News

U.S. Bank to Donate Lake Street Land for Community Project

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

The drive to rebuild Lake Street to better serve the Minneapolis neighborhood took another step forward on Tuesday. U.S. Bank announced it will donate its branch property at 2800 E. Lake St. to Seward Redesign, a nonprofit community development corporation (CDC). To view full article, visit Twin Cities Business Magazine

Cirrus may expand into aircraft maintenance base

Monday, November 22, 2021

Cirrus Aircraft, Duluth’s largest manufacturer, continues to grow, and it’s running out of room. But the mostly-vacant former Northwest Airlines maintenance base in Duluth could provide the airplane maker with some temporary breathing room as it looks for a longer-term solution. In recent years, the facility had been used by AAR Corp. to service commercial aircraft, but that business closed up shop in May 2020 as the pandemic threw airlines around the world into a tailspin. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Bank Donates $10K to CHUM

Friday, November 19, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Bank in Duluth presented CHUM with a $10,000 donation on Thursday. Funds came from the bank’s employees, which the bank then matched. To view full article, visit Fox 21

Essentia Health, University of Minnesota School of Nursing enter innovative partnership

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

As workforce shortages in health care persist around the nation, Essentia Health is getting creative and creating a nursing pipeline through an exciting new partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. This is part of Essentia Health’s pursuit of Journey Towards Magnet Nursing, which honors health care systems for creating and sustaining a culture of excellence, “with contented nurses at its heart.” The partnership with the University of Minnesota is designed to be a nursing think tank and incubator for creativity and innovation to engage nursing faculty, staff and students. To view full article, visit Duluth Times

University of Minnesota Duluth meets demand for health coaches with new minor

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

A few years ago, a couple faculty members in the University of Minnesota Duluth's public health program took note of a booming market. Demand for health and wellness coaches was growing, and assistant professor Marzell Gray and associate professor Helen Mitzi Doane knew they wanted to give students an opportunity to pursue that form of coaching further. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

St. Scholastica's Thanksgiving Buffet goes mobile for second year

Friday, November 12, 2021

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the 32nd annual free meal will be prepared and delivered to homebound individuals and to satellite sites next week. For the second consecutive year, COVID-19 precautions have pushed the organizers of the 32nd Annual Thanksgiving Buffet into a different model to safely serve the community. Traditionally, the event has been held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, but this year, hundreds of volunteers will instead prepare and deliver approximately 5,000 meals the week of Thanksgiving. The traditional Thanksgiving meal will come with roasted turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, corn, dinner rolls and dessert. All meals will be fully cooke...

Essentia places final beam at top of Vision Northland

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Essentia Health celebrated the placement of the uppermost steel beam on its Vision Northland project with a "topping-out" ceremony Tuesday afternoon. The beam will form the helipad platform on the highest level of Vision Northland. The beam was raised with an American flag and an evergreen tree atop it. The tree, according to McGough Executive Vice President of Project Management Jeff Dzurik, symbolizes the birth of the new building, good luck for future occupants, continued growth in concert with the environment and a safe job well done. The topping-out ceremony is an ironworker tradition. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

LHB receives 2021 AIA Minnesota Firm Award

Friday, November 05, 2021

LHB has been honored with the 2021 AIA Minnesota Firm Award. The award recognizes an AIA Minnesota member firm that has “made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture.” LHB was founded in 1966 in Duluth, MN to provide structural engineering services. Today, LHB is a multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, and planning firm with four regional locations committed to creating a better tomorrow with evidence-based solutions that are well-designed and built to last. LHB’s staff of 260 specialize in public works, pipeline, industrial, housing, healthcare, government, education and commercial projects. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

Great Lakes' shipping's 'untapped potential': Duluth-Superior port sees opportunity in crisis

Friday, October 15, 2021

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced it would begin accepting maritime cargo containers at its Clure Public Marine Terminal for the first time. Until now, the Port Authority and its multimodal service with Lake Superior Warehousing, Duluth Cargo Connect, could only handle cargo containers moving through the terminal on rail and truck, not off ships. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

IEDC secures $1M to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, education and workforce development in Itasca County

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) today unveiled plans to create a space for entrepreneurial innovation. With over $1 million secured in grant funding, IEDC is renovating a 16,500 square foot facility at 1201 SE 7th Avenue in Grand Rapids. When complete, the space will be a place for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, students, educators and anyone looking to learn new skills to advance a career in the industrial sector. “This project has been so long in the making, and we are absolutely thrilled to be moving forward so powerfully,” explained Tamara Lowney, IEDC President. “We were recently awarded a $750K RIS...

‘This is groundbreaking’: UMD partnership transforms medical technology with humanoid robots

Thursday, October 14, 2021

DULUTH, MN-- For the first time in the United States, humanoid robots will help care for patients in assisted living spaces. These robots are programmed to provide emotional, physical, and cognitive support in advanced ways. UMD computer science professor Arshia Khan and her students are responsible for these robots. To view full article, visit KBJR

Barko Hydraulics announces financing partnership with Stearns Bank National Association

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Barko Hydraulics (Barko), leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative heavy equipment solutions for the forestry, vegetation management and material handling industries, has partnered with Minnesota-based Stearns Bank National Association to provide exclusive retail financing to dealerships across the United States. “We are very excited to be partnering with such an incredible organization as Stearns Bank. Both Barko and Stearns Bank want to provide not only competitive financing to the retail market but also an incredibly personal level of service and customer experience,” said Barko President Justin Rupar. “Our combined goal is to make the financing experience easy and enjoyable s...

Cirrus, after choppy start to COVID pandemic, sees clearer skies ahead

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

As COVID throttled traditional travel, the market for private airplanes surged, driven by customers who likely wanted to avoid the hassle and danger of a mid-pandemic airport. Cirrus Aircraft, the Duluth-based manufacturer with a location in Grand Forks, started the pandemic in a rough place. The uncertainty is hard to remember now — nearly a year and a half later — but there was an extraordinary sense that the country and its economy were entering uncharted territory. At Cirrus Aircraft, the future looked uncertain. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Minnesota Power plans to build 16 EV charging stations

Friday, October 08, 2021

Minnesota Power is on the road to a clean energy future as it expands its support for electric vehicles (EVs) with plans to build 16 fastcharging stations. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission recently gave the green light to Minnesota Power’s plans to expand the EV charging network in northern Minnesota by installing 16 DC fastcharging stations. To view full article, visit Hometown Focus

Enbridge Line 3 will enter service and move oil Friday

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Enbridge's Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota is expected begin moving oil Friday after more than 10 months of construction. The Canadian company on Wednesday morning announced the crude-oil pipeline was "substantially complete" and that it expected it to enter service. "After more than eight years of many people working together, extensive community engagement, and thorough environmental, regulatory and legal review, we are pleased that Line 3 is complete and will soon deliver the low cost and reliable energy that people depend on every day," Al Monaco, Enbridge president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. To view full article...

ALLETE announces third partner in Nemadji Trail Energy Center Project

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Basin Electric joins Dairyland Power and ALLETE as an investor and owner of the planned Superior, WI plant ALLETE announced today it is selling a portion of its ownership stake in the planned Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) to North Dakota-based Basin Electric Power Cooperative for approximately $20 million. Basin Electric will become a 30 percent owner in the facility through its wholly owned subsidiary Nemadji River Generation LLC. ALLETE will retain a 20 percent ownership stake in the NTEC project through its subsidiary South Shore Energy LLC, with an expected total investment by ALLETE of approximately $140 million. Dairyland Powe...

Boldt buys land for senior project

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

With its $2.65 million purchase of land from Bethel University, The Boldt Co. is one step closer to finishing work on a new senior living community in Arden Hills. The Wisconsin-based development company acquired more than 6 acres of property earlier this month to construct a 146-unit senior living facility, according to an electronic certificate of real estate value. Boldt is working on the project with New Perspective Senior Living, which says the facility will meet a need for this type of housing in the north-central Twin Cities suburb. To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce

As U.S. Bank joins merger wave, it vows to keep front-line employees in $8B purchase of MUFG Union

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

U.S. Bancorp on Tuesday at last joined the banking industry's latest merger wave by agreeing to an $8 billion deal for MUFG Union Bank's consumer business, the main segment of the U.S. operations of Japan's largest bank. The purchase will increase U.S. Bank's loans and deposits by about 20% and give it a much larger presence on the West Coast, especially in California where it will rise to fifth place from 10th in market share. To view full article, visit Star Tribune

Lake Superior College’s Cyber Security Associate Degree ranked fifth best in the nation

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Lake Superior College’s online network administration and cybersecurity AAS degree has been ranked among the Top 10 Online Cyber Security Associate Degrees for 2022, by Security Degree Hub. LSC’s program has been ranked the fifth-best in the nation. To view full article, visit Duluth TImes

Barko Hydraulics Celebrates Two Years Injury-Free and Counting

Friday, September 17, 2021

Superior, Wisconsin – Barko Hydraulics (Barko), leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative heavy equipment solutions for the forestry, vegetation management and material handling industries, is proud to report two years of injury-free work at their manufacturing facility. “At the end of the day, our employees and their safety come first,” said Justin Rupar, President of Barko. “Our employees work with some of the most powerful machines in the industry. Recognizing two years of injury-free work at our facility highlights Barko’s commitment to safety in the workplace, as well as our employee’s sense of responsibility to one another. We are ver...

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

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

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...

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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