In Case You Missed It: APEX May Board Meeting Highlights

The APEX Board of Directors meeting was held on May 11, 2017 at the Kitchi Gammi Club. APEX Chair, Brian Thun, welcomed investor-members and highlighted many of the recent Members in the Newsitems.

Steve Licari, with Licari, Larsen & Co. Ltd., presented the 2016 APEX audit. There were no adjustments; Licari complimented APEX for good record-keeping of financial information throughout the year. APEX Treasurer, John Strange, provided investor-members with a review and update on APEX’s financial position.

APEX President and CEO, Brian Hanson, and Past Chair, Nancy Norr, reminded investor-members of the APEX Summit Award and requested Board members consider potential nominees who have contributed significant investment or leadership in the region. Mr. Hanson and Ms. Norr said the Executive Committee was in need of two APEX investor-members to serve on the Summit Award Nominating Committee and since the May 11th Board meeting, several volunteers came forth and the Committee is now full. Thank you to all of our investor-members who offer their time and service to assist APEX.

Ian Vincent, APEX Senior Business Developer, and Kayla Dietzmann, NORTHFORCE Project Manager, provided investor-members with an update on the status of NORTHFORCE. Since 2014, NORTHFORCE efforts have produced 111 known hires – 63% in a professional capacity. Vincent and Dietzmann shared additional analytical data and success stories related to NORTHFORCE and walked through the new northforce.org website. The staff continues to work with hiring managers throughout the region to increase awareness and participation. For more information about NORTHFORCE, contact Ian Vincent.

Investor-members welcomed Dr. Eric Singsaas, Initiative Director for Wood Products and Bioeconomy with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), who provided an update on the wood products and bioeconomy research being conducted at NRRI. Dr. Singsaas’ presentation is outlined here.

In closing, Brian Thun highlighted the announcement of Earth Rider Brewery in Superior, WI. APEX played a role in helping the Earth Rider team position the company to access a needed grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). More information about the project is described here.

For a copy of presentations or for more details regarding the Board of Directors meeting, contact Sandy Johnson.