A story in the Star Tribune about a Grand Marais murder exhibits troubling journalistic judgment in my view, and the result victimizes Grand Marais. Here’s the headline and subhead, which give you the gist of the story: “ ‘He killed a monster’: Grand Marais man’s death has locals pulling for his alleged killer.” “Levi Axtell, who has confessed to murdering... READ MORE >
A group of Chamber representatives, plus several of our friends who work on public policy, journeyed to St. Paul on March 8-10. We participated in the Duluth Chamber’s Duluth & St. Louis County Days and also worked our way through an ambitious agenda of meetings with legislators. Our visit to St. Paul began with a dinner at Salut Bar Americain... READ MORE >
Although this summer has seen its share of horrors – drought, smoke, fire – it also was a summer of incredible creativity for groups and individuals who received 2021 Great Place Project grants from the Cook County Business and Civic Partnership – the philanthropic arm of the Cook County Chamber. The money to fund these grants was raised from several... READ MORE >
The Great Place Project Advisory Committee has made grant awards to 14 applicants totaling $13,550 for the 2021 Great Place Project (GPP), announced Jim Boyd, executive director of the Cook County Business & Civic Partnership which oversees the project. The Partnership is the philanthropic arm of the Cook County Chamber. “We were doubly fortunate with the Great Place Project this... READ MORE >
Many questions have been asked about workers who are urged to quarantine for two weeks because they might possibly have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. We’ve been discussing this lately because some folks who are urged to quarantine are questioning the need and expressing their desire to continue working. Their concern is understandable. But the truth of the matter,... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering grants of up to $40,000 for investment in refrigeration equipment that will help reduce emissions of gases that are environmentally harmful. Potential applicants include “emission reduction projects within grocery, convenience store, or facilities or transport vehicles with food storage in Minnesota.” The deadline to apply is December 11, 2020. Information and applications... READ MORE >
The Cook County Chamber of Commerce welcomes our visitors to enjoy a safe and respectful return to our community as we re-open for business. We encourage local businesses to re-open, in their own time, when plans and staff are ready. Thank you, business owners, for your compliance with the Cook County Travel Advisory, as we worked together to create a... READ MORE >
Grace Grinager of Cook County Public Health received questions about smoking in outdoor dining areas. Is it allowed? Here is her response: “Neither the County nor MDH regulate smoking in outdoor areas. As a business, you have the power to put your own restrictions on smoking in outdoor areas if you choose to do so. “There is specific language about... READ MORE >
Bob Pranis, who owns a 3D printer and has a big heart, has been very busy making face shields for first responders and health professionals. Now they have enough, and Bob is offering to make them for business folks who come face-to-face with their customers. The shields would offer one additional level of safety, on top of face masks and... READ MORE >
The Cook County Board unanimously approved a request from the Cook County Revolving Loan Fund Committee to suspend for six months payments on all loans and halt the accrual of interest on all loans because of the economic impact on business of the COVID-19 shutdown. As County Auditor Braidy Powers explained, the action freezes principal and interest and pushes back... READ MORE >
