The atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm and optimism at the inaugural State of the Range event held at the Giants Ridge Event Center in Biwabik on Sept. 19. This uplifting evening highlighted the Range of Possibilities for northland communities. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Commissioner Ida Rukavina delivered a compelling State of the Range address to more than 160 attendees.

Tony Sertich, president/chief executive officer of the Northland Foundation, served as the emcee for the evening, and guest speakers, Rep. Spencer Igo, chair of the IRRR Advisory Board, Kristen Vake, executive director of the Iron Mining Association and Beth Pierce, executive director of the Iron Range Tourism Bureau, shared insightful updates. 

A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the agency's Range of Possibilities video, featuring IRRR's mission and service area, as well the wealth of resources and opportunities available in the region.

Watch the Range of Possibilities video.

The evening also included ample opportunities for networking and engaging conversations about the future of the region.

The groundbreaking event featured remarks from IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina, Biwabik City Administrator Jeff Jacobsen, Giants Ridge General Manager - Guest Services Fred Seymour, IRRR Board Member and State Rep. Roger Skraba and Aurora Mayor Doug Gregor. The groundbreaking drew approximately 40 attendees, including local leaders, IRRR Board members, contractors and community residents.

Giants Ridge is a major economic development driver in northeastern Minnesota with an annual economic impact of more than $55 million. This premier recreational destination draws in tens of thousands of visitors each year from Minnesota, across the United States and Canada, while also enriching the quality of life for those living in the surrounding areas.

Small business owners Jeff and Alena Baker purchased Chisholm Laundry earlier this year, remodeled the facility and added new state-of-the-art commercial laundry machines. The laundromat originally opened in 1995 and is located in Chisholm’s downtown area. IRRR supported the project with a Business Energy Retrofit (BER) grant that helped pay for the new laundry machines.

The Bakers made plumbing and electrical upgrades to the facility. They added top and front single load washers, triple load washers, 30-pound capacity dryers, a change machine, drink and snack vending machines, free Wi-Fi, TV and a public restroom.

When they moved to Chisholm six years ago, the Bakers took note that the community had several small businesses opening. Jeff and Alena grew up in northeastern Minnesota, and they began to entertain the concept of becoming small business owners. They eventually purchased Chisholm Laundry, which had been closed for about two years.

Jeff and Alena utilized the help of the Chisholm Economic Development Authority (EDA) storefront improvement program to help pay for new exterior signage and paint. They also contacted The Entrepreneur Fund for general guidance in owning a small, local business.

“Without the assistance from the BER grant, we wouldn’t have been able to upgrade our facility prior to opening,” said Jeff. “Not only do our customers love the new equipment, but they’re more environmentally friendly as well reducing the amount of power and water that we consume.” 

Learn more about Chisholm Laundry.

Since BER’s inception in 2013, over 690 grants combined 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. BER grants are awarded in amounts up to $20,000. The program is funded by IRRR and administered through a partnership with Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA).

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

Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) brought Broadway to the Boundary Waters this past summer, marking the program’s second year in the Ely area. There were three musicals, two youth theatre camps and nine concerts. Professionals from across the country took part in the productions and camps alongside local artists. IRRR supported the project with a $10,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $92,645.

During the summer, the program served 5,550 individuals through the shows, camps and free concerts in the park. An estimated 50 youth participants worked and trained alongside professionals. There were also talent and technician job opportunities filled by local artists.

“Broadway in the Boundary Waters strengthened the local art ecosystem by providing access to high-quality arts experiences,” said Ian Lah, NLLA executive artistic director. “Our productions of Bright Star, Into the Woods, The Last Five Years and Finding Nemo Kids were pivotal in creating vibrant cultural opportunities for the community.”

NLLA received very positive audience feedback related to the performance quality, design and lighting.

“Even in remote communities, performing arts can cultivate world-class artistic talent. We don't have to sacrifice cultural excellence to live in a wilderness edge community,” said Lah. “The cast of Bright Star was especially praised with one audience member commenting that the cast and production was worthy of a stage in a large metropolitan area.”

NLAA is a local nonprofit that has supported high quality arts experiences year-round in Ely and surrounding area since 1986. It hosts youth art experiences and camps; music, dance and theatre performances; and, classes and workshops.

Learn more about Northern Lakes Arts Association.

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

Field Township was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Northern St. Louis County Trails Task Force to develop the nature area at the North Woods School Forest. North Woods School is part of Independent School District 2142. The township and school together manage over 84 acres of land located north of Cook. The grant helped pay for land surveying work and development of rough trails geared towards older students. The nature area compliments the school’s science, technology, arts, environmental studies and physical fitness classes.

"The teachers have a lot of great ideas for using the outdoor classroom and even have classes geared towards that," said Pat Chapman, Field Township clerk. "The shop class is making signs identifying trees and plants in English and the Ojibwe language. There is a lot of potential for this to be a great learning environment plus a place of refreshing and solitude."

Future plans include the completion of a wood mulch or gravel trail system with a pavilion, benches, bridges and permanent amenities such as a handicap-accessible restroom.

The Northern St. Louis County Trails Task Force grant program was funded at $100,000 by IRRR in fiscal year 2024 and is administered by the Task Force and Iron Range Tourism Bureau (IRTB). They utilize the funding to award grants of $10,000 and less to projects that foster the development of recreational trails and facilities in Northern St. Louis County.

Email Jim Plummer or call him at 218-274-7006 for IRRR Regional Trails grant information. Email Beth Pierce or call her at 218-749-8161 for Task Force information.

An E-waste Expo and Collection Event is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 in Mountain Iron. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mountain Iron Community Center, offers a convenient opportunity to recycle e-waste and also will feature fun and educational activities. 

Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability is hosting the event in conjunction with IRRR. St. Louis County Environmental Services, Recycling Electronics for Climate Action and Global Ewaste Solutions. 

Get event details.

The Arrowhead Coalition of Trails (ACT) is an initiative to unify the trail systems of the Arrowhead region, preparing clubs, communities and partners to capitalize on the major trail investments made in the area. ACT is hosting a meeting to celebrate trails, trail amenities and the people who make them happen. Attendees can expect the following: 

• Hear the results of recent user surveys at Giants Ridge, Tioga and Redhead Mountain Bike Park.
• Learn about the results of an economic impact report about ATV use in northeastern Minnesota. 
• Find out the impact of advertising on Mesabi Trail inquiries and use.
• Share upcoming projects relating to outdoor recreation in or around area communities.
• Be involved in charting a course for the future of trails in the region.
• Network with trail builders, land managers and community leaders.

The meeting is set for Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Coffee, pastries and lunch will be provided. Contact Beth Pierce at 218-749-8161 with any questions.

Learn more and register today.

The Greater Minnesota Small and Disadvantaged Business Opportunities Council Government Procurement Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24 at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. This 20th annual event, which focuses on selling products and services to the government, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend.

The fair will provide an opportunity for small businesses to learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace. A trade show will be open throughout the day, and there will be eight workshops in two tracks from which to choose. There also will be an opportunity to visit with more than 20 representatives from state and federal government agencies, large businesses and resource providers. IRRR is an exhibitor at the event.

The procurement fair is free and open to all businesses, but registration is required.

Register for the procurement fair.