Visit Cook County launched as an independent 501(c)(6) in the spring of 2010. The convergence of three tourism associations and strategic partnerships with Grand Portage and Lutsen Mountains resulted in an award-winning Destination Marketing Organization. Building upon that momentum, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce was established three years later to support the internal needs of the business community that... READ MORE >
As I think back to April 2020, with all of the uncertainties, one can’t help but feel proud of what we have collectively accomplished. Pivot is a word we all know well and as we look forward to summer 2021, pivoting continues to be a necessity for our success. I can’t help but chuckle when looking at the synonyms for... READ MORE >
March 2020 marked the 10th anniversary of Visit Cook County. It was our plan to host a small celebration and thank all of our tourism partners for the outstanding work accomplished in the promotion of tourism in northeastern Minnesota. Of course, COVID-19 sent us down a much different path and now, nearly one year later, we want to take time... READ MORE >
It takes a distinctive person to call northeastern Minnesota home. It also takes business resiliency that is understood but sometimes not recognized. That is, until faced with a pandemic that set all of us reeling. In March, we closed. And I mean truly closed. This decision was difficult and scrutinized by leaders from every sector (healthcare, government, tourism). After heartfelt... READ MORE >
Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber were unable to host the Fall Gala in 2020. The celebration, which celebrates the end of a busy summer season, certainly was missed. Over 200 of our business and community friends typically join together for a night of celebration and recognition of achievements. However, Visit Cook County feels strongly about recognizing our... READ MORE >
It’s hard to believe that just five months ago, our corner of Minnesota was closed. Doors were shut; we transitioned quickly to remote work, cut budgets, and furloughed employees. Days were spent navigating complex loan applications, analyzing business structures, and meeting with local leaders to discuss what to do next as a community. While tourism experts predicted that travelers would... READ MORE >
It’s time to celebrate! With another busy summer and fall season coming to a close and with the whisper of snowflakes in the air, we want to celebrate our successes. With the surge of social media, I find we frequently connect via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. The value of a good old face-to-face conversation may have slipped into the... READ MORE >
What’s that you ask? No it’s not a lesson from my Home Economics class of 1973 but rather a traffic term used during construction. With our Highway 61 construction project of 2020 and 2021, we need to understand the lingo. When you see a sign noting a lane closure and the instruction to merge, do you merge right away? And... READ MORE >
Whether you choose to network at Java Moose over coffee or at one of your favorite watering holes, sharing your business ideas or common interests has been part of our communication processes for what seemingly could be forever. In fact, it is proven that prehistoric man returned to the same location to draw in order to seek comfort, share their... READ MORE >
The seagulls are making noise outside my window and the fan is blowing trying to cool the office. I’m a firm believer that we northern Minnesotans do not need air conditioning. Along with the warmth of late July, you will notice the leaves are turning from the spring filled luster of green to their mid-summer hue; a little less brilliant.... READ MORE >
