Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce

Embracing Duluth’s Progress Zones

2010-01-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

The change is subtle. Yet, it can have a profound impact on how we view developments within our beloved community. The change to which I am referring is viewing the multiple “construction zones” we encounter each day as “progress zones.”

What a difference one word can make. For example, we can respond to a rerouting of traffic caused by one of these progress zones with fascination instead of frustration. Challenges can take the place of problems. Homework becomes home-learning. The Chamber’s leadership views our community’s challenges with positive expectancy. When our Board of Directors gather for our annual off-site planning session, we call the session an “Advance” instead of a “Retreat.”

We have been faced with a challenging economy in recent years. Nonetheless, there is optimism within the Chamber and, increasingly, within our Shining City on the Hill. The revitalization of our historic downtown continues. We can all see the progress being made as the dream of a new DECC Arena is becoming a reality. Our public schools are being revitalized. Our city and county streets are being rebuilt. Student enrollment is at record levels within our institutions of higher learning. New restaurants and hotels are opening within our Zenith City. There are many examples of progress and reasons for optimism – if we choose to acknowledge them. These progress zones are setting the pace for a new and exhilarating spirit in Duluth.

Throughout this past year, the Chamber has marshaled its resources to promote developments that signal excitement in our city. Private and public development will reach a record high of approximately $750 million infused into our community over a period of a few years. This development is generating jobs and opportunities for our community members. Duluth’s unemployment rate is lower than the state and national unemployment rates. This is a positive reversal of our past experience.

True enough, there are calculated risks inherent in the multiple progress zones that the Chamber and others have labored so long to make possible. All real progress involves risk and challenges. However, Duluth has the vibrancy to accept the risks and stride forward boldly. Let us together resolve to embrace the opportunities that now lie before us and begin 2010 as a city experiencing remarkable progress.

In support,
David

No More Fees, Please

2009-11-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

The City of Duluth’s administration was poised to raise our city utilities fees again when the Duluth City Council meeting convened Monday, November 9th. The only thing between yet another increase to our city sewer, water and natural gas rates was a vote by the city councilors. Thankfully, before the councilors voted, there was an opportunity for citizen’s to address the councilors related to the proposed fee increases.

Only six Duluthians took the opportunity to speak on the proposed fee hikes. The first four spoke in support of the fee increases, rationalizing that increased fees were the only way to protect our beloved Lake Superior, the Greatest of the Great Lakes.

The remaining two citizens who addressed the councilors were strongly opposed to the proposed fee increases. I was one of these two citizens. My Chamber colleague, and brother in commerce, Andy Peterson, was the other voice in opposition of the fee increases.

Like the four citizens who spoke prior to us, Andy and I want to protect our treasured Lake Superior. It is our community’s most precious and remarkable asset.

Yet, Andy and I know better than to assume there is a direct link between increased utilities fees and increased protection of our pristine drinking water. The proposed fees increase had far more to do with protecting the city’s union workers and the union’s antiquated, inordinately costly, and unsustainable public sector union benefits.

Councilor Todd Fedora gave powerful testimony detailing the concerns he had relative to the union utility workers alarmingly expensive on-call, overtime and minimum staffing requirements.

The city’s unions have the city’s administration, our city’s utilities, and, consequently, every citizen of Duluth up against a wall – and they are reaching for our collective wallet. At a time when businesses are being called upon to provide more services and products at reduced prices, the City of Duluth is calling upon its citizens to pay more fees. Innovation and creativity are needed within the City’s utilities departments – not more fees to feed the system.

However, all is not lost. There is reason for optimism. The City Council strongly rejected the administrations recommended utility rate increase by a 7-2 vote. The only councilors who voted for the increase were Tony Cuneo and Greg Gilbert. I hope you will join me in applauding the seven councilors who opposed the increase. After voting against the fee increase, city councilors asked city administration to provide them information regarding the utilities department’s union work contract concerns Councilor Fedora shared with them prior to their vote on fees. It is information I also look forward to seeing. I suspect the information will not be comforting. I will keep you posted.

In support,
David Ross

Participate in Improving Zoning Regulations

2009-10-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

As our Shining City on the Hill looks to revitalize our business districts and bring in new developments, there are many considerations for how this development could or should look. The City of Duluth is undertaking the significant task of modernizing its zoning code with immense community input and response. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is an enthusiastic partner in this effort. I was proud to serve as a business community representative on the Comprehensive Land Use Development Plan Committee, which completed the plan in 2006. I am equally pleased to continue representing you on the Zoning Advisory Committee, charged with completing these new zoning regulations by spring of 2010.

Zoning affects us all and we can all be part of the solution to a 50 year old code that does not allow for newer modern buildings, mixed use opportunities, and pedestrian friendly business districts. Our residents and Chamber members are constrained by outdated regulations which do not provide room for creativity and only offer limitations to the usage of existing buildings.

The effort to change the zoning regulations coupled with the City’s work to establish a more effective and efficient permitting process bodes well for the future of Duluth and the revitalization efforts of our downtown area and the city as a whole. Duluth is undergoing a significant revival and these efforts will help to sustain development, growth, and offer a new quality of life now and into the future.

Our beloved Zenith City is fortunate to have an active and engaged citizenry. I encourage community members, and especially our Chamber members, to participate in the City’s public process. The second of four modules on the proposed zoning regulations, or what is formally known as the Unified Development Chapter (UDC) of the City’s Legislative Code, will be presented at a public meeting on: Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Depot.

There is still time to have your voice heard within this important initiative.

If you cannot attend the meeting, information on the first two modules of the proposed zoning regulations can be found on the City’s website at: http://www.duluthmn.gov/planning/udc/meetings.cfm
Comments can also be directly submitted on-line at: http://www.duluthmn.gov/planning/udc/connected.cfm

In unwavering support,

David Ross
President and CEO
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce

School Board Candidate Contrasts

2009-10-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

School Board Candidate Contrasts

The Chamber’s effort to get school board candidates to clearly state their positions got off to a lively start on Tuesday morning. At our School Board Candidate FORVM, a capacity crowd of citizens and news media attending our gathering in the Duluth Technology Village.

We were honored to be joined by three of the four incumbents – Mary Cameron, Laura Condon and Ann Wasson – and by three of the four challengers – Maureen Booth, Art Johnston and Tom Kasper. Board member Nancy Nilsen was out of the country and could not attend, and challenger Marcia Stromgren informed us she had a conflict. Yet, these two individuals also provided varying levels of email responses to the questions.

To ensure candidates would arrive well prepared, we provided the questions to them a week ahead of time. The purpose was to ensure that attendees would hear exactly where each candidate stands. In most cases, that worked well. However, it took two or three tries to get some of the non-incumbent candidates to commit to precise answers. Even then, some still chose to not answer at all.

Among the surprises at Tuesday’s FORVM were these:

Maureen Booth said she couldn’t comment on Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP) specifics because she had not been allowed to view the plan. We encourage her, and anyone else seeking detailed information about the Long Range Facilities Plan, to visit the ChooseDuluthSchools.com website that has been live for several months.
Art Johnston said that while he supports Plan B, he is not a member of Let Duluth Vote. That’s apparently a change in his position, because he was the Let Duluth Vote spokesperson who presented Plan B to the School Board on June 23.

The two challengers who said they’d vote to keep more schools open – Johnston and Kasper – did not provide any ideas for how they’d pay for them.

Here is how the candidates responded to three key questions people are asking:

Which plan do you support? All four incumbents said they support the LRFP now underway. Johnston and Stromgren support Let Duluth Vote’s Plan B. Kasper said he supports aspects of the LRFP, but would keep Nettleton and Morgan Park schools open. Booth said she could not answer because she had not seen details of the LRFP.
If elected, would you stop all work on the facilities plan? – Booth, Kasper and Johnston said they would stop work on the plan. The four incumbents said they would not stop work on the plan. Stromgren chose to not answer this question.
Would you vote to keep more schools open than the LRFP currently includes? – Booth and the four incumbents said they would not vote to keep more schools open. Stromgren again chose to not answer at all.

Those who answered yes were asked if they would pay for the extra schools by seeking an operating levy, cutting teachers, freezing employee pay, cutting existing education programs, cutting extracurricular activities, or something else.

Johnston and Kasper said they would indeed keep more schools open. However, they would use steps other than the five options suggested. They did not provide specific ways to pay for the extra schools.

Johnston also said he’d like the community to have more discussion about Plan B, and we agree with him. We believe it’s vitally important for voters to realize the financial, educational, environmental and safety implications of Plan B versus the approved Long Range Facilities Plan.

This blog and Tuesday’s well-attended FORVM are tangible indications of the Chamber’s commitment to help voters go to the polls on November 3 with accurate information on which to base their important decisions.

In support,
David Ross

Keeping Crime Down in Downtown

2009-09-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer, my Chamber colleagues and I completed a walking tour of First Street during which we stopped in every business located between City Hall (on the west end) and SMDC (on the east end). We queried each of the fifty-four business owners and operators regarding their view of crime in the Downtown area.

We did so because we had heard from a few of our members who did business in the Downtown section of First Street and who believed crime was becoming a growing problem. Our tour clearly illustrated that although there were a few isolated areas of concern - especially at certain times of the day - First Street remains a safe and vibrant place to do business and enjoy visiting.

After completing the tour, we shared our findings with Police Chief Gordon Ramsey. He, in turn, was gracious in sharing with us the plans he was even then (May, 2009) implementing to intensify the City's crime fighting efforts in the Downtown.

Four months have now passed since the completion of our tour and the increase of crime fighting efforts. This is a list of those efforts which have been implemented:

Two new, energetic officers now routinely walk or bike through the Downtown.
Seven additional seasonal officers are now patrolling Downtown and Canal Park. This is the largest police presence in many years in these areas.
A new skateboard ordinance has been implemented in Canal Park. (There have been positive reports on the ordinance from business owners in Canal Park.)
Two additional plain clothes undercover officers have been patrolling the problem areas of Downtown.
Officers are working with the Downtown bars that have excess police calls and have placed the bars on police calls reduction plans.

The cumulative impact of these initiatives has resulted in a safer, friendlier Downtown Duluth. As a result, there are more people visiting and enjoying Downtown than in many past years. More arts and entertainment venues are drawing greater numbers of patrons. More people are residing in the increasing number of condominiums and apartments available in the Downtown, and greater numbers of tourists are concurrently making their way from Canal Park into our historic Downtown.

There has never been a better, safer time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and energy of our community's meeting place. I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours in support,

David Ross

President & CEO

Extending Progress Through a Skywalk Extension

2009-08-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Downtown Duluth has enjoyed a transforming revitalization. The Technology Village, located at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street, was an extraordinarily bold project that sparked this revitalization. In one monumental effort it transformed a dilapidated and unsightly block of decaying buildings into a triumphant centerpiece for our downtown. In doing so, it heralded a new and positive era for Duluthians fortunate enough to live and work in our beloved downtown.

A&L Properties, which built the Tech Village in 1999, invested over $26 million in this highly visible landmark. The City of Duluth, as their part of the building project, promised to build a skywalk connecting the Tech Village to the existing skywalk system. The skywalk was planned to span Lake Avenue. The City assured A&L Properties that the skywalk would be completed by the time the Tech Village opened in 1999.

That's right, 1999. Unlike the music icon, Prince, the leadership of A&L Properties could not - Party Like It's 1999. They are still waiting to celebrate the completion of the promised skywalk connection over Lake Avenue. Thankfully, the City of Duluth finally approved and financed the skywalk extension. It is being constructed at the cost of $2.35 million. It is scheduled to be completed by October. It is difficult for us to fully appreciate the difficulties A&L Properties endured while waiting ten years for the City to fulfill its part of the Technology Village bargain. The City's disappointing performance, at a minimum, does not engender confidence in their ability to fund and build future skywalk extensions.

This is one understandable reason why A&L Properties is willing to privately fund and build the next skywalk originating from the Technology Village. Rob Link, of A&L Properties, is hoping to build a skywalk linking the Technology Village and the recently completed Wieland Block development. The Wieland Block is another bold and beautiful showpiece within our downtown - also developed by A&L Properties. It is bringing additional private investment, character and optimism to our downtown. The proposed skywalk would pass over Superior Street just east of Lake Avenue. It was part of the original Master Plan and vision for the Technology Village, approved by the City of Duluth.

Construction of the Wieland Block skywalk will be friendly to downtown motorists. It will be designed in a way that will not require Superior Street to be closed for an extended period. It will be installed in sections during nighttime hours. Its floor-to-ceiling glass and compelling design will enhance the beauty of our downtown.

All that is required to make this needed, tax-free addition to the downtown a reality are some approvals within City Hall. A&L has filed a request for a building and a concurrent use permit from the City of Duluth. The Duluth Planning Commission is scheduled to take action on the requested permit August 11. The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Duluth City Council, which will act to approve or deny the permit.

Please join me in encouraging the Planning Commission and the City Council to approve the permits. It would be wise to allow A&L Properties to continue investing resources and spirit in the welcome renewal of our historic downtown.

In support and advocacy,
David Ross
President & CEO

Perspective on Duluth’s Population

2009-07-08T06:13:00.001-07:00

In 1960, the population of our beloved Emerald City on the Hill’s population peaked at 106,884, and our city’s future looked bright. A thriving port city, Duluth was still riding on a post-war manufacturing high.

Fast forward to July 2009. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Duluth’s population declined by 2,634 people between the years 2000 and 2008 – to a population of 84,284. Can a community lose 22,600 members (21%) within 48 years and still remain vibrant? Can we do something to reverse our population’s downward spiral? Does our beloved community’s future still look bright?

Each of us has his own perspective on the situation. Nevertheless, the recent census figures vividly illustrate that we cannot achieve the goal voiced by many Duluthians to “keep Duluth just the way it is.” Communities either grow or decline; it is impossible to maintain a community in a static condition. Attempts to “keep Duluth just the way it is” will only end in frustration.

My strong conviction is that no community can shrink to greatness. Declining numbers lead to under-funded and under-utilized school systems and to oversized municipalities which demand each taxpayer pay an ever larger share of the bill for government. It means fewer opportunities for young people and less investment in community services. A declining city population inevitably loses political clout in the State Legislature and Congress.

My friend, Tony Barrett, Ph.D., professor of economics at the College of St. Scholastica, shared in a Chamber publication his view of why people promoting economic development in Duluth are often frustrated by opposition. He points out that developers may fail to realize that large numbers of Duluthians simply do not want growth. Dr. Barrett identifies this “no growth” bloc of voters as: 1) older citizens who believe expansion will raise taxes; 2) native Duluthians who have remained in Duluth because they like the status quo; 3) people who choose to live here because they like the environment; and 4) business people who wish to avoid further competition.

Barrett admits these are generalizations. However, they offer a rationale for the intense scrutiny and frequent objections to which we subject many economic development projects. Ironically, it will be the jobs created by these often bitterly opposed development proposals that will be the catalysts for the reversal of our population decline. It is these development projects that infuse our community with private investment, funding for our city services, such as police and fire protection, and employment options for members of our workforce.

The challenge of population decline warrants lively debate. It constitutes a pressing issue that should be publicly aired in the media, in neighborhood associations, within City Hall, in political discussions, and at the dinner table. Our children’s future in Duluth depends on our response to the issue. College students and young talent have a special interest in the discussion.

The Duluth Area Chamber’s leadership is actively engaged in the dialogue. I am confident that within our community and within ourselves, we will find the answers and the motivation to strengthen this city we all cherish.

The Research Results Are In

2009-06-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a luncheon event to release research findings regarding the economic impact Independent School District 709’s Long Range Facilities Plan will have on the region. More than 160 interested community members gathered in the lower level ballroom of the Radisson Hotel to learn how the school district’s plan will affect the local economy in terms of job creation and dollars generated.

Motivated by the belief that residents of our beloved community would benefit from fully understanding the comprehensive impact of the Facilities Plan, the Chamber’s leadership funded the research and hosted the community gathering. We were excited to engage the services of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics – Bureau of Business and Economic Research, a highly regarded research organization, to provide members of our community unbiased information regarding this controversial initiative.

We were delighted when the Bureau’s research clearly illustrated the specific impact the Facilities Plan has had and will continue to have on Duluth and the surrounding region. Those in attendance learned that the Facilities Plan will, from its outset in 2008 until its conclusion in 2012, provide work for up to 1,600 people and have a $442 million economic impact within our region. After providing a detailed description of where the jobs will occur and where the dollars will be generated, Jim Skurla, the Bureau’s director, stated, “After studying the many economic ramifications, it’s clear that the timing of the Facilities Plan could not have been better for our region. This project has become our local stimulus package for the construction, real estate and many other industries.”

For too long, misinformation about the Facilities Plan has been swirling around our Emerald City on the Hill. The Chamber is pleased and proud to be a positive force in putting an end to the speculation and misinformation by providing community members with unbiased, objective and thoroughly researched information. The research results are available on the Chamber’s website at www.duluthchamber.com. You can download the entire report or a summary press release of the report.

Ending Speculation by Initiating Research:Duluth Public Schools Long Range Facilities Plan

2009-04-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Chamber's leadership believes residents of our beloved community would benefit from fully understanding the comprehensive impact of the Duluth School District's Long Range Facilities Plan. With this as our motivation, the Chamber has contracted with the Labovitz School of Business and Economics - Bureau of Business and Economic Research to conduct research that will clearly illustrate the specific economic impact the Facilities Plan will have in Duluth and the surrounding region. This welcome information will help us fully understand what the Facilities Plan means to our community.

The research will be completed by May 29, 2009. We are motivated to share the research results with you, our valued Chamber members, as soon possible. That is why we have arranged for an initial presentation of the results at a luncheon scheduled for: Monday, June 1, at 11:30 a.m., at the Radisson Hotel. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. The program and presentation of research results will begin at noon. The cost for members is $20, with a $35 cost for non-members. You can register by calling 722-5501 or by emailing inquiry@duluthchamber.com or by visiting www.duluthchamber.com.

The Chamber's leadership is excited to engage the services of a respected research organization to provide you unbiased information regarding this controversial initiative. We are pleased and proud to bring the speculation to an end and replace it with timely, useful researched findings. I value and welcome your feedback on this issue. I can be reached at dross@dul uthchamber.com or 740- 3751.

Embracing the Challenge of Change

2009-03-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Every community has its unique, ongoing challenges. Concurrently, our nation's economic struggle is causing an increasing number of communities to experience amplified financial duress, family poverty and business failure. How we, as Duluthians, respond to these combined national and Duluth- specific challenges will determine the vibrancy of our shared future. Rising above these challenges will require us to become increasingly effective at handling change. I am optimistic that we are positioned well to rise above these shared challenges and these shared changes.

History teaches us that we too often behave wisely when we have exhausted all other alternatives. Thankfully, our community leaders are increasingly exhibiting wise behavior. The future of our beloved Emerald City on the Hill is being fortified because of it.

It is undeniable that dealing with community change is oftentimes disruptive, and always demanding. The intelligent solutions being generated by Mayor Ness and our business and civic leaders have included thoughtful dialogue. We are making positive strides, but have not yet reached the highest level of discourse. Certainly, heated debate continues within city council meetings, local newspapers, and local interest groups. It is paramount that we not become discouraged in the midst of this discord.

In the midst of this spirited debate lies hope. Change causes resistance, which in turn causes tension and tension generates energy. We can all agree that energy is better than apathy. Where there is energy there is hope for the future. The Chamber's leadership is actively engaged in determining how the business community can most effectively partner with our elected officials to adapt to our nation's, our state's and our community's challenges.

American philosopher William James said, "A great many people believe they are thinking, when they are simply rearranging their prejudices." It is essential that we rise above this likelihood when considering our response to a person proposing change within our community. We can do so by engaging in unthreatening dialogue. When we understand the almost inevitable factor of resistance to change, we begin to see things from a fresh perspective. We begin to see the positive possibilities.

The Chamber is deeply involved in a sincere effort to better understand the views of our members and of our elected officials, while we fashion our positions on local issues. We recently surveyed our members to better understand the challenges they face and the importance they place on various local, state and national issues.

When we speak on behalf of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, we intend to speak with a strong, unified voice that resonates with positive potential for our city and its future. We pledge ourselves to move Duluth forward in a spirit of openness and optimism, and we invite all citizens to do the same.

Positioning Duluth for Prosperity

2009-02-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

For Duluth to be competitive in the new economy, we must be willing to bring all of our human, social and cultural capital to the table. This challenge, thankfully, presents us with some exciting advantages.

Drew Digby, regional labor market analyst for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, recently shared his interpretation of these advantages with a Chamber audience. He also indicated how we can put these advantages to work in positioning our beloved community for prosperity.

Our nation’s current recession is causing people to contemplate what is important to them and to their families. This introspection may lead many to conclude that acquiring material possessions will not breed happiness. Likewise, people may begin to question the value of living in increasingly congested megalopolises. Hour-plus commutes, increasing crime rates, and diminishing air and water quality, combined with less available recreational opportunities, may have more and more people deciding that a happy life is more likely in a community the size of Duluth. In coming years, the Emerald City on the Hill will look increasingly compelling. Most of the qualities that attract people to Duluth would be lost in a city of 500,000 citizens, or in a town of 25,000.

Duluth, at 85,000, and the neighboring communities of Superior, Hermantown and Proctor, bringing the area to 125,000, is an ideally sized city – if we can create the economic, social and cultural opportunities that are attractive to people.

More workers are making a living from occupations considered to be within the creative professions. The creative professions include far more than artists, writers and computer programmers – they include doctors, teachers, architects, engineers and bankers, as well. Many of those in the creative professions want to live in places that respect the value of diversity, creativity, and social and cultural capital.

Duluth is well along the right path. Higher education is now one of our major employers, and it continues to grow at a significant rate. Health care is also on the rise. In fact, health care wages accounted for 30.6% of all dollars in paychecks given to Duluth workers.
And, despite an outdated stereotype, Duluth’s citizenry is, on average, younger than most think. In 2000, the median age in Duluth was 35.4. Recent estimates indicate the age has dropped to 33.6.

It gets even more encouraging. The Northland Works initiative recently identified that there will be 75,000 job openings in the next 10 years in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Many of those jobs will be filled by people already in the region, by young people who already live here, and by the college students who are planning to stay. Though these statistics are encouraging, we will still need about 22,000 new people to fill the jobs over the next 10 years. And we will need to attract these new workers to our beloved community if we are going to remain a vibrant city.

Fortunately, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and other community leadership organizations are actively engaged in attracting and retaining young professionals within Duluth. The Chamber’s Fuse Duluth initiative’s mission is: to inform, network and connect young people so they can engage and influence their community. We are also working to provide the creation of jobs that will attract and retain workers of every age within our community.

Drew Digby ended his presentation with a call to action. He asked us to support new ideas, support thoughtful and environmentally sensitive development, support the arts, and support and trust the new people coming to our community. Drew was optimistic that we will do these things. I am equally optimistic.

Duluthians are known for being resilient and hardworking. Let’s ensure that we are also recognized by these other descriptors: welcoming, creative, supportive and optimistic. We must be so. Our city’s future depends on it.

Rising to Defend Governor Pawlenty

2008-12-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

I admire and respect Governor Tim Pawlenty, and I appreciate the restraint, the discipline and the self-sufficiency he encourages Minnesota’s state and city governments to embrace. Governor Pawlenty has asked us to do what he has done himself: exhibit restraint, discipline, and self sufficiency as we work through our city’s challenges.

I have had the opportunity to introduce Governor Pawlenty on several occasions. As a result, I have learned a great deal about him and have come to admire his approach to politics and to life.

Tim Pawlenty has known and overcome adversity. The youngest of five children, he has a blue-collar background that includes a childhood close to the meat-packing plants of South St. Paul and a family that lost its livelihood when those plants closed, leaving his father – a truck driver – without work. At the age of sixteen, Tim experienced the death of his mother and began to work delivering newspapers and stocking shelves at the neighborhood grocery store. These challenges inspired him to do better and reach higher. He worked his way through the University of Minnesota, where he achieved top academic honors, and went on to the University Law School, again working his way through and again earning high honors.

Knowing these facts may help us understand why he recently indicated that he may respectfully decline the proposed additional Federal Government support directed to the states. His position may be summed up as “Thanks, but no thanks. We will take care of these monetary challenges at the State level.” Governor Pawlenty believes that taxes should not increase when businesses are already weighed down by the burden of local, county, and state taxes and fees. He believes, as well, that city financial challenges should be handled by the city. His support lessened among many Duluth area elected officials when he singled out Duluth for what he understands to be a double-digit tax increase even though the economy is in recession and is not expected to grow by more than one percent before the end of 2009. He stated: “Taxes should not increase when the economy and people’s paychecks are not growing.”

I agree. And I believe the great majority of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce members also agree with Governor Pawlenty. This is no time to increase taxes.

Governor Pawlenty should not be vilified for voicing opposition to Duluth’s proposed increase in property taxes. Rather, he should be applauded. I stand in his defense and support his efforts.

Electing to Support our Elected Officials

2008-11-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

Today is a time for optimism within our beloved community. I trust the reelection of our local incumbents has them fortified and reenergized. The concurrent election of new public officials brings promise and heightened opportunity for invention and daring. The synergy generated by this combination of renewed and emergent leaders promises to bring out the best for our community by bringing out the best in every community member – if we allow it to happen.

We would be wise to choose to stay involved in bettering our community, regardless of whether or not the individuals we supported were successful in being elected. I hope we can recommit ourselves to advancing our civic goals regardless of the disappointment or jubilation we may have experienced during this recent election season. The future of our Emerald City on the Hill depends on it.

If we are to capitalize on the reconfiguration of Duluth’s political leadership, it will require us to unite in uplifting those whom our community members elected. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership is prepared to harness its energy, insight and optimism in an effort to support our elected officials as they work to make our community a better place in which to work and reside. We are committed to motivate even more of our 1,170 members to become involved in initiatives that will enable our political leaders to meet the challenges before them. Moreover, the Chamber intends, as always, to strengthen our business community through the support we supply local business initiatives.

The Chamber’s leadership understands how we cannot sustain healthy businesses in an unhealthy community. Chamber businesses will be successful only if our community remains a vibrant, healthy, safe and empowering place in which to live.

Please consider this article a public announcement that the Chamber’s leadership will marshal our resources to assist our political leaders in their efforts to make the coming years a time of unprecedented success for our community members. Our goal is to build successful businesses within a healthy community.

Advocating for the Arena

2008-10-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

Three years after Duluthians voted overwhelmingly to help fund it, the long-anticipated expansion of the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) has begun. The expansions first phase, the construction of a 475-spot parking ramp, is underway. Construction of the expansion’s centerpiece, the Duluth Arena, will begin in April 2009. The Arena will open in December 2010. The dream has become reality.

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has been an unwavering advocate for the DECC expansion. Three years ago, the Chamber partnered with the Duluth Construction and Building Trades to champion the DECC expansion at the Minnesota State Legislature. We also partnered with the DECC’s leadership, UMD’s leadership, and Duluth’s elected officials to make a strong case for the State of Minnesota to fund $38 million of the $80 million investment.

Our appeal for support was eventually embraced by all. Governor Pawlenty, the State House of Representatives and the State Senate were favorably impressed by Duluthians’ decision to help fund the expansion by approving an increase in the city food and beverage tax. As well, these decision-makers were impressed with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s plan to fund 12% of the DECC expansion and the DECC’s plan to fund 11% of the expansion. These State decision-makers eventually voted to approve the State’s $38 million contribution.

Those of us who reside in and around our Emerald City on the Hill will be the beneficiaries of the DECC expansion. The new activities that will occur within the expanded DECC will bring millions of dollars each year into our economy through shopping, lodging, dining and other purchases. The new Arena, alone, will dramatically increase the more than $750,000 in sales tax the DECC currently collects each year.

Additionally, the expansion will provide needed construction jobs. It will employ 300 full-time, union jobs at the peak of construction. It will also provide us hardy walkers a new skywalk link connecting the new parking ramp and the Northwest Passage from Downtown to the new Arena. The additional skywalk will provide more convenient access to the DECC, as well as additional protection from the Gales of November (and December, January, February, and March) for DECC visitors.

There is much to celebrate as the long-held dream of building one of the best convention and entertainment facilities in the world here in Duluth comes to fruition. The Chamber is pleased and proud to have played a small part in making the dream become reality.

Celebrating a Victory Within City Hall

2008-09-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

It is important that individuals and communities celebrate their accomplishments and victories. A victory has occurred within City Hall. The Duluth Building Safety Office has been revitalized. The office has transitioned into a positive and enabling resource for citizens, and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates the revitalization.

The office is responsible for issuing building permits and reviewing construction plans. When it comes to building something in Duluth, all paths lead to the Building Safety Office. This office is where Duluthians hoping to build, expand or otherwise improve a structure, must first seek and gain approval.

Prior to this recent revitalization, the office was viewed by many in the business community as a primary source of aggravation and frustration. When a person's money, time, energy and, sometimes, livelihood is placed at risk to build, expand or improve a building, that person wants to enter a predictable and enabling review and approval process. Oftentimes, the office was neither predictable nor enabling.

Mayor Ness made the revitalization of the Building Safety Office one of his initial priorities. The Chamber encouraged him to do exactly that. Moreover, the Chamber encouraged every candidate running for mayor and for the city council to commit to improving operations within the Building Safety Office. In an effort to keep our elected officials attention focused on the safety office, we held public forums on the issue. We wrote several editorials and blogs which encouraged service improvements within the office. Additionally, the Chamber encouraged the local media to keep the issue at a high profile within our beloved community.

The Chamber also facilitated a fundraising effort which generated private funding for a professional operational assessment of the office. The assessment led to many of the positive changes that have occurred within the office.

Yet, in the end, it was Mayor Ness and his administration that had the authority and the conviction to make the necessary improvement to the office. Mayor Ness was the one who, months ago, placed Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Bushey in charge of the office. Bryan Bushey has been a positive, powerful instrument of change for the office. Mayor Ness was the one who had the insight to contract with an operations expert to evaluate the office and make recommendations for efficiencies. Most importantly, the hard working and dedicated city employees working in the office embraced the challenge of bringing additional efficiency and improved service to the office.

The Chamber applauds the improvement within the City's Building Safety Office. We celebrate the accomplishments realized within this vital community resource. We congratulate Mayor Ness, Bryan Bushey and his colleagues working in the office as they are bringing heightened service and efficiency to the office.

It is an exciting time to be a part of our business community within our Emerald City on the Hill.

In support and advocacy,

David RossPresident & CEO

Is Your City Councilor Helping or Hindering the Mayor?

2008-08-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Mayor Ness displays courage as he sets out to balance the City of Duluth's budget prior to the end of the year. He has risen to the challenge of effectively addressing the City's compounding difficulties. Thankfully, he has not become discouraged. Instead, Ness demonstrates a resolve that is more powerful than outside circumstances, including intense opposition from the City's largest employees union: the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). In doing so, he exhibits the kind of leadership we elected him to provide our beloved community.

We are fortunate that Mayor Ness is leading this bold effort to balance the City's operating expenses with its annual income. Balancing the budget is simply what thousands of Duluth business owners do every year. To do otherwise is not sustainable, nor responsible to those involved in the business.

Yet, it appears AFSCME's leadership finds the mayor's budget balancing initiatives nothing short of "ultimatums." They have publicly labeled the mayor's recent actions as "threatening and irresponsible." Mayor Ness rightly called the question: "Will the relationship (city and union) follow that all-too-predictable path of conflict to the point of breaking down discussion, or can we set a new model in which we set forth our positions and our interests and our needs, and at times agree to disagree?" Let us, as community members, hope for a new and less predictable response from AFSCME's representatives.

Let us, as well, call for stronger and more decisive leadership from our city councilors. Thus far, only a few of the councilors have displayed the courage necessary to stand with Mayor Ness and do what needs to be done. Regrettably, Councilor Greg Gilbert has gone so far as to publicly label Mayor Ness' staffing reductions "unnecessary and unwise." Councilor Gilbert called the financial crisis that Mayor Ness has portrayed as "rhetoric."

Gilbert's comments and position are frightening. I am scared. You should be, too.

If Councilor Gilbert's view on this seminal issue is shared by the majority of city councilors, we are in serious trouble.

We can assume the councilors and the mayor are receiving candid feedback on this issue from those interested in blocking the mayor's budget repair initiative. It is time these same elected officials heard from those of us who applaud and support the mayor's efforts. The councilors can be reached at council@duluthmn.gov. The mayor can be reached at dness@duluthmn.gov.
Please make your voice heard on this critically important issue.

Applauding Mayor Ness' Leadership

2008-06-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Mayor Ness is immersed in a valuable educational growth experience. He can appreciate and take comfort in former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli's view that, "Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater." There is no education like adversity.

In his first six months as mayor, Don Ness has been buffeted by the City's unfolding and compounding financial and operational challenges. The most recent of which is the realization that, unless he takes immediate corrective action, the City's will experience an operating deficit in 2008 of $4.4 million.

To his credit, Mayor Ness quickly developed, and is implementing, a comprehensive budget repair strategy to eliminate the deficit within the next six months. It includes 120 different strategies, from closing city departments, eliminating staffing, cutting services and finding operational efficiencies. It is a bold, ambitious - and necessary - plan.

Here is where we, as chamber members and citizens of our beloved Zenith City, would do well to support Mayor Ness and his plan - all of it. Our community can overcome this challenge if we have the courage and the discipline to allow our mayor and city councilors to implement the budget repair strategies.

Our most effective call to action may well be to not take action against the repair plan, and to allow the mayor to proceed with his repair strategies. Ideally, we will also articulate to the mayor that we look with favor upon his bold beginning. Mayor Ness can be reached at dness@ci.duluth.mn.us.

Mayor Ness would be delighted if we simply allow him to do the work we elected and entrusted him to do. He is challenging the status quo. He is rising to meet the City's multiple challenges. I, for one, support and applaud him. I encourage you to do the same.

Seeing opportunity in this challenge,

David Ross

Help Us Ignite the Fuse

2008-04-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our young people are a precious community resource - and too many of them are leaving the area. When other communities are the recipients of our highly educated and ambitious family members, our community loses.

This self-defeating situation has gone on far too long. Someone had to do something about it. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce accepted the challenge. The Chamber's young professional initiative, called Fuse Duluth, has evolved over the last three years into a thriving group of individuals who are motivated to attract and retain young people within our beloved Emerald City on the Hill. The word "Fuse" has two meanings: 1) to blend or mix (young people into our business community); and 2) to ignite (young talent's interest in remaining in our Zenith City).

Moreover, the Chamber is reaching beyond our current citizenry to those Duluthians who have sought and found work elsewhere. An encouraging number of those individuals wish to return to this panoramic city they consider "home." The Chamber is working to make their return more likely.

Creating attractive jobs is one way we can retain our young people and facilitate the return of former Duluthians. Yet, creating jobs is no longer enough to meet our goals. We must also determine, embrace and articulate what makes Duluth unique. Doing so will allow us to identify and market what gives Duluth its competitive advantage. Our success in this effort will enable our Port City to attract and retain the best of the generation that is now entering the workforce.

Fortunately for Duluth, a recent national study pertaining to our nation's new economy confirmed that amenities and environmental quality are paramount in attracting talent to a community. "Quality-of-Place" is a new term used to represent the natural, recreational, and lifestyle amenities vital to attracting talent. The report contends that quality of place is as important as traditional economic factors such as jobs and career opportunities.

The Chamber is transitioning with the times. We get it. We are on it. We have come to understand and appreciate that Duluth's competitive advantage is increasingly contingent upon the quality of recreational amenities we offer, safety, clean air and accessibility to clean water for consumption and recreation. How fortunate we are to be on the shores of the Greatest of the Great Lakes. We also understand that our attractiveness as a community will increase as we cultivate our arts and music scenes and as we embrace our increasing diversity.

With this new insight in mind, the Chamber is actively looking to partner with our elected officials and other groups and organizations to make quality of place enhancements and the creation of jobs a combined, Fused, and powerful initiative. We welcome you sharing your ideas and suggestions with us by contacting Breanne DeFoe, director of Fuse Duluth, at bdefoe@duluthchamber.com or 740-3758.These collaborative efforts will allow our Christmas City of the North to protect and enhance the things that make Duluth unique and compelling, including its pool of young talent.

Having Our Voice Heard at the Capitol

2008-02-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Duluth and Saint Louis County at the Capitol remains the largest, boldest and most effective community gathering at the State Capitol. The largest citizen lobbying event in Minnesota, Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol brings more than six hundred voters to the Capitol annually, voters who advocate for initiatives and capital projects that will improve the quality of life for residents of our region.

Started in 1997 as a vehicle to focus state legislators' attention on our region's needs, the annual event requires months of planning; financial support from dozens of local businesses and organizations; and the energy and enthusiasm of hundreds of Duluth and Saint Louis County residents. Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol is one of only a few Minnesota lobbying events that is successful in bringing together a coalition of business and labor leaders, city councilors, county commissioners, school board members and private citizens in a coordinated advocacy effort.

Months of planning, at the local level, have allowed us to generate a list of 2008 Minnesota State Legislative Funding Priorities for our region. We will advocate for the funding of these priorities when we gather at the Capitol on February 25 and 26.

Our funding requests include: the DECC Arena at $40 million; the UMD Civil Engineering Building at $10 million; the WLSSD Sanitary Sewer Overflow Storage Basins at $12.7 million; the Airport Authority's New Airport Terminal at $5.7 million; Lake Superior College's New Health and Science Building at $11 million; St. Louis County Water Line and Sewer improvements at $2.5 million; and the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's Land Acquisition at $1.8 million.

We have our work cut out for us. Many other communities are also asking the State of Minnesota to fund their proposed building projects. There is over $3.4 billion in state bonding requests this year. In response to these funding requests, Governor Pawlenty recently announced a $965 million bonding proposal, which would fund only 23% of the requests.

Our success in gaining State funding for our projects will depend on: the efficacy of our area elected officials; the health of the State's economy; the Governor's advocacy for our projects; and our efficacy in making our collective voice heard at the Capitol. Be assured, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to partner with our brothers and sisters in labor, education, government and business to advance our region's funding requests at the State's 2008 Legislative Session. I encourage you to take an active interest in the growth and development of our region by joining us at Duluth & St. Louis County at the Capitol and helping our collective voice be heard. For additional information or to register for the event go to www.duluthandstlouiscounty.com.

Let's Rebuild the Building Safety Office

2007-12-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce works to identify business-related issues and trends. Once these issues are identified, we seek to advocate for business-friendly trends and change the course of trends that will impact business negatively. With the best interest of business as motivation, the Chamber is strongly advocating for improvement in how the City of Duluth's Building Safety Office handles its approval and permitting process.

When it comes to building something in Duluth, all paths lead to the Building Safety Office. It is where Duluthians, hoping to build, expand, or otherwise improve and change a structure, must seek and gain approval.

Our community's shared challenge is simple: the demand for service has outstripped the office's ability to meet the demand. At a recently held Forvm, a Chamber of Commerce member meeting, eighty interested business persons discussed the Building Safety Office's status. Duane Lasley, who leads the office, made it plain: his office is struggling to keep up with the vastly increased amount of permit requests. He shared how the amount of construction in Duluth has increased from $69 million in 1996 to $233 million in 2006.

During this same time period, the Building Safety Office appears to have suffered from a lack of adequate resources necessary to match the demand. The office suffers with an ancient computer system, and, Duane Lasley contends, understaffing. In preparation for The Forvm, Chamber staff members researched other building safety offices from similar sized communities. We found that other offices have utilized technology to a far greater degree than has Duluth. In Rochester, MN, you can apply for a permit online at any time, thus avoiding finding a parking spot in front of City Hall and standing in line at the desk of the Building Safety Office. This is one of several examples of how technology has made the permitting process most customer-friendly and more efficient.

Duluth's Building Safety Office is woefully behind the times in utilizing technology to smooth the permit process. Yet, technology takes money. The City of Duluth is broke. Herein lies the problem. The new mayor will have to reallocate existing resources, from elsewhere within City Hall, to the Building Safety Office. Will it be easy. No. Can it be done. Yes – if Mayor-Elect Ness makes doing so a priority.

Don Ness has indicated he will make the tackling of this chronic concern a priority. I believe he has the volition, the energy and the talent to provide the Building Safety Office the direction and support it needs to improve the office's customer service while concurrently making the office more efficient.

When the pressure is on, great leaders are at their best. Let's encourage Mayor-elect Don Ness and Building Safety Office Leader, Duane Lasley, to be great leaders by keeping the pressure on.

Yours in advocacy,
David Ross
President & CEO

Participate in the Primary

2007-09-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

The stage is set. The Chamber has done what it promised to do…provide you credible and timely information regarding the candidates and their positions on business-related issues. It is time we, as business community members, did our part by voting in the Tuesday, September 11 primary election.

Your September issue of the Chamber's Xpress Newsletter included a 12 page special supplement called Election 2007. It contained a comprehensive presentation of the candidates' positions related to economic development within our community. Election 2007 also included a presentation of the survey results generated by the 299 members who chose to make their voices heard within the survey.

Additionally, throughout last week, the Chamber hosted several forums called Candid Conversations with Candidates. These conversations enabled the Chamber to record the candidates' thoughts on issues facing our business community. These conversations are available via the web at www.duluthchamber.com/community/government.htm.

Please use the Election 2007 insert or the Candid Conversations web presentations as a resource when deciding who you will support. The Chamber's Board of Directors and staff members respectfully encourage the Chamber's 1,259 members to vote in this primary. Voting is a privilege and a hard earned right which we honor when we take the time to cast our vote.

Make sure your voice is heard.

Yours in support,

David Ross

Engaging in the Upcoming Elections

2007-08-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

As the political season starts to heat up, we thought it was important to find out how our 1,251 members wanted us to treat the upcoming elections, particularly in regard to candidate endorsements. Our members indicated, loudly and clearly, that the Chamber's Political Action Committee (PAC) should not issue candidate endorsements. Instead, our members asked us to provide them with credible, timely and reliable information regarding the candidates and their positions on business-related issues.

In response, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is implementing a candidate-neutral education initiative designed to provide our members and the greater community the insight and information they need to cast business savvy, educated votes.

This year, Chamber members can expect the following: 1) member surveys regarding their support for various candidates; 2) access to the most comprehensive candidate information regarding their positions on business-related issues; and 3) the opportunity to attend Chamber hosted, disciplined and respectful candidate forums. The Chamber will endeavor to get this information into the hands of our members prior to both the primary and general elections.

Our work is underway. Now that the filing deadline for candidates has passed, we are distributing questionnaires to the candidates asking for their positions on issues related to: the business climate in Duluth; their specific ideas regarding how to move business forward in Duluth; and their detailed plans to make city government more efficient. You can count on the Chamber to ask direct questions pertaining to: retiree healthcare; core city services; public safety; and the city's review and approval process for development projects.

Additionally, we will host at least two mayor / city council candidate forums, both of which will be made available via the internet.

Finally, the Chamber's monthly newsletter, the Xpress, will include an educational insert in September (prior to the primary election) and again in November (prior to the general election). These inserts will highlight business issues, candidate responses, and hard hitting questions designed to get specific candidate information into the hands of our members and other Duluthians in a way that will aid in their decision making at the polls.

Because of our members' feedback, we are poised to help them vote for the candidates who will best serve their interests in what might be considered the most exciting election Duluth has seen in years.

Yours in service,
David Ross
President and CEO

Avoiding a Fall at the Finish Line: a Call to Action

2007-06-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Led by the District's superintendent and consummate leader, Keith Dixon, ISD#709 is bringing to a close the most comprehensive, inclusive and supportable planning effort ever accomplished by the District. Yet, when the plan was officially presented to the Duluth School Board for consideration two weeks ago, there were community members who rose to speak in opposition to the plan which advocates a transition from three to two high schools.

Those opposing the two-high school plan voiced their concern that the proposed boundaries between the proposed schools would deepen the disparity between students from high and low income families. In addition, some listeners predicted an increase of tension among students of varied racial backgrounds. School Board members, as well as the superintendent, were - and will continue to be - sensitive to these issues. In addition, the Chamber's leadership has asked school board members to openly address such fears while simultaneously proceeding with an endorsement of the present plan of action. This constitutes a leadership opportunity for the School Board and calls for decisiveness in word and action.

The present plan offers too many gains to be allowed to stall in its final hour. For the first time in several years, students and their parents could have a long-range view of the education available to Duluth's student population. Moreover, the action taken now will quickly prove to be a cost-effective investment. Let us, as community members, urge the members of the School Board to move ahead with boldness and conviction as they take care of some long overdue business.

A final school board vote on the plan is set for June 19 at the meeting of the Board. Those who hope to delay the vote are working towards that end. We who support the proposed plan and its implementation must speak now with a compelling voice and a will to achieve our goal, benefiting both students and our city.

School Board members may be reached at schoolboard@duluth.k12.mn.us.

Yours in advocacy,

David Ross

It's Time to Retire the City's Retiree Healthcare Liability

2007-05-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to lead a community - or a union - during challenging times. Nevertheless, as community members we have a right to expect the best of both our city and union leaders during a seminal moment of unprecedented challenge within our beloved community. Duluth is still confronted by a shared, but ominous situation: i.e., the City of Duluth's employee and retiree unfunded healthcare liability. Some of those persons whom we have called on for bold leadership have risen to the challenge, while others have been a disappointment. Let's review the situation, starting with the positive factors.

Mayor Bergson has provided strong leadership in addressing the unfunded healthcare liability. Early on, he announced that he would forego the possibility of reelection in order to deal unflinchingly with this civic problem. Consequently, he was instrumental in moving an initiative for an irrevocable trust fund - i.e., an enhanced investment vehicle which will allow Duluth to generate a far better return on its investments - through the State Legislature. For this achievement, the mayor, area legislators, and ultimately the governor deserve our admiration and respect. The trust fund initiative constitutes one-third of the solution needed to resolve the unfunded retiree healthcare liability.

Another one-third of the solution has been attained by funding, at least partially, the liability through the transfer of Community Trust Fund monies (a.k.a. the Street Improvement Fund and the Casino Fund) into a fund that can be used only to pay for the city's healthcare liability. The mayor and our city councilors displayed bold leadership by transferring $12 million into this restricted account. The City Council has also set in place an automatic annual transfer of Community Trust Fund monies into this restricted account. It is clear that our city councilors have done their part to address the city's unfunded healthcare liability.

We, as Duluthians, have not been inactive. Indeed, we are doing our part in finding a solution to this dilemma. We are paying increased utility rates (e.g., for gas, water, sewer, and storm water) that will help to pay off the unfunded healthcare liability. In addition, we are paying an increase in our property taxes that will help in the same cause. The combination of the Street Improvement Fund allocation with the increased property and utility will provide for the second third of the city's unfunded liability. But what about the one remaining third?

Scant attention has been given to this remaining third, and two of the city's five unions are hoping that no community attention will be given to this as yet resolved problem. Over a year ago, the mayor and the city council appealed to the leadership of the city's five unions to transcend old stereotypes and break from the traditional practice of holding on to employee benefits despite the cost and regardless of the devastation. Three - the supervisory group, the confidential workers, and the firefighters - of the five unions rose to the occasion. I applaud and respect their leadership.

Unfortunately, however, two of the five unions have not become part of the solution. Apparently habit is stronger than reason for the local leadership of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), who represent the majority of city of Duluth workers. Surprisingly, the union representing Duluth's police officers has also refrained from affirming the proposed solution to the city's problem. The lack of needed concessions from these two unions should be of increasing concern to every Duluth taxpayer. Should home owners pay more taxes so these union members can continue to enjoy a healthcare benefit package that far exceeds what the city can afford and non-city employees can access? Increasingly, Duluthians are balking at the injustice, while, at the same time, Mayor Bergson is doing his best to wrestle the necessary concessions from these remaining unions. In fact, the Mayor has become so resolute in this matter of concessions and cooperation that the leadership of these unions is likely to delay serious contract discussions until a new mayor is elected in November.

Duluthians deserve better from the leadership of AFSCME and the police officers. The mayor has done his work well. The city council has also done all they can do. Taxpayers, too, are digging deeper in their pockets to do their part in resolving this difficult issue. And three of the city's five unions have demonstrated leadership in becoming part of the solution. Only two unions are preventing this community from a responsible resolution of this problem.

A panel discussion will be held to discuss this issue on Thursday, May 17, at 8:00 a.m. The panel will feature city councilors, the chairperson of the Post Employment Healthcare Benefits Task Force, the city's chief administrative officer, and a spokesperson for the city retirees. For more information, contact the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce at 218.722.5501.

Chamber’s Board Supports Investment in Duluth Public Schools

2007-04-06T06:46:00.001-07:00

Our beloved community is experiencing a brief, shining moment of opportunity. This opportunity is made possible through the Long Range Facilities Plan, recently released by the Duluth Public School system. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership strongly endorses and will actively advocate for the implementation of the Duluth Public Schools Long Range Facilities Plan.

The Chamber’s endorsement of the plan includes an affirmation of the three options presented within the plan. Further, the Chamber wishes to convey its full confidence in the Duluth Public Schools Board’s ability to select the best solution from the options presented in the plan. We encourage the School Board to accept this leadership opportunity afforded them through the plan.

Superintendent Keith Dixon plans to present the school board with the recommended option, chosen from the three options detailed, at the May school board meeting. The Chamber’s leadership encourages the school board to accept the recommended option presented to them at that time.

Seizing this opportunity will require decisiveness. This is no time to elongate the process by belaboring over modifying the options contained in the plan. The options presented in the plan are based on data-driven and expert analysis, coupled with community member input generated through over one-hundred meetings with organizations and groups.

Our school buildings are, on average, 54 years old. These school buildings house 1,600 deficiencies related to accessibility, air and water quality, and safety standard compliance. It could be another 54 years before we have another opportunity to provide such a comprehensive solution to our school district’s challenges.

The Chamber’s leadership believes the plan effectively addresses the need to address the district’s aging infrastructure and to improve the educational adequacy of school buildings, while addressing the district’s declining enrollment and its concurrent overcapacity. For the first time in several years, students and their parents would experience the stability that comes from knowing what will occur within the district for years to come. Now is the time for a needed, belated cost effective investment in the future of our public schools.

This is the right plan for our school district. Superintendent Keith Dixon is the ideal leader for this opportunity. Once the plan is implemented, all students in the district will be educated in brand new or like new schools.

The Chamber encourages the school board and superintendent Dixon to proceed with boldness and conviction as they select the best option for our school district and for our community.