ImPORTant CLIENTS

(From left) Andy McDonough , Steve Isola of Duluth's AdMax, the graphic artist who designed a new logo for the Authority, and Gordie Carlson, vice president of operations for waterfront tenant Falk Paper Company, were among more than 300 people who participated in the Port Authority's second annual "Tenant Appreciation Day" in August. The Authority - which operates as a key player in the region's economic development - owns prime real estate on the waterfront as well as at Airpark, a self-contained industrial park adjacent to the Duluth International Airport. The Appreciation Day provided an opportunity for the Authority to launch its new logo and begin using its revised "Duluth Seaway Port Authority" name.

To further enhance Port Commissioners' understanding of the operations of waterfront tenants, their September board meeting included a tour of the Authority-owned Industrial Building at the Clure Public Marine Terminal. Commissioner Bill Kron (right), observed operations at NorStar Products International, Inc., with its Chief Engineer Gary Werkhoven. The Industrial Building is home to NorStar Products, a manufacturer of vehicle-mounted aerial platforms marketed to electric utilities, construction companies and various government agencies; Chicago Tube & Iron, an industrial pipe, valve, fitting and mechanical tube company that provides service to leading manufacturers, mines fabricators, mills, refineries and utilities in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin; A.W. Kuettel & Sons, Inc., a metal fabrication company of roofing, piping, sheet metal and plumbing materials; and Superior Steel, Inc., a steel manufacturer that specializes in building mock airplane fuselages for firefighter training exercises.

The number of companies operating on Port Authority properties now totals 56, with more than 800 employees. Andy McDonough is the Port's business development director.