tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121795782024-03-14T01:08:11.903-07:00Duluth Area Chamber of CommerceDavid Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-23038344665088201372016-05-02T09:07:00.005-07:002016-05-02T09:07:33.823-07:00Leadership Duluth Remains Strong <div style="background-color: white; color: #333227; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt;">
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The Chamber's decision to initiate Leadership Duluth in 1987 has stood the test of time. The initiative remains vibrant and beneficial twenty-nine years later.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Leadership Duluth came about as a result of the Chamber and the Junior League of Duluth recognizing that our community's collective leadership capacity will determine our community's future. The City of Duluth continues to face numerous, concurrent challenges. How well we face these challenges is largely dependent upon the knowledge, awareness and abilities of our future community leaders. This realization is the sustaining motivation driving Leadership Duluth.</span></div>
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The initiative identifies current and emerging leaders and provides them information about our community's issues and opportunities. This is done while promoting communication among leaders and increasing their engagement in our community. This results in leaders who are knowledgeable about our city and committed to its positive future.</div>
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I am a graduate of Leadership Duluth, Class of 1991. I experienced how the program assists emerging leaders in our personal and professional development. I witnessed how Leadership Duluth matched our skills and interests with the needs of our beloved community. It was remarkable how effectively the program improved communication among civic, business, volunteer and educational leaders. My classmates and I benefited from a broadened leadership perspective which prepared us to give more of ourselves to our Zenith City.</div>
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Leadership Duluth is the gift that keeps giving. The Chamber will soon graduate the program's Class of 2016. These forty-eight graduates are now a part of a new community resource - a powerful group of leaders with the motivation and the ability to direct important community activities.</div>
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Consider the compounding positive influence the 1,023 graduates of Leadership Duluth are having on our community. These graduates have gained an expanded understanding of our remarkable community. They understand what makes it work, its strengths, its weaknesses and what needs to be done.</div>
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Please consider whether you are ready to invest in your community, in your business, and in yourself utilizing Leadership Duluth as a catalyst for this growth and investment. Applications are available on the Chamber's website, <a alt="http://duluthchamber.com," href="http://duluthchamber.com%2C/" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: black;" target="_blank" track="on">duluthchamber.com,</a> or contact Martha Bremer at<a alt="http://undefinedmbremer@duluthchamber.com" href="http://undefinedmbremer@duluthchamber.com/" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: black;" target="_blank" track="on">mbremer@duluthchamber.com</a>. Applications will be accepted until June 23, 2016. </div>
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In support,</div>
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David </div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </div>
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David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-77972207094264298242016-04-04T06:51:00.001-07:002016-04-04T06:51:20.282-07:00A Collaborative Local Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Elected officials are accustomed to
multiple competing special interest groups concurrently lobbying them on behalf
of individual state bonding requests. Most often, these interest groups have
opposing and conflicting requests of these elected officials. There are old,
tired rivalries: business versus labor, and government versus private sector,
which elected officials must navigate during each legislative session.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Imagine how atypical and how encouraging
it was for our elected officials to witness the collaborative effort recently
embraced at our Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol gathering.</span></div>
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On March 23<sup>rd</sup>, 470 of
our brothers and sisters from St. Louis County gathered at the Capitol to host 85
State Legislators, and their staff members, for an evening reception. Showcased
at the reception were 54 exhibits which highlighted various projects and
initiatives from throughout beautiful St. Louis County. It was an enjoyable way
to educate our elected officials regarding our region’s bonding requests, as
well as our shared accomplishments.</div>
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The following morning, 270 of your
neighbors gathering for a breakfast program that included remarks from:
Governor Dayton, Senator Tom Bakk, Mayor Emily Larson, Representative Jason
Metsa, Senator Roger Reinert, County Commissioner Steve Raukar and Duluth City
Council President Zack Filipovich.</div>
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These elected officials expressed
their collective appreciation for the collaborative approach employed by
participants involved in Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol. Our
requests for state bonding were cooperatively made from one source – community
and business leaders from St. Louis County.</div>
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It was readily apparent at the
Capitol that Duluth and St. Louis County are committed to working together, as
well as with our partners in St. Paul. We recognize that a strong Duluth is
good for St. Louis County, just as a strong St. Louis County is good for all of
Minnesota.</div>
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We ended our time at the Capitol by
thanking our state partners for their past support. Our region was been
abundantly successful generating state bonding support for local projects. Our
collaborative appeal for additional state bonding is reason to look forward to
positive outcomes this legislative session. <o:p></o:p></div>
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David Ross <o:p></o:p></div>
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President</div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Duluth Area Chamber </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-913502343996640952016-03-07T06:29:00.003-08:002016-03-07T06:29:58.192-08:00Advocating for Developers <div style="background-color: white; color: #333227; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt;">
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Two years ago, the Chamber set out to more fully understand the experiences developers encountered when they moved projects through the City of Duluth's Planning & Construction Services Department. We subsequently interviewed individuals who had shepherded building and expansion projects through City Hall. </div>
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It was an education. We learned much about what went well and what was problematic. We shared our findings with the City's leadership team. We conveyed this detail in the spirit of providing these decision</div>
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-makers the candid feedback they needed to champion additional positive change within the City's review and approval process.</div>
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This story has a happy ending. We were able to affirm the increasing number of positive encounters experienced by developers. This article is one way that we are concurrently heralding the City's successful efforts to improve its process for advancing projects through its approval, licensing and inspection protocol.</div>
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The City's and Chamber's shared, ultimate goal is to enhance the likelihood that future building projects will be reviewed amid a more predictable and encouraging process.</div>
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There is more good news. Additional Chamber members from the: contracting, engineering, architecture, commercial realty and property management communities will soon share their experiences in moving projects through the City's approval process.</div>
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Mayor Larson; Heather Rand, the City's new Director of Economic Development; and Keith Hamre, the City's Director of Planning and Construction Services have graciously arranged to meet with these developers. We will meet in March. </div>
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I applaud Mayor Larson and her talented team for welcoming feedback from these customers, served by the City's Planning & Construction Services Department. The insight they gain will be helpful as they lead the planned update of the City's 2006 Comprehensive Plan and the City's 2011 Unified Development Code.</div>
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The Chamber's leadership will continue to partner with Mayor Larson's team to communicate to our community that Duluth is a business-friendly place to advance development projects that will enhance our Zenith City. </div>
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In support,</div>
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David </div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </div>
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David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-43379649135971502432016-02-11T08:46:00.002-08:002016-02-11T08:46:25.749-08:00An Ideal Place to Play Hockey<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img align="right" border="0" height="154" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.3064" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/d5b9bb1b-d073-403c-9df3-ab81a3a3ad2d.jpg" v:shapes="_x0000_s1026" vspace="5" width="232" /><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><!-- </img> -->The tenth annual Hockey
Day Minnesota Celebration, held this past weekend, was the Celebration's
finest, boldest and most picturesque. Our beloved City of Duluth was the host
site for this year's Celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">I applaud Fox Sports North for selecting Duluth as the site to
celebrate the sport of hockey. Their decision made sense since Duluth has
embraced organized outdoor hockey since the 1890's.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Duluth has a rich hockey tradition that generated statewide
enthusiasm for having Hockey Day Minnesota 2016 hosted in our Zenith City on
the Hill. What other Minnesota city hosted hockey games played on the ice cover
of the Greatest of the Great Lakes? What other Minnesota city built a massive
brick and stone structure in 1912 to house twelve curling rinks on the first
floor and a hockey arena on the second floor? Our Duluth Curling Club was the
predecessor to the grand hockey arenas of today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Duluth was established in 1856. It became a city in 1870. Its
colorful history provided ample material for every intermission of every game
televised as a part of Hockey Day Minnesota.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Duluth is enjoying a nationally recognized renewal. It is an
inspiring and heart-warming story of a community that rose from the ashes of
hard economic times. Our community is a model for the revitalization of an industrial,
blue collar town. More compelling still is how our community supported
the sport of hockey throughout the most challenging of these economic
times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"> We are a community that comes together around our love for
hockey. We enjoy a collaborative environment wherein business leaders join
hands and hearts with civic leaders and youth hockey leaders to move our hockey
community forward. Hockey Day organizers witnessed this powerful collaborative
effort while we proudly hosted a day dedicated to celebrating a sport that is
so much a part of our collective past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Duluth Area Chamber is 1,140 members strong. We have been
lifting up our beloved community since 1870. Our members have actively
supported youth hockey since it began in the late 1890's.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Congratulations to the volunteers who convinced Fox Sports North
to choose Duluth as the site of the Celebration. Congratulations, as well, to
the many volunteers who hosted the thousands of visitors who enjoyed this ideal
place to play hockey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In support,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">David <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">David Ross, President & CEO </span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-25349758834790255952016-01-21T07:50:00.002-08:002016-01-21T07:51:11.781-08:00Continuing a Long Partnership<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
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<strong><span style="color: #5d5c56; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "sans-serif";">Continuing a Long
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Our Chamber recently
celebrated its 145th year of service to our beloved community. This fact, along
with the election of Mayor Emily Larson, has me pondering the inextricable
connection and collaboration that exists between the Chamber and the City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">The City and the Chamber were incorporated in the same year.
Consider for a moment how many Duluth mayors the Chamber's leadership has
partnered with since our shared start in 1870. Let's suppose that each mayor
served an average of eight years. This would have the Chamber's leadership
working in partnership with eighteen mayors over the past 145 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Most recently, it has been my privilege to work with four of these eighteen
mayors: Mayors Doty, Bergson, Ness and Larson. Each mayor brings to the
leadership position his or her unique set of skills, interests and convictions.
The Chamber enjoyed a positive and constructive working relationship with Mayor
Doty, Mayor Bergson and Mayor Ness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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It is understandable that we anticipate enjoying and benefiting from a positive
partnership with Mayor Elect Larson. In a recent Duluth News Tribune editorial,
Mayor Larson expressed that Duluth's future depends on applying a collective
determination to meet the needs and opportunities of being a changing city. She
indicated that neighborhoods and organizations need to work together to create
Duluth's path to prosperity. Well said, Mayor Larson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Duluth clearly is advancing briskly and purposefully on our shared path to
prosperity. Yet, Duluth's success has been hard fought. It has required the
dogged determination, perseverance and unshakable optimism displayed by those
Duluthians who have gone before us. They advanced our Zenith City during times
when our community's path to prosperity was far less clear, and when it was far
more difficult to traverse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The sun is bright and high above Duluth's magnificent ridgeline. The wind
rolling in off the Greatest of the Great Lakes is at our back. Employment is at
a record high. Investment in Duluth is at a record high. Duluth's positive
reputation as an enchanted place is being embraced across the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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145 years of our foremothers and forefathers preparing the way for us has
brought us to this ideal position. Their shared collaborative effort has us
here. It is wise to press forward while honoring this collaborative spirit. The
Chamber intends to do precisely this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">We will embrace our partnership with our talented new mayor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In support, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" src="http://files.ctctcdn.com/97b2cf13001/a9c108f4-c013-4923-98c7-d669f26e7d14.gif" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" width="85" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">David Ross, President & CEO </span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-65253152918888034912015-12-14T08:04:00.000-08:002016-01-07T08:04:45.759-08:00Thank You, Jeff Foster<!--[if !mso]>
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<img align="right" height="251" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2517" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/8566950e-444d-4902-af5d-479fcc1c7000.jpg" vspace="5" width="191" /><span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Our community's ability to retain its
vibrancy depends, in part, on our capacity to offer an appealing place in which
to live. We must continue to impress Duluthians and attract newcomers to our
beloved Shining City on the Hill.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">One way Duluth can remain enticing is by offering citizens and
visitors vistas and structures that embody community pride and optimism for the
future. The Lakewalk is such a place. The AMSOIL Arena is such a building.
Bayfront Park and, now, Pier B, are such places.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Unfortunately, the former composite board manufacturing plant,
which is often referred to as the Superwood Plant, is not such a place. The
site has been dormant since Georgia-Pacific shuttered it in 2012. This
abandoned 19 acre manufacturing site is on full display for travelers on
Interstate 35 who pass within a few feet of the property.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">This dormant, darkened manufacturing site has been the
antithesis of what a vibrant community should display. It has been an unwelcome
reminder of the hardship and decline that occurred within our community in the
1970's, when unemployment reached 16%. This is when manufacturing plants,
located in Duluth, were routinely left to decay. U.S. Steel closed its doors in
1971. Other manufacturing businesses in our western neighborhoods also boarded
up windows and went dark.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">The vacant Georgia Pacific site is to Duluth what Jacob Marley
was to Ebenezer Scrooge - the Ghost of Christmas Past. Yet, the story of <i>A
Christmas Carol</i>, written by Charles Dickens, has a triumphant, happy
ending. So, too, does the story of the unoccupied Georgia Pacific site.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">A few weeks ago, the Duluth News Tribune notified our community
that Jeff Foster, the owner of Jeff Foster Trucking, purchased the Georgia
Pacific site. This is energizing and uplifting news.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jeff Foster is a community treasure who, for decades, has
brought investment, jobs and optimism to our Twin Ports. He is a hometown kid
who, because of this hard work, guts and tenacity, has become a wildly
successful business owner. Jeff will make a glory of the site. We can look
forward to seeing activity, jobs and investment returning to this land of
opportunity.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">So, the next time we are driving on Interstate 35, and pass by
what is now the Jeff Foster site, let's tip our hat, or our winter cap, to Jeff
Foster. He is our neighbor and friend who is investing his time and treasure in
revitalizing this industrial site. Thank you, Jeff Foster.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In support, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/a9c108f4-c013-4923-98c7-d669f26e7d14.gif" width="85" /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">David Ross, President
& CEO </span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-33556619411349941572015-11-17T08:48:00.001-08:002015-11-17T08:50:22.982-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color: purple;">Standing in Support of PolyMet Mining</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">We encourage Governor Dayton, and
other decision-makers, to allow this needed, beneficial project to proceed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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</span></div>
<br />
In support,<br />
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<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/a9c108f4-c013-4923-98c7-d669f26e7d14.gif" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" width="85" /></div>
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<br />
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<br />
<div style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: none; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">David Ross, President & CEO</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-7339589229992784262015-09-21T07:30:00.000-07:002015-10-01T07:30:23.575-07:00Join us at the Candidate Forums<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">
<div>
We are in the height of Duluth's political calendar. The primary
election polling occurred last Tuesday. The general election ballot will
be taken November 3rd. At this time of year, hardly a day goes by
without someone asking me, "Who is the Chamber endorsing for mayor?"<br /></div>
<div>
Their questions afford me an opportunity to inform them that the
Chamber does not endorse candidates. Rather, we provide opportunities
for our members to get to know the candidates and to better understand
candidate positions on issues important to our business community. Our
role is one of educating and informing, rather than specific candidate
endorsement.</div>
<div>
<br />With this as our motivation, we are excited to host timely, convenient and respectful Candidate Forums, as follows:</div>
<ul>
<li>Duluth School Board Candidates<span> </span>Tuesday, September 22</li>
<li>Duluth City Council District Candidates<span> </span>Wednesday, September 30 </li>
<li>Duluth City Council At Large Candidates<span> </span>Tuesday, October 6 </li>
<li>Duluth Mayoral Candidates<span> </span>Tuesday, October 13 </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />These forums will be held at 8 a.m., in the Underground
Theatre, located in the Historic Duluth Depot, 505 West Michigan Street.
Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. We will conclude the forums by 9:30 a.m.</div>
<div>
<br />The Chamber is delighted to partner with the Duluth News
Tribune to host the forums. We have partnered with the Tribune for the
past six years. The Tribune team has done an excellent job of promoting
and co-hosting several high profile candidate forums, including last
year's Gubernatorial, Senate and Congressional candidate forums.</div>
<div>
<br />Additionally, it is an ideal opportunity to experience the
Underground, the Duluth Playhouse's newest event space. The mission of
the Underground is to serve as a community meeting place for culture and
conversation, for arts and education. The Chamber and the Tribune
appreciate having this valued community partner offer such an attractive
platform for our forums.</div>
<div>
<br />This is your chance to hear from those who will be representing
you. I hope you will join us at these forums to gain insight into the
views and positions being advanced by the candidates.</div>
<span><br />Join me and learn more about the candidates who hope to be in a position to move our beloved Zenith City forward.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<span> </span></div>
In support,
<br />
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<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/a9c108f4-c013-4923-98c7-d669f26e7d14.gif" width="85" /></div>
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<div>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-14358349131387288412015-09-11T11:24:00.003-07:002015-09-11T11:24:34.634-07:00<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #5d5c56; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Welcoming
Visitors to Duluth </span></strong><span style="color: #5d5c56; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #5d5c56; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">August 31, 2015</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333227;">It
is a feeling that most Duluthians have experienced. It is the pride and the
excitement we feel when we have the privilege of welcoming visitors to our
beloved community. We become even more excited when our guests are already
delighted to be visiting Duluth and already effusive when expressing their love
for our community.</span><span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Last
weekend, I had the honor of welcoming to Duluth leaders from the Pheasants
Forever and Quail Forever organization. These leaders could have met anywhere
in in our great nation. The organization includes 700 chapters from across the
country. Yet, they chose to gather in our beloved Duluth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333227;">They
traveled from far and wide to gather on the shores of the Greatest of the Great
Lakes. Some of them traveled to Duluth by plane. And, oh, were they impressed
by our shiny new airport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Others
traveled here on Interstate 35 where they experienced the transformative view
of our Shining City on the Hill as they reached the crest in the freeway, near
Spirit Mountain. They spoke of how breathtaking the view was as they enjoyed
the long panoramic glide into the heart of Duluth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333227;">I
met with these leaders shortly after they had settled into the meeting space
they chose, located in our vibrant Canal Park. The group was clearly pleased to
be in Duluth. Their questions illustrated how highly they regarded the positive
transformation they believed was occurring in Duluth. A few were familiar with
the Duluth of the 1970s and 1980s. They indicated how dramatically improved
this revitalized Duluth was in comparison to the Duluth they experienced in
past decades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333227;">My
time with these enthusiastic visitors afforded me insight into how Pheasants
Forever has been working hard to create the next generation of
hunter-conservationists. In turn, these leaders appreciated learning that the
Duluth Area Chamber is actively engaging young professionals in moving our
community forward. They were also pleased to learn that the 20 to 30 year old
population segment of our community is expanding faster than any other age
group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333227;">There is a wonderful reward to
welcoming visitors to Duluth. Drawing attention to our community's compelling
features allows us to see our community through the eyes of individuals who are
experiencing Duluth's uniqueness and attractiveness. We are able to see,
afresh, this remarkable place that is our home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
In support,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/a9c108f4-c013-4923-98c7-d669f26e7d14.gif" width="85" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">David Ross, President & CEO </span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-10609638939144176402015-07-29T06:56:00.001-07:002015-07-29T06:56:33.732-07:00Interacting Honorably<!--[if !mso]>
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<img align="right" border="0" height="283" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2517" src="http://files.ctctcdn.com/97b2cf13001/8566950e-444d-4902-af5d-479fcc1c7000.jpg" vspace="5" width="216" /><span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">There are seven
candidates seeking to become the next great Mayor of Duluth. Additionally,
there are fifteen candidates vying to become either Duluth City Councilors or
Duluth School District Board Members. These candidates will bring a robust array
of new interests, talents and goals to the political debate and to the
positions they seek. The candidates who are elected will have a profound
influence on how our beloved community moves forward.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Chamber's leadership understands how the relationships we
develop with these candidates will be productive - if the relationships are
based on trust. Trust will be fostered if we enjoy a free exchange of ideas, an
interest in learning the rationale behind opposing positions, and the
understanding that we can remain respectful even while disagreeing with each
other.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">We seek to advocate for our members by educating elected
officials regarding the challenges that our members face in their quest to
operate successful businesses in our beloved community. As elected officials
come to better understand the challenges businesses face, and the value
businesses bring to our community, they are more likely to made decisions that
are sensitive to, and appreciative of, these businesses.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Taking the time to understand an elected official's point of
view is a powerful means of establishing a trusting and sustainable
relationship. On those occasions we cannot agree, we must respectfully disagree
with the opposing position.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">If these trusting relationships are established and maintained,
the Chamber will be able to have an influence on decisions made by our elected
officials. Ideally, we will be able to do so in an honorable manner.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Chamber's commitment to influencing others with honor should
not be mistaken for a lack of conviction. We continue to advocate for our
members with all of our energy. We do so because we believe in the positive
impact that a healthy business community can have on our Zenith City.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">We intend to serve as the voice of business well into the
future. We go forward realizing that our ability to influence decisions made by
our elected officials rests ultimately on the manner with which we conduct
ourselves.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In his book, <em>The Art of Worldly Wisdom</em>, Baltasar
Gracian states emphatically, "The sole advantage of power is that you can
do more good." The Chamber intends to continue engaging our 1,100 members,
and the resources at their command, to do even more good for our shining city
on the hill.</span></div>
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In support,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">David Ross, President & CEO </span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-36731953015355939722015-06-29T07:19:00.002-07:002015-06-29T07:19:15.109-07:00Connecting with Candidates<!--[if !mso]>
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<img align="right" border="0" height="283" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2517" src="http://files.ctctcdn.com/97b2cf13001/8566950e-444d-4902-af5d-479fcc1c7000.jpg" vspace="5" width="216" /><span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">One month ago, I embarked
on a journey of discovery. I did so after determining the Chamber would greatly
benefit if I met with each individual who announces their intent to be a
candidate for a local elected position. This includes candidates for the:
District 709 School Board, the Duluth City Council and the Mayor of Duluth. My
talented colleague, Roger Wedin, Director of Policy & Education, joining me
in this endeavor.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">It has been an enlightening and encouraging experience. While we
still have candidate meetings to schedule, our interactions have already been
abundantly productive. We have met with six of the twelve announced candidates.
I am reaching out to the remaining candidates to arrange for our meetings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">I describe these fine individuals as "announced
candidates" because the official filing for local elected office does not
begin until July 7th. Consequently, community members will not know, for sure,
who is officially running for office until the filing period concludes July 21.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">When contacting candidates, I preface my request to meet with
them by assuring them that our meeting will not be an interview. I also
reassure then the Duluth Area Chamber does not endorse candidates. Rather, the
Chamber educates our members regarding candidate stances on local issues that
impact our business community. I explain that our motivation to meet with them
is simply to get to know them better and to better understand their positions
on local issues. It is also an opportunity for the candidates and the Chamber
to establish an ongoing and production conversation pertaining to local public
policy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Roger and I also let them know the Chamber is planning to host
Candidate Forums between September 15th, which is Primary Election Day, and the
General Election, November 3rd. We plan to host three forums: a City Council
Candidate Forum, a Mayoral Candidate Forum, and a District School Board Forum.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In recent years, we have partnered with the Duluth News Tribune
to host the forums. The Tribune has been an outstanding partner in bringing
these candidate forums to our beloved community. We hope to, once again,
partner with the Tribune.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">I anticipate the local media will cover these anticipated
forums. By doing so, the media outlets allow community members to access the
forums on television, radio, and various websites. Our community benefits when
we understand the positions that candidates plan to take on local issues.</span></div>
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Duluth's future is bright. I am confident of this, after meeting with these
intelligent, motivated and conscientious individuals who seek to serve our
community as elected officials. I hope you will join me in setting out to learn
as much as we can about Duluth's future leaders.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In support,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">David Ross, President & CEO</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-3315245664341822015-06-08T12:47:00.000-07:002015-06-12T13:00:49.361-07:00Diversity Drives Population Growth<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As
Duluthians, we have reason, well, actually, two reasons to celebrate.
First, we can celebrate that Duluth has reversed the three-decade
decline in population it experienced from 1970 to 2000. Second, let's
celebrate that this stabilization of our population is due, in large
part, to an expansion of our minority population.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Duluth's growth
parallels that of other Minnesota metropolitan communities which have
also grown as a result of their increasing minority populations. They,
too, have reason to celebrate.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
According to the 2015
census data, 10% of Duluthians are identified as non-white. 9,768 of our
86,265 citizens are American Indian, Black or African American,
Hispanic or Latino, and Asian.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Community leaders are
heralding the good news that an abundance of new jobs are being created
in our Zenith City. This opportunity for employment is bringing new
coworkers to our workplaces and new neighbors to our neighborhoods.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Duluth is concurrently
drawing more people to our community because of our expanding reputation
as a place of increasing cultural opportunities. We would be wise to
cherish and protect this expanding reputation as much as we do the other
recent recognitions and affirmations received by Duluth.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The leadership of the
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is embracing our increasingly diverse
community. We are striving to ensure that our business community is one
in which persons of different colors, races, religions, sexual
preferences and genders are encouraged to achieve at their highest
level. As our community becomes increasingly varied, we are wise to
recognize and embrace the power of this diversity.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Chamber understands
that a community goal must be to position businesses for success in a
multicultural business environment. Starting a business is a challenging
endeavor. The brave souls who try it will testify that it involves
overcoming many obstacles. We simply cannot make it any more difficult
for our brothers and sisters of mixed cultural backgrounds and diverse
preferences.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Consider for a moment
the vibrancy that will enrich our community if all persons, regardless
of background, are encouraged to fulfill their greatest potential. It is
a goal we need to work together to attain. If Duluth is going to reap
the harvest from the seeds planted so optimistically in recent years, we
must first work to have every voice heard, every idea considered and
every talent employed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
These are exciting times
in our beloved community. Duluth is changing for the better. We are
called to unite in ensuring that minority-owned and operated businesses
are welcomed and supported in Duluth. If we are successful in
accomplishing this, we will add to our collective quality of life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
We will be architects in building, here in Duluth, what President
Lyndon Baines Johnson identified as, "The Great Society" and what Martin
Luther King Jr. called, "The Beloved Community." <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
In support,</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span></div>
</div>
</div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-16660590677141663662015-05-04T07:45:00.001-07:002015-05-04T07:45:23.067-07:00Our Community's Greatest Challenge<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
At
a recently held Greater Downtown Council gathering, I had the
opportunity, and the honor, to share my optimism for Duluth with an
audience comprised of sixty community leaders. I apparently was being
too effusive regarding the many reasons to celebrate the exciting things
occurring within our beloved community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Evidently, my boosterish
remarks were expected and too pedestrian. The event moderator, my
friend and colleague Steve Greenfield, had heard enough of my shameless
promotion of Duluth. He adroitly transitioned the conversation by
challenging me to share with the audience - in one word - what I
believed to be the greatest challenge confronting our community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I quickly and emphatically answered, "Housing."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our community's lack of
adequate housing is our most pressing challenge. In recent years, Duluth
has enjoyed significant job growth in various employment sectors. There
are over 1,000 unfilled job openings that, if filled, would amplify our
community's growth and prosperity.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
There is a distinct
correlation between the inability of local employers to fill vacant job
openings and our community's lack of available housing options. The
largest impediment for prospective employees and potential Duluthians is
the lack of housing choices. Our beloved City's aging housing stock is
no longer adequate to meet the housing needs of this expanding influx of
new residents.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Last year, the City
produced its first comprehensive Duluth Housing Action Plan. The plan
illustrated there is a need for an additional 4,500 housing units to be
built over the next six years to accommodate anticipated population
growth related to an increase in employment opportunities. This will
require building a staggering number of 750 homes each year. This goal
is even more ambitious when you realize there have been many years in
Duluth where the number of housing units built totaled fewer than 50.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Yet, there is reason for
optimism even within this most expansive housing challenge. The Duluth
Area Chamber has embraced a partnership role in coordinating a focused
community effort to address the need for additional housing. We are
engaging our 1,100 members in generating housing solutions. Mayor Ness
and his leadership team at City Hall have boldly and impressively led
our community's effort to encourage housing developers to invest in
Duluth. These efforts are beginning to be rewarded.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Developer Sherman
Associates is completing the Lincoln Park Commons, which includes 50
housing units. Several local organizations recently collaborated to
develop and open the Steve O'Neil Apartments, which included 50
apartments.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Recently, we learned
that a 148 unit housing development, called Harbor Bay Flats, will be
built on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. The developer
anticipates investing $36 million in the Harbor Bay Flats.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A few weeks ago, we
learned that BlueStone Flats will be built adjacent the BlueStone Lofts
housing complex. It will include an additional 143 housing units. This
will be an investment of $25 million.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Last week, United
Properties announced they will build Kenwood Village at the intersection
of Kenwood Avenue and Arrowhead Road. The development will include 85
apartments.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Additionally, it appears
the Morgan Park Middle School and the Rockridge School are being sold.
The buyer is considering building 300 to 400 housing units on the ten
acre Morgan Park site. The buyer also hopes to build 30 housing units in
and around the Rockridge building. It is also exciting to see homes
being built in the Hawk Ridge neighborhood. These are just a few of the
housing projects that are being considered by several housing
developers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It appears our community
is on the cusp of a housing renaissance. It is a much needed and much
planned for renaissance. Savvy housing developers are increasingly
motivated by this critical need for housing. They are responding to this
need with plans to invest in our beloved community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Work is underway to
transform our community's greatest challenge into what may prove to be
one of our community's greatest accomplishments. The Chamber is proud to
advocate for this needed transformation.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
In support,</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-47081335744854295032015-04-03T13:07:00.000-07:002015-04-15T13:07:40.003-07:00A Young Professional's Paradise<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The
year was 1978. I had recently earned my college degree and was hoping
to begin my career in my beloved hometown of Duluth. Unfortunately for
my contemporaries and me, Duluth was down and out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Unemployment was 16%,
which was far higher than the national rate of unemployment and higher
than the Minnesota rate. Duluth was identified, nationally, as one of
the ten most distressed cities in America.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
U.S. Steel closed its
doors in 1971, heralding an end to a once robust manufacturing era in
Duluth. Diamond Tool closed. Other smokestack industries in Duluth's
western neighborhoods struggled and soon followed U.S. Steel out of
Duluth. 14,000 jobs were lost when local manufacturing companies quit
building ships in the Port.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Just when our good town
was on its knees, our Air Force Air Base closed. Iron ore mines, north
of Duluth, went dark and cold as they shuttered the windows and turned
off the power. The closing of the mines sent shock waves through the
shipping, trucking and railroad industries.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our harbor became a
place where Great Lakes ore boats came home to idle or to be scrapped.
Hundreds of railroad boxcars were left, dormant, to rust in Duluth's
rail yards.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Downtown stores closed.
The store lights were turned off. Windows were papered over or boarded
up to hide from view the darkness, dampness and the despair that
lingered in those vacant shops.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I hope that I am making it plain: Duluth was broken and dispirited. This was my beloved city when I was twenty-one years of age.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Contrast that bleakness
to the promise and the possibilities that welcome young adults to Duluth
in 2015. Our unemployment rate is at a record low, lower than the
national and state averages. Opportunity abounds. Positive national
attention is being lavished upon our beloved community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Duluth is America's Best Outside Place to Live, according to <em>Outside Magazine</em>. The City of Duluth is the 15th Fastest Growing Municipal Economy in America (U.S. Census Bureau). <em>Forbes Magazine</em> listed Duluth as One of the Best Places for Business and Careers. <em>Travel & Leisure Magazine</em> ranked Duluth #20 among the 40 Best College Towns. <em>Money Magazine</em>
ranked Duluth among the Top 5 Small Cities for Living. Duluth is one of
the Top 10 Places to Raise an Outdoor Kid, according to <em>Backpacker Magazine</em>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
There is a powerful,
objective indication of just how popular Duluth is becoming among young
professional. According to the most recent information from the Census
Bureau, the 25 to 34-year-old demographic in Duluth has grown by 25% in
the last five years. The Chamber's young professional group, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001b_WlqcaycH2OFFt1FtXKoXg7J_Cq3eMUIo0moClo7YtLuDrhfAfYemYItVKksL1UnbVjN55vF0AMSk8CHFY_YbXEGSDQyUICCjHIPYnYOmc=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Fuse Duluth</a>,
is enjoyed exponential growth. One thing is increasing clear: Duluth is
fast becoming the strong choice as a place to call home for young
persons and for their families.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The 1970's were a dark
time for Duluth. Yet, in that dark time, we began to see how important
tourism was to our community's financial recovery. We began to see how
valuable being on the shores of the Greatest of the Great Lakes was to
promoting our Zenith City. We began to embrace college students. We
embraced the perfect size that is Duluth, not too big and not too small.
We came to better understand the power of place and the call to
community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<span> Young professionals are fortunate to be working and living in Duluth. So, too, are the rest of us. </span><br /><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<br />In support,</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333227; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,Serif; font-size: 11pt;">
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</td></tr>
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<div>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-24808271911237787412015-03-17T08:21:00.000-07:002015-03-25T08:21:16.666-07:00Representing You at the Minnesota Legislature<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>Eighteen
years ago, in 1997, a group of approximately fifteen of Duluth's
business leaders gathered for the first time to lobby at the Capitol.
They did so on behalf of our beloved community. They called this
foundational trip to the Capitol - Duluth Days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>They were
well-intentioned, sincere and motived to have Duluth's state funding
requests heard at the Minnesota Legislature. But, alas, they were also
loosely organized, and underfunded. Their visit went largely unnoticed.
They lobbied lightly before returning to Duluth empty handed. Yet,
these resilient community advocates were resolute in their conviction to
continue Duluth Days as an annual initiative. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>These are the
humble beginnings of what has developed into the most sophisticated and
largest annual community lobbying effort at the Capitol. We have come a
long way in eighteen years. In many ways, we are the ones those
community leaders in 1997 were waiting for. They prepared the way for
what is now an expanded, triumphant Duluth and St. Louis County Days at
the Capitol Days. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>The Duluth Area
Chamber of Commerce's leadership is proud to have organized and hosted
Capitol Days these past eighteen years. We are resolute in our
commitment to keep this bold initiative moving forward. It is the
longest running community gathering at the Capitol. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>In recent years,
other communities have attempted to replicate our bold initiative. St.
Cloud Days. Bemidji Days. Rochester Days. None come close to matching
Duluth and St. Louis County Days in size, in energy, and in
effectiveness. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>This year, these
communities share a heightened challenge. Our historic, monumental,
elegant Capitol Building is being refurbished. It is largely barricaded,
inaccessible to visitors and to citizen lobbyists.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>Consequently, few of these communities even attempted to host events at the Capitol. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>In contrast, those
of us from Duluth and St. Louis County viewed the Capitol Building's
inaccessibility as an ideal opportunity to do something remarkably
different. We did something atypical and memorable, which our Minnesota
legislators and senators will not soon forget. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>On February 25th
& 26th, we set up headquarters as close to the Capitol Building as
possible, at the Crown Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, and made our presence
known. We hosted 475 attendees at our Grand Reception, the evening of
February 25th. Sixty-four elected officials and their staff members
attended the Reception. This was a record attendance for the eighteen
year history of the Grand Reception. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>The next morning,
we hosted 290 attendees at our Legislative Breakfast. Governor Dayton
provided the keynote address. This, too, was a record attendance for our
eighteen year history of the Legislative Breakfast. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>I share these
accomplishments with you not to try to impress you but to impress upon
you how you were well represented at the Capitol by your brothers and
sisters from beautiful St. Louis County. </span></div>
<span><br />We stood, shoulder to shoulder, in solidarity as advocates for
our cherished Northland communities. Soon, we will begin preparing for
our 2016 Capitol Days. We welcome additional partners in this noble
effort - pressing on for the glory of Duluth and St. Louis County. </span><br /><br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016ZGzp7poNKNSL2xrKZ0A7eejjBbKkf1PdR57fvw0qQowA-maCE936M3axoqX95Q8AH9yaq9JjHItyV-J3d7EUl41B9aq0YohXSa12Ut1MnesdrulD6tnhgzLAGqPmTgvyGHMqvvzGgy4DCCgAmhyf693zD2wYbF98zJVkZkHOuHgx8w3nSt8AJWNyirBLuymY5xISlog1ltQi8hVv5HfhA==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="144" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2597" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/a1285955-02d2-4c12-932d-ec5aa88b5174.jpg" vspace="5" width="150" /></a> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016ZGzp7poNKNSL2xrKZ0A7eejjBbKkf1PdR57fvw0qQowA-maCE936M3axoqX95Q8AH9yaq9JjHItyV-J3d7EUl41B9aq0YohXSa12Ut1MnesdrulD6tnhgzLAGqPmTgvyGHMqvvzGgy4DCCgAmhyf693zD2wYbF98zJVkZkHOuHgx8w3nSt8AJWNyirBLuymY5xISlog1ltQi8hVv5HfhA==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="144" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2601" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/ca1e4f76-fdd8-4b58-80b6-9e9da760198f.jpg" vspace="5" width="107" /></a> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016ZGzp7poNKNSL2xrKZ0A7eejjBbKkf1PdR57fvw0qQowA-maCE936M3axoqX95Q8AH9yaq9JjHItyV-J3d7EUl41B9aq0YohXSa12Ut1MnesdrulD6tnhgzLAGqPmTgvyGHMqvvzGgy4DCCgAmhyf693zD2wYbF98zJVkZkHOuHgx8w3nSt8AJWNyirBLuymY5xISlog1ltQi8hVv5HfhA==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="144" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2599" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/279d6315-0ed5-4124-afd7-783e04e3b851.jpg" vspace="5" width="202" /></a> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016ZGzp7poNKNSL2xrKZ0A7eejjBbKkf1PdR57fvw0qQowA-maCE936M3axoqX95Q8AH9yaq9JjHItyV-J3d7EUl41B9aq0YohXSa12Ut1MnesdrulD6tnhgzLAGqPmTgvyGHMqvvzGgy4DCCgAmhyf693zD2wYbF98zJVkZkHOuHgx8w3nSt8AJWNyirBLuymY5xISlog1ltQi8hVv5HfhA==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="144" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2600" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/70e274c0-75cd-4453-9395-12b92cf34ac6.jpg" vspace="5" width="124" /></a> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016ZGzp7poNKNSL2xrKZ0A7eejjBbKkf1PdR57fvw0qQowA-maCE936M3axoqX95Q8AH9yaq9JjHItyV-J3d7EUl41B9aq0YohXSa12Ut1MnesdrulD6tnhgzLAGqPmTgvyGHMqvvzGgy4DCCgAmhyf693zD2wYbF98zJVkZkHOuHgx8w3nSt8AJWNyirBLuymY5xISlog1ltQi8hVv5HfhA==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="144" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2598" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/18b4a78e-8b9c-450b-be70-d8a92ac9dbd4.jpg" vspace="5" width="216" /></a> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016ZGzp7poNKNSL2xrKZ0A7eejjBbKkf1PdR57fvw0qQowA-maCE936M3axoqX95Q8AH9yaq9JjHItyV-J3d7EUl41B9aq0YohXSa12Ut1MnesdrulD6tnhgzLAGqPmTgvyGHMqvvzGgy4DCCgAmhyf693zD2wYbF98zJVkZkHOuHgx8w3nSt8AJWNyirBLuymY5xISlog1ltQi8hVv5HfhA==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="cc-image-resize" height="144" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2602" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/97b2cf13001/fea3a37f-8f6a-46d8-b684-3ce40ad173c7.jpg" vspace="5" width="178" /></a> </div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
In support,</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></div>
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<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span></span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-81556443407230826732015-02-11T06:40:00.000-08:002015-02-11T06:40:25.201-08:00Have Your Voice Heard in Upcoming Elections<!--[if !mso]>
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<img align="right" border="0" height="283" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2517" src="https://files.ctctcdn.com/97b2cf13001/8566950e-444d-4902-af5d-479fcc1c7000.jpg" vspace="5" width="216" /><span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">As do many of you, I live
in the Zenith City. It is the site of my home, my children's schools and my
neighborhood. It is the remarkable place with which I identify. It is also the
place of the precinct where I vote and where I have an opportunity to be an
active participant in the political process.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">For many of the citizens of Duluth, it is also the place in
which their businesses are located. Decisions made in City Hall, the County
Court House, and the Historic Old Central High School Administration Offices
impact us every day. Decisions related to taxation, local fees, zoning, and
utilities can have a dramatic, compounding impact on individuals who are both
home and business owners. The stakes are doubly high.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">The importance of being an active participant in the political
process is understandably heightened for our neighbors who are fortunate enough
to be both home and business owners. Recognizing this, it is a time to pay
close attention to the upcoming local elections. Ideally, it is time to fully
engage in the political process. This includes considering the merits of
placing your good name for consideration as an elected leader.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you own property in our Shining City on the Hill,
congratulations. You own a piece of Heaven. You would be wise to support -
financially and otherwise - the election of individuals who advocate for our
community's property owners. It is also an ideal time to better understand the
positions of local candidates, familiarize ourselves with the voting records of
area representatives, and to inform our elected officials of our views on local
issues.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Duluth's primary elections are just eight months away. Six of
our nine city council seats are up for election. In September, we will also
vote to determine who the two final candidates will be for Mayor of Duluth. We
are fast approaching what could be a transformational change within City Hall.
Are we ready? Are we informed?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Be assured, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce's leadership is
identifying issues important to our members. We will be communicating our views
on these issues to candidates who are hoping to be elected to local leadership
positions in November. Our collective voice will be heard in the halls of
government. We will be emphasizing to these candidates that a strong business
community strengthens the larger community.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">Together, we will soon elect leaders who will determine the
level of police and fire protection we experience in Duluth. Incoming elected
officials will determine how many of our community's children will be in a
public school classroom. They will decide how many miles of city streets will
be replaced and repaired. Voters will decide who will have the honor and the
responsibility of making these decisions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">It is time to engage in the political process. Candidates are
announcing their intentions to seek elected office. They are formulating their
positions on local issues. They are asking for our support. Engage. Give.
Articulate. Benefit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;">In support,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">David Ross, President & CEO</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-87257950230370043122015-01-26T06:41:00.000-08:002015-02-11T06:41:16.427-08:00The Greatest of Greater Minnesota<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Eighteen
years ago, in 1997, a group of approximately twenty of Duluth's
community leaders gathered at the Minnesota Capitol Building in St.
Paul. They were there to advocate on behalf of our beloved community.
They called this foundational trip to the Capitol - Duluth Days.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
They were
well-intentioned, sincere and motivated. But, alas, they were also
loosely organized and underfunded. Their visit to the Capitol went
largely unnoticed. They campaigned lightly before returning to Duluth to
reflect and regroup.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Those were the humble
beginnings of what has developed into the most sophisticated, largest
and most effective annual community gathering at the State Capitol. This
bold initiative has been expanded to include a concerted advocacy
effort on behalf of our entire St. Louis County. Now, Duluth and St.
Louis County at the Capitol brings more than six hundred community
advocates to the Capitol.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Imagine, six-hundred of
us encouraging the state to fund local projects that will improve the
quality of life for residents of our region. We have come a long way in
eighteen years. In many ways, we are the powerful political force those
twenty community leaders were waiting for, eighteen years ago. They
prepared the way for what is now a successful coalition of business and
labor leaders, city councilors, county commissioners, school board
members and private citizens.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We have a responsibility
to those who have gone before us and to our community. We must keep
this unequaled initiative moving forward. We will do exactly that when
we gather at the Capitol February 25th and 26th.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Yet, this year, we have a
heightened challenge. It is our community's shared challenge. Our
historic and elegant Capitol Building is being refurbished. It is
largely barricaded and inaccessible to visitors.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Consequently, few
communities will even try to host events at the Capitol during this
upcoming legislative session. I recently learned that other communities,
which have shamelessly attempted to replicate our Days at the Capitol,
have announced they are cancelling their gatherings. It appears the
obstacles are too daunting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Not so for those of us
who work and live in beautiful St. Louis County. With resiliency and
creativity as our constant companion, we will set up our operations a
few blocks from the Capitol Building, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Paul
- Riverfront.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A record number of local
organizations are registered to host exhibit booths at the Grand
Reception. We anticipate a strong attendance. Additionally, we are
inviting Governor Dayton, and other state leaders, to join us for our
Legislative Breakfast, scheduled for February 26th at the Crowne Plaza.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<span>In summary, we will keep a great thing going. We will utilize
Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol to, once again, have our
collective voice heard. The theme for our gathering this year is, Duluth
and St. Louis County - the Greatest of Greater Minnesota.</span> Follow the links below to RSVP for these encouraging events:<br /><br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001h7_5wUR3H-PQ9_tXK7mc09YX3qFb43V6I1b6iUbA2CNr9jL3_aVUvwP3zQIFUL0p9wgwpVujV1Dv3ns16cAGLnV2et4ND-1MPJhXpOC60mPPW3qQFR9TzJmMH-mq8ZjyMbcbjk6nYSsAI0TlwnHMsV1dPbDxmsfKFT0KLQo4ssuEesiByRAQCT1Tk7iA2gosdTZOA1y3ICdTy4ZgGBoibbYutCGKRf2w" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Duluth & St. Louis County Grand Reception</a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Wednesday, February 25</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001h7_5wUR3H-PQ9_tXK7mc09YX3qFb43V6I1b6iUbA2CNr9jL3_aVUvwP3zQIFUL0p9wgwpVujV1Dv3ns16cAGLnV2et4ND-1MPJhXpOC60mPPW3qQFR9TzFGorDHm05x-BC0qX0YPgMo2dubO79wt5pmSHyVwjdlgG6pjaFAzh-CQ_l6zyXdwuRcTSruTBx01ka1pCsuy5Y86NzrY6KUY_wbnf-R8hx3h" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Legislative Breakfast</a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Thursday, February 26</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
7:30 am - 9:00 am</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
In support,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></div>
</td></tr>
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<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span></span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-64465648581600882922014-12-15T06:34:00.000-08:002014-12-31T06:34:34.458-08:00Recharging After the Elections<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We
are one month removed from the recent political candidate campaigns.
Our local elections were amplified by the concurrent high profile, major
campaigns for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Congress and the Minnesota
Governor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Duluth Area Chamber
of Commerce partnered with the Duluth News Tribune, and our friends from
the local broadcast community to host the one local debate between
Senator Al Franken and Mike McFadden. Likewise, we hosted the only local
debate between Congressman Rick Nolan, Stewart Mills and Ray Sandman.
Moreover, we hosted the one local debate between Governor Mark Dayton
and Jeff Johnson.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Doing so was an
ambitious effort. It required much of our time and energy. As a result,
we welcomed the arrival of Election Day. Even though a month has passed
since the elections, it is a challenge to expend the energy necessary to
reengage in the political progress. Yet, reengage we must.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For those of us who were
ardently immersed in the recent election, it is time to take a deep,
invigorating, cleansing breath - and reengage. Despite the
disappointment or jubilation we may have experienced on Election Day, we
would be wise to join forces and recommit ourselves to the advancement
of our beloved community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We were encouraged as
children to be good losers and winners. Now is an occasion that calls on
us to honor this counsel imparted by parents, coaches and teachers. We
would do well to place the political race behind us and embrace our
newly elected political leaders.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Additionally, it is an
opportune time to reflect gratefully on those individuals who were
willing to put their political beliefs into action by running for
office. The challenges of orchestrating a political campaign are
formidable. I believe it was a deep commitment to public service and the
process of democracy that motivated local candidates to expend their
time and energy in seeking elected positions.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It is also a time for
optimism in our Zenith City on the Hill. Success in the recent election
most likely will re-energize incumbents while empowering the newly
elected political leaders. The exciting synergy generated by this
combination of new and renewed leadership promises to bring out the best
in the political process.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Chamber's leadership
intends to collaborate with our elected officials to strengthen our
community. We will continue to advocate for and represent the business
community in local initiatives and issues. We will marshal the Chamber's
resources to work with political leaders who are interested in making
the coming years a time of prosperity for community members. We invite
others to unite with us in this effort.</div>
<span><br />Together, we can generate the influence and the insight necessary to uplift and advance our community. </span><br /><div>
<br />In support,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<div align="left" style="color: #333227; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-25963398004903811832014-09-26T13:30:00.001-07:002014-09-26T13:34:13.524-07:00Bringing Candidate Debates to Duluth <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->It is an ambitious undertaking to
schedule and host political candidate debates. The challenge is amplified when
the debates involve high profile, major campaigns for the U.S. Senate, the U.S.
Congress and the Minnesota Governor. It was a challenging endeavor to have the
candidate campaign teams agree to a time, venue and format for the debates.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">I suspect these truths contributed to why there will be
only one local debate for each one of the following races: Senator Al Franken
and Republican challenger Mike McFadden; Congressman Rick Nolan, Republican
Party challenger Stewart Mills and Green Party challenger Ray Sandman; as
well as Governor Mark Dayton and Republican Party challenger Jeff Johnson</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">.</span> </span><br />
<br />
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce
and the Duluth News Tribune met the challenge of arranging for the debates. We
are pleased and proud to be cohosting these remarkable gatherings. We will do
so at 8:00 a.m., at the Duluth Playhouse Theatre, on these dates:<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span>October 1 – U.S. Senate, State of Minnesota </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span>October 7 - U.S. Congress, 8<sup>th</sup> Congressional District </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt;">
</span>October 14 – Minnesota Governor </div>
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Earlier this month, the Chamber accepted registrations to
attend the debates. </div>
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Community members responded quickly to this unique
opportunity to spend time with the candidates. We rapidly reached our attendance
capacity. This strong interest in learning more about the candidates reinforced
Duluth’s reputation as a politically savvy and engaged community. </div>
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Fortunately, you can still access
the debates. Local television stations plan to broadcast the debates and make
them available to their viewers either live or recorded for subsequent viewing.
The Duluth News Tribune plans to video the debates and present them on the
Tribune’s website. Additionally, statewide and local radio stations have
indicated interest in broadcasting the debates. </div>
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The Tribune, the Chamber, and our friends from the local broadcast community
are marshalling our resources to make these timely and valuable debates
available to you. It is now up to you to access the debates through the
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This is an exciting opportunity to
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In support, </div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-51120074764532189342014-08-25T13:56:00.003-07:002014-08-25T14:01:55.241-07:00Our Competitive Advantage<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Duluth is increasingly being
recognized as a remarkably beautiful place to live and work. Outside Magazine’s
recent crowning of Duluth as America’s Best Place to Live will fortify our expanding
national stature as a destination city.<br />
<br />
The nation is discovering what
visitors to Duluth have known for decades. In 1986, a book entitled Resettling
Duluth contained an eloquent quote by Gary Coates, who vividly described his
first visit to Duluth:<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I
was overwhelmed by the beauty of this natural setting, the power, the presence
and grandeur of Lake Superior and the ancient hills that frame it to the west.
Next, as an architect, I was struck by Duluth’s diverse and rich architectural
heritage which stands as a living testimony to a long tradition of pride in
place and hope for the future. But most of all, I was taken by the way fingers
of wilderness still reach down through the fabric of distinctive and beautiful
neighborhoods – a garden city woven harmoniously into a fabric of a primal
wilderness.” </i>
<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Perspectives
like Gary’s reaffirm the decision that many of us made to work and live in
Duluth. We understand how Duluth’s beautiful natural surroundings make it
unique and should not be taken for granted. Duluth’s natural and architectural
beauty is also what is becoming our distinct competitive advantage as we work
to attract and retain community members.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More people
are choosing the company they will work for based upon where that employer is
located. The crucial factor separating communities which will flourish from
those which will decline is a citizenry that understands the need to offer a
high quality of life. The negative aspects of many other cities – increasing
traffic congestion, degraded environmental conditions, and nondescript
downtowns – are unwittingly motivating individuals and families to become a
part of communities like ours. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Duluth’s
star is rising. Our elected officials are making decisions that are fortifying
our community’s attractiveness to prospective employers and families. Our
community is in an ideal position to protect and savor our unique competitive
advantage – Duluth’s breathtaking natural beauty. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Our
ancestors have bequeathed to us a long tradition of pride in this place that we
call the Zenith City. It is incumbent upon us to carry this sense of place and
sense of pride forward while concurrently making decisions that will provide future
generations of Duluthians hope for the future. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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The
Chamber’s leadership seeks to partner with other groups and individuals in a
unified effort to make wise use of our unique resources.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="David Signature" border="0" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" width="85" /><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span></div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-4021449748965661952014-06-30T09:37:00.001-07:002014-06-30T09:37:32.874-07:00Sharing Our Street Repair Bill<div style="color: #333227; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<div>
<div>
<span>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>Imagine,
for a moment, you are a Duluth City Councilor. You have the power to
decide how Duluthians will fund our much-needed street improvement plan.
The annual price tag for the plan is approximately $7 million.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
You
understand that Duluth property owners pay for our city streets. You
must decide how to distribute, amongst these property owners, what will
certainly be an unwelcome and unpopular expense.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Angry
homeowners have been letting you know how upset they are with the
potential of paying more taxes, or a fee, for street repairs. You must
determine how much each home owner and each commercial property owner
will pay. Add to your challenge the fact that you are up for re-election
in November. What would you do?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
You are
a conscientious councilor. You have done your homework. Your research
illustrates there are 24,200 residential units in Duluth. If each
homeowner or renter is a registered voter; these constituents could
represent 24,200 voters.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Conversely,
there are only 3,815 commercial properties in Duluth. If each
commercial property owner is a registered voter; these constituents
represent just 3,815 voters. They are only 16% as large as the home
owner voting group.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I
suspect you are motivated to keep this unpopular expense as low as
possible for the 24,200 homeowners. Yet, to do so, you must concurrently
vote to have the remaining 3,815 commercial property owners pay
proportionally more.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
At the
time of this writing, the City of Duluth is preparing to implement an
average street maintenance fee of $5 per month for each home and
apartment. Conversely, it will soon implement a monthly fee of $20 for
small commercial properties, $90 for midsize commercial properties, and
$250 for large commercial properties. Ouch. The owner of a commercial
property may soon be paying $3,000 more each year for the street
improvement plan.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It is
easy to see why business owners will pay more. Doing so allows home
owners to pay less. It is fair? I believe that most homeowners are happy
to have business owners pay proportionally more of the tab; business
owners not so much. </div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As an
advocate for the Chamber's 1,100 members, I simply want every Duluthian
to understand how businesses lift up our beloved community one tax and
one fee at a time. Businesses pay more for all of our city services. In
doing so, home owners pay less. I am hopeful that our community's
collective awareness of this simple fact will increase. Additionally, it
would be wonderful if our community's appreciation for our businesses
and our business owners correspondingly increased.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>Have you hugged a Duluth business owner today? Now you will understand if you see a Duluth City Councilor doing so. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
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<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">David Ross, President & CEO</span> </span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-91200283900301253542014-06-11T12:25:00.001-07:002014-06-11T12:25:03.811-07:00Let's Finish Strong - Vote DuluthOur beloved Zenith City - located on the Greatest of the Great Lakes - may soon be identified as <em>Outside Magazine</em>'s Best Outdoor Lifestyle City in America. We are in the final stretch of a contest that started with <em>Outside Magazine</em>'s 64 favorite towns in the country. Duluth and Provo, Utah are the two remaining contestants.<span>
</span><br />
<div>
<span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Voters will decide who
wins. The contest ends Sunday, June 15, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. When
I voted earlier today, Duluth was in the lead with 44,368 votes
compared to Provo's 33,181.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We must tenaciously fight to retain this lead. We can do it - if we finish strong. To finish strong, we need your vote. <strong>Simply link to the online voting site by visiting <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001qg1_Z2Wjd_jwwlfLwgnbxn-gBWrRW_OKB1nZRceq_1Pyl7ntEu86uQOljDyPvFKAMO-BtjSkVaIxDVDJsne5U8hVyXFyAQ9WRqH1muMJvxU=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">VoteDuluth.com</a>.</strong> Voting is quick and easy. Conversely, when we win, the positive results will be enjoyed for several years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Being selected as the
best town in America will illustrate how the rest of America has come to
know what we have known for years. Duluth is a remarkably beautiful
place brimming with outdoor recreational activities. The rest of our
great nation is increasingly aware of what we have valued for many
years, our abundant green space and our wealth of freshwater resources.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Let's finish strong, Duluth. Vote today at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001qg1_Z2Wjd_jwwlfLwgnbxn-gBWrRW_OKB1nZRceq_1Pyl7ntEu86uQOljDyPvFKAMO-BtjSkVaIxDVDJsne5U8hVyXFyAQ9WRqH1muMJvxU=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">VoteDuluth.com</a>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In support and in optimism,</div>
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333227; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,Serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<div align="left" style="color: #333227; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,Serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><div>
<span>David Ross, President & CEO<br /><br /> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001qg1_Z2Wjd_jwwlfLwgnbxn-gBWrRW_OKB1nZRceq_1Pyl7ntEu86uQOljDyPvFKAMO-BtjSkVaLt7noDOX8Sydza4H9chhDhkApEfuoCc7A=" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="731" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2180" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs113/1100350237561/img/2180.jpg" vspace="5" width="594" /></a> </span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-42631064918458837792014-06-02T07:55:00.001-07:002014-06-02T07:55:59.309-07:00Duluth Shines Brightly<!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="color: #333227;">Our
shining city on the hill is shining brightly.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333227;">Construction
is beginning on several building projects in our Historic Downtown. The
maurices Headquarters building is underway. Construction will soon begin on the
Duluth Transit Authority's Multi-Modal Center. These are the largest of the
several projects that are being constructed this summer. They combine to
represent the largest investment in the history of our Downtown.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Additionally,
Duluthians are working. Duluth has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the
state. This is even more encouraging when we realize that Minnesota has one of
the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">The
good news continues. Two weeks ago, our community learned that Duluth will be
fortified by the recent passage of the 2014 State Bonding Bill. Our Zenith City
will receive funding for all three of our established legislative priorities:
the Spirit Mountain Water Project, the Wade Stadium Renovation, and the NorShor
Theater & Arts Center Restoration.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Spirit
Mountain received $3.4 million from the State. It will be used to: acquire land
rights, design, and construct a water system which will deliver water directly
from the St. Louis River to the mountain. The water will be used for snow
making purposes. This efficient and environmentally safe water source will
allow Spirit Mountain to extend its ski season. It will concurrently allow more
of Duluth's municipal water to be directed to homes and businesses on the far
western end of our fair city.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">For the
past six years, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with our city
officials and our state representatives to advocate for State funding support
to help revitalize the Historic Wade Stadium. Thankfully, the stadium received
$2.3 million from the 2014 State Bonding Bill. Local workers will soon rebuild
the stadium's magnificent brick walls. A new athletic field will be installed.
This new field will be brightly illuminated by a new lighting system. This
funding has saved the Wade.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">The
bonding bill also included $6.95 million for the restoration of our Historic
NorShor Theatre & Arts Center. This restoration project will result in a
750 seat theatre, along with a new arts center and classrooms. This state
bonding will contribute toward bringing this iconic community treasure back to
our community. The NorShor will, once again, provide an elegant live
performance venue that will serve Duluth and our surrounding region. The six
story NorShor marquee tower will once again shine brightly within our downtown
nightscape.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">The
above-mentioned developments are cause for celebration and optimism. It is an
exciting time to work and live in Duluth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></span></div>
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David Ross, President & CEO</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-70681849932236555482014-05-05T09:04:00.000-07:002014-05-19T09:04:51.766-07:00Duluth's Remarkable River<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">The
western half of our beloved city is beginning to receive the attention,
affirmation and investment it so richly deserves. Those of us who reside in the
west side of our Zenith City understand and appreciate the remarkable beauty
available to us all along the scenic St. Louis River Corridor - Duluth's other
shoreline. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">We are
a river city as well as a lake city. In recent decades, Duluth has been
abundantly successful at adroitly promoting Duluth as the city on the shores of
the Greatest of the Great Lakes. I have been quick to reference how we live on
the shores of Gitche Gumee, by the shining big sea water. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Conversely,
and regrettably, I have not equally promoted and uplifted our city's twelve
miles of jaw-dropping beauty along the St. Louis River. That was then. This is
now. Count me in as a new disciple of this outdoor recreation destination and
environmental education hub. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Mayor
Ness is also a believer. He is committed to turning this scenic river area into
an outdoor adventure and tourism destination. Right on, Mayor Ness. He
insightfully points out that if not for Lake Superior, Duluth would be defined
as a river city.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">My
friend, Tony Dierckins, serves as one of our community's premier resident
historians. Tony adeptly illustrates in his delightful book, Lost Duluth, that
the City of Duluth was established, first, along the St. Louis River. Our great
city gained a foothold and expanded from Fond Du Lac to the west to Belville in
the east. These townships and others came together between 1888 and 1896, to
form the City of Duluth. If not for the St. Louis River, Duluth may not have
survived the many transformations from the days of fur trading to tourism.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">Drawing
attention to this rich heritage and to the prospect of turning Western Duluth into
an outdoor adventure destination will require a concerted promotional effort.
Just as the promotion of Canal Park has allowed it to become a premier tourism
destination, the St. Louis River recreation area is poised to become our City's
next great visitor experience. If this vision is realized, it will bring
millions of dollars into our economy along with enhanced amenities for visitors
and residents. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333227;">How
will the City of Duluth fund this needed promotional effort? Mayor Ness has a
plan. If you would like to learn of this plan, the Duluth Area Chamber of
Commerce is making it easy to do so. We are partnering with the leadership of
Visit Duluth to host a ninety-minute meeting with Mayor Ness to discuss his
vision for the St. Louis River corridor. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333227;">I hope you will take advantage
of this timely opportunity to learn more about Duluth's next extraordinary
tourism destination.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-size: 11.0pt;"><img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333227; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
David Ross, President & CEO</span>David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12179578.post-7187708792364756692014-04-07T11:22:00.000-07:002014-05-02T11:23:05.754-07:00Supporting a Valued Neighbor<span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It
all started in 1950. The company was known as Lakehead Pipe Line
Partners. The first portion of the pipeline crossed 990 miles from
Redwater, Alberta, through Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota and
Minnesota and concluded at our sister city of Superior, Wisconsin. It
was a needed and bold initiative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sixty-four years later,
the need and the boldness continue. The company is now known as the
Enbridge Pipeline System. The pipeline system exceeds 3,100 miles in
length and includes multiple paths.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The growth continues. As
part of Enbridge's ongoing efforts to meet our country's need for the
reliable and secure transportation of petroleum supplies, <span>the company </span>is
proposing to expand the capacity of Line 67 to its full design
capacity. This capacity increase can be attained by adding and modifying
pump stations along the existing pipeline from North Dakota to
Superior. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Duluth Area Chamber
of Commerce's leadership stands in support of Enbridge's proposal to
expand the capacity of Line 67 to its <span>greatest ability</span>. We do so after thoroughly reviewing the merits of this needed initiative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our review included
benefiting from a comprehensive overview of the initiative provided by
Lorraine Little, Enbridge Senior Manager of U.S. Public Affairs Liquids
Operations & Projects, and Lee Monthel, Enbridge Vice President of
Major Projects. Our board of directors, comprised of twenty-five of
Duluth's business leaders, unanimously agreed to support the Line 67
Pipeline initiative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our Chamber is 1,100
members strong. It has served as our region's voice of business since
1870. For 144 years, we have partnered with area businesses to advance
our beloved community. Enbridge has been our neighbor for more than 64
of these 144 years. We value and appreciate Enbridge as a great
neighbor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Enbridge's employees and
contractors are our community members, our neighbors, and our friends.
We have come to fully understand that Enbridge's success i<span>s</span> our community's success. When Enbridge expands and invests<span>,</span>
our community prospers and celebrates. The Line 67 capacity expansion
will create jobs, generate tax revenue and boost our economy. The Duluth
and Superior communities already benefit mightily by serving as home to
750 Enbridge jobs. These jobs turbo-charge our local economy through
the purchase of local products, services and lodging.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Please be assured, the
Chamber's leadership also respects and is deeply committed to protecting
our region's remarkable natural beauty. Therefore, we appreciate that
Enbridge's top priority is the safe operation and maintenance of its
pipelines. Enbridge's sixty-four year record of safely delivering oil
provides us the assurance we need to unequivocally advocate on
Enbridge's behalf.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<span>In summary, I hope you will join us as we encourage the
decision-makers to allow Enbridge to make this needed investment in Line
67. Our shared effort will aid in allowing our great neighbor to more
effectively meet our country's immediate and expanding demand for the
safe delivery of oil. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333227; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,Serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<img alt="David Signature" border="0" height="36" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.56" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs006/1100350237561/img/56.gif" width="85" /></div>
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<div>
<span>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span> <br /><br /><div>
<span><br /><span>David Ross, President & CEO</span></span></div>
</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
David Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17970285190748816202noreply@blogger.com0