Koochiching County


Competitive Advantages

Strategic Location

The Northland is centrally-located in North America with direct and competitive access to global, U.S, and Canadian markets. Situated at the western tip of the St. Lawrence Seaway, ships leaving the Duluth Superior port can call upon locations in Western Europe, the Mediterranean, West Africa, and South America in only two to three weeks.

This area is also in the middle of Great Circle aviation routes between Eastern Asia, western North America, and Europe.

Exposure to natural disasters caused by turbulent wind or major flooding are uncommon; seismic activity is virtually non-existent.

Stable Economy

The Northland has a diverse, active business climate with looming opportunities to supply large scale industrial developments and entrepreneurial endeavors. There are numerous business resources including low-cost financial assistance, seed or venture capital, strategic planning, product, and workforce development.

The region offers research and development advantages from laboratories that create new economic potential in energy savings, forestry, mining, water and rapid prototyping.

Multi-Modal Transportation Network

The Northland offers border to border and global shipment of goods, large and small, with an inland seaport, more than three dozen trucking companies, direct access to the national interstate system, four Class I rail hubs, and two international airports.

The new Duluth International Airport terminal leverages the second longest runway in Minnesota, a CAT II Instrument Landing System, and 24/7 air traffic control. Along with the Range Regional Airport and Falls International Airport, the region has 16 daily round-trip commercial passenger services.

There is round the clock customs and border crossing support at three ports of entry at Duluth/Superior, Grand Portage, and International Falls.

Accessible Infrastructure

Competitive utility providers in the Northland specialize in accommodating needs of large consumers of power, natural gas, steam, and water. In particular, electric power rates are some of the lowest per kilowatt hour rates in the nation.

Several broadband expansion initiatives currently underway are aimed at bringing fiber optics and high-speed Internet to businesses and homes throughout the Northland. And expanding businesses can choose from more than 300 available sites and business/industrial parks.

Exceptional Education and Industry Resources

There are 13 higher education campuses in the Northland, which collaborate to offer customized training in a variety of disciplines including business, engineering, medicine, and the trades. Businesses can recruit from more than 6,200 graduating college students each year.

Key industry sectors have a support network including Arrowhead Manufacturers and Fabricators Association, the Iron Mining Association, and Northern Aero Alliance.

Vibrant Health Care—Two integrated health care systems delivering continuum of convenient, highly personalized care, from family medicine to specialty services

Robust Telecommunications—Connected to global/national networks with fiber optics/wireless services, redundancy, and expanding rural broadband support network

Productive, Loyal Workforce—Skilled workers who are paid affordable and competitive wages with a demonstrated record of high productivity and low turnover

Abundant Natural Resources—Ample water, clean air, timber, and deposits of ferrous/non-ferrous minerals with emphasis on responsible regional growth.