APEX Marketing Activities

Ely: Small Business Conference

April 27-28, 2016, Tamara Lowney attended the first Ely Small Business Conference.  Tamara was one of the speakers for a Women in Business Forum that highlighted some of the challenges women in business face. APEX was also a sponsor and Tamara gave an overview of our organization to the group, highlighting our members and team, and the volume of resources we have to assist them in new business ventures.

Zenith Digital Marketing Conference

On April 28, 2016, APEX sponsored and presented at the Zenith Digital Media conference in Duluth, MN. Ian Vincent spoke to the international audience of Digital Marketing thought leaders about the value of the NORTHFORCE system and unique advantages of living and working in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

Discussion with Hill Capital Corporation

On May 6, 2016, Brian Hanson and other regional development partners attended a presentation by Hill Capital, a Twin Cities-based investment group. Hill Capital is launching a new fund to provide financial and professional support to growing companies in the Upper Midwest, specializing in expert consultations and financing packages under $1MM. Hanson views Hill Capital as another great tool to fill the need for equity in the region

Mid-American Economic Development Council: Best Practices Conference

May 18-20, 2016, APEX’s Ian Vincent attended the Mid-American Economic Development Council’s Best Practice Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Vincent co-presented with NORTHFORCE Project Manager, Kayla Dietzmann. The presentation, The eHarmony of Job Sites: A Collaborative Match Making Approach to Serving Regional Workforce Needs, covered the importance and best practices of talent identification, attraction, placement and retention. APEX investor-member, Great River Energy, also attended the conference.

Economic Development Association of Minnesota Summer Conference

Ian Vincent and Kayla Dietzmann at the Economic Development Association of Minnesota conference.

On June 8-10, 2016, Ian Vincent and Kayla Dietzmann also presented at the Economic Development Association of Minnesota conference at the DECC in Duluth, MN. Vincent co-presented with NORTHFORCE’s Kayla Dietzmann and outlined best practices for attracting and retaining emerging professionals. APEX was also a Sapphire level sponsor of the conference.

SelectUSA Investment Summit 2016

President Obama addresses Summit attendees.

On June 19-21, 2016, Ian Vincent participated at the 3rd annual SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. More than 2,500 participants from across the United States and 70 foreign markets convened to discuss diverse opportunities, find practical tools and information, and meet the right people to move investments forward. Vincent attended along with a delegation of fellow Minnesotans, including representatives from DEED, IRRRB, Greater MSP, and Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation.