International
Falls, population 6,703, is the largest city and the county seat of
Koochiching
County. Situated
on the
border with Ontario and the Rainy River, its name is
derived from the
falls
that was harnessed to provide hydro power to the paper mill –
now
Boise Inc.
International
Falls is truly
an “international” city, providing a link, via an
International Bridge to
sister city Fort Frances, Ontario. Wood products are the number one
industry
for the community and surrounding area with tourism ranking as number
two. Boise Inc,
the largest employer
celebrated
its 100th
year anniversary of paper making in June of 2010. Cold
weather testing of major automobile
manufacturers
and suppliers is also an important component of the winter
economy.
The
area is also a major international
rail port of entry for CN Rail. In fact,
the port is the
busiest in North
America and a focus for future economic development. High
quality highways in conjunction with the
rail service make this location logistically strategic for a
distribution
center, warehousing, or importing and exporting through the recently
established Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #259). The FTZ, with over 700
acres,
provides duty and logistics benefits for eligible businesses. In
addition, the community is served by The
Falls International Airport - the fourth busiest in Minnesota - and was
recently expanded to accommodate the largest of aircraft –
both
commercial and
private. The airport features Delta Air Lines Delta Connection, with
daily flights to
Minneapolis-Saint
Paul International Airport.
International Falls also
serves
as the northern gateway to
Voyageurs National Park, the only National Park in
Minnesota.
Voyageurs National Park is a motorized, multi use park and encompasses
218,000
acres of water and pine studded islands.
Businesses
will find that old-fashioned work ethics still exist in
International Falls. The combination of very affordable housing, short
work
commutes, low utility rates and high quality of life makes this an
economical city
in which to live and do business. Advanced
telecommunications networks allow your
business to operate here and connect with anyone, anywhere in the world.
Worker training is an
important concern to
industries and Rainy River Community
College is an experienced partner in aligning its programs and services
with
the needs of area businesses and the community.
The
International Falls Business Park,
strategically located at 22nd Street and Highway 53, has eight acres
platted,
zoned (M-1), and utilities ready for additional tenants.
The
park has both Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and Job Opportunity Building
Zones
(JOBZ) designation available to qualified businesses.
Please
visit their website at
www.ci.international-falls.mn.us
