HIBBING — Minnesota Public Radio will host a forum on the future of the Iron Range on April 13 from 6-8 pm at the Hibbing Community College Theatre.
Tickets are free, but reservations are required. People can go to mpr.org/tickets to register.
The forum comes at a time of a difficult economic downturn for the region, with the iron ore mining and steel industries devastated.
The session will include six speakers who will promote their ideas to help build vibrant and state communities. They will provide fresh looks at the long-standing problem that plagues the Iron Range — boom-bust economic cycles.
Following their statements, MPR News’ Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer and Duluth-based correspondent Dan Kraker will pose questions. There will also be comments from audience members.
The panelists are:
o Anna Anderson is CEO of Art Unlimited, an online marketing firm based in Angora. She’ll speak 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.
o Rolf Weberg is executive director of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He’ll discuss Minnesota’s mineral opportunities, suggesting approaches to reduce polarization and foster construction communication.
o Jessalyn Sabin is an instructor at Hibbing Community College and cofounder of ReGen, a group working to build community and retain new talent on the Range. She’ll speak to the role of young people in building quality of life and shaping the future of the region.
o 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.
o 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’ll describe this effort and speak to the role it plays in attracting and retaining 21st century entrepreneurs and their workforce.