Business Archives - Page 50 of 94

Cancellation of 2020 Apple Fest a Big Test for Bayfield Businesses

It is arguably the cities largest event, and at times, can bring in over 60,000 people to a town with a popular of under 500.

June 28, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – This year, the fall season in Bayfield will be looking different. “Certainly overwhelming. Very large crowds come into town over the weekend. When the weather is nice, typically the streets will be packed body to body with people,” Howl Owner, Mary Thiel says. That won’t be happening with the cancellation of the 59th annual Apple Fest, and…

Liila Boutique in Lincoln Park Moves Store to Sidewalk

Store holds sidewalk sale to make up for not being able to open interior.

June 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Another local business in Lincoln Park is trying new ways to open back up while also following public health guidelines. Liila Boutique on West Superior Street has been bringing their store to the sidewalk the past few weekends. Since they’re located in the Duluth Folk School building which remains closed, they can’t open their doors to the public….

Zenith City Horror, Main Club in Superior Support Black Lives Matter with Twin Cities Supply Drive

Production company collected 4 carloads of items to send to communities in need.

June 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Zenith City Horror Production Company and the Main Club on Tower Avenue teamed up to send supplies to communities in the Twin Cities, and show support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. “Just like the Black Panthers did with the Queer community in ’69 at Stonewall, we think it’s important to stand together…

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Appoints an Interim President

President Holly Sampson has lead the foundation for 30 years and is officially retiring next week.

June 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is welcoming an interim president until a replacement is found. Dave Montgomery, who serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees and is Chair of its investment committee, will take over for current President Holly Sampson. Sampson is officially retiring next week. Previously, Montgomery served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City…

Duluth-Based IKONICS Corporation Announces Employee Furloughs

June 26, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based IKONICS Corporation has announced it will furlough about 40 percent of its 81-employee workforce through the end of July. Furloughed employees will continue to receive benefits, but the company is suspending retirement plan contributions. The furloughs are designed to offset revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glenn Sandgren, IKONICS CEO, released this statement in regard to…

Wilderness Health Gets An $800,000 Grant To Develop A Telehealth Program For Mental Health

"There is just a tremendous need. We have rising rates of mental health in our region. We have rising suicide rates," said Executive Director Cassandra Beardsley.

June 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wilderness health, a collaborative of independent health providers for rural communities, was recently awarded a grant worth nearly $800,000. The grant will be used to support the development of a telehealth program to offer mental health and other services to be used within its ten health system network. The funds will also be used to provide the…

e2ip Technologies Shutting Down Bigfork Facility By End of 2020

Economic Officials in Itasca County Provide an Update on Residents, Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19

June 26, 2020

Brett Scott,

BIGFORK, Minn. – Friday morning during a press briefing, economic officials in Itasca County provided new details regarding the economic impact COVID-19 is having on residents and businesses in the region. According to Tamara Lowney, President, and CEO of Itasca Economic Development Center, by the end of 2020, Montreal based e2ip Technologies will close its Bigfork location for good. The…

‘Face Covering’ Now Required For Shoppers, Staff At Whole Foods Co-Op

June 25, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Whole Foods Co-op locations are increasing safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic by requiring all shoppers and staff to wear some type of face mask while in the stores. The rule goes into effect Friday, June 26. And if a customer doesn’t have a “face covering,” there will be a stock of single-use masks available at…

Twin Ports Food Shelf Continues To Offer Help To Those In Need

The agency will continue to offer the curbside service until September 30th.

June 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency in Superior is continuing to help people in need with their week food shelf. The agency began giving out food to people at the start of the pandemic. The organization has implemented some protocols to ensure safety. They screen all employees and require them to wear masks. Also, the weekly food…

Birkie Plans to Buy Telemark Property, Attract New Development

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation plans to demolish existing lodge and work with private developer for new opportunities

June 25, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

CABLE, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is hoping the Telemark Resort property will become a prime destination again. The iconic Birkebeiner ski race starts at Telemark every February. Now, the race foundation wants to buy the resort property, and could close on it as early as September. It will cost the Birkie about $2 million to buy the…

Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division Reinstates Some Staff — For Now

Only three-quarters of staff will be brought back.

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – In April the City of Duluth laid off nearly 100 full-time, temp and seasonal employees, including park maintenance staff. The parks and recreation division announced Wednesday some of the park maintenance crew are being partially reinstated. City staff say with more people visiting the parks and trails, it is causing a need for continuous upkeep. Only about…

A Task Force Is Being Assembled To Help Spirit Mountain Through Financial Problems

Application closes on July 8th.

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth has suffered many economic blows within the last year. The City of Duluth is working in partnership with spirit mountain to put together a task force to help find solutions for the tourist attraction’s financial problems. Currently, the city is accepting applications to fill up to 11 positions on the task force. It…

Maurices Brings Back Furloughed Employees

6,000 retail employees and 54 corporate office employees were temporarily laid off during shutdown

June 24, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Maurices has brought back almost all its employees who were temporarily laid off during the shutdown. The Duluth-based women’s clothing chain has already reopened most of its stores. The remaining stores are opening in the next week or so. 6,000 retail employees were furloughed in March. Maurices tells us they are all being hired back. The store…

Adventure Zone Open To The Public

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure Zone in Canal Park is settling in on their revamped protocols after opening nearly a week ago. The popular tourist attraction is restricted to about 25% of its capacity, which means only a little over 100 people are allowed to enter at a time. Adventure Zone has designated only one entry and exit into the building….

UWS Offers An Alternative Online Program For First-Year Students

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent national survey discovered one out of six high school seniors are unsure about their fall college plans as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to health. This statistic is pushing the University of Wisconsin Superior to create alternative options for students to begin their college education. The university is introducing planU, which is…

Superior’s Spirit Room Reopens with ‘Bring Your Own Lawn Chair’ Area

June 24, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Spirit Room cocktail bar in Superior is back open this week as it celebrates its sixth year in business. Outdoor tables now line the sidewalk along Broadway Street. Guests can sit there or bring their own lawn chair and enjoy the makeshift lawn in the parking lot. Staff are excited to be back open and say…

Bayfield Farmers Reflect on Cancellation of Apple Fest

"It's all the orchards together that makes Apple Fest what it is. It's not just one orchard or one property."

June 24, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – “Apple Fest is a lot of work and its the most fun I’ve ever had,” Bayfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Eades says. But because of Covid-19, the lack of Bayfield’s largest event will leave hole in the heart of city. “The energy. The community. The food vendors, the orchards, the parade the contests. There’s something…

Local Food Truck Serves Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

June 23, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grilled cheese fans tasted some gourmet creations while listening to live music at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from the K&B Grilled Cheese Food Truck. The local business serves several original sandwiches like a bacon and cheddar grilled cheese, a spinach and artichoke grilled cheese, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese. “No one…

Subaru of America Donates Over $100,000 in Automotive Equipment to Lake Superior College

Most graduates of the automotive program typically remain in the region to fill a growing demand.

June 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is sending a big “thank you” to Subaru of American and Miller Hill Subaru for donating more than $100,000 worth of equipment for the automotive program. The extra equipment will help to further expand training for students to allow them to have a long-standing career. The automotive industry took a hit due to the…

St. Luke’s Hospital Uses Technology To Identify Bacteria And Viruses Faster

"It allows us to deliver the right treatment and right therapy much soon than we have in the past," said Infectious Disease Physician Andrew Thompson.

June 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the region to utilize a spectrometer to help identify microorganisms much faster. Traditional methods to classify bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically take days to return results. The equipment uses a laser to break down the microorganisms for identification in a matter of minutes. “It allows us to deliver…

Amazon’s Fulfillment Center in Shakopee One of Larger Warehouse COVID Outbreaks

June 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say the Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of the larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting. At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for the disease caused by the virus. Another 99 workers at other Amazon sites in the…

Wade Stadium Reopens For Small Public Events

Parties are limited to 25 people.

June 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- If you are looking for ideas on where to host a party, now that small gathering are allowed to take place, Wade Stadium might be the perfect location. While the Duluth Huskies are on hiatus due to the pandemic, the City of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division is reopening the stadium to the public for small group events….

North Shore Federal Credit Union Opens In Lincoln Park

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

June 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Federal Credit Union has now opened its newest branch location in Lincoln Park. North Shore Credit Union is a full-service banking institution, which now has seven locations between Grand Portage and Duluth. But this is the second location in the Duluth area. There are a variety of products and services, such as an on-site…

Ecolibrium3 Gets Gifted $10,000 From “Lifting Up Lincoln Park” Campaign

Nearly $70,000 was raised during the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic.

June 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – At the start of the pandemic, owners of OMC Smokehouse and Duluth Best Bread started the “Lifting Up Lincoln Park” campaign to help the community support local businesses and charities. Thanks to the fundraising efforts the group presented Ecolibrium3 with a $10,000 check, on Friday. The pair of owners began selling cookbooks, with OMC’s most popular barbecue…

Grandma’s Marathon Pop-Up Shop Encourages Runners

The pop-up shop runs through Saturday.

June 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – A pop-up shop in Canal Park is encouraging runners who planned to run this year’s Grandma’s Marathon. Something as simple as Grandma’s Marathon merchandise might be the added motivation for runners as they deal with this new way of participating in the annual race. Leadership for the Grandma’s Marathon had to make the difficult call to cancel…

DTA Receives $3 Million From C.A.R.E.S Act

"Keeping our level of service high during these times to meet demand is very important," said DTA's Director of Marketing David Clark.

June 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $3 million grant to the Duluth Transit Authority as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of $25 billion set aside from the C.A.R.E.S Act to support transportation systems in the nation. During the pandemic, DTA has offered free bus rides to minimize financial constraints for…

Local Steelworkers Union Use Billboards To Send Message Regarding Essentia Layoffs

More billboards are expected to go up throughout the Northland including Ely, Spooner, and Ashland.

June 18, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – New billboards may catch your attention the next time you are traveling on the Blatnik Bridge or on I-35. The United Steelworkers Union Local 9460 is using the platform to send a strong message to the community for support and to Essentia Health as they are planning to lay off nine hundred employees in the northland. The…

Itasca County Tourism Industry Impacted by COVID-19

Businesses and organizations ready to serve tourists despite the unprecedented circumstances

June 17, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Downtown Grand Rapids is bustling with summer in full swing. “Outdoor recreation is not closed and, in Grand Rapids, we are a mecca for outdoor recreation,” said Megan Christianson, Executive Director of Visit Grand Rapids. With a million acres of public forest and more than a thousand area lakes, tourism is the heart of the local…

Volunteers Chalk The Walk At Twin Ports Hospitals

"I think just seeing a nice message and putting a smile on someone's face for the day, that's all that matters," said Northwestern Mutual's Director of Operations and Development Lindsey Dueland.

June 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients and staff at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth are receiving the gift of joy through street art. Interns and staff at Northwestern Mutual, a local insurance company, spent the afternoon chalking the sidewalks at Essentia and St. Luke’s. They drew beautiful pictures and wrote encouraging messages. “We hope it means as much to…

Aunt Jemima to Change Logo

After 130 years, Aunt Jemima will vanish from packaging.

June 17, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

(Paul Taggart/Bloomberg via Getty Images) NEW YORK (AP) – Pepsico is changing the name and marketing image of its Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup. A spokeswoman for Pepsico-owned Quaker Oats Company said it recognized Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype and that the 131-year-old name and image would be replaced on products and advertising by the…

7 West Taphouse Re-Opens Amid Superior Street Reconstruction Downtown

Longtime customers say they're still excited to get back to their favorite restaurant.

June 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- 7 West Taphouse is one of the bars and restaurants which has opened their locations this week, including in downtown Duluth — on top of the reconstruction of a portion of Superior Street happening right outside their door. On their first day open Monday, about 20-30 people came in for lunch. Customers are asked to wait at the…

Visit Duluth Furloughs Six Employees, As Summer Tourism Remains Uncertain

Six out of the 11 employees were temporarily furloughed.

June 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Six employees have been temporarily furloughed at Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau tasked with marketing the city to outsiders. “We are at a point now where it was the harsh reality of what we’re facing in our industry,” said President Anna Tanski. “We have the resources and took these steps to stretch our operation at least through the…

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos Open After Three Months Closed

The casino has increased the space between people at machines, and is not allowing smoking on the gaming floor.

June 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After being closed for three months, Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth and Black Bear Casino in Cloquet are now back open for businesses, with some noticeable changes. Fond-du-Luth was busy on its first day re-opened. The slot machines were ringing, and their colorful screens flashing once again. But before getting to the excitement, guests must be checked. “When…

Amazing Grace to Become Canal Park’s First Grocery Store and Cafe

The longstanding bakery and cafe is doing a total overhaul, changing what it offers to the area.

June 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The bakery and cafe that has sat in the basement of the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace for 25 years is not only getting a makeover, but a do-over — from a bakery to a grocery store. “Changing with the times you have to just, you can’t dig in your heels cause then those are the places that don’t survive,” said…

It’s National Red Rose Day

The Rose Man in Duluth sells roughly 100,000 roses a year.

June 12, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The flower of love doesn’t have to only be given to those you care for on Valentine’s Day. It can also share the love on National Red Rose Day. The red rose has been dubbed the symbol of love for many years. The popular flower is typically given by the dozen. The long-standing history suggests each rose…

The City Of Duluth Wants To Help Laid Off Workers

Those on the job hunt can also utilize services such as resume building and workshops.

June 12, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Many companies throughout the northland have recently laid off hundreds of employees as a way to recover from the financial difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic. And the City of Duluth and CareerForce is stepping in to help It can be difficult for many of the laid-off employees to know where to start. CareerForce staff says they are…

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos To Reopen With Restrictions June 15

June 11, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building at Fond-du-Luth and Black Bear casinos as the official reopening date is set for Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m. Casino officials tell us there will be some noticeable changes, however, to balance entertainment with safety. Specifically at the Fond-du-Luth, all guests will get a non-contact temperature check at the door and everybody will…

New Businesses Open In Lincoln Park During Uncertainty Of The Pandemic

June 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Opening a new business during a pandemic can definitely be a challenge, but some business owners are willing to take that leap of faith. The up and coming Lincoln Park neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses. Many have been hit hard by financial setbacks caused by Covid-19. With the pandemic curve starting to slightly flatten,…

King Of Creams Deploys Ice Cream Truck For Summer

Ice cream truck has a GPS for community access to find its location when riding around town.

June 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – King of Creams in Duluth has deployed its ice cream truck for the summer. The truck has been serving up ice cream throughout neighborhoods in Duluth and Superior since 2008. The truck offers novelty bars and hand scooped ice cream. King of Creams typically lauches its ice cream truck in early April, but the pandemic put a…

Hoops Brewing to Open Outdoor Beer Garden

Brewery also making plans to open indoor taproom at limited capacity

June 11, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries are gearing-up to reopens as safely as possible. Hoops Brewing in Canal Park is opening an outdoor beer garden Friday. The brewery will serve eight to 10 of its beers out of a tent in the back parking lot Wednesday through Saturday with food trucks occasionally stopping by. Hoops is also planning to reopen its…

Zeitgeist Arts Building Making Plans to Reopen After Shutdown

The community organization has a restaurant, bar, performance theater, and movie theater in their Downtown Duluth building

June 11, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants, bars, and theaters are reopening across Minnesota, and there’s one well-known local organization that has all that and more. The Zeitgeist Arts Building in Downtown Duluth is entering the recovery process after being hit hard by the shutdown. The non-profit is getting ready for a limited opening soon. Friday and Saturday night, Zeitgeist will open a…

Minnesota Bars Open at 50 Percent Capacity

June 10, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Customers are excited to be back in bars and restaurants in Minnesota. On Wednesday, they opened for dine-in service for the first time since mid-March. “To me it’s always nice to have a pint of beer in a bar and it’s been so long,” said Ben Cullen, a customer at Dubh Linn Restaurant and Irish Brew Pub…

Verso Corporations Shutting Down Operations At Duluth Paper Mill

The pandemic has caused many industries to move to a digital platform creating a big drop in demand for paper.

June 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the leading producers in the paper industry is falling victim to the financial strains of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ohio-based Verso Corporation announced it is stopping production at its mills in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, indefinitely. Verso Corporation’s decision to cease production in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids is due to the growing decline in…

Small Town Restaurants Ready to Reopen Dine-in Service

Restaurant owners call the shutdown a 'learning experience' but say they're excited to return a little closer to normal

June 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SCANLON, Minn., and ESKO, Minn. – Restaurants across Minnesota can open at 50 percent capacity for dine-in service starting Wednesday, June 10. Local restaurants have been without a big portion of their business during the COVID-19 shutdown. Restaurant owners call it a “learning experience” but say they’re excited to return a little close to normal. “We miss our family, we…

Bridgman’s Restaurant Adds A New Patio

The new patio is expected to open within a week.

June 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s in Duluth is adding a new feature to its restaurant, just in time for summer. Coming soon, the popular restaurant will have a brand new patio. It will give customers a chance to take part in outdoor dining or have a quick sit down to enjoy some of Bridgeman’s delicious ice cream. Adding a patio was…

Skyline Lanes Prepares for Re-Opening

Skyline lanes will re-open tomorrow at 11 a.m.

June 9, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Skyline Lanes is ready to re-open after over 70 days of being shut down. Customers will soon be back in the newly renovated facility, but there have been some big changes made to ensure the safety of all customers. Bowling will now be every other lane, and the arcade will now have games separated to ensure six…

Verso to Idle Duluth Paper Mill, Cites Market Decline

June 9, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Verso Corporation today announced that it is taking immediate actions to offset unprecedented market decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to reposition the company for future success. Verso will indefinitely idle paper mills in Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. At this time, the company will explore viable and sustainable alternatives for both mills, including restarting if market…

Pier B Expands For A More Fun-filled Experience

"We just added another amenity. It's just another reason to stay in Duluth and at Pier B," said General Manager Jon Driscoll."

June 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth is expanding to help give guests a more fun-filled experience during their stay. Pier B has now added a new sports court. The 5,00 square foot space will offer guests the chance to take part in activities such as corn hole or pickleball. The space also offers a courtside bar and…

OMC Smokehouse Expanding into Next-Door Noble Pour; Now Called ‘OMC Whiskey Bar’

A hole in the wall now connects the restaurant to the bar, increasing seating.

June 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz announcing that bars, restaurants and other business can open at 50% capacity Wednesday is a relief for many restaurant owners. But for one in Lincoln Park, that meant scrapping a newly opened business to give new life to an existing favorite. “We’re kind of calling an audible on every play that we’ve made in the last…

Small, Peaceful Protest In Superior As Businesses Board Up For Potential Unrest

A rumored protest taking over the Blatnik Bridge didn't happen.

June 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At the corner of Belknap and Hammond in Superior Wednesday, a dozen or so young people peacefully held signs against the death of George Floyd and police brutality, cheered on by drivers honking their horns in support–amid rumors of protests and unrest in the city swirling for a few days. There was even talk of a protest overtaking…