Earlier this month, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Mark Phillips as commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). Phillips previously had served as the agency’s director of economic development from 1983 to 1988. He brings more than 25 years of leadership in development and finance to his new position. 

“I would like to thank Governor Dayton for this tremendous opportunity to serve the people of Minnesota,” said Phillips. “During the past four years, Minnesotans have seen increasing job growth and new prosperity. I am eager to work with the Governor, IRRR Board, area legislators, and private sector partners to continue this progress.” 

Phillips most recently served as director of business development at Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Prior to that, he served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), as vice president of Northeast Ventures Corporation and as director of development for Minnesota Power.

Phillips is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program within the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He also is a recipient of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s Career Achievement Award.

He and his wife Patricia have two grown children and two grandchildren.

Young adults around the Iron Range are using their voice to make positive change for the future of the region. ReGen is a new organization that focuses on making the Iron Range the best it can be for future generations. Its mission is to attract and retain young adults by enhancing a vibrant cultural and economic landscape on the Iron Range. 

According to ReGen President Kristen Vake, ReGen currently has a network of over 200 young adults and is constantly growing. She said, "The group has big plans for 2015, so stay tuned and get involved!"

To learn more, please contact Vake at Kristen.Vake@state.mn.us or 218-735-3020.

Visit the ReGen Facebook page.  

A flurry of fun activities are planned at Giants Ridge in Biwabik in the upcoming weeks. 

Mountain Explorers Camp: A Mountain Explorers Camp is being offered for beginners and intermediate level skiers and boarders to improve their skills, explore the mountain and have tons of fun with professional instructors. The three-session program is slated for Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. The camp is open to skiers ages 7-14 and boarders ages 8-14. 

Learn more about the camp.

Winter Trails Day: On Jan. 25, Giants Ridge will offer free one-day trail passes to cross country ski or snowshoe from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is a $15 value. Guests may rent skis or snowshoes in the Giants Ridge rental shop; regular rental rates apply. Please note that snowshoe trails are weather dependent.

Fantastic Friday Nights: Every Friday until March 13, Giants Ridge will offer $16 lift tickets and $16 ski rentals from 4 to 8 p.m. Tubing will be offered at 50% off, which is $7.50 per person, from 3 to 7 p.m. 

Learn more about Winter Trails Day and Fantastic Friday Nights.

A report recapping IRRRB's accomplishments over the past two fiscal years is now available. The 2013-2014 IRRRB Biennial Report highlights the results of the programs and projects in which the agency has invested. 

The report details that, as a result of IRRRB investments, businesses and communities are projected to create more than 1,735 new jobs. The agency’s $70.8 million in loan and grant investments generated a total project investment of $296.5 million. Investments in education served as a model in building the workforce of the future. 

View the Biennial Report. 

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