News

New LSC head cites students’ career prep, connections to business, industry as priorities

Thursday, September 12, 2019

By ANGELO GENTILE For Business North As Lake Superior College students return to classes this month, they are finding a new president at the helm of the community and technical college that overlooks the big lake and the St. Louis River Bay on Trinity Road in Duluth. Patricia Rogers, who officially started July 1, said in an August interview with Business North that she has been “hitting the ground listening” as she seeks to “build on an already high-level of success.” “Our college is in great shape. It is already very connected to the community, and especially to business and industry, and it’s alread...

APi being acquired by J2 Acquisition Ltd.

Monday, September 09, 2019

APi Group, Inc. – owner of the Jamar Co., Northland Constructors and United Piping in Duluth – has agreed to be purchased by J2 Acquisition Limited, an international provider of commercial life safety products and industrial specialty services. The transaction is valued at $2.9 billion. J2 expects to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol APG. To read the full article please visit Business North.

Kraus-Anderson Preps for $20M Upscale Apartments in St. Paul

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Kraus-Anderson Development today announced that it has begun tearing down a vacant office building in St. Paul to make way for a 92-unit upscale apartment building. The firm is redeveloping the former Capital Professional Office Building at 590 Park Street in St. Paul’s Capitol Heights neighborhood. Kraus-Anderson built the original structure in the 1960s, says senior vice president Matt Alexander. To read the full article please visit Twin Cities Business.

Essentia Wellness Center Nears Completion

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Hermantown’s brand-new Essentia Wellness Center will open this October. The new 72,000 square foot, $26 million facility (which is scheduled to open October 15th) will fill a number of voids not only for the Hermantown community, but the entire Twin Port’s Community. Within the new facility visitors will find a daycare, an aquatic center, a YMCA workout center, community rooms, an indoor walking track, an Essentia Clinic Center which will offer lifestyle and physical therapy services along with a Yellow Bike Coffee shop. To read the full article please visit The Development Tracker.

Work on Essentia's $800 million Vision Northland in Duluth set to start in September

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The first step in constructing Essentia Health's Vision Northland — an $800 million development in downtown Duluth — is slated to start Monday, Sept. 9. The three-year project will bring a new 14-story hospital bed tower, larger surgical suites and clinic space, as well as road closures and restricted access to building entrances when construction gets underway, according to a news release from Essentia. The development will help Essentia better serve its patients and prepare the health care system for future changes in the industry, Mark Hayward, Essentia's senior vice president of operations, said in an interview. To read the full article pleas...

St. Luke's new leader is prepared for complex healthcare challenge

Friday, August 16, 2019

Kevin Nokels has courted one of the biggest challenges faced by today’s healthcare executives: Leading a smaller independent hospital and clinic system. But that’s not his only challenge. The new president and CEO of St. Luke’s began his new job at a time when there’s great uncertainty about how healthcare providers will be reimbursed for the services they provide. Almost every candidate for U.S. president has a different plan for how medical services should be funded. “The challenge that we have in such a volatile and uncertain payment environment is how to plan ahead – how to act on these thing...

First look at Duluth airport’s master plan

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Duluth International Airport recently released the first glimpse of its 20-year master plan. The plan, called Vision 2040, will study and map what projects the airport undertakes over the next 20 years, according to material on the airport's website. Public feedback and committees will influence what the airport decides to study, as well as what the airport plans to work on in the short-, mid- and long-term. “The main goal of a Master Plan is to provide the framework necessary to guide future development that will cost-effectively satisfy aviation demand, while considering potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts,” according to a FAQ pag...

ALLETE Clean Energy Celebrates Record-setting Construction Year during American Wind Week

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

ALLETE Clean Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE (NYSE: ALE), is in the middle of its biggest wind energy construction year as it celebrates this week’s American Wind Week. ALLETE Clean Energy is poised to nearly double its carbon-free wind capacity to more than 1,000 megawatts with three new wind farms under construction in 2019 and 2020. Its renewable wind projects will support the economies of local, rural communities in seven states with jobs, taxes, donations and volunteer activities. New projects include the Diamond Spring wind site in Oklahoma that will sell renewable wind power to Walmart, Starbucks and Smithfield Foods...

Northland Foundation awards 42 grants, including more than $50,000 for child care expansion

Monday, August 12, 2019

Northeast Minnesota – During the second quarter of 2019, the Northland Foundation awarded 42 grants totaling $389,835. Five grants of $10,000 were made to increase the supply of child care openings in the region. The five child care grants were awarded to help with the start-up four new programs that will be located in Eveleth, Aitkin, Duluth, and Hermantown, and to help expand an existing child care program located in Virginia. The $50,000 in funding for these grants was provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. To read the full article please visit Business North.

Neela Mollgaard Chosen to Lead New State Economic Development Initiative

Thursday, August 08, 2019

Neela Mollgaard has been named executive director of Launch Minnesota, the state’s latest initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurialism. She’ll take the reins August 26. The program was developed, in part, during the 2019 legislative session through a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Launch Minnesota brings private businesses and nonprofits together to provide financial incentives, training, and grants to individuals—especially women, veterans, and people of color—who want to start companies in technology sectors including aerospace, agriculture, nanotechnology, and medical devices. To read the full article please visit Twin Cities Business.

Lehtinen survives plane crash thanks to Cirrus parachute system, Canadian rescuers

Monday, August 05, 2019

Matt Lehtinen of Grand Rapids, president of Tacora Resources Inc., survived a July 27 airplane crash in Quebec thanks to the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System aboard his 2005 Cirrus SR22 G2. According to CTV News in Canada, Lehtinen was flying from Wabush, Newfoundland.,where his company owns the Scully iron ore mine, to Quebec City when he received oil pressure and oil temperature warnings. Then his engine stopped and made grinding sounds that suggested it was permanently damaged. He engaged the parachute and his aircraft fell to the ground safely. To read the full article please visit Business North.

ALLETE, Inc. reports Q2 earnings growth, narrows earnings guidance range

Thursday, August 01, 2019

ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) reported second quarter 2019 earnings of 66 cents per share on net income of $34.2 million. Last year’s results were 61 cents per share on net income of $31.3 million. “Clean energy investments at both our regulated and energy infrastructure services businesses are expected to drive substantial growth over the next five years, potentially exceeding our stated 5-7 percent average annual growth objective,” said ALLETE Chairman and CEO Al Hodnik. “We are pleased with our progress year-to-date, as we ramp to record levels of construction activities on several new projects slated to deliver carbon free generation beginning late...

St. Scholastica strengthens focus on vocation

Monday, July 29, 2019

The College of St. Scholastica has been awarded $47,832 to enhance students’ understanding of the meaning of “vocation” and how it fits into their future careers and lives. A career term with a broader theological scope, vocation is often defined as a calling or a life’s purpose. The two-year NetVUE Program Development Grant award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is funding St. Scholastica’s “Values in Action” initiative through April 30, 2021. This project aims to increase faculty, staff and student understanding of vocation and its relationship to the College’s mission and values. It creates opportunities for vocational reflection an...

Blandin Foundation's Community Leadership Program Paying off in Two Harbors

Sunday, July 21, 2019

“I think there’s a hope and an optimism in Two Harbors that came from many different things, but one is the Blandin Foundation invested a lot in the community leadership program over five years ago. That partnership has been a big deal for us,” Swanson said. A member of the third cohort of participants in Blandin’s leadership series, Swanson believes the program helped synthesize good ideas and hone leadership skills. With an infusion of new leaders throughout the city, county and business community, Swanson says new people have energized the discussion on community growth. He also credits the city for undertaking a massiv...

Kraus-Anderson Expands, Upgrades FirstLight Hospital in Mora

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. has wrapped up a $52 million expansion of FirstLight Health System’s hospital campus in Mora, Minnesota. As part of the 25-month-long project, the company built a pair of two-story additions and renovated 115,000 square feet of the campus. One addition includes a rehabilitation space with a therapy pool, food service kitchen, cafeteria, and inpatient pharmacy. The other houses a new emergency department, community pharmacy, ambulance garage, and fitness center. To view full article please visit Twin Cities Business.

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...

AAR results strengthen for quarter, year

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

AAR CORP. reported fourth quarter fiscal year 2019 consolidated sales of $562.7 million and income from continuing operations of $26.6 million, or 76 cents per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of the prior year, the company reported sales of $473.5 million and income from continuing operations of $18.1 million, or 52 cents per diluted share. Consolidated sales increased 19 percent over the prior year period from continued growth in programs and parts supply activities. The Aviation Services segment, which has an operation in Duluth, experienced 18 percent growth driven by strong demand for both new and aftermarket parts. To read more, visit Business North.

St. Scholastica launches online master’s degree in applied data analytics

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Classes will start this fall for a new online master’s degree program at The College of St. Scholastica, it was announced Wednesday. The program will prepare graduates for careers in the field of applied data analytics. Data analytics is the science of converting raw data into relevant and actionable insight to support decision-making. A master’s degree in applied data analytics provides an in-depth study in analytics, the college said in its announcement. Data analysts and scientists are employed in healthcare, banking, marketing, research and development, computer information systems, management and human resources. To read more, visit the Business North.

GPM expands product distribution and service in Canada

Monday, July 01, 2019

GPM, Inc. announced the expansion of GPM-Eliminator distribution channels throughout Canada with the addition of Western Pump Services as a new Canadian distributor. Paul Cranford is a new regional sales manager for GPM’s sales partner, Sudbury Mining Products, and Continental Mine and Industrial Supply (CMI) is a GPM-Eliminator Authorized Service Center. Based in Norris Point, Newfoundland, Western Pump Services is now providing both sales and technical service and support for all GPM-Eliminator product lines across Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Western Pump Services is well-known as a provider of high-quality pumps, parts and services to the region, GPM said. To read more, visi...

St. Luke's Earns Two Awards

Monday, July 01, 2019

St. Luke’s has earned the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2019 Mission: Lifeline® STEMI Gold Plus Receiving Award and NSTEMI Gold Award. St. Luke’s earned the awards for its commitment and success in implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the AHA for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks, the health care system said in a news release. To view full article, visit Business North.

Kraus-Anderson Construction wraps up Phase 2 of Falls International Airport

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Bemidji office of Kraus-Anderson has completed construction of phase two of the Falls International Airport (INL). The Phase Two construction cost of $5.3 million was a separately funded project and completes the full replacement of the 17,894-square-foot terminal building, and provides new space for U.S. Customs processing, a National Weather Service office, TSA offices and Airport Administration, Kraus-Anderson said in a Tuesday announcement. Phase one was completed in the fall of 2017 and included the replacement of approximately two-thirds of the old terminal designed by architecture, planning and interiors firm Alliiance. The $10 million project featured a new arrival an...

St. Luke’s hosts ribbon cutting for remodeled inpatient pharmacy

Thursday, June 20, 2019

St. Luke’s Inpatient Pharmacy celebrated its $1.5 million remodeling Thursdayl with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The project expanded the Inpatient pharmacy from 2,600 square feet to more than 4,200 square feet. The remodel took more than two years of planning and construction. The design was created by Scalzo Architects. Construction was by Donald Holm Construction Co. To read more, visit Business North.

Carter appointed LHB's chief executive officer

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Richard A. Carter will become LHB’s chief executive officer on July 15. Carter previously held the position of integrative design team leader and was a senior vice president for the company. He succeeds William D. Bennett, PE, who has been LHB’s CEO and board chair since 2001. Bennett will continue to serve as board chair and will work with LHB’s clients and community organizations until retirement from LHB on Jan. 31. To read more, visit Business North.

Kraus-Anderson’s Duluth office celebrates 20 years

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Kraus-Anderson is celebrating the 20thyear of its Duluth office. The 122-year-old construction company opened its Duluth office two decades ago following a steady surge in new business opportunities from Superior, across the Minnesota Iron Range and up to the Canadian border. To read more, visit Business North.

Duluth Seaway Port Authority rates favorably in Green Marine environmental report

Monday, June 17, 2019

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point earned high marks in the Green Marine environmental performance report released June 6. The report rates port authority participants in seven categories: air emissions, community impacts, dry bulk handling and storage, environmental leadership, spill prevention, underwater noise and waste management. Forty-two (42) North American port authorities participated in the 2018 evaluation process, with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority ranking among the United States’ top 5 and No. 10 overall. To read more, visit Business North.

ALLETE ventures further into providing clean energy to corporate customers

Friday, June 14, 2019

ALLETE Clean Energy’s Diamond Spring wind project will provide renewable energy to large corporate customers including Smithfield Foods and Walmart ALLETE Clean Energy (ACE) has reach a power sales agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. for the remaining output of the Diamond Spring wind site it will build, own and operate in Oklahoma. To read more, visit Business North.

St. Luke's names new CEO

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

"Kevin checks all the right boxes. He never asks anything from anyone he wouldn't ask of himself," St. Luke's Board Chair Jeff Borling said in an interview Tuesday. The Duluth-based health system had been led by John Strange for the past 23 years. Strange retired in February. To read the full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Destination Medical Center, North? Duluth readies for massive medical investment

Wednesday, June 05, 2019

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson does not hold back when she describes the potential impact of the more than $1 billion in health care investment planned for her city over the next decade. "There really is nothing like it, this kind of private investment happening concurrently," she said. "The density, the impact — it is completely catalytic and transformational." To view the entire article, visit MPR

St. Scholastica names new president

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Dr. Barbara McDonald will become the 13th president of The College of St. Scholastica, effective Aug. 5. She was introduced to the St. Scholastica community at an on-campus announcement this morning. To read the entire article, visit Howie Blog

Court of Appeals: Additional environmental review of PolyMet not needed

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday said an additional environmental review of the contentious PolyMet copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes is not needed. Opponents of the recently approved mine, set to be the first of its kind in Minnesota, argued the Department of Natural Resources erred when denying requests for a supplemental environmental impact statement after PolyMet indicated in a March 2018 technical report that its site had enough ore for a substantially larger mine in the future. To view full article, visit: Duluth News Tribune

Details of Essentia’s proposed project come into focus

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

More details about Essentia Health's plans for a new 18-story inpatient/outpatient facility in downtown Duluth have emerged, as members of the city's Planning Commission prepare to review the proposed project next week. The design shows the building's tower standing 340 feet tall, and the structure would accommodate two throughways for vehicle traffic, where First Avenue East and the service alley above East Superior Street burrow through the facility. To view full article, visit: Duluth News Tribune

Volunteer Attorney Program recognizes Hanft Fride as Law Firm of the Year

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

The Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP) has named Hanft Fride the 2018 Law Firm of the Year for the firm’s work in providing legal assistance to underserved populations in northeast Minnesota. Hanft Fride accepted the award on May 3, at LawLawPalooza!, the Volunteer Attorney Program’s annual fundraiser. “We are truly honored to receive this recognition from VAP,” said Jennifer Carey, president of Hanft Fride. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal services, and we are proud to dedicate resources to furthering VAP’s mission.” To view full article, visit: Business North

St. Luke's Advanced Wound Care Center Earns Awards

Friday, May 10, 2019

The folks at St. Luke's Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center in Duluth are thrilled to have earned three national awards, including Wound Care Center of the Year. This means they were the top one out of more than 600 across the country. Tania McVean, the center's director, said, "We have an amazing team of nurses and doctors who do great things for wound care patients in this community. We're good at healing folks, and getting them back to regular life." To view full article, visit: WDIO

St. Luke's breaks ground for campus expansion

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

St. Luke’s celebrated the next phase of its campus expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday. Many community representatives attended, including Duluth’s Mayor Emily Larson and Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President David Ross. The $37.5 million project includes a new Emergency Department (ED), which will be triple the size of the current space. There will be 37 exam rooms total. They will consist of 27 patient rooms with televisions and USB charging outlets, four state-of-the-art trauma bays, four dedicated behavioral health rooms and two triage rooms. The entire space is designed to decrease wait times, ensure privacy and provide a premie...

LSBE’s Marketing Analytics Program team wins competition

Monday, April 22, 2019

Four students from UMD's LSBE’s Marketing Analytics Program (MAP) won first place for data visualization in the eighth annual Midwest Undergraduate Data Analytics Competition (MUDAC). This is the first time that a Labovitz School of Business and Economics team has secured a first place win at MUDAC. Tucker Hazzard, Joey Kmiec, Camryn Monzo, and Austin Steinmetz traveled to Minnesota State University Mankato to compete against 58 other Midwest teams where the teams spent 24 hours working on a two-part data analytics problem and were judged on their work. This year’s data was provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on wate...

Minnesota Power offers new way for customers to go renewable

Monday, April 22, 2019

Minnesota Power has introduced a new renewable energy program and exceeded a state energy-savings goal as it continues to help customers meet their sustainability goals and make progress toward a cleaner, lower-carbon future. With today being Earth Day customers can choose to power their home or business with more renewable energy when they enroll in Minnesota Power’s Renewable Source program, the company said in a news release. They also can learn more about how to save energy through the company’s Conservation Improvement Program, which exceeded the state of Minnesota’s 1.5 percent energy-savings goal in 2018 for the ninth consecutive year. To rea...

U.S. Bank begins year with strong results

Monday, April 22, 2019

U.S. Bancorp reported net income of 1.69 billion on $5.57 billion of revenue during its first quarter of 2019. Diluted earnings per common share were $1.00 The Minneapolis-based bank holding company had a return on average assets of 1.49 percent and a return on average common equity of 14.3 percent. Nonperforming assets decreased 16.5 percent on a year-over-year basis. To read the entire article, visit Business North.

ALLETE Clean Energy partners with Tecsis to produce wind turbine blades

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

ALLETE Clean Energy has received the 45th set of new wind turbine blades from international blade manufacturer Tecsis for its refurbishment initiative at Storm Lake and Lake Benton wind facilities in Iowa and Minnesota. The wholly owned division of ALLETE Inc. announced an $80 million project in August 2017 that includes replacing select blades, gearboxes and generators on turbines at the Lake Benton wind site in Lincoln County, Minnesota, and the Storm Lake I and II wind sites in Buena Vista and Cherokee counties, Iowa. The project will improve turbine performance and reliability, generate federal production tax credits at each site and support the renewal o...

LHB receives Governor’s Safety Award

Monday, April 15, 2019

LHB will be recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the Governor’s Safety Awards ceremony on May 8. LHB is one of 294 employers to be honored through the awards program, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. “Our employees and clients are our most important assets as a professional services design firm. Our focus on safety exemplifies our commitment to the well-being of our staff and clients both in the way we operate as a company and the designs we produce. We are proud to be recognized with this award,” said Bill Bennett, LHB’s chief executive officer. To read the entir...

Wells Fargo earns $5.9 billion in quarterly net income

Monday, April 15, 2019

In its first quarter report, Wells Fargo reported net income of $5.9 billion compared with $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2018. Revenue was $21.6 billion, down from $21.9 billion a year ago. The bank holding company had a return on assets (ROA) of 1.26 percent and return on equity of 12.71 percent. To read the entire article, visit Business North

APEX Strengthens Economic Growth Strategies with New Business Developer

Monday, April 08, 2019

The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) is pleased to welcome Matthew Shermoen to the APEX team as a Business Developer. Shermoen is passionate about helping our region and its communities reach their fullest potential. Matt will draw from his 15 years of experience in business and economic development to grow the APEX region. To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune.

North Shore Mortgage Lenders Named Minnesota Housing Top Producing Loan Officers

Monday, April 08, 2019

North Shore Mortgage Lenders Named Minnesota Housing Top Producing Loan Officers To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune.

APEX announces 2019 Executive Committee officers, at-large members

Monday, April 01, 2019

The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) Board of Directors announced 2019 Executive Committee officers and At-Large members. Election results were shared at the APEX annual meeting and reception at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The group will spearhead projects that drive regional economic growth. To read the entire article, visit Business North.

Allete closes on sale of water company

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Allete Inc., the Duluth-based parent company of Minnesota Power, has closed on its $270 million sale of a water subsidiary to Tokyo-based Kurita Water Industries. The sale was first announced in February. Allete bought U.S. Water Services four years ago and grew the company markedly during that time. Allete says proceeds from the sale will largely go toward clean energy initiatives. To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune

PUC again reaffirms Line 3 approval

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission again on Tuesday stood by its decisions to permit Enbridge's contentious Line 3 oil pipeline in northern Minnesota. In late June, the Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted in favor of granting the project a certificate of need, but requested Enbridge make additional compliance filings, or modifications, to its plan while also requiring the company to pledge $100 million for economic opportunities to tribal members and businesses. To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune

Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors expanding

Monday, March 25, 2019

Administrators at Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors have announced an expansion that would connect the hospital and medical clinic into one contiguous campus. Lake View is a wholly owned subsidiary of St. Luke’s, and even though it is part of the same health care system, Greg Ruberg, president/CEO of Lake View Hospital and vice president of St. Luke’s, explained the campus has a unique identity and some decision-making latitude. To read the entire article, visit Business North

Private equity firm to acquire majority stake in Maurices

Monday, March 25, 2019

OpCapita, a private equity firm based in the United Kingdom, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Maurices Inc. Ascena Retail Group will become a minority owner and provide brand support services. In addition to Maurices, Ascena owns a number of brick and mortar stores in the struggling retail clothing segment including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Dressbarn, Lane Bryant, Catherines, Cacique and Justice. Some members of the Maurices management team, who were not identified, will invest along with OpCapita in the transaction, which values Maurices at $300 million. The purchaser expects to pay roughly $200 million in cash, which Ascena said it will use to pay down it...

Pro Print acquires Jiffy Print

Monday, March 25, 2019

Pro Print, which began in Duluth in 1977, has purchased Superior’s Jiffy Print from Marcia Manion, who is retiring. The Superior location’s name has been changed to Pro Print, but the company remains at 1313 Tower Avenue. “We’re excited to combine forces with a company that’s long been known for excellent customer service, and we thank Marcia Manion for her great help with this transition,” said Pro Print owner Creston Dorothy. “While the location is still the same, inside its doors we have expanded the economical printing, direct-mail and fulfillment options available to the people and businesses of Superior.” To read th...

Army Corps OKs PolyMet's wetlands permit

Friday, March 22, 2019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE ) has issued the last remaining major permit for PolyMet’s NorthMet project near Hoyt Lakes. The company now holds all necessary permits to construct and operate the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals mine and processing plant located near Hoyt Lakes. Jobs for Minnesotans immediately issued a statement praising the development. To read the entire article, visit Business North

New leader named for Lake Superior College

Friday, March 22, 2019

An administrator with experience at other Minnesota schools was appointed as the new president at Lake Superior College. Patricia Rogers’ tenure will begin July 1, according to a news release from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. She will replace Pat Johns, who has served as president since 2010 and announced his decision to retire. To read the entire article, visit the Duluth News Tribune

Barr earns national recognition

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Barr Engineering, Inc. of Duluth has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 52nd annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) for leading the Highway 210 Reconstruction project in Carlton. After an intense rainstorm in June 2012 caused extensive damage and slope failures along a section of scenic Highway 210 through Jay Cooke State Park, the Minnesota Department of Transportation considered permanently closing the highway to the public. Six years later, travelers once again enjoy the road’s scenery thanks to the application of innovative geotechnical designs that restored more than 70 slopes along ...

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior designated Level IV Trauma Center

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior has been designated as a Level IV trauma center by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Level IV facilities provide stabilization and advanced trauma life support before patient transfer to a Level I or II facility. The designation indicates St. Mary’s is providing the best possible treatment to trauma patients. To read the entire article, visit Howie Hanson

APEX Strategic Planning Underway

Thursday, August 08, 2019

The planning for APEX’s 2020 strategic plan is underway. In the spring, APEX distributed a request for proposal to local, regional and statewide consultants in search of a partner to lead the organization through the strategic planning process. In June, Mark Schill with Praxis Strategy Group was selected to lead the effort. The APEX Executive Committee and staff are working with Praxis Strategy Group to establish a work plan and timeline for the process. Expect to learn more about how investor-member insight will be gleaned - there will be a number of avenues available to engage and provide feedback this fall...

EDAM Summer Conference Recap

Thursday, August 08, 2019

Economic developers, business leaders, emerging professionals and policymakers convened in Duluth in June for the Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s annual summer conference. The APEX team learned a lot at the many breakout sessions and was able to facilitate several important discussions. The North Shore’s Craft Brewery Industry It’s no secret that the North Shore has become a popular craft brewery destination, led by innovative and entrepreneurial brewing pioneers. Brian Hanson helped kick off the EDAM 2019 Summer Conference by moderating an exciting panel discussion between Jamie McFarlane of Castle Danger Brewery, Dave Hoops of Hoops Brewing Company and Lars Kuehnow fro...

Emerging Market Opportunities for Minnesota’s Wood Reserve

Thursday, August 08, 2019

Regional stakeholders gathered at the end of May to learn more about the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota and explore opportunities for Minnesota’s wood resources. This special event was hosted by the Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the Blandin Foundation, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the Great Plains Institute (GPI). “This event gave us a chance to discuss emerging opportunities for innovation in wood products,” said Matt Shermoen, Business Developer at APEX. “Leaders from Minnesota’s forest products industry had excellent ideas on how we can drive the industry forward together.” The meeting first focused on the role of the Bioeconom...

IEDC Receives Substantial Grant From U.S. Economic Development Administration

Thursday, August 08, 2019

IEDC recently received a $190K grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to focus on driving economic development as well as business retention and expansion efforts within Itasca County. IEDC will also contribute $190K to the project, bringing total funding to $380K over two years. “We are excited to dive in and create a strategy to strengthen our economy,” explained Tamara Lowney, IEDC President. “Receiving this EDA grant creates an exciting opportunity for IEDC to create a strong, diversified business environment in Itasca County.” The future of Itasca County depends not only on new business attraction but also on the growt...

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...

Republic Bank merging with National Bank of Commerce

Monday, July 08, 2019

Duluth's Republic Bank is merging with Superior-based National Bank of Commerce, pending federal approval. "This merger presents us with the opportunity to take the best of both organizations and provide superior services as one," National Bank of Commerce CEO Steve Burgess said in a news release Monday. "Together, we will be able to make even more possible for our customers and our community.” To read more, visit Duluth News Tribune

Website update brings improvements for News Tribune audience

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Based on feedback from user studies conducted by a third-party firm, FCC developers, product managers and user experience professionals identified high-priority features to deliver a variety of new functionality, including a streamlined navigation system. "We're excited for the launch of our new websites today and what it means for our audience's experience," said Duluth Media Group Publisher Neal Ronquist. "Our audience seeks quality, local content published across multiple different platforms, including print and digital.” To read the entire article, visit Duluth News Tribune

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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