|
Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,
I’ve been enjoying the last vestiges of warm weather and I hope you have too!
Earlier this week, we celebrated Veterans Day. This time of year provides many moments to reflect and be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Thank you to the men and women who serve, past and present, and sacrifice so much to fight for our country. God bless the USA!
LIUNA in Lino Lakes
It was amazing to check out the Laborers Training Center in Lino Lakes. Thank you to Dean Mills, Director of Training and Apprenticeship for LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, for hosting such a thorough tour. The scale of the facility and the quality of the equipment show a real commitment to workforce development. Training here covers safety, environmental standards, and advanced trade skills, all taught through hands-on learning with integrated classroom time as well. This is exactly the kind of investment that prepares workers for strong careers. I look forward to coming back when classes are in full session next year!
|
|
MITI Forum
The 2025 MITI Forum, organized by the Natural Resources Research Institute, brought together a strong mix of industry experts, local leaders, and policymakers to talk about the future of Minnesota’s manufacturing and mining sectors. The discussions covered everything from innovation in iron production to the vital role of emerging precious metals projects in meeting modern demands. It was a productive event filled with valuable insights and collaboration. I appreciate everyone who helped make it possible and thank Representative Wayne Johnson for joining in the important conversation.
|
|
I also had the opportunity to tour Mesabi Metallics with Rep. Johnson. It had been a number of months since my last visit and it was great to see the progress. Thank you to the Mesabi team for a warm welcome and a informative tour! |
|
Iron Mining Association Meeting and Dinner
The Iron Mining Association’s annual meeting and dinner was last week. United States Steel’s Kevin Lewis gave an insightful keynote that reflected the priorities and challenges of our industry. The Minnesota Discovery Center was a great host, and the evening offered valuable conversations with those at our table, including colleagues from Iron Range Resources, Senator Rob Farnsworth and his wife Jamie, and my wife Maria. It was also a fitting time to remember Roy Smith, whose impact on the Range and the mining community will be long remembered and dearly missed.
|
|
Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald
Maria and I had the privilege of attending a moving commemoration marking 50 years since the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald and its 29 crew members. Congressman Pete Stauber led a thoughtful program that honored their memory, with special remarks from former WDIO anchor Dennis Anderson and others who reflected on that tragic day. It was an evening of remembrance and community, and I was glad to reconnect with Sherri and Charlie Fedora, two wonderful people with ties to the Iron Range city of McKinley. The Fedora’s will be celebrating 59 years of marriage in December – happy (early) anniversary to you!!
|
|
Iron Range Economic Alliance Meeting
Senator Farnsworth, Rep. Spencer Igo and I joined members of the Iron Range Economic Alliance at the Mineland Reclamation Building in Chisholm this week for a lively discussion about the future of economic growth on the Range. This organization plays an important role in connecting leaders, industries, and communities to create real opportunities across northeast Minnesota. I appreciated the chance to share updates from the Legislature and to hear firsthand about the progress being made in local development efforts. A big thanks to everyone involved for the energy, ideas, and collaboration that keep our region moving forward.
Medtronic Tour
Yesterday, Maria and I were able to take a tour of Medtronic in Brooklyn Park, and it was impressive to see firsthand how far the company has come. What started decades ago as a small Minnesota venture has evolved into a global operation known for life-changing medical technology and a massive workforce dedicated to improving patient care. Standing inside a facility that drives so much innovation was a strong reminder of the kind of homegrown success Minnesota can cultivate when we back research, support talent, and create room for world-class companies to keep building here.
Visiting the Minnesota History Center
With a short break in our schedule, Maria and I stopped in at the Minnesota History Center for a peek. We checked out the Iron Range display in the ‘Then and Now’ gallery and took in the special exhibit on Julia Child. Both were well done, and the visit was a good reminder of how much there is to see and learn in that building. If you find yourself in St. Paul, it’s worth the stop.
Taking a Tour of Dem-Con
We also spent part of the afternoon in Shakopee for a tour of Dem-Con, a construction landfill and recycling operation that has plans for renewable natural gas production, through a public and private partnership, that harnesses the power of...food waste? Yes, food waste! Their team walked us through the digester process and the broader impact of their work. Many thanks to Bill and the rest of the staff for both a great tour and your hospitality.
Rahr Malting and Koda Energy in Shakopee
We wrapped up our day of tours at Koda Energy in Shakopee, which was a solid look at practical innovation. The plant uses biomass from grain by-products and wood material to generate power, and its partnership with Rahr Malting Co. makes the whole operation an efficient cycle of production and re-use. Touring both facilities gave a clear picture of how local industry can turn waste streams into real energy solutions. It also brought to mind the great work being done at Hibbing Public Utilities in burning wood scrap for energy production. It was great to tour with Representative Wayne Johnson and Representative Ben Bakeberg - thank you to Rahr & Koda Energy for hosting us all!
|
|
Please Contact Me
Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. The best method is to use my email – I am rarely near the office phone, but that number is 651.296.0170 and you can try me there too.
Have a great weekend!
|
|
|
|
