Marty Olson and Lindsey Graskey
With the start of the new year, The Development Association looks forward to another strong year in 2025 of business growth in Superior and Douglas County. There continues to be positive progress in the region and it is once again proving attractive to new business growth.
Executive Director Jim Caesar knows that for good things to happen, it can take time. Much of the work takes place behind the scenes and cannot always go public until agreements are negotiated and proper documents are signed. Solid and beneficial relationships during his tenure have been forged between government and the private sectors.
Caesar is directed in his belief that the board of directors of the Development Association are the ones who get things done. He is thankful for each member who dedicates time, talents and expertise to the association.
Caesar states board members come from all walks of life and have the passion to see both the City of Superior and Douglas County succeed. This combination has and continues to pay dividends to the entire region.
This issue features Lindsey Graskey and Marty Olson. These two board members bring their talents and expertise to the organization for the greater good of the area.
Lindsey Graskey
Graskey first joined the Development Association board in 2023. With her work on the Superior City Council (10th District) and private business (part owner of Spirit Room), she has found being involved with the association is a great partnership.
“I seized the opportunity to join the Development Association, viewing it as a valuable complement to the ongoing work as chair of tourism,” Graskey said. “This role promised a deeper understanding of individuals with whom I might not frequently interact.” She added that her visions could gain support while learning about past achievements and future initiatives within the association.
It did not take long for Graskey to discover the great strength of the entire board of directors.
“There’s a rich set of minds with not only experience, but with confidence from their knowledge of what Superior can do and has done.” She found the board to be welcoming to new members by listening to what they have to say and what skills each brings to the table. “I enjoy being heard and seen not only as a part of the city, but also as someone with determination to continue the groundwork,” she added.
Graskey said she was committed to being an active board member right away, and attended the annual ICSC/RECON convention. The Development Association has been going to this retail conference in Las Vegas for years. It has allowed them to make and maintain business contacts that could see possible expansion to Superior and Douglas County.
For Graskey, she was impressed with the levels of commitment the Development Association has taken and will continue to make to keep pushing for development in the city and surrounding area. She also supports and attends other opportunities for businesses brought into the city by state agencies, specifically the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
As she continues her service on the board of directors, Graskey said her goal is to remain a vital link between the city and the Development Association. She also said she recognizes the significance of avoiding tunnel vision and ensuring that she keeps an open mind when exploring various options when planning for the future of Superior.
Graskey’s background and experience includes running a small business for more than 10 years in Superior and having been involved in the hospitality industry for nearly 25 years.
“I cannot emphasize enough how much my passion lies within this field/trade,” she said. “It has provided me with far more than I ever anticipated, from lifelong friendships and family connections to being part of many people’s most significant moments; I feel truly humbled by this work.”
A few of Graskey’s hobbies include a deep appreciation for art and its influence. Additionally, she participates in a bowling league once a week in the city, and has recently discovered a love for gardening and landscaping.
Marty Olson
Olson joined the board last spring. While he has not served a full year yet, he has extensive prior knowledge of the Development Association. Former board member Brian Milliken and Olson both work for National Bank of Commerce. Olson said Milliken was stepping down and the association was looking for new members.
“I felt it was a good fit and Brian spoke well of his time on the board and what they were doing for this region,” Olson said.
As senior vice president of commercial lending at NBC, Olson said his background and knowledge of the area has allowed him to play an active role with the Development Association.
“I will admit I am still getting my feet wet, but I am pleased with what we are doing on the board,” he said. “What I have enjoyed is learning more about Superior, meeting new people who currently serve on the board and what is going on in this region.”
Olson started in the financial world in 1994. The International Falls native came to UMD for school and really connected with the area. After a stint in the Twin Cities, he and his family moved back to Duluth in 2002. For the last 14 years he has been with the National Bank of Commerce.
Serving on boards and giving back to the community is nothing new for Olson. He has lent his talents and expertise for a variety of organizations. For more than 15 years he was active on the Hermantown Amateur Hockey Association board and was president for six years. He also has coached youth hockey for many years.
“I have always been passionate about giving back and being involved,” Olson said.
Having a strong commercial banking background, Olson plans to focus on economic development elements as a board member of the Development Association. He added that he is always open to learning new things and lending his talents wherever and whenever the need arises.
“I have known Jim (Caesar) for years and he has been great to work with, so coming on as a new board member has been a positive experience,” Olson added. “I can’t say enough about his leadership and what a great board he has assembled.”
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Olson and his family have a cabin on Rainy Lake. They enjoyed being up there in the summer and fall for hunting and fishing. He and his wife have two boys and they reside in Hermantown.
Wade Petrich is a freelance writer and middle school English teacher for the Duluth School district.
