Business

Tourism Season Brings Big Money to Douglas County

$100 Million Spent by Tourists in Douglas County in 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Douglas County had a great year when it comes to tourism in 2017, as they brought in nearly $100 million dollars to the area. That’s according to a study by the group Tourism Economics, who says that travel spending was up about five percent compared to last year in the county. Those numbers are all a sign for local…

Dockside Fish Market Prepares for Busy Tourist Season

The local market has been a staple in the community for nearly 20 years.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- Warmer weather is coming and so are the tourists. Grand Marais is known as a popular Northshore destination and right now local businesses are gearing up to be fully packed. The Dockside Fish Market has been a staple in Grand Marias for 20 years. Known for their locally caught fish, the hottest item on the menu is the…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Better Results with Building Logic

Building Logic Started in 2010 to Assist Residents in the Twin Ports with Everyday Property Care and Repair Needs

DULUTH, Minn. – Becoming a home or business owner can be exciting but it also comes with a price tag, countless hours of hard work and labor. That’s why Duluth based Building Logic is looking to be there for you when there’s property care and repair needs. It’s located in a small grey building just off Piedmont Avenue in Duluth….

Helium Shortage Hits the Northland

Local Business Says They've Seen Small Impact

SUPERIOR, Wis.-It’s that time of the year again where various parties are being held throughout the Northland whether it be for graduations, family reunions, or weddings. And you can’t have those parties without balloons, but getting the helium to fill them up is an ongoing issue. According to publication Chemical and Engineering News, there’s a helium shortage hitting the planet….

Interior Department Renews Leases for Twin Metals Project

President Obama Previously Declined to Renew the Leases

MINNEAPOLIS-The U.S. Interior Department has reinstated the mineral rights leases for a company that wants to build a copper-nickel mine near Ely in northeastern Minnesota, renewals that were denied in the closing weeks of the Obama administration. The department’s Bureau of Land Management informed Twin Metals Minnesota of its decision Wednesday. It follows a legal opinion from the department’s solicitor…

One Resolution Made in Alleged Fraser Shipyard Lead Poisoning Case

Multiple Employees at Fraser Claim They Got Lead Poisoning While Working There

SUPERIOR, Wis.-One of the employees who was working at Fraser Shipyards in Superior has reached a resolution with the business after he suspected he got lead poisoning there back in 2016. The resolution was made with James Holder, a welder at the site. His attorney in Chicago would not go into details on the settlement, but said he represents 60…

Superior Pursuits Back on the Big Lake

In this week's Knowing Your Neighbors, Captain Parker Bambenek Launches the Elixir for Another Season of Success

McQUADE HARBOR, Minn. – Just one semester shy of graduating from Northern Michigan University, Captain Parker Bambenek of Superior Pursuits was hit by a snowmobiler while ice fishing. That incident left Bambenek with two broken legs and a new outlook on life. “If someone wants to go tomorrow, they can give me a call right now,” said Bambenek. Captain Parker…

Retirement Planning Week Prompts Simple Saving Tips

National Retirement Planning Week is April 9 - 13, Prompting Tips to Start Saving Now

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is National Retirement Planning Week, a week dedicated to helping American’s get their financial plans on track so that they can retire on their terms. Whether you’re a millennial just entering the workforce or a baby boomer transitioning into retirement, you may be surprised to learn some of the basic tips you should be implementing…

Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health

The Make it Ok campaign is training organizations around the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- Workers for the city of Duluth began training the correct way to address mental illness in the work place last year, Tuesday a plethora of organizations are following suit. Northland Healthy Minds aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace. Over 40 organizations are involved, dedicated to training their employees the correct way to address…

Minnesota’s Exports up Eight Percent From 2016

Top Export in Minnesota was Medical Equipment

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development announced the state exported $21 billion worth of products last year, which is an eight percent jump from 2016. “Exports continue to be a vital part of our state’s economy, supporting nearly 118,000 jobs in Minnesota,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “After suffering export losses in 2016, Minnesota companies have bounced…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Diamond Factory Gets New Life

Diamond Factory Shutdown in Late July

CLOQUET, Minn.-In late July, the Cloquet community was dealt a huge blow when a manufacturer of Diamond brand products shutdown. The factory had been there since 1904 and had built up a solid workforce of nearly 90 employees. Now the factory has a new owner which brings with it some new life. City leadership say it’s a good sign that…

Hucklebeary Celebrates Grand Re-Opening, International Women’s Day

Hucklebeary Originated as a Pop-Up Shop in Downtown Duluth Over the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn – Thursday, March 8 is International Women’s Day! The day is aimed at recognizing the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women around the world. The initiative also sheds light on gender parity and closing the pay gap. The world economic forum estimates that global gender equality won’t be achieved until 2133. Thursday morning on FOX 21…

Duluth Antique Marketplace Attracting Dozens of Vendors

Duluth Antique Marketplace is Located at 5705 Grand Avenue in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been known for years, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. With the popularity of shabby chic and repurposing these days one local business owner in Duluth is inviting everyone to experience the new age of antiquing. “We don’t have a lot of retail in West Duluth anymore,” said dealer Jeanne Koneczny. With customers coming in,…

Walmart, Dick’s expand corporate rift with gun lobby

Walmart follows Dick's in saying it will no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21.

(Photo by Scott Dalton/Invision for DICK’S Sporting Goods/AP Images)NEW YORK (AP) — The rift between major U.S. companies and the gun lobby is growing.. Retail heavyweights Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods have taken steps to restrict gun sales. That follows moves by several other major corporations, including MetLife, Hertz and Delta Air Lines, that have cut ties with National Rifle…

3M Co. to Pay $850 million to Minnesota to Settle Case Over Chemical Disposal

Money Will be Used to Address Problems Chemicals Created

MINNEAPOLIS-3M Co. has agreed to pay the state of Minnesota $850 million to settle a case alleging the manufacturer damaged the state’s natural resources and contaminated groundwater by disposing chemicals over decades. Attorney General Lori Swanson announced the settlement Tuesday, a few hours after jury selection was halted on the day the trial was scheduled to begin. Minnesota was seeking…

County Timber Auction Raises Nearly $1.3 Million

It Was the First Timber Auction of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department held its first timber auction of the year raising nearly $1.3 million. They sold 18 timber contracts to small and mid-sized logging companies, along with larger mills. They now have the right to harvest, remove. and sell trees from within the designated boundaries of their contract. These contracts are generally good…

Superior Choice Credit Union Merges With Dairyland State Bank

Institutions Will Have $480 Million Combined in Assets

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior Choice Credit Union and Dairyland State Bank have announced a merger agreement has been finalized between the two financial institutions. Pending regulatory approval, the acquisition will create a combined financial institution that will have more than $480 million in assets. Closing is expected to occur in the third or fourth quarter of 2018. The two will operate under…

New Coffee Shop Offers “Common Ground” in Cloquet

Common Ground Coffee Bar and Deli Invites People of all Ages, Race and Ethicity to Gather for Friendship, Games, Entertainment

CLOQUET, Minn. – When it comes to getting a cup of coffee we’re often in a rush, heading through the drive thru looking to grab and go. However, creators of a new coffee shop and deli in the City of Cloquet are looking to bring people together, creating common ground. “I think as a culture we’ve kind of gotten away…

Local Business Owners to Brainstorm Solutions to Workforce Gap

NE MN Workforce Solutions Series

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week local leaders and business owners will be coming together to find a solution to the looming workforce gap. This is part of the “NE MN Workforce Solutions Series” event. The workforce gap is currently developing as baby boomers retire and the population in the Northeast region stays stagnant. According to Ian Vincent with Northforce, it…

Discount Duluth Offers More at Larger Location

Discount Duluth aims to supply affordable big brand products.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two brothers are creating jobs and bringing affordable shopping to their hometown. Discount Duluth opened one year ago, now the retail shop is moving to a new location. The store is now five times larger than before. Discount Duluth sells overstock big brand products at a discounted price. “It means a lot to us because we always use…

Hucklebeary Pop-Up Offers Unique Goods, Services

Hucklebeary Founder Emily Ekstrom is Looking to Provide Northlanders with Unique Gifts and Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth is once again sponsoring three local business owners this holiday season, giving them a free space to set up a storefront from November through January. One of the shops known as Hucklebeary is located along Superior Street across from the Duluth Coffee Company. The store’s founder is a UMD alumnus and…

Inside Northland’s Beloved Bailey Builds Studio

The local shop Bailey Builds sells art made from reclaimed wood pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.-Northlanders may have spotted Bailey Builds, a business selling reclaimed wood art pieces at various events around Duluth. The creator Anna Bailey and her husband invited FOX 21 into their studio. Artist Anna Bailey creates pieces of art using reclaimed wood. “I can’t even tell you how rewarding this is honestly,” Bailey said. In the past Anna spent her…

Moose Lake Cooperative to Close After 97 Years

The Co-op General Manager Says the Store is Closing Due to Rising Debt, Diminishing Revenue and a Unprofitable Fertilizer Season

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After much thought, the Board of Directors tell FOX 21 with a diminishing source of revenue, an unprofitable fertilizer season and mounting debt, it’s time to say farewell after 97 years in the agriculture industry. Customers and employees now share a lack of words as they continue coming into the Moose Lake Cooperative. “We’ve had an…

Local Businesses Offer Deals for Small Business Saturday

Shopping Small to Support Northland Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – Later this week many shoppers will be heading out in the early hours of Friday morning to find an unbelievable deal, but some Duluthians are asking you to wait until the weekend. That’s because Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 25. Many local shops will be hosting open houses and offering special promotions, demonstrations, and workshops. For…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

Matilda’s Dog Bakery to Host Bark-tober Fest

On Saturday, October 28, Matilda's Dog Bakery in Duluth's Lakeside Neighborhood will Host a Bark-tober Fest and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all dogs, cats and owners! Matilda’s Dog Bakery in Duluth’s Lakeside Neighborhood will host their 2nd Annual Bark-tober Festival and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Saturday, October 28. The event will start at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. Owner Joanne Elliot says the event last year was a hit for many pet owners and their companions….

New Shop in Carlton Offers Handcrafted Goods and Gifts

Gateway Goods Offers a Variety of Handmade Goods and Gifts for Everyone to Enjoy

CARLTON, Minn. – As the season of gift giving soon returns, many of us may think of big box stores for the latest and greatest gadgets and goods. However, one dynamic sister duo in Carlton is looking to shine a spotlight on local businesses. If you get a chance to take a break along Chestnut Avenue in Carlton, chances are…

Lincoln Park Businesses Welcome Duluth Pottery

Duluth Pottery Will Host a Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, October 21 Starting at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park neighborhood in Duluth is continuing to expand with the growth of locally owned Duluth Pottery. Owner Karin Kraemer has been creating works of art in the Twin Ports since 1998. For years she operated out of smaller spaces. In February Kraemer decided to purchase a building to call her own. Duluth Pottery is now…

Aldi Opens Doors in Duluth

After Months of Construction, Aldi Duluth is Now Open for Business

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official, grocery shoppers in the Northland now have one more Aldi location to add to their list. Thursday morning hundreds of people lines up to be the first ones through the door of the new Duluth location Now it’s time to grab your quarters and dig out the eco-bags. Store representatives say the Duluth location is…

Holiday Decor Hits Store Shelves

Staff at Hermantown Menards Say it Takes Nearly Three Weeks to Set Up Holiday Displays

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Signs of the holiday season are quickly decking the isles of local Menards stores around the Northland. Staff at Hermantown Menards are in the first week of setting up displays. General Manager Tom Hanson says once patio furniture sales start to dwindle, they know it’s time to start getting shipments of holiday themed decor on the shelves….

Vision Jet Becomes Reality for Duluth Based Cirrus Aircraft

New Vision Jet by Cirrus Aircraft Proves to be Popular with Consumers

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth aircraft manufacturer, founded back in 1984, is now skyrocketing to new heights in the Northland. Cirrus Aircraft recently unveiled the company’s latest product and company officials say demand is already taking off. “There’s not a better place to be than up above the clouds,” said Matt Bergwall, Director of Cirrus’ new Vision Jet. Northlanders woke…

Chester Bowl Fall Festival to Attract Thousands

If Rain Postpones the Event, Fall Fest Would Move to Sunday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend over 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park and celebrate the changing of seasons. The 33rd Annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday morning at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if the event is postponed due to rain. They say…

Cliffs Natural Resouces to go by Old Name Again

It Will Once Again be Called Cleveland Cliffs

DULUTH, Minn.-Cliffs Natural Resources is going by its old name once again. Today they announced they will be called Cleveland Cliffs again. The name change is part of the company celebrating its 170th anniversary. “The historical name Cleveland-Cliffs is synonymous with our strong heritage, and is the perfect one for our next era of growth,” said Lourenco Goncalves, President and…

7 West Taphouse Opening Second Duluth Location Next Week

The Taphouse Has Expanded to a Location Along Maple Grove Road

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders will soon have a new location to stop for a burger and a brew in the Twin Ports. The owner of 7 West Taphouse tells FOX 21 he and his staff should be ready to open their new Duluth location Monday, August 14. Since May, crews have been busy turning the former Nevada Bob’s Golf space…

Summer Pet Apparel with A Place for Fido

Local Pet Store Offers Summer Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re tackling summertime apparel for your pets. It’s something many of us often forget about when in the water, on the sidewalk or even lounging at home. “Animals can sense the drop of the barometric pressure and we don’t even feel it,” said Ben Parents, Co-owner of A Place for Fido. Thunderstorms…

Canal Bark Expanding to Michigan Street Location

Locally Owned Canal Bark will be Opening a Facility for Dogs Early Fall of 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark is set to open their second location in Fall 2017. The local company will be expanding to a second location in the heart of downtown Duluth. Located at 211 West Michigan Street, the downtown location will offer day care and training opportunities, making caring for pets easier for downtown residents and workers. The new spot will…

Downtown Duluth Businesses Prepare for 2018 Reconstruction

A Series of Informational Meetings will Take Place, Hosted by the City of Duluth and Greater Downtown Council

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official, Superior Street in Downtown Duluth will be torn up starting in 2018. The City recently received $15 million dollars from the state bonding bill and will open bidding up in January. City officials say the project will cost nearly $23 million dollars to complete. With funding figured out, the conversation now centers on how local…

Active Adventures: HART of Duluth Walking Tour

The Duluth Expereince Now Offers a Tour of Downtown Duluth's HART District

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Experience is inviting you to step into the vibrant downtown craft scene, meet local roasters, artisans, restauranteurs and brewers looking to revitalize the HART District. The walking tour offers behind-the-scenes historical facts and future plans for the Historic Arts & Theater District. Meteorologist William Seay followed along on a tour for this week’s Active Adventures with Kyle…

Lake Superior Zoo: Five Years After the Flood

Zoo Officials Hope to Downsize, Restructure Space and Offer New Exhibits

DULUTH, Minn. – Five years have passed since major flooding washed away years of hard work and dedication at the Lake Superior Zoo. Millions of dollars are still being spent to repair and rebuild what was lost during those overnight hours. “My first response is we had a problem, we had to get things done, my staff is amazing,” said…

Business Booming at Beaver Bay Sports

For Nearly Four Decades, Beaver Bay Sports Shop Has Offered Locals and Tourists Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Summer is officially here which means business is starting to boom along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Many businesses rely on a summer rush while others have found opportunities to evolve, catering to customers year round. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by one shop doing just that. “Everybody’s getting their boats…

Friends of Animals Now Open, Seeking Donations in New Location

Donations Highly Encouraged at Friends of Animals as Humane Society Starts Fresh in New Location

CLOQUET, Minn. – After being closed for nearly one month, staff and volunteers at Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet are opening up the doors to a new location. While the excitement is high, funding is still needed to reach the final goal. Right now, there’s a kingdom of condos being built; condos housing herds of cute kittens. “We…

Getting Toasty on National Grilled Cheese Day

Locally Owned Toasty's in Duluth is Seeing a Spike in Business Since Opening a Second Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Things were getting toasty in the Northland Wednesday, and no, we’re not talking weather! Northlanders are taking part in National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, especially the staff at Toasty’s Sandwich Shop in Duluth. Owner Tom Hagen says since the opening of their second location on Superior Street, business is booming. Toasty’s is using all fresh ingredients in…

Keeping Card and Comic Collecting Alive

Collector's Connection offers a Wide Variety of Nostalgic Comics, Cards, and More

DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are the sight of baseball or Pokémon cards bring back a few childhood memories for many. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we’re taking a look at how the industry has grown as millennials move forward. “Back when I was growing up, sports cards were the big deal,” said Glen Booth, Manager at Collectors Connection in…

Duluth Pack Unveils New City Portfolio Product

The Handcrafted Bag Comes to Duluth Pack's Line of Products after Receiving Community Feedback

DULUTH, Minn. – After months of gathering community feedback, staff members at Duluth pack are excited to release their newest product for consumers to enjoy. The City Portfolio bag was developed with a lightweight, affordable style in mine. Portfolio bags already produced by Duluth Pack can run anywhere from $200 to $300 dollars. The new product costs $145 dollars. The…

U-Haul to Settle in Vacant Superior Kmart Space

The Development will Invest Six Million Dollars in the City of Superior, Adding 35 Jobs

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – After closing its doors nearly a year ago, the Superior Kmart building will soon have a new beginning. U-Haul is set to be moving into the location off Tower Avenue. The building has been on the market for over two years, and vacant for one. Florida based Kin Properties currently owns the property, but will soon finalize…

Business is Booming at Local Bait Shops

A Mid-Winter Warmup Has Not Impacted Ice Fishing, According to Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning the recent mid-winter warm-up has not impacted business at local bait shops in the Northland. Store owners at Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle, and Fisherman’s Corner tell FOX 21 it’s been the best year for ice fishing business in the past five years. It’s a passion for many, only Mother Nature can deny. “Once you’re into…

Downtown Businesses Prepare for Birkie Crowds

With Over 40,000 visitors in One Weekend, Local Eateries are Prepared for Big Business

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Thousands of skiers, fans, and followers are heading to the Hayward area this weekend, taking part in the annual American Birkebeiner tradition despite this year’s lack of snow. However, trail conditions aren’t keeping folks from enjoying cold brews, Birkie fever, and friendship. The owner of the Gridiron Pub and Grub in Downtown Hayward tells FOX 21, his…

Sticky Bun Fun With Lake Superior Bakehouse

On Tuesday, February 21, We Celebrate National Sticky Buns Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot to celebrate in the bakery world on Tuesday, February 21, 2017! The staff at Lake Superior Bakehouse stopped by the FOX 21 Tuesday morning with a few special treats to help celebrate. They say their fresh, homemade sticky buns are a top seller at the bakehouse, located at 102 West Superior Street in Duluth. National…

Busy Day for The Rose Man

Bouquets are Blowing out the Door at Duluth's Iconic Pink Place on Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. – We all know roses are red, violets can be blue, and on Tuesday, Duluth’s iconic Rose Man was a popular destination too! Those working at the popular Duluth flower shop this Valentine’s Day, say they didn’t get much sleep last night. “I just like to make sure that everyone gets what they want to come for, and…