United Glass, Inc. (UG) is leasing 10,000 square feet of commercial building space in Eveleth’s Progress Park. The previously vacant space is owned by Virginia Eveleth Economic Development Authority (VEEDA). Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $16,500 Commercial Redevelopment grant to the city of Eveleth which helped pay for internal facility demolition to allow for the construction of a new drive-in loading dock located on the side of the existing building. Total project investment was $307,002.

UG was established in 1984 as a glass and glazing contractor based in Minneapolis. In addition to the Eveleth location, UG has operations in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Bolingbrook, Illinois. The company specializes in commercial glass construction with an emphasis in interior glass solutions and installations. UG focuses on the design, engineering, and installation of mall fronts, low-rise curtain walls, storefronts, commercial window replacements and high-end office tenant improvements.

UG handles large sheets of glass, and a loading dock was critical to the company’s new operation in Eveleth. The loading dock enables UG to transport the large glass pieces in and out of the building without the impact of wind and other weather elements.

“The commercial space became vacant when a long-term tenant, Nexlink, was consolidated into a large Texas-based acquisition,” said Jackie Monahan-Junek, city of Eveleth administrator. “Having United Glass lease the space and bring a new business operation to the city of Eveleth is a great economic development success. We are very pleased to welcome them to our community.”

UG has six full-time employees, and union labor is utilized on all of its projects.

Learn more about United Glass, Inc.

Email Chris Ismil or call him at 218-735-3010 for more information about Commercial Redevelopment grants.

MarJo Motel operators, Orlyn and Marit Kringstad, utilized a Business Energy Retrofit (BER) grant to upgrade the electrical system from a 100-amp to a 200-amp system to accommodate modern, energy efficient appliances and charging equipment. The electrical upgrade project included the addition of ground fault interrupter outlets (GFCI) adjacent to the entry of each motel room. The GFCI outlets provides their lodging guests traveling to northeastern Minnesota for outdoor recreation with boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, and ATVs in tow, ability to charge their small engine and vehicle batteries.

MarJo Motel is situated on the bank of East Two River at the western entry of Tower. It is a local landmark and an iconic lodging facility that first opened in 1953. Its retro architecture is a reminder of wayside motor-in hotels that populated small towns and rural America throughout the 1920s to the 1960s. The style of hotel is reminiscent of a time when cars became more affordable, America’s highway system was being constructed and family road trips “up north” became popular in Minnesota.

MarJo has eight smoke-free and handicap-friendly rooms. Each is equipped with modern conveniences such as mini-fridges, microwaves, and single-serve pod-style coffeemakers. There is private dock access, an outdoor grilling area, and internet and cable TV access. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available.

With the BER grant and their own private investment, the Kringstads made the needed improvements to the motel’s electrical system. The project resulted in energy and operational efficiencies for the small privately-owned business.

Learn more about MarJo Motel.

Email Erik Bennett at AEOA or call him at 218-322-6512 to learn more about BER.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation invests approximately $1.25 million annually into Business Energy Retrofit (BER) grants across its 13,000-square-mile service area. The grants assist business owners with energy improvements to their building that can result in reduced utility bills, improved building aesthetics and increased building life. Details about BER:

• Eligible applicants: Small businesses with 100 employees or less.
• Eligible projects: Projects related to energy efficiency including lighting and fixtures, building envelope air sealing, appliances, motors and equipment, insulation and ventilation, heating and cooling, window and door replacements and renewable energy.
• Required match per project: A business may be provided up to 1/3 of the total project cost or up to $20,000. A $500 application fee is required to participate in the program.
• Evaluation criteria: Location within a community that has been previously underserved by BER. Prior BER grant funding. Location within a downtown corridor. Leveraging of other local, state or federal funding sources such as DEED SCDP, USDA or PACE. Project readiness: (1) ready to begin within 30 days, (2) completed construction bids with prevailing wage compliancy

Since BER’s inception in 2013, over 624 grants have been awarded to help small businesses with energy efficiency upgrades that can result in reduced utility bills, improved building aesthetics and increased building life. The program is funded by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and administered through a partnership with Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA).

Watch a short two-minute video about BER grants.

“Small businesses are an imperative part of our region’s communities, workforce and economy ,” said Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. “With over 600 BER grants issued in the past ten years, the program has been an incredible resource available to small businesses owners. Our Community Development staff and the staff at AEOA can answer questions and guide owners through potential projects and the grant application process.”

Email Erik Bennett at AEOA or call him at 218-322-6512 to learn more about BER.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation funds grants through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry.

MacRostie Art Center (MAC) added a new creative and gathering space in its retail and gallery storefront. Giinawind Creative Space is the first public space in downtown Grand Rapids that features Native art and artists. It also has a small stage for poetry readings, open mic and other intimate performances. Giinawind in Ojibwe means "we/us together.” Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $5,000 Culture & Tourism grant to help pay for tables, chairs, lighting and other fixtures. Total project investment was $40,434.

Giinawind Creative Space in its first year attracted an estimated 5,500 people who attended special events and classes, viewed the exhibits and shopped local art for sale on consignment. The events with Indigenous artists and creatives included four art exhibits, three film screenings, two hands-on workshops, three artist talks, two concerts and a comedy night. Events were open to the public and provided an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to connect with Native art and culture.

“The first year of the Giinawind Creative Space was a great success,” said Katie Marshall, MAC executive director. “We worked closely with a number of different Native artists and advisors to plan and present programming.”

Giinawind met a variety of community needs. It became a rental venue for birthday parties, private meetings, and small concert hall for organizations such as the Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program. The space features a library of art books and an artist resource center with shared access to technology and equipment that can be used on site or checked out.

“We believe art is central to the quality of life and economy in northeastern Minnesota. Providing professional development opportunities for artists is a priority for MacRostie,” said Marshall. “We recognize the significant impacts that working artists have on community and economic development in the Itasca area.”

A study in 2018 by the Minnesota Citizens of the Arts confirmed the connection between art and economic development. Learn more about the economic impact of art and culture organizations and audiences in Minnesota’s Iron Range and the counties of Itasca, Lake and St. Louis.

MAC is a 50-year-old nonprofit that presents monthly exhibitions, provides art classes for all ages and supports artists through grant writing and technical assistance. The storefront where Giinawind is located is connected to their retail arm that supports local artists through a space to sell their work. It attracts tourists and local visitors throughout the calendar year.

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

A Non-Traditional Lenders Forum will share information about regional non-traditional lending sources and programs. The forum is scheduled for Friday, April 28 at the Boathouse Brewpub in Ely from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Bankers, lenders, for-profit business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend. Presenters will include: ARDC, APEX, Innovate 218, Northspan Group, Inc., Entrepreneur Fund, Great River Energy, Northland Foundation, Northland Small Business Development Center, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation and Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Lunch will be provided at this free event. 

Learn more and register.

Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability will host its annual Earth Fest celebration on Saturday, April 22 at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. This year's theme is "For the Children, For us All."

Earth Fest will feature children's activities, a local marketplace, exhibits, speakers, music and a repair cafe. Lunch will be provided by GoFigur’s. The event is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get additional details.