Chamber Ribbon-Cuttings for The Sweetwater Co. and Voyageur Brewing

The Cook County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting for The Sweetwater Co. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Owners Brooke Youngdahl and Kelsi Williams cut the ribbon, surrounded by well-wishers, friends, and family, and assisted by Chamber of Commerce Director Linda Jurek, far left. Photo’s courtesy of Carah Thomas, Visit Cook County

Downtown Grand Marais is seeing a flurry of new business openings, and the newly reinvigorated Cook County Chamber of Commerce, led by Director Linda Jurek, is lending its support and helping get the word out.

Last month the Chamber welcomed North Shore Laundry Services, a new commercial laundry service located in Cedar Grove Business Park, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. That was followed this month by two events on June 1; a ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of The Sweetwater Co., a trendy and inviting women’s boutique at 8 Broadway, and the inaugural Chamber Connect bi-monthly networking event at Voyageur Brewing Co., combined with a ribbon-cutting for Voyageur’s newly expanded lower deck.

The Sweetwater Co. is a new boutique operated by sisters-in-law Brooke Youngdahl and Kelsi Williams, located at 8 Broadway in downtown Grand Marais. The new store officially opened its doors on June 1 with a Chamber of Commerce ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the occasion. The new owners describe their vision for the new business in this way: “The Sweetwater Co. is a family-run boutique with a mission to provide women with a beautiful and uniquely curated selection of apparel, accessories, gifts, and home decor. Our goal is to create a fun and unique shopping experience centered around quality pieces that make women and their homes look and feel fabulous!”

Gathered to dedicate Voyageur Brewing Company’s new deck overlooking Grand Marais harbor are, L-R: Cook County Chamber of Commerce Director Linda Jurek, Chamber Director of Policy & Advocacy Jim Boyd, Kjersti Vick of Visit Cook County, Blue Water Café owner Melodee Riddle, co-owners of Voyageur Brewing Co. Sue and Mike Prom, and Chamber Board Chair Karen Blackburn.

Jurek was on hand for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, along with a crowd of well-wishers, family, and friends. “Brooke and Kelsi have done an amazing job,” said Jurek. “We’re honored and excited to help officially launch this wonderful new business.”

Jurek, who came on as Chamber Director in January of this year, and who is also Executive Director of Visit Cook County (VCC), has instituted several new outreach and engagement initiatives at the Chamber, including ribbon cuttings for new businesses and bi-monthly networking events called Chamber Connect, held at a different locations around Cook County.

The inaugural Chamber Connect was held June 1 on Voyageur Brewing Company’s newly expanded lower deck. There was also a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially dedicate the space, followed by an informal meet and greet. “We had a wonderful turnout,” said Jurek. “It was great to see and talk to so many excited, energetic, and passionate young business people.

“Thanks so much to Mike and Sue Prom at Voyageur for hosting us. We’re hoping for another great turnout at our next event in August.”

The next Chamber Connect is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Clearview General Store in Lutsen. Everyone is welcome. Call or email the Cook County Chamber of Commerce for more information at 218-387-2788 ext. 101, or ccchamber@boreal.org.