Economic development is often viewed through the lens of large-scale projects, major investors or political leaders making decisions in conference rooms. But in Superior and Douglas County, we know better.
Real, sustainable growth doesn’t come from one person, one project or one organization. It comes from a community – a team of engaged citizens, business leaders, government agencies, nonprofits, educators and entrepreneurs – working together to move the needle forward. It’s a shared responsibility, and when we operate with a united front, the results are powerful.
A Community Effort, Not a Solo Act
Too often, economic development gets placed on the shoulders of a few: an elected official, an organization like our Chamber of Commerce, or an enthusiastic developer. While leadership plays a role, expecting one or two people to shoulder the entire responsibility is not only unrealistic – it’s counterproductive. Growth is a group effort.
In Superior and Douglas County, we continue to learn this lesson and always adapt on how we apply it. Collaboration between local governments, educational institutions like The University of Wisconsin Superior and Northwood Technical College, private business owners, and economic development organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and our fellow partners on both sides of the bridge are helping to create a diverse and resilient economic landscape. Everyone has a seat at the table, and everyone has a voice in shaping our future.
When multiple sectors come together with a common goal, the results are far more impactful. This synergy – where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts – is what drives real progress.
The Assets We Already Have
We don’t have to look far to realize we already have the ingredients for economic success. Superior and Douglas County have a host of built-in advantages that many communities would envy. We are home to a strong working port, access to a major transportation network via road, rail and water, and we sit on the edge of one of the largest sources of fresh water in the world – Lake Superior.
Our access to natural resources, along with affordable land and a tight-knit community, makes this region a great place for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. For decades one of our strongest economic drivers has been the tourism sector, thanks to our location, natural beauty and growing number of festivals and events regionally.
Superior’s history as an industrial powerhouse is evolving into a modern, diverse economy. Manufacturing, industry, logistics, retail, health care, tourism and the creative economy are all expanding. With continued investment and support, each of these sectors can grow into sustainable engines for employment and innovation.
The Chamber’s Role in Connecting the Dots
The Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in economic development – not just as an advocate for local businesses, but as a convener, connector and catalyst. The Chamber helps local businesses thrive by offering networking opportunities, hosting events that bring people together and creating a strong, collective voice that speaks up for the needs of our business community.
But perhaps the most important role the Chamber plays is in fostering relationships. By helping business owners, government leaders and community stakeholders connect and collaborate, the Chamber becomes a hub of ideas and action. The Chamber encourages innovation and inclusion, ensuring that as we grow, we do so in a way that benefits everyone – from large employers to small mom-and-pop shops.
The Chamber also actively supports talent attraction and retention by promoting the region’s quality of life and creating events and programs that highlight why Superior is a great place to live, work and grow a business.
Embracing Opportunity with Open Minds
If we want to continue seeing progress, we must keep our minds open to new possibilities. Economic development doesn’t follow a single path and isn’t just one person’s vision. Sometimes it comes from supporting a young entrepreneur with a new idea. Sometimes it’s revitalizing a historic building to bring life back to a downtown street. Other times, it’s embracing technology or creative energy solutions that could diversify our economy for the future.
It’s vital that we don’t let fear of change, nostalgia for the past or political differences hold us back. Our community’s future depends on our willingness to be flexible, adaptive and bold. By fostering a culture that encourages innovation and welcomes new voices, we can build an economy that is not only strong but also resilient. We need to support all organizations in our community while staying open for new opportunities.
Moving Forward Together
Superior and Douglas County are not standing still. We see sparks of growth all around us – new businesses opening their doors, increased interest in real estate development and infrastructure projects that improve our quality of life and lay the groundwork for future expansion.
But to truly capitalize on this momentum, we must continue to work as a team. No single organization or leader can do this alone. It takes government support, business investment, education and workforce training, nonprofit leadership, and community pride – all pulling in the same direction, forward.
There is no one blueprint for economic development. But if we stay committed to collaboration, build on the assets we already have, and stay open to new ideas, the future of Superior and Douglas County and the greater Twin Ports region will be as bold and beautiful as the lake that bears our name.
Let’s keep working together – because together, we grow.
Taylor Pedersen is President/CEO of the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce.
