Area business people and local politicians brought out the “golden shovels” to participate in two groundbreaking ceremonies for new or expanding businesses held at Cedar Grove Business Park Saturday, August 27. (L-R) Pat Campanaro, Jack McHugh, County Commissioner Ginny Storlie, Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux, Max Wahlers, Grand Marais City Councilor Tim Kennedy, Cook County/Economic Development Authority Director Mary Somnis, Cook County Chamber Director Jim Boyd, Lee and Dr. Nader Samari.
Although rain threatened, it wasn’t enough to deter two groundbreaking ceremonies held in the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) Cedar Grove Business Park on Saturday, August 27.
Roads have been pushed in for a new veterinary clinic on the west side of the park and for a new workshop/storage area for local contractor Max Wahlers on the east end of the park.
First to break ground were Lee and Dr. Nadder Samari, who are constructing a veterinary clinic at Lot 3 Block 5 Cedar Grove Lane, north of Cornerstone Community Church. The Samaris now operate Lakes Veterinary Hospital in Battle Lake, Minnesota.
Next came groundbreaking for a new building at Lot 2 Block 7 on Cedar Grove Lane that will provide shop space for Max Wahlers Construction.
Joining the Samaris and Wahlers for the groundbreaking were Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux; Tim Kennedy of the Grand Marais City Council; Heidi Doo- Kirk of the Cook County board and EDA board; Ginny Storlie of the Cook County board; Pat Campanaro, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselor; Mary Somnis, EDA director; Jim Boyd, executive director of the Cook County Chamber; Jack McHugh of Red Pine Realty; and Linda and Reverend Dale McIntire of Cornerstone Community Church.
If the weather and time permits, Wahlers intends to finish his shop this fall. The Samaris hope their clinic will be completed in January.
“A strong business community is vital to the overall health of Grand Marais and Cook County and these two businesses have voted with their checkbook to support our economy,” said Campanaro following the ceremony.
“The Samaris,” Campanro added, “will fill a void by providing on site and emergency veterinary services. They have also expressed a desire to become an integral part of our community and look forward to participating in many community activities. Exactly what we are looking for in business partnerships.
“And Max Construction’s new home will enable Max Wahlers to run a more efficient and effective business by combining his work materials into one space, a boon to most operations.
“Cedar Grove Business Park is convenient, affordable and beautiful. I look forward to working with more businesses that are seeking new facilities,” said Campanaro.
Pastor Dale McIntire gave a blessing for the new members of the park following the ground breaking.
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