Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Ideas for the future of Minnesota's Iron Range

Jessalyn Sabin at the Hibbing forum
Jessalyn Sabin is a biology instructor at Hibbing Community College and the co-founder of ReGen, a group working to build community and retain new talent on the Range. She spoke to the role of young people in building quality of life and shaping the future of the region at "Minnesota's Iron Range: Ideas for the future."
Meg Martin | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

As the economic downturn continues on the Iron Range, northern Minnesota communities are rallying to find new opportunities for the region.

On Wednesday, Minnesota Public Radio hosted a forum on efforts to diversify the region's economy. Seven community members — including entrepreneurs, a mining expert and an outdoor recreation advocate — pitched their ideas to generate jobs and breathe new life into Range communities.

Visions for the future of the Range

Rolf Weberg on ways to reduce the Mine/Don't Mine divide

Rolf Weberg serves as executive director of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He discussed Minnesota's mineral opportunities and possible approaches to could reduce polarization and foster constructive communication.

Jessalyn Sabin on how young people are revitalizing the Iron Range

Jessalyn Sabin is an instructor at Hibbing Community College and a co-founder of ReGen, a group working to build community and retain new talent on the Range. She spoke about the role of young people in building quality of life and shaping the future of the region.

    Brendan Jordan on biofuels and the potential for the Iron Range

    Brendan Jordan leads the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota. The industry-led coalition is pushing for development of facilities on the Iron Range to produce chemicals and fuels from plant material. This effort has gained steam in recent years, and Jordan spoke about the potential benefits it holds.

    Aaron Hautala on biking, the economy and crazy ideas

    Aaron Hautala is volunteer president of the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew, a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). He's an active leader in the push to transform the Cuyuna Range into a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. He spoke about his group's efforts and the the role the Cuyuna Range plays in attracting and retaining 21st century entrepreneurs and their workforce, as well as creating a vibrant local community.

    Anna Anderson and Shawn Wellnitz on entrepreneurship on the Range

    Anna Anderson is CEO of Art Unlimited, an online marketing firm based in Angora, Minn. She spoke with Shawn Wellnitz about the upside of supporting small businesses to build and sustain a local economy. Wellnitz is CEO of the Entrepreneur Fund, which provides small business financing and strategic support for entrepreneurs in northern Minnesota.