News

APEX lends support to Line 3 replacement project

Monday, October 12, 2020

APEX will represent private industry’s perspective in support of the project’s potential to drive anticipated economic stimulus to the region. The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) has been named amicus curiae—a friend of the court—regarding the application of Enbridge Energy’s certificate of need and a routing permit for the proposed Line 3 replacement project. “Communities in northern Minnesota are depending on Enbridge and the project, and APEX is in a unique position to take our support one step further by aiding the court proceedings,” explained Brian Hanson, APEX president and CEO. “We look forward to participating in the regulatory process and helping t...

One of Minnesota's newest public companies making four acquisitions worth $300M

Wednesday, October 07, 2020

APi Group is making four acquisitions worth $300 million that will extend its reach in both the U.S. and Europe. The largest purchase is the SK FireSafety Group, a Netherlands-based company that provides fire and life safety services to a variety of industries in northern Europe. New Brighton-based APi Group provides safety, specialty and industrial services through 40 different businesses that have more than 200 locations, mostly in North America. To read the full article please visit Star Tribune.

Wagner Zaun Architecture joins LHB Inc.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Wagner Zaun Architecture Inc. of Duluth is joining LHB, Inc. in a deal structured as an asset purchase designed to strengthen Wagner Zaun's services for a broad range of customers. Specializing in commercial interior buildouts including office space, restaurants, breweries and custom single-family homes, Wagner Zaun says its talented professionals will add a wider breadth of expertise as they are integrated into LHB’s multi-disciplinary team. Visit Business North to read the full article.

Lake Superior College ranked among the best LPN programs in Minnesota

Monday, September 21, 2020

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 11% employment growth for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through the year 2028. To assist students who may be interested in attending an accredited LPN program, practicalnursing.org reviewed twenty-six accredited programs throughout the state. Based on their LPN Programs Ranking Methodology, Lake Superior College received a score of 92.85 making it the 8th best program in the state. The rankings are based on a number of factors including accreditation, admissions requirements, tuition and costs, and NCLEX-PN exam results. The NCLEX-PN is the exam that all prospective LPNs must take and pass to officially gain licensure. The summary of th...

Kraus-Anderson completes Bear Country Exhibit at Lake Superior Zoo

Thursday, September 17, 2020

The Duluth office of Kraus-Anderson has completed the Bear Country Exhibit at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth. The project renovated both the Black Bear and Brown Bear Exhibits. The $3.8 million exhibit includes renovations of the existing bear den holding areas, adjacent exhibit areas and existing holding building. Designed by DSGW Architects, the completed exhibit now open, renovated of the former exhibit that was built in the 1930s and was closed for more than 10 years. The Brown Bear Exhibit, designed by HGA Architects, renovated the former Polar Shores Exhibit that was closed following the 2012 flood. The Brown Bear Exhibit includes rive...

Sky Harbor runway project complete

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) celebrated the conclusion of the Sky Harbor Airport runway realignment and environmental mitigation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. Located on Park Point between Lake Superior and the Duluth Harbor, the Sky Harbor Airport features a paved runway and two water runways, accommodating amphibious, float and wheeled aircraft. Known as “The People’s Airport,” Sky Harbor is a public general aviation airport popular with local recreational fliers and visitors to the area. To read the full article please visit Business North.

Look inward to strengthen our forever-changed region

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Hang in there, Northland. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest weren’t in anybody’s strategic plan for the year. Although we’re working through the survival mode we all adopted during the past few months, we’re not out of the woods yet. It’s time to think strategically about how the business community and our citizens can evolve to address equity issues and tackle the growing needs of customers, employees, business owners, and our economy. The first step is accessing the resources available to support ongoing operations, provide safe work environments, and build toward long-term success. Emergency funding is available today in bot...

Super Lawyers recognized at Hanft Fride

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Hanft Fride announces the recognition of attorneys Charles “Huck” Andresen, Jake Baker, Bill Burns, Jennifer Carey, John Kelly and Cheryl Prince, who have been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list for 2020. Attorney Scott Witty was named to the 2020 Minnesota Rising Stars list. “Hanft Fride is honored and proud of our seven attorneys who have received this peer recognition,” said Jennifer Carey, President of the law firm. “It is a privilege to work with this great group of attorneys who share a strong commitment to the practice of law, our clients and to our community.” To read the full article please visit Busines...

Court sides with PolyMet on water permit

Tuesday, September 08, 2020

Judge John H. Guthmann rejected the allegations that MPCA engaged in a systematic effort to keep evidence out of the administrative record. Those allegations were made by the plaintiffs, which include Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, WaterLegacy, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. The court observed that the process for PolyMet’s permit involved “significantly more interaction between the EPA and the MPCA than with the usual NPDES permit,” PolyMet said in a news release. The court determined that “[a]t no time did the MPCA try to discourage or preven...

St. Luke's celebrates expanded emergency department, cardiac cath labs

Tuesday, September 01, 2020

St. Luke’s unveiled its new emergency department, cath lab and cardiac space Thursday, all located just east of the main hospital building in Duluth. Planned for two years and under construction for 17 months, the $37.5 million project triples the current amount of emergency treatment space. “These rooms can take care of any patient,” said Dr. Nick VanDeelen, chief medical officer. “They will allow emergency docs to take care to the next level.” To read the full article please visit Business North.

St. Luke’s Showcases New Emergency Department and Cath Labs

Monday, August 31, 2020

On Wednesday, August 12, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) was pleased to co-host their most recent Insider Event at St. Luke’s. The event featured St. Luke’s new state-of-the-art emergency department set to open this fall along with their new Cath Labs. They were honored to have had the opportunity to allow APEX investor-members a sneak peek of this newly developed section of the hospital prior to its opening to the general public. “St. Luke’s has always offered premier care throughout our region and the expansion of their emergency department is a testament to their growth and success,” explained Bria...

Local View: Rep. McCollum dividing northern Minnesota, threatening job creation

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Once again, a Twin Cities politician wants to call the shots for Greater Minnesota, this time by halting economic recovery and job growth in northern communities already ravaged as a result of COVID-19. Congresswoman Betty McCollum of St. Paul buried language in the 176-page Fiscal Year 2021 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Spending Bill — that she “proudly authored,” as she said on the House floor — to halt any federal reviews of mine plans in the Rainy River Watershed in the Superior National Forest (“Bill would halt federal review of mine plans in Superior National Forest,” July 19). McCollum also state...

Jobs for Minnesotans Statement on Minnesota Department of Commerce Line 3 Appeal Decision

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

St. Paul, Minn. (August 18, 2020) – Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to the Minnesota Department of Commerce (MDOC) decision to appeal the Line 3 Replacement Project Certificate of Need issued by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). The MDOC announced it will file the appeal on Wednesday, August 19: “Jobs for Minnesotans is deeply disappointed by the MDOC’s decision to appeal the Line 3 Replacement Project’s Certificate of Need issued by the MPUC, an agency within the same governing administration. We firmly stand behind the dedicated MPUC Commissioners who have approved the Certificate of Need time after tim...

Northland Foundation awards $885,000 in grants

Wednesday, August 05, 2020

The Northland Foundation awarded 140 grants totaling $885,000 from April through June to nonprofit organizations, school districts, and Tribal Nations to help support programming aligned with Northland’s strategic focus areas. All but a dozen grants were made in response to the health and economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last quarter $123,000 in grants were awarded to help sustain child care during the pandemic. The majority of grant dollars – $673,000 – were made in support of basic needs such as food access, shelter, and safety for those most impacted by the COVID crisis. Numerous awards target foo...

Hodnik joins Minnesota Business Hall of Fame

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

Al Hodnik, ALLETE (NYSE:ALE) executive chairman and former president and CEO, is among this year’s inductees to the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame. Each year the magazine honors five influential business leaders in Minnesota, recognizing them for their leadership and accomplishments in their respective industries, as well as their contributions to the business community. Hodnik joins more than 100 leaders inducted during the past 21 years. Bethany Owen, who succeeded Hodnik as ALLETE president and CEO, said Hodnik’s leadership and vision have played a key role in the company’s success. “As a company and as individuals, we have all benefited tremendously from Al’s passion for people...

Attorneys at Fryberger Law Firm Named Minnesota Super Lawyers

Friday, July 31, 2020

Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. is proud to announce seven attorneys: Stephanie A. Ball, Robert R. Kanuit, Paul B. Kilgore, Paul A. Loraas, Daniel D. Maddy and James H. Stewart were named 2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers. Only 5% of Minnesota lawyers are awarded this honor each year. To read about each of the recipients please visit Duluth News Tribune.

Essentia Health receives Health Care Hero award

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Essentia Health has received the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Trailblazer Award for its efforts to improve access to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis encouraged Essentia Health teams to provide an opportunity for patients to receive care from their health care provider virtually by using a phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer, and to do so from the comfort of their home. Prompted by a need to keep patients and staff safe from the virus, virtual visits were unveiled March 18 — a full month ahead of a planned launch. To read the full article visit Business North.

APEX May Board & Investor-Member Meeting Recap

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

At the May 7, 2020, APEX Board and Investor-Member meeting, Kevin Nokels, President & CEO of St. Luke’s, shared how the healthcare system has taken steps to prepare for the pandemic. The system consists of the hospital in Duluth, wholly owned Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors, and a management contract with North Shore Health in Grand Marais. Nokels’ presentation started with the historical connection between St. Luke’s and previous epidemics and pandemics. St. Luke’s was founded in 1881 by the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as the first hospital in Duluth during the height of the typhoid epidemic. By 1918, th...

Check Out the APEX Business Continuity Website

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue, the APEX Business Continuity Website remains a reliable resource and place of support to business owners facing challenges to operations. The content highlights efforts to make strategic, deliberate changes to protect employees and ensure business continuity during these uncertain times in an effort to promote growth and retention to our existing regional businesses. APEX believes it is essential to remain as connected as possible, especially during difficult times. That’s why our business continuity webpages are intended to share important information for investor-members and other business leaders who are seeking support to help thei...

Kraus-Anderson completes new adult and pediatric therapy center for Essentia

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

The Duluth office of Kraus-Anderson has completed a new adult and pediatric therapy facility for Essentia Health, located on the second floor of the former Younkers department store at Miller Hill Health Plaza in Duluth. Designed by LHB Architects, Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center expands Essentia’s treatments and services for patients with neurological conditions and developmental diagnoses and will offer new equipment and new spaces designed for the latest treatment approaches and therapies for children and adults. To read the full news release please visit Business North.

National award recognizes St. Luke's advanced wound care and hyperbaric center

Monday, June 22, 2020

St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center has been recognized with the President’s Circle award from Healogics for the third consecutive year. It earned the award by hitting high benchmarks, achieving exceptional clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 28 median days to heal. The award is only given to a Center of Distinction with outstanding performance. There were 635 Centers eligible for the President’s Circle award, but only a select few achieved the honor. To read the full article please visi...

Minnesota Power energizes hydropower line

Friday, June 19, 2020

Minnesota Power has energized its Great Northern Transmission Line, which delivers 250 megawatts of carbon-free hydropower from Manitoba to Minnesota Power customers. Completed in February, the 224-mile line runs from the Canadian border in Roseau County to a substation near Grand Rapids. It consists of 800 tower structures that were fabricated in the United States and used 10,000 tons of North American steel. About 2,200 miles of wire were required to install the line’s conductors. Property taxes are paid to local communities along the route. “This is such an incredible achievement for Minnesota Power,” which is a division of Duluth-based ALLETE, sai...

LSC Foundation to award over $30,000 in Workforce Development Scholarships

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

The Lake Superior College Foundation announced another round of Workforce Development Scholarships is now available. Eligible students can apply for one of at least twelve $2,500 scholarships which will be applied to fall semester 2020. The scholarships were made possible by a $7 million appropriation from the Legislature after a successful pilot program stemming from the 2017 legislative session that initially awarded $1 million in scholarships in the 2018-2019 academic year. The scholarships are for students pursuing careers within advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, information technology, early childhood education, and transportation at any of the 30 state colleges of Minnesot...

Northland Foundation assists region's small businesses to access interest-free financing

Friday, May 29, 2020

Soon after Governor Walz issued Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08affecting restaurants, bars and pubs, beauty salons, gyms, and others, the State of Minnesota responded by establishing the Small Business Emergency Loans Program, administered through the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The five-year, no-interest loans range from $2,500 to $35,000 with the first payment deferred for six months. The Northland Foundation, selected as a certified lender for the program, received $1.3 million in state funding designated for northeastern Minnesota borrowers. As of April 30, two dozen loans totaling $687,500 had been finalized to small businesses in the region. To view which small businesses are recipients o...

National Bank of Commerce provides $20,000 to Head of the Lakes United Way

Thursday, May 28, 2020

National Bank of Commerce (NBC), is the area’s largest, locally-owned, full-service community bank. It’s important for NBC to give back to the communities in which they serve. In the midst of COVID-19 it is vital to support the small businesses and nonprofits in our community. Through the partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, NBC was able to award $20,000 to the Head of the Lakes United Way. The organization’s mission is to unite caring people and mobilize resources to empower individuals and strengthen communities. To learn more about the United Way you can visit their website, hlunitedway.org. To read th...

Duluth International Airport recognized for snow, ice control

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Duluth International Airport (DLH) was awarded the Honorable Mention Balchen/Post Award for excellence in snow and ice control. The awards will be presented at the 54th Annual International Aviation Snow Symposium (IASS) on October 5th, 2020, in Buffalo, NY. The award is recognizing DLH’s Airside Operations Team for their efforts in maintaining the airport in safe and operational status during the 2019 – 2020 winter season. DLH received the Honorable Mention in the category of Small Commercial Airport (Less than 100,000 operations per year). To read the full article please visit Business North.

Lake Country Power lines up summer construction projects

Thursday, May 21, 2020

In spite of the national economic downturn, Lake Country Power in 2020 is moving ahead with a series of construction projects to improve electrical service to its members. “We will be completing power quality and required road projects,” said Derek Howe, Lake Country Power chief operating officer. “But we are concerned about the impact (of the downturn) and are curtailing some of our age-related construction.” The rural electric cooperative is going ahead with a power quality project at its Cohasset substation. It will increase the substation’s capacity and reliability for customers in the Cohasset area. The co-op’s Gunn substation east of Grand Rapid...

Duluth International Airport to receive nearly $1.5 million for improvement projects

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Federal Aviation Administration will award nearly $1.5 million to the Duluth International Airport in airport safety and infrastructure grants. The funding comes from the FAA's airport improvement program. The Duluth International Airport will use the money toward acquiring snow removal equipment, sealing taxiway pavement surface and pavement joints as well as expanding the airport's apron, which is the area where airplanes are parked for refueling and maintenance services. The projects have been planned for some time, Tom Werner, said executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority, adding that the grant money will help the airport infuse activity into the economy wit...

Port of Duluth-Superior lands record 17th Pacesetter honor

Thursday, May 14, 2020

The port of Duluth-Superior earned its second consecutive Pacesetter Award from the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. on Wednesday. The honor acknowledged an increase in international cargo tonnage during the 2019 shipping season. The port of Duluth-Superior was one of five ports in the United States to earn the distinction. It was the record 17th Pacesetter for the local port since the awards started in 1992. Four of Duluth-Superior’s six cargo categories posted season-over-season tonnage increases in 2019. General cargo, comprised of project cargoes, breakbulk and heavy-lift industrial pieces, led the way with a tenfold tonnage increase. To read the full article pleas...

JR Jensen Construction aids the Twin Ports community with PPE donation and contribution towards two area food shelves

Friday, May 08, 2020

Since the beginning of Governor Evers “Safer at Home” orders, JR Jensen has been fortunate to continue the majority of their operations as an essential business in the construction trades. In late March, JR Jensen was able to assist emergency responders and other healthcare professionals throughout the twin ports by donating their supply of much needed personal protective equipment item, N95 masks. Understanding the need and forecasted shortage of these masks across all healthcare networks, JR Jensen team quickly took an inventory of the highly regarded masks and prioritized with the given shortage that their supplies should be donated t...

Lake Superior College Waiving Application Fee In April

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Lake Superior College waived its application fee in April, and is now extending that through the end of June. This is part of an initiative to encourage prospective students to explore the 90-plus programs offered at LSC, as well as potentially help assist and support those employees who may be, or could become, displaced workers due to economic challenges with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Lake Superior College offers a wide variety of certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in career and technical fields, as well as pre-baccalaureate majors for students interested in saving thousands by completing their first two years at LSC and then transferring to a 4-yea...

Use of virtual care at Essentia Health soars during COVID-19 pandemic

Monday, May 04, 2020

Essentia Health ranks among industry leaders in its robust use of virtual visits, ensuring that its patients continue to receive high-quality care during the coronavirus crisis. “We had been working toward this goal prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Rich Vetter, chief medical officer at Essentia. “The pandemic certainly accelerated our plans and moved the launch date forward.” Essentia’s first virtual visit was conducted on March 16, 2020, and since then it has conducted about 76,000. More than 3,000 visits occur most days, and at any given moment there could be 100-plus visits happening simultaneously. A virtual visit is a video appointmen...

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...

APEX Annual Meeting Highlights

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Brian Hanson (APEX), Barbara Philibert (Industrial Technologies Group), Joel Larson (Barko Hydraulics), and Steve Burgess (National Bank of Commerce) at the APEX Annual Board Meeting. APEX hosted our Annual Board of Directors and Investor-Member Meeting and Reception on January 30, 2020, at Pier B Resort in Duluth, MN. Barbara K. Philibert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chicago, Illinois-based Industrial Technologies Group (ITG), joined us as the keynote speaker. She shared insights about how manufacturing will continue to transform with innovations in technology. “The impact of manufacturing is critical to the U.S. economy and is a fundamental building block of rural communities,&rdquo...

APEX Received EDAM Award

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

APEX was recently recognized by the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) with an Excellence in Economic Development Award in the Innovation category, for the organization’s 360-degree virtual reality familiarization (360VR FAM) video tour of the APEX region. “We’re honored to receive an EDAM Innovation Award for our 360VR FAM tour,” said Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “It has allowed us to share the benefits of the entire APEX region. These real-time virtual visits are sparking many positive conversations with site selectors around the world.” The EDAM Innovation Award is a new award category for 2020, recognizing a creative solution t...

November Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

November Board & Investor-Member Meeting Highlights At the APEX Board of Directors meeting held at the Inn on Lake Superior on November 7, 2019, Mark Schill, with Praxis Strategy Group, reviewed the outcomes of the organization’s strategic planning process. In August and September, APEX engaged its investor-members and partners in a series of face to face focus groups and an online survey to gather input as part of its strategic planning process. A total of 116 stakeholders participated, including about 70 identifying as investor-members and 34 as partners. “I am pleased with the insights Praxis gleaned from the process. Our investor-members and partners wer...

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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