About
Northspan specializes in creative thinking, enterprising strategies, and systematic approaches to help businesses, communities, regions, and organizations prosper in a global economy. Our professional staff work cooperatively with economic development and community development partners throughout the region to leverage resources for measurable, sustainable results. As a private, nonprofit consulting firm, we work quietly and confidentially to move projects forward on time and on budget by providing critical, gap capacity support that exceeds client expectations.
Vision
Engage & Elevate
Mission
To improve the economic well-being of our clients by delivering workable, creative solutions that enhance their effectiveness.
CORE Values
- Inclusive: We foster respect through intentional engagement of stakeholders and seek common solutions to community, business, and organizational challenges.
- Trustworthy: We earn the loyalty of our clients by operating ethically, reliably, confidentially and always with integrity.
- Stewards: We carefully manage the resources entrusted to us and focus on the long-term well-being of our clients and programmatic service areas.
- Adaptable: We offer a broad range of expertise which enables us to seize new opportunities and tailor our offerings to meet our clients’ needs.
- Delightful: We provide satisfaction and joy to our clients by delivering excellent customer service and clear results.
History
Northspan has been a behind-the-scenes force for economic development for more than 30 years. It was born in 1985 as a private, nonprofit organization to offer professional business and community development services. At the time, northeast Minnesota was reeling from a recession, record high unemployment, and a shrinking tax base.
Northspan’s founders chose its name to reflect its broad mission across the Upper Midwest and formed it as a private, nonprofit fee-for-service consulting group to nimbly address issues while remaining committed to its mission.
Northspan then built a team of professionals with broad capabilities that worked without limits imposed by geography or any professional field. Since its inception, Northspan has spearheaded regional partnerships, lent a fresh perspective, and built deep relationships in the communities it serves.
1980s
- ARDC RLF Management Begins (1985)
- Northspan Offers SBA 7a Services (1985)
- Arrowhead Business Connection Created (1987)
- Minnesota Marketplace Created (late 80s)
1990s
- UMFO Created (1996)
- Carlton County Economic Development Committee Support Begins (1998)
2000s
- Aitkin Iron Works Infrastructure EDA app (2000)
- LTV Steel Crisis Response (2001)
- Cirrus Expansion EDA app (2002)
- Blandin Crisis Response (2003)
- Minnesota Community Capital Fund Relationship Begins (2003)
- City of Sandstone Technical Assistance Begins (2003)
- Duluth Seaway Port Authority Airpark Expansion EDA app (2003)
- APEX Start-Up Staffing Assistance (2004)
- ABC Rebrand as Northland Connection & Website Launch (2005)
- Midtown Global Market EDA app (2005)
- Duluth Defense Base Realignment and Closure Adjustment Planning EDA app (2005)
- Cloquet Business Park Infrastructure EDA app (2006)
- AGA Relationship Begins (2007)
- Range Readiness Initiative Facilitation (2007)
- Cohasset Technology and Innovation Center Building EDA app (2007)
- Duluth Heritage Sports Center EDA app (2008)
2010s
- ARDC RLF Recapitalization (2010)
- Addition of Valuation and Succession Services (2010)
- Itasca Eco-Industrial Park Infrastructure EDA app (2010)
- Essar Site Infrastructure, Nashwauk EDA app (2010)
- Northern Heights Business Park, Virginia EDA app (2010)
- Facilitation of Minnesota Power Community Advisory Panels Begins (2011)
- Go Cook County Facilitation Begins (2012)
- Boise Crisis Response (2013)
- NORTHFORCE Created (2014)
- Sandstone Business Park EDA app (2015)
Present
- Duluth 1200 Fund Technical Assistance Begins (2016)
- Addition of SBA 7a Loan Guaranty Sales (2016)
- GPS 45:93 Relationship Begins (2017)
- Blandin Crisis Response (2018)
- Minnesota Opportunity Collaborative Created (2019)
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Jennifer Wainionpaa
American Bank of the North
CHAIR
Bill Maki
Northeast Higher Education District
VICE CHAIR
Janelle Greschner
IRRR
TREASURER / SECRETARY
Jeff Borling
Great River Energy
PAST CHAIR
Members at Large
Steve Burggraf
Burggraf’s Ace Hardware & Paint
Arik Forsman
Minnesota Power
Tony Sertich
Northland Foundation
Anna Tanski
Visit Duluth
Mike Larson
Cascade Vacation Rentals
Kiera Wilson - Member Elect
The Lake Bank
Jamie Adams - Member Elect
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa