The tipping point

If we were discussing vessel stability in this article, the phrase “tipping point” might have a very different meaning. However, the tipping point I am referring to is that almost magical social phenomenon — the point at which an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire. I would like to believe our region is at that point in two areas: one is with the continued growth in major mineral development projects, and the other concerns renewed interest in Great Lakes shipping.

For those readers who view the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and our magazine North Star Port as exclusively “ships and cargo,” I apologize up front for parts of this issue, but  I must remind you that our mission embraces several key elements. Our stated goal is to, “Keep Minnesota business globally competitive: fostering regional commercial/industrial capacity and integrated transportation systems that are environmentally and economically sustainable.”

Therefore our focus in this issue is on one of our most important roles: economic development and meeting the needs of the diverse business types and interests this organization has assisted throughout the years. Over our long history we have worked with a variety of businesses from single-person enterprises to major industrial fabricators and national businesses. Over the years, the port has witnessed, and participated in, both economic failures and major business success. Today what we are seeing is a vibrant economy full of new business opportunities.

Our economic development team prides itself in using a very direct strategy toward project development. We use a widely known but seldom implemented approach: we listen to our customers and draft our proposals from a blank sheet of paper. Simply stated, we use all the powers and development tools available to the Port Authority and fashion them to meet the unique needs of each individual business enterprise. The net effect is proposals tailored to the task at hand.

But, before we go too far, let me say that our two charges are very much related. After all, “logistics is the strategic weapon of economic development.” And in today’s global economy it is all about “strategery,” to quote a world leader, and Location, Location, Location.

Our focus on business retention, as well as new prospecting with local companies is also paying dividends. We are seeing a flurry of activity as local businesses contract for plant expansion. Also of interest is the expansion we are seeing in manufacturing, an industry sector that has been written off or shunned by many.

The second and perhaps largest force at work is the coalescing of maritime interests to actively deal with maritime issues on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System. Over the past few years there has been a growing confluence of cooperation and interest by diverse parties. The fact is that historically, it takes near crisis within the marine community to get collective action, but once there is critical mass and motion, we have significant momentum.

Today diverse forces are coming together within the Great Lakes Transportation Corridor, and the impacts could be significant. The eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces are seeing renewed economic growth and recover. At the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the number of referrals and inquiries has increased markedly. Seeds that were planted years ago are now starting to germinate. Trade opportunity is developing, and port branding as “The Gateway to Mid America” seems to be resonating. Combine this with the joint marketing efforts of 20 Great Lakes port partners under the “Hwy. H2O” banner and we have a formidable effort underway.

So, the message is slowly coming out. There is opportunity in Duluth to grow your business, and the maritime industry is positioned to take a more active role in our regional transportation system. For those businesses that value a dedicated workforce, a global connection and outstanding quality of life, we are standing by for your call.

But, let me qualify everything above and conclude by saying, “When all is said and done, more is said than done.”