February 23, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

PRESIDENT and CEO

 

In early 2020, Northspan undertook considerable groundwork to determine the feasibility of welcoming community work. It conducted a survey of potential partners to determine interest and buy-in to the concept, conducted research on the potential benefits and pitfalls of such work and worked with other regions in Minnesota. These background investigations revealed both a strong desire to address these topics and a clear empirical case that a more welcoming community is a source of growth for regional populations and economies. This presentation will inform you of the Welcoming Community activities now in action in northeast Minnesota.

Chair of the Day: Elizabeth Simonson

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

The Rotary bell rang, bringing Rotary Club 25 members to their feet. After a welcome greeting from President Barb Perrella, all joined her in singing “American the Beautiful” and reciting the Rotary 4-Way Test. Then it was time for the “Reflection” and there was no one listed on the program. President Barb Perrella requested a volunteer and in true Rotary fashion, Dave Fulda said he would “Punt”. Having known today's speaker for 15 years, Dave Fulda noted that Rachel Johnson is a well-rounded and energetic community leader who exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

 

President Barb Perrella welcomes Rotarians and guests

Dave Fulda steps up for our Reflection

For Fellowship Report, the first up was Allen Anway sharing that his daughter Carol Anway is submitting her application to the Bozeman, Montana Rotary Club. Justin Terch dropped his “Work Zone Fine” into the Golden Can and noted that in 2022 his HR firm assisted companies in hiring 35 professionals; one of whom is today's speaker, Rachel Johnson.

 

 

FYI: At the last Rotary Club Board Meeting there was a good conversation regarding the future of our club: who we are, what we want to be, and what projects we wish to undertake. President Barb Perrella noted that in the near future, we will hear more about this as the board desires that all club members participate in the discussion.

 

Chair of the Day Past-President Sandy Hoff began his speaker introduction with “Ditto what Dave Fulda said”. Sandy noted that while watching Rachel enter the room today she was either very well known by those in attendance, or she was running for office. Perhaps so many are acquainted with Rachel as she has held numerous leadership positions in our community including in the areas of commercial real estate, permitting, the energy sector, stakeholder engagement and communications. And in 2023 she became President and CEO of APEX (Area Partnership for Economic Expansion).

 

Our speaker Rachel Johnson

 

Rachel shared that she entered the Duluth Area business community when she began working for F. I. Salter, one of her first employers after graduation from the College of St. Scholastica. Her family roots are in the Iron Range as her grandfather settled in Tamarack. Her parents were teachers in Two Harbors where she attended school. This background assists her in understanding and appreciating our region. Now leading APEX she feels that she can continue to contribute to our regional economy.

 

APEX Regional Reach

 

APEX was founded in 2003 by private business people seeking to leverage their dollars and knowledge in order to promote business in a 10-county region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Now looking forward to 2023 they are focusing on three areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Forestry, and Mining. As they seek to build relationships between governmental entities and the business shareholders their goal is to bring new businesses to the area or existing businesses to expand. An example of a current project is with Cirrus Aircraft which is expanding and will need to hire 160 more employees in the near future. However, finding housing for those employees is a concern. APEX has been able to bring together Cirrus executives and leaders in the housing sector to meet and discuss the situation and seek solutions. To learn more about APEX and its mission to assist businesses to be able to compete and thrive, go to www.apexgetsbusiness.com.

 

Past President Sandy Hoff with guest speaker Rachel Johnson

 

As Rachel was drawing the 50/50 winning ticket, there was an undercurrent of “Not Gary—again.” But, as is his luck, President-Elect Gary Melander held the winning ticket. Now he has set a winning record that is going to take someone years to break.

 

(L to R) Jena Evans with East H.S. Jr. Rotarian, Dave Fulda, Denfeld Jr. Rotarian and Jeff Fifield

(Clockwise lower L to R) Allan Anway, Darlene Anderson, Renee Mattson, Past President Bob Bennet, and Dan Maki