Somnis looks back at her tenure as EDA director

Now that Cook County/Grand Marais EDA Director Mary Somnis is retiring, she will have more time to spend with her grandkids. Staff photo Brian Larsen

The Cook County/ Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been on the move for the last five years. That’s the same period that Mary Somnis has been the director, working under the supervision of the board. Before Somnis headed up the EDA, she worked for the Iron Range Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) for 19 years, from 1997 to 2016.

What do you feel are the most significant accomplishments of the EDA to date? She was asked.

“In the five years I have been here, I would say the biggest accomplishments are advancing our work in year-round workforce housing. That includes 26 units built in partnership with One Roof and supporting the development of 34 other units of housing around the county,” she said, adding, “Learning about the challenges and opportunities with housing development, which resulted in advocating for the creation of the proposed Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). But we need to increase our capacity to get more done.”

Somnis also touted the completion of the renovations at Superior National golf course at Lutsen and growing the number of rounds and revenues.

Then too, there was significant progress with the sale of land at the Cedar Grove Business Park, and she cited the EDA’s work with the Legislature to amend the State of Minnesota grant language to enable more types of uses for the lots, based on local needs and driven by the business community.

In closing, Mary noted that over $5 million in grant funds had been brought to projects in Cook County and collaboration, partnerships, and community relationships have been strengthened over the years.

Mary has agreed to stay for a while to help Beth Drost learn the ropes of her new job as director of the EDA. And, said Mary, she’s only a phone call away if Beth or the board needs her help.