We are mourning the loss of our dear friend, Sen. David Tomassoni, a long-time member of the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board.   

David passed away on Aug. 11 at age 69 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) complications. Following his diagnosis in 2021, he openly shared his struggles and championed legislation that provided funding for those suffering from ALS and those taking care of loved ones with the disease.

Raised in Chisholm, David went on to attend the University of Denver and play professional hockey in Italy for 16 years. He played for Italy's national hockey team in the 1984 Winter Olympics. David was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1992 and to the Minnesota Senate in 2000. He served as a senator until his passing.

David served on the IRRR Board for 29 years, several of those as board chair. He served with great enthusiasm, commitment and seriousness coupled with his wry humor. The people, businesses and communities of the Iron Range were at the forefront of every decision he made and every vote he cast. He asked questions with sincerity, respect, genuine interest and curiosity. David was quick to extend appreciation to all involved in the success of a project, whether it be related to education, infrastructure, community development or the expansion and relocation of a private business. He had a keen understanding that it is people who are responsible for the success of any project.

Our interactions with David were always special. In true Tomassoni-style, he shared a story, a smile and a chuckle. The warmth of his charisma made us feel that we matter and that anything is possible if we all work together.

Rest in peace, David. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the people of northeastern Minnesota and the Iron Range.

Ciao - until we meet again.

Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) hired Fox Advancement, a professional grant writing firm, to write grant applications for funding to develop The Forge, a 16,500-square-foot entrepreneur innovation center. Fox successfully secured over $1 million in grants from various sources:

• $750,000 – United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE).
• $150,000 – Itasca County.
• $130,000 – Itasca Community College.
• $50,000 – Arrowhead Intelligent Communities.

IEDC renovated an existing building on Airport Road in Grand Rapids to launch The Forge, a space for entrepreneurs, students, educators, instructors and area residents to learn skills for in-demand careers in the industrial sector. Incumbent workers have access to the facility to develop new skills that could lead to advancement in their current careers. The facility features equipment, tools and machinery for prototyping. Also available is consultation and professional advice from industry and business experts.

IEDC was one of 10 USDA RISE grant recipients last year. The program provides funding to support business incubator facilities and worker training in rural areas.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provided IEDC with $3,000 in Grant Writing Assistance that helped pay for Fox Advancement’s services. Preparing an effective grant proposal, identifying funding sources and navigating the application process can be costly and requires technical expertise to which small communities often do not have access. Grant Writing Assistance assists communities with the costs of preparing and applying for larger grants such as USDA RISE that produce economic growth.

“The $3,000 in Grant Writing Assistance from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation resulted in an influx of over $1 million to the Itasca area,” said Tamara Lowney, IEDC president. “We were able to hire Fox Advancement to help us apply and secure the USDA RISE grant. It gave us $750,000 to develop a facility that will be used for many years to advance workers, industries and students in northeastern Minnesota.”

The Forge is the first phase of the facility’s development. Second phase plans include further buildout and programming. A $1.1 million Minnesota Targeted Community Grant from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has been secured for the second phase.

Other Forge phase one partners include Next Career Pathways (an Itasca Area Schools Collaborative), Itasca Community College and e2ip Technologies who donated equipment.

Grant Writing Assistance is part of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation’s commitment to advancing economic growth. For information email Whitney Ridlon or call her at 218-735-3004.

Cuyuna Lakes Pickleball Association (CLPA) constructed an outdoor six-court pickleball center in Ironton. The city of Ironton provided the land located one block north of Highway 210, and the new center is now part of the city’s park system. It is the only facility of its type within a 20-mile radius of the Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood city triplex. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $25,800 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $319,870.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. (June 2021 Sport & Fitness Industry Association Report.) A lightweight solid paddle about twice the size of a ping pong paddle is used to hit a wiffle ball over the net on a court smaller than that in traditional tennis. Pickleball combines features of tennis, ping pong and badminton. Pickleball first became popular with seniors and has since expanded to adults and youth. Pickleball is taught in school as part of the physical education curriculum in most parts of the nation, including here in northeastern Minnesota.

“We are pleased that Ironton will benefit from this new state-of-the-art facility. It is a very unique attraction for both local residents and tourists,” said Brad Miller, CLPA president. “We anticipate players from the entire Brainerd Lakes region and beyond will play these courts. The traffic increase can provide a measurable positive economic impact to Ironton and nearby communities as players patronize local businesses when in town to play.”

CLPA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for healthy living, exercise, social interaction, sportsmanship and fun through the game of pickleball. The group provides education, training, special events and fundraising. CLPA offers organized leagues, general play, lessons and kids camps at Ironton and Hallett Center in Crosby.

For Culture & Tourism grant information email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022.

Spring Creek Manufacturing of Mountain Iron received national attention last month when their “Tuff” Camp Saw product was featured in season nine of The History Channel’s survival series “Alone.” The show documents the outdoor experiences of 10 participants while in isolation in remote Labrador, Canada. Each participant may take with them 10 items of their choice. The participant who endures the wilderness the longest wins $500,000.

One of the contestants, Juan Pablo Quiñonez, chose to bring Spring Creek’s “Tuff” Camp Saw. He was also carrying the saw in a Duluth Pack Folding Saw Case. The saw made appearances on two season nine episodes. Spring Creek father and son owners Tom and Grant Sega were watching “Alone” when they noticed their 30-inch Tuff Camp Saw was one of Juan Pablo’s ten chosen items. The Tuff Camp Saw is made in Mountain Iron. Tom Sega is also the owner of Duluth Pack, a 140-year old company that is nationally recognized for its iconic shell bags, travel packs and canoe packs. Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather bag manufacturer in the United States.

Pictured above are Tom and Grant Sega. Photo courtesy of the Duluth News Tribune.

Iron Range Resources supported Spring Creek Manufacturing with a bank participation loan in 2017. Spring Creek was founded in 1985 and is a manufacturer of high-quality aluminum paddle sports and industrial racks and accessories.

Congratulations Tom and Grant Sega on your success, hard work and innovation.

Watch a video of the “Tuff” Camp Saw.

Learn more about Spring Creek Manufacturing.

New and existing businesses within the agency’s service area may be eligible candidates for financial assistance packages to help with buildings, equipment, infrastructure, site work and workforce development. Email Scott Sundvall or call him at 218-735-3015 for more information.

A multi-purpose commercial space in Hibbing is available for lease. Irongate Plaza is located along the Highway 169 corridor and adjacent to a new Hampton Inn and Suites. It is situated amidst a highly-trafficked, highly visible area with a nearby Walmart Supercenter and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

There are currently four tenants in Irongate and ample room for more, including local or new businesses interested in a relocation or expansion.

Building features:

• Recently remodeled exterior.
• Multi-use light industrial space features a new roof, ample parking and high visibility.
• Two fully-built medical offices (8,400 and 7,700 square feet).

Limited time leasing incentives for qualified tenants:

• Up to one year free rent.
• $25,000 per every 10,000 square feet leased for relocation costs.
• Option to subdivide the desired square footage for a vanilla box shell (HVAC, perimeter walls, lighting, fire safety) which leasee can then design and build out.

Businesses interested in learning more about Irongate Plaza may email Janelle Greschner or call her at 218-735-3029.

View the property listing and specifications on Northland Connection.