APEX Area Partnership for Economic Expansion

04/22/2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), blood donation helps save millions of lives each year. Vital to patients undergoing treatment for various medical conditions, a pint of blood can be truly life changing. 🩸

Help Giant Voices and Memorial Blood Centers fill the bus tomorrow—Tuesday, April 23. Schedule your blood donation here: https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72663

04/17/2024

The APEX team is attending SME Minnesota in Duluth! We’re learning about our mining past, advancements and technologies of today, and future opportunities for the industry.

Did you know the mining industry partners on recreation opportunities post-reclamation, like the Minnesota Discovery Center’s Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm, MN?

It’s cool to see our minerals extracted and put to good use, then afterward, the land reclaimed and used for enjoyment and recreation for the next generations. Great event!

04/17/2024

Did you know that nearly 40,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day to meet the needs of patients undergoing treatment in the U.S.?

Just in our region, Memorial Blood Centers requires at least 2,000 donors to keep up with local hospital demand. 🩸

Participate in Giant Voices’ upcoming mobile blood drive on Tuesday, April 23, and make a difference in a patient’s life. Find a time to donate: https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72663

04/16/2024

Last month, APEX welcomed Mickey Pearson to the team as a Business Recruiter. With nearly a decade of experience in talent acquisition and recruiting operations in a variety of industries, including start-up support, advertising and healthcare, Mickey will leverage his expertise in strategic outreach, relationship building and market analysis to attract new business and economic development across the 10-county region APEX serves.

His outgoing, forward-thinking mentality and dedication to empowering people and communities make him well-equipped to elevate the region’s economic development efforts. Join us in welcoming Mickey to APEX!

04/15/2024

The APEX team is growing! In January, we welcomed Laurie Kramka to the organization as a Project Manager, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic, housing and community development from both the private and public sectors.

Just prior to joining APEX, Laurie was a Senior Planner with St. Louis County’s Planning and Community Development Department. Her current role as Project Manager will be enhanced by her proven experience in collaborating with partners, innovating, developing and implementing a broad range of projects and programs, identifying and securing funding and other resources, coordinating stakeholder involvement and managing activities required for project completion.

Join us in welcoming Laurie to APEX!

04/09/2024

Giant Voices is calling all good-hearted people to take part in their mobile blood drive! ❤️

In partnership with Memorial Blood Centers, the mobile blood drive will take place at 212 W Superior Street on Tuesday, April 23 from 9 AM-3 PM.

Help fill the bus and give back to our community! Schedule your donation here: https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72663

04/04/2024

APEX had the opportunity to welcome the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce for their 2024 Leadership MN Alumni Event yesterday at the ALLETE, Inc. and Minnesota Power an ALLETE Company headquarters!

Rachel Johnson, APEX CEO joined Mayor Roger Reinert, City Councilor Arik Forsman and Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Baumgartner for a panel to discuss the importance of convening and collaborating with stakeholders to solve regional and community challenges.

We’re always grateful for the chance to connect, learn and grow with business leaders and trailblazers in the region at events like this, and look forward to seeing continued progress and innovation in MN.

04/03/2024

Yesterday, APEX had the pleasure of attending the DEED Small Business Resource Connection event organized by Northspan Group, Inc., Dawn and LaunchMinnesota.

Rachel Johnson, CEO of APEX, and Mickey Pearson, APEX Business Recruiter, attended the insightful gathering to learn about valuable resources available to emerging entrepreneurs and new small businesses in the region. We heard from great local and statewide organizations like Family Rise Together, Family Freedom Center, ILT Academy, Calhoun Companies and Neighborhood Development Center & Enterprise Academy, who are all working to build a more just and equitable economy.

APEX understands the challenges small businesses face, and we're thrilled to see the work of these groups dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in our community.

03/29/2024

St. Louis County submitted its RAISE Grant funding application for the Rice Lake Road Corridor Project. The proposed improvements along Rice Lake Road will increase traffic capacity, reduce traffic congestion, improve access and create safe movement for pedestrians and bikes.

These improvements will have a positive economic impact among businesses and residents alike throughout the City of Rice Lake and surrounding region.

APEX collaborated on this project by hosting a meeting that invited businesses and industry representatives to offer their valuable input. Learn more and stay tuned for the funding request outcome.

The story of creating a gateway for the City of Rice Lake, MN.

03/27/2024

APEX Investor-Member, Tracy Ramsay of Tracy Ramsay + Partners RE/MAX Results, founded NORTH Magazine Magazine earlier this year.

After attending an APEX-led meeting to address the housing crisis in Duluth and surrounding communities, she was inspired to take action. She seized the opportunity to promote the Northland and attract new investment to help drive economic growth.

NORTH Magazine is a home, style and life real estate publication that intends to help build the infrastructure needed for development by sharing the places, people and experiences that elevate our region. Download it here: https://www.northhomeandlife.com/2024-issue

03/25/2024

After an exceptional 15½ years of service to APEX and our community, we’re saying farewell to Sandy Johnson, former APEX Director of Member Relations & Administration!

We invite you to join us on May 15th for a reception celebrating Sandy and her incredible dedication and contributions to our region. Invitation details to come!

03/22/2024

As an APEX investor-member, TKDA recognizes, supports and values the importance of promoting business and economic development throughout the Northland. A trusted engineering and architecture firm, TKDA serves clients by designing new facilities and modifying and renovating existing ones.

“APEX is part of our long-term strategy for networking, information gathering, tracking emerging issues and having a voice with emerging and incoming businesses,” says Craig Bursch, PE, TKDA’s Structural Assistant Group Manager of Facilities Engineering.

Learn more about TKDA: https://www.tkda.com/