We're shouting out to these great businesses and events in the Twin Ports!
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, take a look at Canal Park businesses as they geared up for Grandma’s Marathon crowds. Northern News Now reported that marathon weekend brings nearly $40 million into the region, and businesses like Voyageur Donuts have been preparing for the surge for months. That kind of local business readiness deserves recognition.
Photo/source: https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2026/06/19/canal-park-businesses-gear-up-grandmas-marathon-crowds/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, a positive nod goes to Duluth Studio Market for embracing the energy that Grandma’s Marathon brings to Canal Park. Owner Amber Nichols described the weekend as a kickoff to summer and a chance for visitors to experience more of Duluth. It is always good to see a local small business making the most of a major community event.
Photo/source: https://www.wdio.com/good-morning-northland/small-business-owner-discusses-impact-of-marathon-on-duluth/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, here is one worth noting from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild as All Pints North prepares for its final run in Duluth after 14 years. Organizers said the festival will move in 2027, but also made a point to thank Duluth, local partners, and the community that helped make it a success. That kind of long-running event legacy is worth recognizing.
Photo/source: https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/one-last-pour-all-pints-north-to-say-goodbye-to-duluth/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, great effort by Superior Water, Light and Power and Focus on Energy for launching a new pilot program to help local businesses cut utility costs and improve sustainability. WDIO reported that the program offers participating small businesses up to $30,000 for energy-efficiency upgrades, with several Superior businesses already involved. Practical help like this can make a real difference.
Photo/source: https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/new-superior-energy-program-to-help-businesses-and-residents/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, check this out from Google as the company moves forward with a community open house on its proposed Hermantown data center. Northern News Now reported that Google says neighbors should have a seat at the table and that company representatives will be available to answer questions about the project. Transparency and public engagement matter on developments of this size.
Photo/source: https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2026/06/23/google-hold-community-open-house-proposed-hermantown-data-center/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, credit goes to Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and other BWCA-related businesses for helping shape a proposed permit cancellation policy meant to reduce no-shows and improve access. Northern News Now reported that local business input helped inform the proposal, and one outfitter called it a great idea if it gets more permits into the hands of people who will actually use them. That is a constructive example of business voices helping improve a system.
Photo/source: https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2026/06/23/superior-national-forest-proposes-new-cancellation-fees-reduce-permit-waste/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, special recognition goes to Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors for being named the best state park in the nation in USA Today’s 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards. That kind of honor is good not only for the park, but also for the tourism economy all along the North Shore. Wins like this help shine a brighter light on the region.
Photo/source: https://www.wdio.com/lift-online/gooseberry-falls-state-park-selected-as-top-u-s-state-park-in-usa-today-poll/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, a round of applause for J & A Logging of Wright for being named 2026 Minnesota Logger of the Year. WDIO reported that the award recognizes professionalism, sustainable forestry practices, business management, trade involvement, and community outreach. It is always encouraging to see a Minnesota company recognized for doing the work well over time.
Photo/source: https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/j-a-logging-named-2026-minnesota-logger-of-the-year/
From All Solutions Known Wins and Recognitions, this is a fun one from Xcel Energy’s Bay Front Power Plant in Bayfield. Students from the Bayfield School District helped name three newly banded peregrine falcons, while researchers added trackers to monitor their movement and survival. Community involvement like this is a creative way for a company to connect education, conservation, and local pride.
Photo/source: https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/bayfield-students-name-power-plant-peregrines/
