News

St. Luke’s Unveils Remodeled Hospice And Oncology Inpatient Units

Thursday, November 17, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s leadership came together Wednesday to recognize the remodel of its Hospice & Oncology Inpatient Unit. $1.1 million was awarded to help modernize these specific areas as part of Phase II of St. Luke’s health Forward Initiative. To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online

U.S. Bank opens its first military flagship location near Washington State base

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) has opened its first military flagship branch near Tacoma, Wash. The U.S. Bank branch, located in Lakewood, Wash., just a few miles from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, features military-inspired artwork and dedicated parking for military personnel and veterans. The bank said employees are also training on the best ways to meet the needs of military personnel and veterans. To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Regulators OK Minnesota Power plan to retire coal by 2035, add renewables over next 15 years

Friday, November 11, 2022

DULUTH — State regulators approved Minnesota Power's plan to end its use of coal and add more renewable energy sources. Under the plan, unanimously approved by the five-member Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, the Duluth-based utility would add up to 700 megawatts of renewable energy — 400 megawatts of wind and 300 megawatts of solar — over the next 15 years. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

U.S. Bank to double number of financial-wellness coaches in 2023 in underserved communities

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) plans to double its number of financial coaches across the country in 2023 to help low-income individuals improve their financial well-being. The effort is a continuation of Hope Inside, a partnership between U.S. Bank and Operation Hope, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that focuses on the economic empowerment of low- to moderate-income individuals and families in underserved communities. To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Minnesota Power plans for more renewable energy over next 15 years

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

DULUTH — Minnesota Power is planning to add more renewable energy to its mix. The Duluth-based utility company said it will add up to 700 megawatts of renewable energy — 400 megawatts of wind and 300 megawatts of solar. It’s a considerable increase over the 300 megawatts of solar and wind it proposed when it first announced its plan almost two years ago. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

U.S. Bank, General Mills ranked among best companies for working parents

Friday, November 04, 2022

U.S. Bancorp and General Mills Inc. are among the best companies for working parents, according to a new ranking. Seramount's 2022 100 Best Companies are ranked according to more than 400 questions concerning workplace parental programs. Seramount was formally known as Working Mother magazine. To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Congratulations to investor-members U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, APi Group, and Essentia Health for being recognized as a top company for working parents!

Turn that pumpkin into compost with UMD

Wednesday, November 02, 2022

DULUTH — Don't throw away your jack-o'-lantern just yet. For the third year, students at the University of Minnesota Duluth are collecting pumpkins to turn into compost, according to a news release. Students in assistant professor Teresa Bertossi's sustainable food systems class, with help from the UMD Land Lab, are hosting a pumpkin compost drive. The goal is to keep pumpkins out of the landfill and divert them to the Land Lab, where they can be converted into compost. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Bike Duluth Festival raises $54,000 for local cycling efforts

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

DULUTH — Organizers of the 2022 Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival held at Spirit Mountain in August gave a $54,000 check to local nonprofit groups last week with the money aimed at expanding cycling opportunities in the Northand. The money went to the Harbortown Rotary and the nonprofit Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. Much of the money raised is used to support cycling trails and amenities in the Twin Ports area. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Entrepreneur Fund expands Wisconsin reach with $8 million grant

Friday, October 28, 2022

SUPERIOR — The Duluth-based Entrepreneur Fund, which currently serves 16 counties in northeast Minnesota and Wisconsin’s Douglas County, unveiled plans to extend its reach to an additional 12 counties in northern Wisconsin at a press conference at the Superior Entrepreneurship Center Thursday, Oct. 27. The move is fueled by $8 million in Diverse Business Assistance and Diverse Business Investment grants from the state of Wisconsin. The funding is aimed at helping small business owners start, grow and expand their businesses. The three-year grant will include $5 million in revolving loan funding and $500,000 for direct grants to businesses. The Entrepreneur Fun...

Minnesota Power solar projects in Duluth, Brainerd online by year end

Friday, October 21, 2022

DULUTH — Two new solar projects in northern Minnesota will begin providing power to the grid by the end of the year, and a third will come online in the spring. Once all are operational, Minnesota Power's three projects will produce a combined 20 megawatts — enough solar energy to power approximately 4,000 homes. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Maurices Associates Spend Day Supporting Organizations That Help Children In Duluth

Friday, October 14, 2022

More than 350 maurices associates are visiting the corporate office in Duluth this week to connect with the company and also give back to the community. Formerly known as “The Best Day Ever,” maurices is now calling the community service day the “Difference Making” event, held between the training and bonding experiences the company has put on for its associates this week. To view full article, visit https://www.fox21online.com/2022/10/13/maurices-associates-spend-day-supporting-organizations-that-help-children-in-duluth/

Vision Northland will bring outdoors inside to create calming atmosphere for patients

Friday, October 07, 2022

Essentia Health is making every effort to ensure patients feel safe and comfortable in the replacement St. Mary’s Medical Center. From building design and efficiencies to the latest and best medical technologies, right down to how the building is furnished. Essentia is incorporating elements of Ojibwe culture, the Northland and area landmarks to create a hospital that connects with patients from the area and gives everyone a taste of the region. To view full article, visit http://www.duluthtimes.com/

UMD to host student-run artisan market

Wednesday, October 05, 2022

DULUTH — The University of Minnesota Duluth will host Art in Ordean Court, its second biannual student-run artisan market on campus, at 1305 Ordean Court on Oct. 15. This public event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is aimed to foster a sense of entrepreneurship as well as provide art and design students the opportunity to sell their work. More than 30 vendors will feature student-made jewelry, ceramics, prints and more. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Minnesota commissioners to visit Northeastern Minnesota

Friday, September 30, 2022

A contingent of Minnesota state commissioners are touring businesses, industry and community projects in northeastern Minnesota. The Oct. 4-6 visit brings almost a dozen commissioners to Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, the Duluth Port, the Chester Creek Restoration project, and a forum at ALLETE, Inc. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth To view recap of the DEED Commissioners tour, click here.

Kraus-Anderson starts 2nd phase of Hopkins project

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson has started the second phase of The Hallon, a mixed-use development that will bring hundreds of new homes and retail offerings to Hopkins. To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce

Minnesota Power Assists Florida in Power Restoration

Thursday, September 29, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota power has stepped up to help bring light to Florida’s darkness. While Hurricane Ian destroys powerlines and causes power outages everywhere, there just are not enough local repair crews. On Wednesday, 25 workers with Minnesota Power packed up all of their gear and began the nearly 24 hour drive to Fernandina Beach. To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online

maurices Sport Court Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – The recreational sport court at Gary New Duluth Park has a new name. A ribbon cutting was held to inaugurate “maurices Sport Court” after maurices secured naming rights through their donation of 50 thousand dollars. This funding will go toward community programs run through GND Rec and to further advance community offerings. To view full article, visit Fox 21 Online

Cirrus Aircraft Chief Information Officer Receives 2022 Twin Cities CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Award

Monday, September 26, 2022

Cirrus Aircraft’s Senior Vice President of Information Technology, Michelle Roemer, has been recognized as Chief Information Officer of the Year for a Large Corporation by the 2022 Twin Cities ORBIE® Award, the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States. “We could not be happier for Michelle to be awarded the prestigious CIO of the Year ORBIE Award,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “It is a testament to her skill and capability, which underscores the culture at Cirrus Aircraft and our constant pursuit to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver world-class aviation experiences.” To view ful...

Minnesota Power hosts car show for Drive Electric Week

Friday, September 23, 2022

Minnesota Power is highlighting the benefits of electric vehicles by hosting an EV Car Show in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District as it joins energy providers and other organizations across the nation to mark National Drive Electric Week. Support for EVs, including expanding access to public charging stations, special rates for EV charging and rebates for home chargers, is part of Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward vision for a carbon-free energy future by 2050. The company’s vision also includes adding more renewable sources of energy and investing in infrastructure for managing the delivery of increasing amounts of renewable energy. “Tax credits and othe...

Kraus-Anderson finishes $63M Mapleton school

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Kraus-Anderson has finished construction on a $63 million school for the Maple River School District in Mapleton. To view full article, visit Finance & Commerce

Duluth Chamber launches new nonprofit foundation to benefit business community

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

DULUTH — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday the launch of its new foundation. After conducting research, hiring third-party attorneys, as well as a strategic planning, human resources, professional accounting and finance consultants, the chamber determined it could best serve its members, businesses and community with a foundation. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Kraus-Anderson begins renovation to convert Historic Old Central High School

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Kraus-Anderson Duluth has begun an extensive $29.7 million renovation that will convert Historic Old Central High School into a mixed-use residential apartment building. The iconic building located at 215 North First Avenue East in downtown Duluth was built in 1892 as Duluth Central High School (DCHS). It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Prior to its purchase by Zenith Properties the building most recently had served as offices for ISD 709, Education Equity, Indian Education and the St. Louis County Soil & Water District. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

Cirrus Aircraft plans $15 million 'Innovation Center' in Duluth

Monday, September 19, 2022

Small airplane manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft, which opened its first facility in Duluth in 1994, announced Monday it plans to invest $15 million in a new “Innovation Center” at the Duluth airport, where engineers will design future products. Cirrus said it plans to hire 80 additional engineers over the next three years to staff the new hub, which will be located in a giant hangar the company recently acquired from the city of Duluth. To view full article, visit MPR News

UMD adds second major for budding outdoor educators

Thursday, September 15, 2022

A wooded area off West Fifth Street in Duluth has more than just trees. Stand on top of a stump there, a preschooler in Desi Hagenbeck’s impromptu class at Wind Ridge Schoolhouse explained on Wednesday, and you might find yourself covered in honey. If you strike a cool pose there long enough – for a lifetime, even – you might turn to stone. The student, who meandered away without answering follow-up questions from the News Tribune, is one of about a dozen enrolled at the Observation Hill neighborhood preschool, which emphasizes outdoor learning. Hagenbeck, meanwhile, has ticked several boxes required for ...

Cirrus supports pilots flying animal-rescue missions

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

DULUTH — In aviation circles, the term "dogfighting" usually conjures images of pilots engaged in close and often deadly mid-air combat. But Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft is encouraging its clients to consider a different form of dogfighting, in the sense of fighting for dogs' survival by transporting animals slated to be euthanized in one place to another location where loving homes await. Cirrus recently provided a fueled new SR22 G6 turboprop to model and actor Aaron O'Connell, star of "The Haves and the Have Nots" and "Love Accidentally," to help him fly a dog to safety in California. O'Connell has now flow...

Duluth's Intrepid Building purchased by local developers

Monday, September 12, 2022

Two Duluth-based developers announced today they have purchased the Intrepid Building, located at 230 E. Superior Street. Brian Forcier, CEO of Titanium Partners, and Joe Gregorich, DDS, owner and partner of Gregorich and Matack Family Dental, have purchased the building with plans to re-develop the 70-year-old structure. To view full article, visit Duluth Times

Kraus-Anderson begins construction on new Virginia school

Monday, September 12, 2022

Kraus-Anderson Duluth has begun construction on a new elementary school in Virginia for Rock Ridge Public Schools. North Star Elementary School will be located at 411 S. 5th Ave. Designed by Cuningham Group in collaboration with the local design firm of ARI, the three-story, $33.7 million school will serve students in grades 3-6. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

NBC participates in SWL&P’s solar garden

Friday, September 09, 2022

National Bank of Commerce (NBC) purchased 60 blocks of solar from Superior Water Light and Power’s (SWL&P) new community solar garden. This new solar garden will provide renewable energy to Superior’s residents and businesses that wish to partake. Uniquely enough, the split between residential and commercial customers is about 50/50. The garden will be built on the corner of 28th and Hammond near Heritage Park. Joscelyn Skandel, Manager of Regulatory Compliance, Policy & Rates at SWL&P stated, “Having a business like NBC sign up and support us on this project is a win-win-win for NBC, the community and SWL&P. NBC is a respecte...

Northspan to hold second annual equity summit

Friday, September 09, 2022

Duluth-based nonprofit consulting firm Northspan Group, Inc., is set to host the second annual Equity Summit, Belonging in Northeast Minnesota, on November 10 in partnership with regional and statewide collaborators. The equity summit is an opportunity for community leaders, businesses, educators, creatives, workforce and economic development, government, health care, philanthropy, and YOU to engage around themes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and forge a more inclusive future in northeast Minnesota. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

Northern Minnesota researchers close in on sulfate pollution solution

Thursday, September 08, 2022

Outside the wastewater treatment plant in the Iron Range town of Aurora, a small trailer could hold clues to solving a big environmental problem facing northern Minnesota — how to protect wild rice from sulfate, a pollutant released by iron ore mines, wastewater treatment plants and other industries. Mei Cai, an environmental engineer with the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth, points to a series of tanks where a chemical called barium chloride reacts with dissolved sulfate in the water to form particles. To view full article, visit MPR News

Northland Constructors upgrades Class 8 trucks, improving air quality and public health

Thursday, September 08, 2022

Northland Constructors of Duluth recently replaced two 1996 and one 1997 Class 8 Mack trucks with the help of Project Green Fleet, an Environmental Initiative program that replaces older, inefficient diesel engines in heavily used professional equipment, helps business owners save money, reduces diesel exhaust emissions, and protects the health of workers and neighbors. “Thanks to Project Green Fleet, we are retrofitting our fleet’s engines to be more efficient and reduce air pollution, strengthening our ability to serve our customers and improve air quality in our community,” said Aaron Holmgren, Vice President of Operations, Northland Constructors. To view full article, visit Duluth Times

First Avenue, U.S. Bank stake out metaverse trademarks

Wednesday, September 07, 2022

The metaverse, the growing array of virtual reality and digital platforms with online personas, real estate and businesses, offers its users a chance to experience a simulacrum of the world. However, for the companies looking to sell on the platforms, the questions around brand protection are very real. If companies anticipate that they'll want to advertise or sell in virtual worlds, they might want to start looking at how to protect their intellectual property from infringement, experts say, and it might pay off to be proactive. To view full article, visit Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Minnesota Chamber visits Duluth in preparation for next legislative session

Wednesday, September 07, 2022

DULUTH — In preparation for the next state legislative session, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce President Doug Loon visited Duluth to present to Area Partnership for Economic Expansion during its board of directors and investors meeting Thursday. APEX is a business development engine with a mission to leverage private sector resources to drive investment throughout the region. In addition, Loon made stops at area businesses, the Duluth Chamber of Commerce , mining associations and met with the News Tribune for an interview during his stay in the Northland. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Area hospitals find ‘win-win’ financial remedies for patients, bottom line

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

These days, healthcare providers face a tricky financial challenge: How to help patients with the high cost of services while ensuring the business remains economically viable. This challenge is getting harder, say area hospital billing experts, as insurance plans shift to larger deductibles and co-pays, with more fine print and less education to the patient about what is and isn’t covered. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

Inflation Reduction Act Poised to Bolster Renewable Energy in Minnesota

Monday, August 22, 2022

The company said “over the long term,” Great River Energy expects the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce costs for cooperative members, both through financial incentives for energy innovation on the electric system “as well as reducing overall energy costs by making it easier for cooperative members to use electricity in new, efficient and cost-effective ways, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.” To view full article, visit Twin Cities Business Magazine

Birthplace, midwife suite in Vision Northland project to enhance baby-delivery experience

Thursday, August 18, 2022

As part of the Vision Northland project, Essentia Health’s replacement hospital will feature several enhancements aimed at making the baby-delivery experience unique, private and comfortable. Giving birth is one of the most special days in a mother’s life, and we kept that top of mind throughout the entire design process,” said Dr. Michael Kassing, Essentia’s section chair for obstetrics. “We created a private, intimate and personalized space so this experience can be truly special for everyone involved.” To view full article, visit Duluth Times

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce seeks feedback

Thursday, August 18, 2022

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is currently conducting a strategic plan to define our organizational priorities to best influence the regional business community. The Chamber seeks feedback from its members and community stakeholders – to help shape the future of our Chamber. Seven Strategic Planning Focus Group sessions are offered to provide feedback and candid conversation about the direction of the Chamber. The Chamber wants to learn the priorities, barriers and developments impacting its members and the region. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

McMillan takes helm at UMD

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

DULUTH — Dave McMillan’s office at the University of Minnesota Duluth is still bare-bones: a desk and chair, of course, stacks of papers here and there, mostly empty bookshelves, plus a few hockey sticks and a football signed by some of the school’s championship teams that his predecessor left attached to the walls of an adjoining conference room. McMillan’s first day as the school’s interim chancellor was Aug. 8. He said he spent most of his first week meeting with administrators at the school, plus some regional business leaders via the city’s chamber of commerce and Apex, a Duluth-based business developmen...

Ulland Bros celebrates centennial

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Over a century ago, brothers Oscar and Palmer Ulland started a business venture in road construction called Ulland Brothers , Inc. Recently discovered historical ledgers from the company confirmed that a Newry Township grading job June 3, 1922, was the brothers' first-ever road construction project. "For those of you not familiar with Southern Minnesota, Newry is a township in Freeborn County directly north of Moscow Township in which the Ulland homestead is located," Ulland Brothers, Inc. President Jeff Carlson wrote in a letter to employees and retirees of the company. "We commemorated our 100-year anniversary on June 3, 2022, in typical Ulland Brother...

Duluth airport to add third Chicago flight

Monday, August 08, 2022

DULUTH — United Airlines announced Monday it will add a third daily flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport to its schedule starting Sept. 6. The additional flight will operate during the afternoon, enabling passengers to better make connections for ongoing travel. “Regional communities around the country have felt the impact of pilot and crew shortages through the loss of air service. We’re excited United is in a position to add another daily flight out of DLH,” Tom Werner, executive director of Duluth International Airport, said in a written statement. “Demand is strong in this region and flights are operating with ver...

Increased aircraft production prompts growth in Duluth

Monday, August 08, 2022

DULUTH — American Precision Avionics’ parking lot has been overflowing, and it’s only going to get more crowded, as demand from its largest customer, Cirrus Aircraft, continues to grow and the business continues to add new clients. The maker of wiring harnesses and other airplane components already employs 87 people and hopes to hire another 25 production workers yet this year, said Ashley Dingmann, an accounting and human resources specialist for the company. Meanwhile, the manufacturer has parking for just 40 vehicles, regularly forcing vehicles to spill onto Prosperity Road, where on-street parking technically is not allowed, said Deborah DeLuca, executiv...

Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center receives highest rating for quality and performance

Friday, August 05, 2022

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the 2022 ratings for hospitals as part of its Care Compare program, and Essentia Health’s hospitals in downtown Duluth fared remarkably well. Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center received a five-star rating, the best rating a health care facility can receive. Of the more than 3,000 health care facilities scored nationwide, less than 14% received a five-star rating. To view full article, visit Duluth Times

Duluth-made Cirrus jets deploy parachutes in recent emergencies

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

DULUTH — Chalk up another first for Cirrus Aircraft. The Duluth-based manufacturer was the first company in the world to build a personal jet standard equipped with a whole-plane parachute. And this year, that system has finally been put to a real-world unsimulated test, including a day-after-Thanksgiving save near Indianapolis, Indiana. To view full article, visit Duluth News Tribune

Entrepreneur Fund named Minnesota’s 2022 SBA Microlender of the Year

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The Entrepreneur Fund has been named Minnesota’s 2022 SBA Microlender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Minnesota District. Last week, the SBA Minnesota District recognized 11 lenders throughout the state for their commitment to helping small businesses succeed. To view full article, visit BusinessNorth

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