Business Archives - Page 39 of 96

Mayor Larson Provides Detailed Response To Critics Of Plan To Outsource Duluth’s Tourism Marketing

Larson's full e-mail to council with answers to critics can be found at the bottom of this story.

August 12, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson addressed city councilors at Thursday night’s agenda meeting — three days after announcing her plan to outsource the city’s 2022 marketing contract and no longer use Visit Duluth. It’s a bold move Larson acknowledges, and one that’s fueled a lot of pushback from the local creative community. As FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports,…

Critics Grow Louder Over Mayor Larson’s Plan To Outsource Duluth’s Tourism Marketing; Councilors Weigh In

August 12, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors are getting an earful and raising questions — one day after Mayor Emily Larson boldly announced plans to pass up longtime Visit Duluth for the city’s next tourism marketing contract worth nearly $2 million and instead choose Minneapolis-based Bellmont Partners and its partner, Lawrence & Schiller. Mayor Larson told FOX 21 she stands by…

Bayfield Seeing Successful Summer Tourism Season

Apple Fest will take place the first weekend of October.

August 11, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Tourism in Bayfield has been up this summer. Hotels are being completely booked and businesses are seeing peak Apple Fest numbers. The weekly foot traffic throughout the summer has been due to events being back in session like the Point to LaPointe swim and weekly concerts by the lake held every Tuesday. This most recent concert was…

One-On-One: Mayor Larson Explains Choosing Minneapolis Agency Over ‘Visit Duluth’ For Tourism Marketing

Visit Duluth is being offered a significantly smaller second contract for "convention and visitor center operations."

August 11, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – After 85 years as Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm, Visit Duluth will no longer have that title come 2022 — pending council’s approval — as Mayor Emily Larson continues to scrutinize how millions of dollars in tourism tax revenue is handed out every year. Larson made the big announcement Tuesday by saying her team has chosen Minneapolis-based…

Larson Chooses Minneapolis Agency Over ‘Visit Duluth’ For City’s Main Marketing Contract

Visit Duluth is being offered a significantly smaller second contract for "convention and visitor center operations."

August 10, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – After 85 years as Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm, Visit Duluth will no longer have that title come 2022, as Mayor Emily Larson continues to scrutinize how millions of dollars in tourism tax revenue is used every year. Mayor Larson made the announcement Tuesday saying her team has chosen Minneapolis-based Bellmont Partners and its partner, Lawrence &…

Twin Ports Transplant Kick Starts ‘Too Good Bakery’

The Pop-Up Bakery can be Spotted at a Number of Events in Superior on a Weekly Basis

August 10, 2021

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – They’re a dime a dozen these days – bakeries. However, it’s what each owner does to make their sweet treats special that sets that bar high, and customers coming back for more. “I bake with love and I’m backed by love,” exclaimed Liberty Smith, owner of Too Good Bakery. It’s a secret ingredient that can be hard…

Bayfield Orchards Looking Forward to Apple Fest

Over at Erickson Orchards they are currently finishing up their new processing facility which will help streamline their cider business.

August 9, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchards just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…

Billings Park Days Kicks Off With Rummage Sales

August 6, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The annual Billings Park Days kicked off on Friday in Superior with dozens of rummage sales. People in Billings took the time today to find hidden treasures, while sellers got the chance to declutter their homes and garages. We caught up with one Superior resident who specialized in selling record players and board games. He says, this…

Peach Sale Fundraiser for Encounter Youth Center

August 5, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– A fundraiser selling peaches is happening over the next few days, and is helping raise money for the Encounter Youth Center. Over 500 cases of peaches were ordered and set up across two stands in Duluth including at the Kenwood Arby’s parking lot to help fund-raise for the center. The skate park director says they sell them for…

Ground Is Broken At Riverwest Development Site

August 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Ground was broken Wednesday on the Riverwest development in West Duluth across from Spirit Mountain. The work to get the permits for this project began in 2015 with the idea to have retail stores along Grand Avenue. The city of Duluth would also like to also eventually see development of multi-family and single-family housing on a portion…

Duluth Fire Department Begins Training at Esmond Building

Normally, Duluth fire crews would do this type of training at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center out in Gary-New Duluth.

August 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The abandoned Esmond building in Lincoln Park has now become the newest training grounds for the Duluth Fire Department. Formerly the Seaway Hotel, the vacant building is set to be torn down in one month. Until then the department will be using the structure for hands-on training in a realistic environment. Firefighters say, the 80 rooms on…

Entertainment Venues and Tourist Locations Requiring Masks

August 5, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Event venues and tourist destinations around the city of Duluth are adjusting their mask protocol along with county recommendations, but that is not preventing business from going on. Indoor mask requirements are slowly being introduced in various businesses around the city, and the Zeitgeist Arts Café, which hosts a variety of performances and events, is following along. “The…

Iron Ore Trade Up in July on Great Lakes

Iron ore shipments are 5.2 percent above their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year.

August 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

CLEVELAND, OH – Great Lakes iron ore trade was up 61.8% in July. Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.7 million tons in July, an increase of 61.8 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments were also 3.2 percent above the month’s 5-year average. Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 26.4 million tons, an increase of 27.6 percent compared to…

St. Luke’s Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Policy For All Workers

August 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s announced late Wednesday that all of its employees, vendors, volunteers and board members will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine completed by Oct. 1. The only exception to the rule involves employees who can’t take the shot for medical or religious reasons. Those individuals need to file an exemption by Sept. 1 and also…

Frost River Trading Now Offering Rentals

August 4, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Frost River Trading has officially announced the opening of their new rental center out of their storefront in Lincoln Park today. The rental center offers some of frost rivers best back packs, bags and tents to take out on day trips or even longer adventures. Staff is excited to allow people the opportunity to try out some of…

Local Restaurants Encourage Mask Recommendations to Customers

August 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– With the mask recommendation in effect, local restaurants also encourage face coverings when indoors. This adds another challenge to the way businesses are operating this summer aside from staffing shortages and altered hours of operation due to the shortages. But the President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association feels like our restaurants are up to the challenge. “People…

Businesses Respond to Mask Recommendations

August 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– County health officials are recommending masks to be worn inside, despite vaccination status, due to a spike in the number of cases throughout Saint Louis County. “We’re just recommending, like the county is recommending, and my staff same thing, their choice at this point, and hopefully it wont get any worse than that, but you know its mainly…

New Gourmet Hot Dog Food Truck Debuts Tuesday In Duluth

August 2, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A brand new food truck called UpDawg is debuting in Duluth on Tuesday, specializing in gourmet hot dogs. The food truck has been a year-and-a-half in the making, facing a few bumps in the road during the pandemic. For co-founders Cory Netland and David Fitch, their brand is all about having fun and figuring out what creative…

Triathlon Part of Summer Comeback for Island Lake Inn

Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in.

August 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Many triathletes were hungry after putting in the work at the Brewhouse Triathlon Sunday, and packed the nearby Island Lake Inn bar to refuel. Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in. And this year the event is just part of a summer comeback for their customers, after last year’s season of…

Hillside Makers Market Grand Opening

July 30, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– On E 9th Street, the Hillside Makers Market set up for its grand opening, bringing local craftspeople together to showcase their products. The HMM is a pop-up market that is providing a place for local makers and artisans to display their creations in a more accessible location in East Hillside. Two local women spearheaded the event, and feel…

All Pints North Featuring Over 100 Breweries

July 29, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– More than one hundred breweries from around the state of Minnesota will be set up at Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday as All Pints North returns to Duluth. Featuring different craft brews, local store vendors, food trucks and live music, the return of this event has been highly anticipated as the state of 10 thousand lakes brings some…

Sidewalk Sales in the District Begin

July 29, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Sidewalk Sales in the District is back in Superior, and various stores are featuring discounted prices on some of Superior’s best downtown products. 14 different stores are participating, and offering discounts up to 50% off. Northwest Outlet located on the corner of Belknap Street and Banks Ave is one of those stores and offers a variety of…

Goodwill Holds Hiring Event to find New Employees

July 28, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– At Goodwill you could be making 11 to 15 dollars an hour as stores are looking to fill open positions. Today on Garfield Ave, Goodwill hosted a hiring event with on the spot interviews and competitive wages for both full and part time positions. Goodwill is an industry that allows equal employment opportunities for people who have disabilities…

Fredenberg Minno-ette Hooks New Ownership

Jason Manning and His Wife Brianna Purchased the Minno-ette in December of 2020

July 27, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A staple more than seven decades old in the Northland just recently switched over into new hands. Now the Fredenberg Minno-ette is truly a family affair. “It’s fantastic, it’s something I certainly don’t take for granted,” said Jason Manning, the new owner of the Fredenberg Minno-ette. For this local, longtime radio personality, it’s hard to reel in…

Vintage Hideaway Marketplace Helping Support Over 40 Local Vendors

The Vintage Hideaway Marketplace is Located at 3850 Old Midway Road in Hermantown

July 27, 2021

Brett Scott,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Supporting small businesses is vital to keeping the local economy thriving and well. Since the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, every dollar spent locally means more now than it ever has before. A new business now open in Hermantown is showcasing the work of more than 40 local vendors. “The parking lot’s full. People are coming,”…

Carlton Daze Gives Local Businesses a Much-Needed Boost

Aaron Hanson, owner of Third Base Bar, said he's seeing a 70% increase in sales from last year at this time.

July 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

CARLTON, Minn.- Parade-goers weren’t the only ones enjoying “the daze” in Carlton during the “Carlton Daze” celebration. Local businesses have been enjoying a resurgence of customers this summer, especially during the festivities. Aaron Hanson, owner of Third Base Bar, said he’s seeing a 70% increase in sales from last year at this time. “We haven’t seen this in years, decades…

Bowfest Makes an Impactful Return to Mont du Lac

July 24, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Record breaking attendances led to a successful weekend at Bowfest, which is billed as the worlds largest 3D archery and live music festival with both pro and amateur archers on site, and live music performances. “It’s honestly a wonderful feeling to see all these people come together, they’re from all over, we have plenty of new guests come,…

Festival by the Lake Returns to Bayfront Park

July 24, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Saturday at Bayfront Festival Park, Festival by the Lake welcomed thousands of community members through its gates. This is the first un-restricted, big event of the year, for Lundeen Productions, after the event was canceled due to COVID last year. More than 100 vendors and tents set up to interact with the public and offer different pieces of…

Lake Avenue Flats Coming to Downtown Duluth

July 24, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– A new housing option is coming to Downtown Duluth. Lake Avenue Flats is a 30-unit building coming to the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street downtown in the old Gartner Hotel building next to Pizza Luce. It will be a mix of one and two bedroom apartments along with studios. Developers say the spaces can serve college…

Humane Society Presents Upcoming Events at Head of the Lakes Fair

July 23, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– One vendor at the Head of the Lakes Fair is happy to have the opportunity to teach the public about animals. The Humane Society of Douglas County is set up in the livestock barn at the fair Wednesday through Saturday afternoons to talk to the public about animals, their health, and the current pets at the shelter. This…

Shipping Industry Rebounding after Rough 2020 Year

This year, shipping is now making a comeback and iron ore is leading the resurgence.

July 23, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The shipping industry is picking up after a rough 2020. With the total tonnage received last year being the lowest the Port Authority has seen since 1983. This year, shipping is now making a comeback and iron ore is leading the resurgence. So far there have been 2.3 million short tons going through the Twin Ports in…

AICHO’s Indigenous Food, Art Market Saturday

July 22, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– An Indigenous Food and Arts Market is coming back to Duluth’s Central Hillside community this Saturday. It’s put on by the American Indian Community Housing Organization, known as AICHO. The market offers a local and diverse variety of indigenous food, artwork and handmade goods. Organizers tell us about 500 people showed up in July. “I’m not sure there’s…

28th Taste of Greece Preparations Underway

July 22, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Taste of Greece Festival makes its return to the Marshall School this Saturday and Sunday for its 28th year. This two-day, free festival, showcases Greek culture through music, dance, and delicious food, drinks, and pastries. After serving pre-packaged meals during the pandemic last year, being able to prepare food and serve close to three thousand people in-person…

Duluth Downtown Farmers Market Canceled for Rest of Season

July 22, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– On Thursday morning, the Greater Downtown Council called off Duluth’s downtown farmers market for the 2021 summer season. Some of the reasons include farmers having trouble growing produce from the drought, and not being able to staff both the farms and their stands. One member of the market says “it’s sad” to hear of the cancellation, as so…

Head of the Lakes Fair Back in Town with New Additions

July 20, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– The Head of the Lakes Fair in Superior kicked off tonight debuting some new games and rides. The fair did go on last year, but attendance was lower than normal. The owner of the fair says this year he is seeing more people in the first hour alone than he did during the whole course of the carnival…

Saint Luke’s Hosting Hiring Event

July 20, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– The healthcare industry is having trouble finding new workers, especially after it was overwhelmed with demand from the pandemic. Saint Luke’s is holding a hiring event Tuesday and Wednesday to encourage a new generation of healthcare workers to sign up. Some areas they are looking to fill are the nursing and hospitality departments. They also need medical assistants…

Construction Employment Opportunities on the Rise

July 19, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Although certain construction projects were put on hold throughout the country, Duluth has continued on, in full-force, and is looking for more employees to help continue growing the city. From Vision Northland to the “can of worms”, there is no shortage of construction projects around town. The Director of Planning and Economic Development with the city, says that…

Federal Infrastructure Potential Impacts on Duluth

July 19, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Leaders representing towns and cities across Minnesota, got together to talk about the federal infrastructure bill in Congress. Mayor Emily Larson spoke at the news conference, outlining the ways Duluth can benefit from the federal funding. She would like to see some of it go to the Duluth Port which brings in close to $1.4 billion dollars in…

HotRods 4 HotWheels Looking to Promote Relationships with Law Enforcement

July 18, 2021

Natalie Noury,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– A Duluth man is finding a way to thank police and fire departments after surviving a car accident 9 years ago, and was helped by first responders. HotRods 4 HotWheels makes its debut this year, as a cruise that starts in Hermantown, to raise money for hot wheels to give to local fire and police departments in Carlton…

Broadway Square Vintage Market Bringing Old-Fashioned Back

July 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– The Spirit Room Cocktail Bar and Lady Outlaw Vintage Clothing Store teamed up this summer to bring the Broadway Square Vintage Market to Superior. This vintage market brings in vendors and craftspeople from different areas of the Mid-West to collaborate and sell vintage items from the 1920’s to the 90’s. The event also features different hand made goods,…

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Back at Full-Strength

July 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

EVELETH, Minn.– After a tough year of trying to connect from a distance, Eveleth’s US Hockey Hall of Fame is back, operating to its full capacity. Employees say the ability to interact with people both young and old, who share the same passion for the sport, and its rich history, is what makes it so worthwhile. So returning to honor…

Duluth International Airport Keeps up with Demand

July 16, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– After a year of not being able to go anywhere because of pandemic restrictions, many travelers are thrilled to take advantage of flying again. This increased demand for air travel is making it hard for some airports and airlines to supply what is needed, but the Duluth International Airport is confident in the way things have been going…

Visit Duluth, DECC Among Finalists For City’s 2022 Destination Marketing Contract

July 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm since 1935, known as Visit Duluth, is a finalist for next year’s one-year contract, as Mayor Emily Larson looks to possibly go a different direction with a mission to “elevate the brand of Duluth,” according to the Request for Qualifications document put out by the city. The Mayor’s Office…

Flagship Brings Back Screen Printer

It also allows them to create more of their products in-house.

July 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The popular clothing store ‘Flagship’ in canal park has brought back their screen printing machine. First opening back up on memorial day, the live printing process continues to gain popularity. With several different designs, staff say bringing the printing machine back helps show customers how each shirt is made by hand. It also allows them to create…

Grand Rapids Business Owners Experiencing Positive Economic Rebound

Crowds are Coming in Droves to Many Locally Owned Businesses in the City of Grand Rapids

July 14, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Small business owners on the Iron Range are continuing to witness more customers coming back through their doors as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and more people become vaccinated. Staff at Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Grand Rapids are seeing droves of people coming in to purchase clothing, footwear, bait, and fishing gear. With the continued closure of…

Downtown Virginia Rebuilding After Structure Fire, Cause Still Unknown

Nine area fire departments and more than 30 first responders worked the fire.

July 14, 2021

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The community of downtown Virginia is rebuilding after a fire destroyed multiple businesses there last Friday — the cause still unknown. According to Virginia Fire officials, the fire stated above the Rocks the Jewelers store on the 300 Block of Chestnut Street. Other businesses that suffered damages include a nearby bakery and florist. After the small town came…

‘Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job’ Fair at Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Center

July 13, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation center hosted “Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job” Tuesday on Saint Louis Avenue of Park Point, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, which is a job fair to recruit new employees for the center. Healthcare professionals have predicted a “burnout period” for current workers in the industry who have been working hard through the…

Majority Of Duluth’s Central High School Sold To Property Developer

July 13, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board approved the sale of Central High School to Saturday Central Heights, LLC on Tuesday for $7.4 million. During a special meeting, the board unanimously signed off of selling 52 or more acres to the developer. The school district has been trying to sell the property for the past 11 years after the school…

Ruth’s Local Greens Makes a Nutritional Impact in the Twin Ports

Two Students from UMD started a business only 5 months ago, and are making an impact already through the Twin Ports.

July 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Two UMD students came together earlier this year to figure out how to bring a little more green to the Twin Ports in a local and sustainable way. Wanting to explore ways to provide nutritious food to the Northland led them to find a creative and year-round way to provide these healthy products. “We always had an interest…

Spirit Mountain Offering Events Through the Summer

July 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Back in May, Mayor Larson proposed a $24 million dollar plan to help bring Spirit Mountain back to its full potential. The $24 million dollar proposed plan would be funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by Duluth tourism tax revenue, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. By doing so, Mayor Larson says hundreds of new jobs would be made,…

Business

Larson's full e-mail to council with answers to critics can be found at the bottom of this story.

Apple Fest will take place the first weekend of October.

Visit Duluth is being offered a significantly smaller second contract for "convention and visitor center operations."

Visit Duluth is being offered a significantly smaller second contract for "convention and visitor center operations."

The Pop-Up Bakery can be Spotted at a Number of Events in Superior on a Weekly Basis

Over at Erickson Orchards they are currently finishing up their new processing facility which will help streamline their cider business.

Normally, Duluth fire crews would do this type of training at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center out in Gary-New Duluth.

Iron ore shipments are 5.2 percent above their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year.

Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in.

Jason Manning and His Wife Brianna Purchased the Minno-ette in December of 2020

The Vintage Hideaway Marketplace is Located at 3850 Old Midway Road in Hermantown

Aaron Hanson, owner of Third Base Bar, said he's seeing a 70% increase in sales from last year at this time.

This year, shipping is now making a comeback and iron ore is leading the resurgence.

It also allows them to create more of their products in-house.

Crowds are Coming in Droves to Many Locally Owned Businesses in the City of Grand Rapids

Nine area fire departments and more than 30 first responders worked the fire.

Two Students from UMD started a business only 5 months ago, and are making an impact already through the Twin Ports.

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