March 2007
Northland Fishing Tackle - A loyal workforce in an angler's paradise
Northland Fishing Tackle has been in the tackle business for over thirty years, providing high quality products to anglers around the world. Duane Peterson, vice president of the company, attributes part of their success to a world-class manufacturing operation in Ranier, Minnesota. This operation employs forty workers and has been in operation for over thirty years as well. In fact, the operation in Ranier was manufacturing tackle before it became a part of Northland Fishing Tackle.
"That team is very self-sufficient and runs with minimal management from the Bemidji office. Our customers demand a high-quality product and the team in Ranier understand what it takes to produce the very best," says Peterson.
Specifically, Peterson cites the team's willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the customer and grow with the industry. The modern consumer of fishing tackle is more cosmetically conscious, demanding a range of colors, features and details. Peterson notes, "The angler is always looking for a better mousetrap and the manufacturing team in Ranier have become experts at creating high quality products that entice fish. Their commitment to quality has continued to build a loyal customer base."
Peterson is quick to note that one of the reasons Northland Fishing Tackle is able to compete in the worldwide market is the location of the company in a world-class fishing environment. "The men and women who operate in the Ranier area have access to a premier testing ground for the products they make. They understand what it takes to meet our customers needs, and they do so consistently and quite self sufficiently. The team in Ranier represents the work ethic, commitment to quality, and loyalty that we feel has made Northland Fishing Tackle a success and we certainly feel fortunate to have those people on board."
Visit Northland Fishing Tackle's website at
www.northlandtackle.com.
KEDA - Business Update
March 2007 Business Briefing
Koochiching County has seen some exciting changes in the past few months. Here are a few:
Rainy River Community College (RRCC) was awarded a $217,556 Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership grant by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to provide Industrial Maintenance training and other relevant technology and environmental training to the maintenance employees of Boise Cascade, LLC. Boise will also contribute over $400,000 to the project.
The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership grant will provide funding to RRCC to develop the training infrastructure that will ensure that Boise employees remain highly skilled and productive. The grant will allow the college to develop an Associate in Applied Sciences degree which will include basic college requirements in addition to coursed in electricity, mechanics, hydraulics, and welding.
This partnership between higher education, industry, and government will have a direct impact on the International Falls Area. Julie Schumacher, Customized Training Representative at Rainy River Community College heralds the program as significant to the community and Boise. "Boise Cascade LLC's success and growth in the global economy comes from the innovation and productivity of its workforce." Says Shumacher, "this partnership will build Rainy River Community College's capacity to provide cutting edge training to Boise's workforce today and develop the next generation of skilled industrial employees."
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An additional 900 feet of runway at the Falls International Airport supports local economic development efforts by providing easier, safer, and more convenient access to cities around the world. Area leaders anticipate that the increased capabilities of the international airport combined with travelers' ability to quickly clear customs will enhance the region's potential for attracting new business and bring quality jobs to the area.
Because International Falls is a designated International Port of Entry and US Customs services the airport, Mayor Shawn Mason believes the extension will have a profound impact on the area. "This extension makes the Falls International Airport one of the most important international airports in North America," says Mason, "which in turn makes International Falls one of the most important international cities to do business in."
The expansion makes the airport one of four in the state with runways measuring 7,400 feet or more. The new runway will allow Falls International Airport to accommodate a greater variety of aircraft, handle more heavily loaded airplanes, and improve the safety of all flights. Additionally, the extension gives local business greater access to new markets as well as clients and associates located out of the International Falls area.
"Because of our geography, the Falls International Airport has always provided us a vital link to the region, the country, and the world." Says Paul Nevanen, director of the Koochiching Economic Development Authority. "This expansion represents an evolution of the airport that will provide us with greater opportunities to bring visitors and business to our area. It is hugely significant."
The extension was completed with $2.1 million in federal and state funding. The project began in July of 2006 and the Federal Aviation Administration deemed the entire 7,400 ft runway operational in November. The extension was recently dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by US Representative Jim Oberstar, who helped secure federal funding for the project, local and regional leaders, airport officials, project coordinators, and community members.
