX was pleased to welcome Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (Cliffs) as the featured guest speaker. Goncalves shared insights and opportunities for clean steel manufacturing and how Minnesota plays an important role in this effort, both nationally and globally. Left to Right: Brian Hanson with APEX, Brian Maki with Lakehead Constructors, Inc., Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. and Brian Thun with maurices Cliffs has lon...

APEX Annual Meeting Focuses on the Connection Between Industry and the Economy

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Duluth, Minnesota: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted their annual Board of Directors and member-investor meeting and reception on January 15, 2019 at the Kitchi Gammi Club. APEX was pleased to welcome Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (Cliffs) as the featured guest speaker. Goncalves shared insights and opportunities for clean steel manufacturing in Minnesota and discussed Cliffs’ leadership role in addressing climate change issues. Cliffs has long been a global leader in iron ore pellet production, specializing in using ferrous scrap to create high-grade customized pellets that can be fed directly into blast furnaces. Thi...

APEX Insider Event Celebrates RSM’s 100 Years of Service

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Duluth, MN: Yesterday, RSM celebrated 100 years of serving the region with tax, audit and consulting services at the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion’s (APEX) Insider Event at their newly-renovated RSM office in Downtown Duluth on September 26, 2018. “RSM’s long history of service has been critical to the success of many regional businesses. The RSM team helps drive investment every day by sharing their deep understanding of the accounting nuances facing mid-market businesses in the region,” explained Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “The APEX Insider Event celebrated RSM’s investment in the the Duluth office, and highlights 100 years o...

Future Forest Stewards Invites High School Juniors and Seniors to North Star Expo

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Grand Rapids, MN: Future Forest Stewards (FFS) is pleased invite high school juniors and seniors to learn more about careers in Minnesota’s forestry industry at the Minnesota Timber Producers Association’s 65th annual North Star Expo. The expo will be held on September 14-15, 2018, at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The expo will provide students first-hand opportunities to learn about the importance of the forestry industry in Minnesota and the wide variety of jobs that make Minnesota a strong timber and timber products producer. The industry includes career opportunities in logging, trucking, foresters, millwork, mechanics, research, manufacturing, forest products an...

APEX Hires New Operations Specialist

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

Duluth, MN: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to welcome Janet Windus to the team in the newly created position of Operations Specialist. Windus comes to APEX with a wealth of experience in accounting and payroll services, customer service, and administrative functions. She joined the APEX team on April 11, 2018. “We’re so pleased to have Janet as part of our team,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “Her 18+ years of professional office experience and organizational skills will help streamline our operations. She is already a great addition to APEX.” As Operations Specialist, Windus is responsible fo...

APEX Annual Meeting Focuses on the Connection Between Water and Industry

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Duluth, Minnesota: On January 25, 2018, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted their annual Board of Directors and investor-member meeting and reception at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The meeting featured guest speaker LaMarr Barnes, CEO of U.S. Water Services, Inc. (U.S. Water) speaking about the interconnection of water and industry in our region and the importance of understanding and managing water in a sustainable way. Barnes shared valuable insight into the changing hydrological cycle, explaining the intricacies of the water/energy nexus throughout industries. Generating electrical power, agriculture, public water and industry are the largest water-using sectors in our econom...

APEX Annual Meeting Focuses on the Connection Between Water and Industry

Sunday, April 15, 2018

APEX Investor Members Support ISD 709 Construction Technology Program

Friday, December 15, 2017

Duluth, Minnesota: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) and several APEX investor-members are pleased to support ISD 709’s Construction Technology program. The Boldt Company, APi Group, Inc., United Piping, Inc., The Jamar Company and Northland Constructors donated much-needed cold weather work gear and safety equipment to the Construction Technology program. “When the district reached out to APEX, we were more than happy to get involved,” said Sandy Johnson, Manager, Member Relations and Administration at APEX. “Many APEX investor-members seized the opportunity to support the next generation of trades workers.” This fall, students in the Construction Technology program have been working i...

APEX Debuts 360-Degree Virtual Reality Tour

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Duluth, MN: The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to announce the availability of a 360-degree virtual reality (VR) tour that provides prospective business partners and site selection consultants a full-immersion experience of the APEX region from anywhere in the world. The Place VR tour, created by Golden Shovel Agency, highlights existing industry and infrastructure and showcases the region’s high quality of life. “It’s one thing to see images or video of our region. It’s quite another to be fully immersed in the Place VR tour,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “This innovative approach showcases many element...

Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project to Support 8,600 Jobs in Northeast Minnesota: New Economic Impact Study from UMD's BBER

Monday, June 12, 2017

Duluth, MN: The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics recently released the results of the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Construction Economic Impact Study (EIS). The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) requested this study be conducted to help stakeholders better understand the significant contribution this project will provide. The BBER concluded that the project will create approximately 8,600 jobs and will represent an investment of over $2.0 billion in the 15-county study area in the northern portion of the State of Minnesota. “APEX supports the Enbridge Lin...

APEX Annual Meeting Highlights Economic Optimism for Region

Friday, April 07, 2017

Duluth, MN: On January 26, 2017, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) hosted their annual Board of Directors and investor-member meeting and reception at the Kitchi Gammi Club. Nearly 100 regional, public and private sector leaders were in attendance for the event and to hear guest speaker John R. Elmore, Vice Chair of Community Banking and Branch Delivery at U.S. Bank. Elmore shared his insight into recent economic shifts. Elmore expressed optimism for economic development in the region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Equity markets and the treasury yield curve are trending upwards. Overall wages have been on th...

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