Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake Join Together for Annual State of the Cities

The three communities are focusing on working together and business growth

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake held their joint annual State of the Cities luncheon earlier today, bringing together the three communities.

Over 100 people came to hear local government officials discuss the past, present, and future of their cities. Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Parmeter said this year brought the biggest turnout in event history.

“The region that is represented here with Hermantown, Proctor, and Rice Lake is a population of over 18,000 people,” Parmeter said. “There is so much happening in these communities. Today is really an effort to share the stories of what is happening, what we’re looking forward to, and how people can be a part of it.”

Many of today’s speakers were focused on business development. Proctor Deputy Mayor Troy DeWall said they are filling up storefronts in the business district. Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad added workforce housing is one thing holding back growth in all of the communities represented today.

“We may have the boundaries that separate us, but anything that happens in Duluth and the surrounding areas is important to all of us,” Herstad said.

“When you can get communities together to solve problems and look at future economic needs, get all the businesses together, I think its a fantastic idea,” added DeWall.

The State of the Cities brought together a wide array of business leaders, also well as representation from Duluth and beyond. Both Duluth Mayor Roger Reinhert and Congressman Pete Stauber came out today to show their support.