The meeting came as Japan's largest steelmaker, Nippon Steel, continues integrating U.S. Steel following its 2025 acquisition of the company. Because Keetac plays an important role in U.S. Steel's Minnesota mining operations, JETRO requested the opportunity to tour the facility and meet with regional economic development leaders to gain a broader understanding of the Iron Range's economy, business climate and regional economic development priorities. U.S. Steel hosted the tour of its Keetac Minnesota Ore Operations.

Following the tour, JETRO officials shared an overview of their organization, which promotes trade and investment between Japan and the United States through a network of six U.S. offices, including its Chicago office. Commissioner Ida Rukavina and IRRR staff then provided an overview of the agency's mission, programs and strategic investments, highlighting how the agency partners with businesses, communities and other organizations to strengthen the regional economy.

The discussion also highlighted the longstanding economic relationship between Japan and the United States. Japan is the largest foreign investor country in the U.S., with a record level of $819.2 billion in direct investment in 2024, and Japanese-owned companies support more than 574,500 U.S.-based manufacturing jobs, including nearly 8,000 in Minnesota.

That partnership is reflected within the IRRR service area, where Japanese companies Yanmar and Komatsu operate. Both companies have received IRRR financial assistance to help expand operations and create jobs in northeastern Minnesota.

The meeting concluded with a conversation about strengthening relationships between Japan and the Iron Range while identifying opportunities to encourage future business investment and economic growth throughout the region.

The Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services hosted a fire hall dedication ceremony last month honoring their fellow firefighters who decades ago organized the department and acquired the building, formerly occupied by a private business. A plaque with the names of the original department members was installed in the fire hall. Some of those listed were present at the event, while others have passed away.

Current and former firefighters, township residents and Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Director of Community Development Whitney Ridlon were at the ceremony.

Event organizers recognized IRRR for helping fund the building’s acquisition 32 years ago and, more recently, for a $64,375 Public Works grant to Clinton Township. The grant funded security, accessibility and energy-efficiency improvements at the fire hall and community center, including upgrades to entrances, exits and the parking lot.

Jim Theodore is the current fire chief and explained that the ceremony was a way to salute former members who paved the way for the current department.

Located on Highway 37, the fire hall serves Clinton Township and surrounding communities. The township has nearly 1,000 residents, and the department responds to emergency calls throughout the Taconite Assistance Area.

Established as a nonprofit in 1968, the department has 18 volunteer members certified in structural firefighting, wildland firefighting and emergency medical services. Its fleet includes two structural engines, two wildland engines and a J5 Bombardier.

Learn more about Clinton Township.

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

Pictured, top right: Former Clinton Fire Chief Allan vonBrethorst holds the dedication plaque.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Climate and Energy Policy Advisor Jason Janisch participated in the Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI) Forum in St. Paul, where he joined representatives from Mesabi Metallics, MagIron and NewRange Copper Nickel for a panel discussion on advanced iron, steel and critical materials. IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina and Director of Workforce Development & Legislative Liaison Kyle Lamppa also attended the forum.

The University of Minnesota Duluth's Natural Resources Research Institute moderated the panel, which focused on the policies, infrastructure, workforce and partnerships needed to strengthen Minnesota's industrial future.

Learn more about the MITI Forum.

The city of Babbitt made improvements to its community recreation areas. An existing playground park was renovated with new equipment and pathways, the adjacent skate park was redesigned and rebuilt, and both areas were made ADA accessible. New trash receptacles were added throughout the parks and city. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $30,000 Culture & Tourism grant to the city of Babbitt. Total project investment was $288,268.

The city partnered with the Northeast Range School shop class to redesign and rebuild the skate park, enabling the students to gain hands-on learning experience.

The parks are centrally located in Babbitt and directly across from the city’s primary commercial and retail area. The recreation area draws people of all ages and offers a shelter and picnic tables.

According to city officials, since making the improvements the popularity and use of the parks has far exceeded their expectations.

In 2023, Babbitt opened a new 22-acre campground complex with 49 new campsites for recreational vehicles and tent campers at Birch Lake Recreation Area. The Recreation Area had existing amenities such as a swimming beach, picnic area, beach house, two docks and a concrete public boat landing ramp.

The campground has increased visitor traffic, and the enhanced parks provide another valuable amenity for tourists and for Babbitt’s approximate 1,500 residents.

Learn more about the city of Babbitt.

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

Note: IRRR provided previous grants to Babbitt to support the campground development.

A new educational exhibit was installed at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, focusing on the Anishinaabe people that have lived in the region for centuries. Videos of family stories and displays from current Anishinaabe artists are included within the exhibit. Local Anishinaabe consultants assisted the project team to ensure accuracy.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $30,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $260,000.

Under a special use permit through the United States Forest Service, the Gunflint Trail Historical Society (GTHS) operates the facility which is located on 50 acres in Cook County at the end of the Gunflint Trail on Saganaga Lake. The campus includes five exhibit buildings and over five miles of hiking trails. The museum presents the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail, from its prehistoric beginnings to the development of today’s rural community.

The museum campus is 60 miles from the nearest town of Grand Marais. Even with its remote location, it draws over 9,000 paid visitors each year and many others who explore the free hiking trails. The Chik-Wauk Lodge, now the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Learn more about Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.

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

Giants Ridge, voted as Minnesota’s best ski resort, will offer free skiing to kids 12 and younger during the 2026-27 winter season. The initiative is designed to make skiing more accessible and affordable for families across Minnesota and the Midwest.

There will also be free night skiing every Thursday from 4-8 p.m., giving local families another low-cost opportunity to enjoy the slopes under the lights for weeknight outings and after-school adventures.

The two new initiatives reinforce Giants Ridge’s long-standing commitment to family-friendly outdoor recreation – an idea rooted in the facility’s origins. First developed in the late 1950s by local Iron Range families who cleared the original runs themselves, Giants Ridge was founded on the belief that skiing should be accessible to the community and future generations.

“As we look back at how Giants Ridge began, it’s clear that affordability and access have always been at the heart of this place,” said Duane Stutzman, general manager of Giants Ridge operations for Guest Services, Inc., the company that manages Giants Ridge for Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR). “Offering free skiing for kids is a true step toward delivering on that original promise and ensuring that more families can enjoy time together outdoors.”

By focusing on affordability, accessibility and authentic outdoor experiences, Giants Ridge continues to build on its legacy as a community-driven destination and a leader in Midwest skiing.

“These initiatives are about removing barriers and creating more moments for families to connect,” Stutzman added. “Whether it’s a child’s first run or a quick evening on the hill after work and school, we want Giants Ridge to be the easiest and most welcoming place to make those memories.”

Located near Biwabik on Minnesota's Iron Range, Giants Ridge features 35 downhill trails across 202 skiable acres for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. There are 60 kilometers of Nordic ski trails, a terrain park, tubing park, mountain biking, two championship golf courses and the new Pool & Sauna Haus.

Learn more about Giants Ridge season passes and winter programming.

Giants Ridge is owned by IRRR and managed by Guest Services, a hospitality management company in the U.S. since 1917. Investments by IRRR into the Giants Ridge amenities and infrastructure support the facility’s significant annual economic impact of roughly $55 million.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) welcomed business, community and nonprofit leaders to its annual Business & Community Development Resources Workshops on July 14. The workshops were well attended, with participants joining both in person at the Mineland Reclamation building in Chisholm and virtually.

The annual workshops provided an overview of the agency's grants, loans and technical assistance programs available to businesses, communities, Tribal governments and nonprofits located within the Taconite Assistance Area. Participants learned about available funding opportunities, asked questions and connected directly with IRRR staff.

Presentations highlighted the agency's wide range of business and community development resources, along with examples of projects supported through IRRR programs. Business Development staff discussed financing options for businesses, including loans and loan guarantees, while Community Development staff outlined grant opportunities that support public infrastructure, housing, industrial parks, downtown revitalization, community facilities and other local development projects.

IRRR derives its funding from the Taconite Production Tax, reinvesting those dollars into business, community and workforce development projects that strengthen northeastern Minnesota.

Learn more about IRRR programs: 

• Business assistance.
• Grant opportunities.

Did you know? Eligible applicants may qualify for multiple IRRR grant programs for a single project. Agency staff are available to help identify funding opportunities and discuss project eligibility.