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Editor: With the end of another year upon us, it is the perfect time to look back at some Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) highlights from 2024. Reflecting on our experiences over the past year, including the places we’ve traveled, the people we’ve encountered and the communities with which we’ve engaged, one key theme shines through: our region is filled with a Range of Possibilities and opportunity.
In September, I was honored to deliver the inaugural State of the Range address to more than 160 attendees at the Giants Ridge Event Center in Biwabik. This uplifting evening highlighted the Range of Possibilities for northland communities. Tony Sertich, president/ chief executive officer of the Northland Foundation, served as the emcee for the evening, and guest speakers, Rep. Spencer Igo, chair of the IRRR Advisory Board, Kristen Vake, executive director of the Iron Mining Association, and Beth Pierce, executive director of the Iron Range Tourism Bureau, shared insightful updates. A high point of the evening was the premiere of our Range of Possibilities video, featuring our mission and service area, as well the wealth of resources and opportunities available in the region.
During 2024, we funded numerous innovative projects that will strengthen our regional mining industry, increase the regional tax base, create and retain jobs, provide essential services, improve education for our youth, expand outdoor recreation and enhance our quality of life. The impact of these investments is significant:
• 17 business loans totaling $10.2 million for a total project investment of $20.9 million.
• Two shovel ready business grants totaling $750,000.
• 202 grants totaling $51.5 million in over 39 communities for a total project investment of $315.3 million.
This past year, we made significant strides in diversifying the Iron Range economy, with one of our largest initiatives being the launch of a $6.5 million housing program. Housing availability is a critical concern for economic growth and business retention across northeastern Minnesota.
In response, we developed a housing initiative tailored to our communities, supporting both new construction and rehabilitation projects. Over the last year, we’ve funded 15 projects; if fully developed, these projects will create 304 new housing units, 84 rehabilitated units and 67 new lots for future development. By partnering with Minnesota Housing, local chambers and private developers, we’re able to bridge the gap between development costs and affordable rent, maximizing resources and impact.
On the business side, project investments from previous years continued to progress. Heliene, a solar module manufacturer in Mountain Iron, has expanded with our support, adding jobs and production lines. In Hibbing, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing is also expanding to produce electrical components for vehicles, including EV batteries, building a diverse, sustainable job base across the region. Both companies provide high-quality jobs that help retain local talent.
A key milestone for manufacturing was our work on spec buildings — commercial spaces ready for business occupancy. In Aurora, we’re partnering with the city’s economic development authority to attract tenants for a new facility. In Hibbing, we are supporting construction of a new building for the expanding manufacturing company, Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions. Eveleth is also moving forward with plans for an industrial park, with our support in the initial planning phases. These projects are building essential infrastructure and modern manufacturing space to drive local business growth and job creation in the region.
In addition to mining, forestry and logging continued to play a key role in our economy. We support research and development in the region, partnering with organizations like the Natural Resources Research Institute to explore areas from bioeconomy to sustainable forestry, creating opportunities for new industries.
Our agency is fully prepared to support the expansion of existing businesses or the relocation of new ones. We are eager to collaborate with all types of industries and organizations that are interested in investing in northeastern Minnesota. Our committed team members are constantly striving to uncover new avenues for growth in our region. They are happy to travel far and wide, meeting with individuals from all walks of life, in order to gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. By doing so, we ensure that we remain at the forefront of a changing world and are prepared to capitalize on every opportunity that comes our way. If you would like to meet with our business and community development teams, please contact us.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible team we have at our agency. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such dedicated and professional individuals who are so committed to our northland communities. This year, we bid farewell to 11 outstanding employees who retired from state service, which brings a mix of emotions. On a brighter note, we’ve welcomed several new team members who are ready to uphold our mission to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota.
In closing, looking ahead to a new year packed with potential is always an exciting venture, and I am optimistic about the Range of Possibilities ahead.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!
Commissioner Ida Rukavina Iron Range Resources Eveleth, MN
