For 145 years, the Duluth Area
Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of business for our area. We are
1,100 members strong. The twenty-two leaders who serve on our Board of
Directors are chosen to represent our members and to advocate on our members’
behalf.
On January 28, 2014, our Board of
Directors unanimously passed a resolution to fully support and publicly
advocate for the PolyMet Mining initiative. The resolution included specific
language illustrating how the board agreed to respectfully encourage
decision-makers empowered with determining PolyMet’s future to allow this
needed project to proceed.
Two weeks ago, our Board of
Directors agreed to affirm, and restate, our full support for the PolyMet
Mining initiative. This reaffirmation included a directive to send a letter to
Governor Mark Dayton stating the Chamber’s resolute support for the PolyMet
initiative. By the time this article appears in the Duluth Budgeteer News,
Governor Dayton will have received the Chamber’s letter.
The Chamber worked hard to
establish, and now enjoys, a productive and respectful relationship with
Governor Dayton. Hopefully, Governor Dayton will appreciate hearing from a
trusted and respectful friend regarding PolyMet.
Having served our region since
Duluth was incorporated as a city in 1870, our Chamber has witnessed how hard
economic times can devastate our collective community. We, therefore, share the
pain that is experienced by our brothers and sisters on the Iron Range when the
mines are closed or operating under capacity. Consequently, the Chamber
recognizes and appreciates how several of our members have already benefited by
providing resources to PolyMet Mining as the company has worked through the
planning and approval phase of this project.
We understand that, once PolyMet
receives its permits, several more Duluth area businesses will provide services
and product to the Polymet initiative. The positive economic impact will exponentially
grow when construction and mining begin. Additionally, our board appreciates
how strategic metals mining will have a positive impact on local tax revenue
and education funding.
In summary, the Chamber stands in
solidarity with other advocates who support the PolyMet initiative. We understand
and appreciate how the mining of resources in Northeastern Minnesota will
generate thousands of new jobs for our neighbors from throughout the region.
We encourage Governor Dayton, and
other decision-makers, to allow this needed, beneficial project to proceed.
