Transplanted in Duluth

Joe Jurewicz, PE, LEED AP 
MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Being a Duluthian is a description of choice, one that means a little something different to each and every resident of this historic city on Lake Superior. Some of us are natives and some of us, like myself, are transplants. I reflect on this because as the wind gets crisp, I recall the chuckles that I encounter when I tell people I moved from Miami to Duluth. Sometimes the chuckle is encountered by some other expressions, but the point is made. The question I repeatedly get is “What in the world made you come to Duluth?” 

The answer is – many things. Duluth has its strengths and weaknesses, just like anywhere else. For me, finding reasonable housing was a challenge and showed me one of Duluth’s weaknesses.  Don’t get me wrong, the housing market within the city has character and charm, but it also lacks affordable, updated homes.  Fortunately our city leaders have noticed the necessity to add to the housing available to residents.  Programs have been started that are looking at repurposing vintage properties in Duluth such as the Lester Park Golf Course and developers are building and expanding throughout our great city.  Not to mention programs like Build Up Duluth are available to provide potential homeowners generous incentives to build on vacant lots in the East and Central Hillside neighborhoods. 

I’ve found my home in Duluth. In this city, I can walk from my house to Lester Park and stroll the trails along Amity Creek. Duluth is truly the best outdoor city and the expanding trail network is only making it better for everyone. I can enjoy a beer and watch the port traffic in Canal Park. I spend 10 minutes getting to work in the morning and after work, I can catch up with fellow Fusers at events that take just minutes to get to. Duluth offers great opportunities to those willing to seek them out and I for one feel very privileged to be able to call Duluth my home and revel in all of the strengths our community has to offer. 

So, what makes someone from Miami come to Duluth? I think my native friends have it backwards. What makes someone from Miami not want to come Duluth?

Fall Fun

Brian Nystrom 

Director of Marketing & Corporate Relations

University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics

Summer in Duluth is not only the best time of the year in Northern Minnesota but I would place it up against any other place in the US.  We get to enjoy fantastic weather, outdoor living, the world's largest air conditioner (Lake Superior), and numerous festivals and events.  Having lived through 3 Duluth summers I have tried to take advantage of everything it has to offer.  However, when the Days of August hit and summer rolls into fall, we need a reminder that the weather is still good and the summer fun doesn't have to end.

In the fall, FUSE has some great events to connect young professionals in Duluth.  As we continue to grow our presence in the community, it is important to experience everything Duluth has to offer even outside our small gatherings.  So I wanted to list off top 5 great fall fun events to take part of.  None of these are secret but thought they would be fun to grab some fellow friends and FUSE connections.   So without further ado, here we go!

1. Applefest:  Head over to Bayfield for Applefest and experience Fall in all it's glory!  Oct. 3-5

2. UMD Football Game:  Tailgating, fall weather, beer?  You get it all at a Bulldog Football game with new tailgating and hospitality located in the south end zone. Football is made for the fall and for just $10 you can enjoy the game and have access to great beer, Green Mill Pizza, Cold Stone Ice Cream, and Famous Dave's!

3. Comedy Show at the Zeitgeist (Renegade Improv):  Every Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30pm grab some friends and go catch the stand up comedy show at the Zeitgeist.  Get the best of the old "whose line is it anyways?" show right here in Duluth.

4. Malt Shoppe:  Lake Superior, Ice Cream?  Enough Said.

5. Disc Golf:  Get outside and enjoy the great disc golf courses around Duluth which include UMD, St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, and the new Spirit Mountain Course! 

The Evolving Duluth: Breaking the Stereotype

Jonathan Ballmer

Project Manager

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company

Approximately one year ago I received a job opportunity which allowed my family to move to Duluth from the Twin Cities.  As I excitedly shared my news with people, half of them said, “Do you know they don’t have summer there?” and the other half said, “That is awesome!  I love Duluth!”  Out of that second half, roughly half of those people then followed up with, “I would love to live in Duluth, but there aren’t any jobs.”  

I thought to myself, “Do these people really believe this?”  I understand the history of Duluth in the early 1980’s.  On the other hand, I am telling them that I just got a job in Duluth, we were just starting to come out of a recession, and I work in the construction industry.  So as I made my way North up Interstate 35, I began to focus on understanding the identity of Duluth.

Through my time here, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people throughout the community.  I found an underlying theme in the culture of Duluth; its people are passionate, engaged, and active.  As I look at the City, I see how these values have translated in the form of investment and/or re-investment by many businesses here over the last 5 – 10 years.  As the modern workplace continues to evolve, these values will only help to enhance the appeal of Duluth as people look to establish or grow their organizations.

I now view it as my responsibility to help educate people on the opportunities and possibilities that exist here.  Duluth is not just a great city to visit; it is a great place to live. 

Finding Ways to Advance Your Career

Kristine Jensen
Executive Administrative Assistant
Merchandising 
maurices

As a woman that has a family, full-time career, and as new grad student at St. Scholastica, I can tell you first hand that my life is busy! I know that there are many people out there that are looking to move forward in your careers and it might not seem like it, but there are many options right here in Duluth.

I made the decision to go back to school because I knew that I could do more and BE more. I realized that, I am the only one that can make the difference in my life, and I decided to do something about it. Having a family, juggling extracurriculars, school and a social life is not going to be easy over the next two years, but the best part is that I can already notice the workings of my brain being retrained and getting back into the mode of writing papers and adhering to deadlines. Not to mention I have already seen my family taking on more responsibility; which is another great perk!  The point is that you need to put yourself out there in order to reap any reward. Without taking even the minimal risk of stepping outside of your comfort zone, how can one ever excel?

One outlet that can be used to enhance your abilities is the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. An opportunity that I personally grew from was the, “Social Media Conference,” that I attended in 2012, held by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. It gave me expertise in digital networking, social media and a variety of technological ideals. 

Another organization related to the chamber, working to offer young, motivated individuals the opportunity to network and acquire knowledge is the Fuse program. An upcoming opportunity that I feel can be even more rewarding for thriving adults is the, “YPRO to CEO Conference,” on September 25. With such an encouraging atmosphere, engaging speakers and content, I have no doubt that anyone who attends will walk away inspired. 

Going back to school is great, but requires a lot of money and time. Why not be open to new opportunities and check out a Fuse at Five, get on linkedin and join some local business groups that interest you, or visit a Words from the Wise Luncheon, offered by Fuse (this one looks good titled, "Road map to being your own boss!")

I am so excited to be a part of Fuse as it is a new opportunity for me and I look forward to networking with individuals, sharing my story, and being inspired by all of you. 

Beachfront Blues

How about that Beachfront Blues event?!  Definitely in the running for the best attended Fuse event yet!

If you didn’t make it out, allow me to fill you in on what you missed.  The evening was staged on the private beach of the historic Glensheen Mansion, with access to the grounds to explore at your whim.  Kyle Scherz added his own flavor to familiar tunes, keeping the atmosphere upbeat.  There were scrumptious Blackwoods appetizers that kept you coming back for more, and free beer from Bent Paddle to cleanse your palate.  Top that off with lively lawn games, new friends and ideal weather!  Even the Sundew paid us a visit with a honk from the lake.

If you didn’t make it out to this one, be sure to join us at the next event.  Fuse at Five on the rooftop Eagle Harbor Room of the Inn on Lake Superior, sponsored by Verizon Wireless.  At this free event there’s sure to be fabulous prizes, tempting appetizers, and a cash bar.  Hope to see you there!

Tiersa Dodge
Fuse Duluth Leadership Council - Chair
DSGW Architects

YPro Conference Agenda is Here!

September 25, 2014
7:30AM-4:00PM
Sheraton Duluth Hotel
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7:30 - 8:15 am Registration

8:15am Keynote Presentation
Positioning Yourself as a Leader - Ted Schick, Schick Corporate Learning
Ted is a charismatic corporate trainer, professional speaker and consultant with his own business, Schick Corporate Learning. A retired naval officer who rose up from the enlisted ranks, Ted has over 30 years experience leading people.

9:15am
[Corporate Track] In the Mind of the Negotiator: Problem-solving & decision making in the workplace - Jeff Holmes Vice President of Real Estate for maurices
[Entrepreneurial Track] Taking the Leap - Eric Faust Owner of Duluth Coffee Company, Nick Arntz and Elyse Wachendorf of the Happy Wanderer

10:15am
[Corporate Track] Increase Your Productivity - Pascha Apter of Giant Voices
[Entrepreneurial Track] Spott-On Networking - Pat Spott of Spott Law Office, PA

11:15am
[Corporate Track] Develop Habits to Build a Successful Life - Karen Stromme of UMD Athletics
[Entrepreneurial Track] Social Media to Grow Your Business - Lucie Amundsen of Locally Laid

12:15pm - 1:00pm Etiquette Luncheon 
Learn the dos and don’ts of dining at the conference’s three course etiquette luncheon presented by event expert Jax Eisenmann, held at Greysolon Ballroom.

1:00 pm Networking Game and Sponsor Booth Visits  

2:00pm 
[Corporate Track] Marketing Yourself : Building your personal brand for success - Panel Discussion featuring City Council Member Linda Krug, Brian Hanson of APEX and Pam Solberg-Tapper of Coach for Success

[Entrepreneurial Track] Money Management - Craig Chilcote of Anderson, Kuiti & Asuma, PLLC

3:00pm Keynote Presentation
Work/Life Balance - Don Ness, Mayor of Duluth
Don was elected mayor in 2007 from a field of 12 candidates. Four years later, Ness became the first mayor to run unopposed since Duluth was incorporated in 1887. Despite Don's extremely busy schedule he has found a way to balance his work and his family life, find out how he does it all.
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Click to RSVP for this inspiring event.

Interested in sponsorships? Help us prepare a new generation to lead with vision and passion. Contact Martha Bremer for more information. mbremer@duluthchamber.com; (218) 740-3754.