Initiatives
These four priorities clearly define our work. Elevating our region’s global significance for the future. Our current initiatives are how we are taking action in these areas.
Attract
US Sweden Delegation
In June 2024, APEX joined leaders from Minnesota and other states on a delegation to Sweden hosted by the Swedish Energy Agency, Business Sweden and the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center. The goal was to learn about clean hydrogen and green steel projects in Sweden and bring learnings and opportunities for collaboration back to our region.
Challenge
We are in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (also known as Industry 4.0), characterized by a fusion of technologies that blurs the lines between the physical, digital, and biological worlds. We must position ourselves for the future by adopting the latest technologies and continue to lead innovation in areas like manufacturing.
Solution
More than a fact-finding mission, this trip identified key potential industries where Northern Minnesota can meaningfully contribute to our state’s clean economy goals. We also built stronger relationships with our state agency partners in the Department of Employment and Economic Development, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, Pollution Control and Clean Energy Economy Minnesota. These key relationships keep us aligned and competitive when bringing new businesses home.
Future Goals
We continue to bring thought leaders and commercial partners together to enable companies and workers to be competitive for decades to come.
Connect
Regional Internships
In the summer of 2025, APEX’s intern, Nick Heffernan, conducted and shared critical research on the benefits of internships and best practices for regional employers. This work culminated in a capstone presentation at the 2nd annual New Member Mixer, a dynamic event designed to bring together APEX business leaders with interns and young professionals.
Challenge
Workforce development and the retention of young adults are vital for the economic health of our region. However, many employers face hurdles in creating well-structured, efficient internship programs that provide meaningful experiences for students while benefiting the organization. There was a clear need to research the region’s existing landscape to understand these opportunities better and make them more accessible to regional students and our Investor-Members.
Solution
To address this, APEX launched a research initiative to gather input on how to improve internship availability for young people across the Northland. This work culminated in the creation of the APEX Internship Resource; a comprehensive guide adapted from industry best practices to help local companies start or improve their own programs.
Future Goals
We encourage all Investor-Members to utilize the APEX Internship Resource to build or refine their programs. By helping employers provide substantial, challenging work to students, we aim to increase local talent retention and ensure the Northland’s workforce remains competitive for years to come.
Advocate
Permitting Reform Work
Throughout 2024, APEX collaborated with Range Association of Schools and Municipalities (RAMS), Jobs for Minnesotans, the Laurentian Chamber and others to improve permitting processes and timelines. Permitting reform is needed in our state because it is currently a barrier to attracting and expanding business in our region.
Challenge
Minnesota’s environmental regulations are excellent, but lack of trust across the spectrum is leading to delays, uncertainty and public NIMBYism. Much work is needed to distinguish between community engagement and permitting. The lack of permitting certainty and efficiency remains a key barrier to business growth and attraction. Our strong environmental protections are key to our community’s quality of life, but uncertain timelines for air and water permits mean existing businesses can’t improve their facilities and new employers are deterred from setting up in Minnesota.
Solution
Partnering with the private sector, state agency leaders, and elected officials, APEX brings together critical conversations to find workable solutions to this issue. When legislation like the Coordinated Project Plan is proposed, we align key voices to support the bills in our community and with our representatives in the state House and Senate. Learn about the progress made on permitting reform in the 2025 Scorecard.
Future Goals
We continue to stay engaged with our Investor-Members and partners on issues and policies affecting business and advocate on their behalf.
We drive progress on this project through:
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Research
We identify the key stakeholders who can meaningfully inform rulemaking and what changes are mutually beneficial.
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Messaging
We show up to open houses, private chats, and public meetings to share our perspectives with community members, state agency staff, and business leaders.
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Coordination
We convene key meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page and tackling the tasks best suited to their organizational strengths. This visionary project requires collaborative work between an array of community partners. From state and local government, Chambers of Commerce, industrial permit holders, advocacy groups, and environmental permitting specialists, there are many stakeholders committed to seeing this succeed.
Grow
ImOn Communications
In 2024, we were introduced to ImOn Communications, a leading fiber-optic service provider, by an APEX member. ImOn was seeking potential expansion markets, and APEX helped serve as a business concierge. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our region’s connectivity landscape, bringing a new, competitive provider to the Northland. ImOn is known for its 100% fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network, high-touch local customer service, and commitment to being an active contributor to the communities they serve.
Challenge
Access to reliable, high-speed, and redundant broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern business operations and regional growth. Local employers have expressed a need for more diverse connectivity options to support data-intensive operations, remote workforces, and Industry 4.0 technologies. Additionally, the lack of competition in the broadband market has historically limited choices and competitive pricing for both businesses and residents, creating a donut hole of fiber connectivity where rural communities have faster Internet service than the Duluth metropolitan area.
Solution
As ambassador to the region, APEX identified the need for a robust introduction to our community partners. We kicked off our work with a two-day familiarization tour, ensuring introductions between ImOn leadership and key local stakeholders, including city officials, utility providers, real estate developers, and major employers, to streamline the entry process. In the following months, we regularly met with the ImOn team to understand and solve for any barriers they were facing.
Future Goals
Starting in 2026, ImOn plans to build its fiber network to hundreds of homes and businesses in Duluth and Superior over the next year. They will also join APEX as an Ascent-level member, illustrating their shared commitment to APEX and the region.
Build the Base
Shape the Summit.
Connect with key decision-makers, influence the region’s most impactful initiatives, and gain access to exclusive insights, data, and industry expertise. Together, we rise higher, grow stronger, and build what’s next.