In his new book, The Demon of Unrest, author Erik Larson artfully recreates the events that built up to the bombing of Fort Sumter and the beginning of the Civil War. Larson recounts the statement Abraham Lincoln made in a speech he gave during his senatorial race: “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.”
Lincoln was witnessing the division that was happening in the nation over the issue of slavery. He maintained hope that the union would remain strong, and that unity would be valued far greater than separation. Lincoln understood there was strength in unity; he valued working together toward a common goal.
It is with that same understanding of the importance of working together that the Twin Ports Business Alliance was formed.
Something major will be happening in the Twin Ports – something big enough that will impact how we go about doing our daily business. That something is the rebuilding of the Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth. Its construction will change the flow of traffic, affecting our usual access to business.
Business owners have to plan for that interruption. They will want to make certain their customers know how to access them during the changes. Kelly Peterson, SBID executive director, began looking to see if any plans had been made. Finding none, she shared her concerns with Jen Rossmann from the Canal Park Business Association and Jennifer Hansen from Equilibrium 3 at an event they were attending. Both Rossman and Hansen said they, too, were concerned because they hadn’t seen any plans.
From that conversation came the birth of the Twin Ports Business Alliance, or TPBA – a joining of the forces from Superior and Duluth.
Created at the grassroots level, this alliance was formed by those who have a vested interest in the planning for and the highlighting of the bridge construction, supporting businesses during the interruption.
Its membership includes Kelly Peterson as president, Jen Rossman as vice-president, and Cameron Kruger from the Lincoln Park Business Group acting as secretary-treasurer. Other members are: Amy Ugstad from One Up Creative, Jennifer Hansen and Kate Ferguson from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Also included are Jim Caesar from The Development Association, as well as representatives from the West Duluth Business Club and Downtown Duluth.
Their mission statement: Thriving Togetherthrough the Blatnik Bridge Replacement. Its purpose is to collaborate, support and promote businesses in our thriving commercial districts through all phases of the Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project.
A top priority for the group is providing clear and timely information, including project updates, available resources, business support and marketing opportunities via email, social media and special events.
The TPBA also plans to support businesses with creative and collaborative opportunities designed to create awareness and drive business to both sides of the bridge.
“This whole thing began with a casual conversation,” Peterson commented. “We saw that there was a need for planning, and we decided to be the ones that would initiate it. The BID hosted the inaugural meeting.”
She continued, “The bridge construction is transformative for our area. It can redefine the region’s community, boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for the community.”
The alliance does not seek to replace any plans that might be made by the cities of Superior or Duluth. Their focus is to augment any plans and focus on the business communities in the Twin Ports.
As Peterson noted, they want to share excitement about the project. They see the construction as a draw for people to come to the area and notice its progress.
“We have Midwest modesty. We don’t sell ourselves well. We have a lot to offer and we want people to recognize that.”
She stated that the work of the alliance will not end with the completion of the project. “It will continue before, during and after the work is done.”
TPBA has been brainstorming some possible events: Hard Hat Happy Hours, and Progressive Dinners where people will travel from restaurant to restaurant to sample the various fares.
“This is a great opportunity for students to witness the construction. High school students can gain firsthand knowledge of engineering, transportation logistics and construction. The possibilities are endless.”
Charged with a pride of the Twin Ports and a unified purpose, TPBA sets out to turn a possible problem into an opportunity for growth. Look for all the events that TPBA will be offering and embrace the change! Great things happen when people work together!
