We Are the Chamber: Crank and Dasher
“When I moved to the Duluth area 22 years ago, I noticed there wasn’t a local creamery making real, handcrafted ice cream,” said Annie Carmichael, who founded her response to that particular hole in the marketplace, Crank and Dasher, in 2017. “I wanted to create something that felt elevated and special.” “At Crank & Dasher,” […]
We Are the Chamber: Duluth Creative Co.
Duluth Creative Co.’s Asher Carlson describes himself as a “photographer, filmmaker, podcaster, entrepreneur and serial hobbyist. My toxic trait is that whenever I get interested in something, I have to learn everything about it and then turn it into a business, which I wish I didn’t do, but it’s just a fun and easy way […]
We Are the Chamber: Lynnette’s Portrait Design
“Everyone deserves a photograph of themselves they love,” said Lynnette Steen, the owner of Lynnette’s Portrait Design. “With arms-length selfies and a tendency to be our own worst critic, it is significant to have a photo you feel great about. I opened my studio in 2007, a time when many brick-and-mortar studios were closing with […]
We Are the Chamber: Bella Rose Bridal
“The inspiration for Bella Rose Bridal began in 2014 when I had the desire to step out on my own in business,” said Misty Matson, who opened that shop with her daughter, Emily. “My desire was to open a bridal store that provided a personal touch for each bride. At the time that I was […]
Ramping Up the Culinary Experience
UMD’s New $25 Million Main Production Kitchen Is a Game Changer When it comes to the main things about world culture that have radically changed in the last half-century or so, surely the increased sophistication of the American palate has to be in the conversation. Where once TV dinners, bland casseroles and fried everything was […]
We Are the Chamber: Sarah Herrick-Smisek, 23rd Veteran
“I’ve always been someone who enjoys bringing people together,” said Sarah Herrick-Smisek, the Communications and Synergy Manager for 23rd Veteran, the nonprofit organization that provides those who have served with mental-wellness assistance. “I grew up in Duluth, and throughout my career – whether running a small business, working alongside nonprofits or stepping into operational leadership […]
We Are the Chamber: Peter Haines, H&H Exports, Inc.
“I was born in Duluth, lived in Edina, moved to Bismarck in second grade and graduated from UND with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering,” said Peter Haines, the President and Managing Director of H&H Exports, Inc., who deliver U.S. bearings and power-transmission parts globally. “I’m a performance-oriented business professional that tackles challenges, provides innovative solutions, […]
We Are the Chamber: Jim Lenard, Lenard Electric
“In high school, I had zero plans of ever becoming an electrician and certainly not an electrical contractor,” said Jim Lenard, who eventually established the long-running Lenard Electric in 1996. “I was totally focused on business classes and was confident I was going to work in a large corporate firm. After a brief semester at […]
We Are the Chamber: Charity Johnson, STARBASE Duluth
“Much of my career has been spent in the nonprofit sector, where I’ve become passionate about building and revitalizing programs that make a meaningful impact,” said Charity Johnson, the Director of STARBASE Minnesota, Inc.’s Duluth branch. “I originally started my professional journey in biology and environmental consulting, but I quickly realized that my strengths and […]
A Home of One’s Own
Wadena West and Welch Place Built to Address Critical Housing Need The housing crisis rages on. The post-pandemic era has been marked by an imbalance in supply and demand with regard to affordable homes and apartments. Recently, it was reported in many places that real-estate investors with the means bought up around one-third of all […]