Since learning how to make mukluks from native women in the Northwest Territories, Patti Steger has taken design, production and sales of the warm boots to international levels. With the growing success of Steger Mukluks & Moccasins, the Ely-based company is readying to open a new 9,800 square-foot manufacturing facility and warehouse.

Expanded manufacturing capabilities will allow the thriving company to increase its production of mukluks.

The boots, advertised as twice as warm and less than half the weight of traditional winter boots, have been worn by North and South Pole expeditions and used in several major movies. The boots have also been featured on television, magazines and in major newspapers.   

“We’ve been selling out of the main sizes so fast in the winter that if you don’t call and order your boots before the end of November, you had to be put on a waiting list,” said Steger. 

The expansion, along with increased efficiencies, will eventually allow the company to produce about 30,000 pair of boots per year.

Three new employees will be added to the company’s 25-member workforce. “We have a really great crew and a really positive work environment,” said Steger. “The workers have a lot of loyalty to the company and we believe in rewarding people for their loyalty and hard work.”

Read the full article.

Visit the Steger Mukluks & Moccasins website.

IRRRB assisted the Steger Mukluks & Moccasins expansion with a loan.

A new survey released last week by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) showed that Minnesota business services firms are optimistic about the state’s economy and their futures here in Minnesota. The vast majority of these businesses indicated that they expect their profits, revenues, productivity, and exports to either increase or remain stable in the coming year. Here are the highlights: 

92%  Expect Minnesota’s economy to improve or stay the same

90%  Expect Minnesota’s consumer spending to increase or stay the same

90%  Expect corporate profits in Minnesota to increase or stay the same

88%  Expect their revenues to increase or remain stable

Read the full results of this year’s survey.

DEED’s business survey comes just after CNBC announced that Minnesota is the #1 state in the nation for business. Minnesota moved into the top spot this year, after placing 6th in 2014, and 15th in 2013. 

The three-week Northern Lights Music Festival continues this week on the Iron Range by offering the romantic operetta "The Merry Widow" at three locations.

Composed in 1905, the operetta will be performed at 7 p.m., Friday, July 10 at Mesabi East School in Aurora; at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 12 at Chisholm High School Auditorium and at 7 p.m., Monday, July 13 at Washington Auditorium in Ely.

"The Merry Widow" is the story of beautiful, wealthy widow and am ambassador trying to save his country from bankruptcy. It will be sung in English with Serbian and English supertitles. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students under 18.

The June 28-July 20 Northern Lights Music Festival includes classical music operetta, solo recitals, and chamber and orchestra concerts performed by an international roster of guest artists.

Founded 11 years ago by Aurora native and concert pianist Veda Zuponcic, the classical music festival features award winning students and internationally known performers and teachers. Seven years ago, the Northern Lights Festival Opera was added to the event.

Visit the Northern Lights Music Festival website.

One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory will burst onto the Mesabi Range College stage this summer. Mesabi Musical Theatre (MMT) will present "Footloose" at the Mesabi Range College theater in Virginia July 29-31 and August 5-7 at 7 p.m., with two matinee performances on August 2 and 9 at 2 p.m.

Over 30 cast members from across the Iron Range will bring the story of Ren McCormack to life: When Ren moves to a small town where the local government has banned dancing and rock music, he leads his classmates carefully around the law and Reverend Shaw Moore to have a real senior prom.The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. 

Producer Jack Gritzmacher said, "To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, 'Footloose' celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people and guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind."

MMT is now in its tenth production season and is committed to the mission of bringing the best of Broadway to Iron Range audiences each summer. 

Get additional details and ticket information.

Giants Ridge is welcoming everyone to Bike the Ridge on Thursday nights this summer. This activity is open to bikers of all ability levels at no cost. 

Participants should meet in front of the ski chalet. Biking will be geared to participant ability level. Surfaces may include mountain bike trails, the paved Mesabi Bike Trail, and paved and gravel roadways. 

Bike the Ridge is led by Giants Ridge trained cyclist staff. Participants are required to sign a waiver and bring their own helmets and water. Email John Filander with questions or call him at 218-865-8021. The weekly event is weather dependent.

In other news, the Junior Golf Program for boys and girls ages 7 to 12 is in full swing. Participants will play games that focus on putting, short game, full swing, imagination, teamwork, competition, pace of play, etiquette, and fun. The final day of each 3-day session will be spent playing the golf course in small groups. Clubs are available to borrow at no charge. Each small group will be led by one instructor.

Cost is $89 for each 3-day session. Remaining dates are July 13-15 and August 3-5. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

To register, email Mark Haavisto or Seth Dostal or call 218-865-8030. 

If you enjoyed The Ranger, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and our new Instagram page to keep up with the latest IRRRB news!