Fuse Blog

Progress in Duluth

One of the frequent complaints I hear from "transplants" to the Duluth area is that we are not progressing fast enough.  This comment is usually targeted towards things like roads/infrastructure and economic development.  We are an aging city and infrastructure is a challenge.  We are also a city faced with the freeze/thaw effect every winter and spring.  The great news is we are working on it. 

In particular our roads have caused great concern.  According to the city of duluth website, "in 2008 there was less than one mile of street reconstruction."  A new plan has been put into place and, "Starting in 2009, Duluthians will see total road construction of 15-20 miles."  If you would like to follow this progress to to www.duluthprogress.com.  You will find an interactive map with construction cones where you can see what projects are being done and when.

This new construction and attention to our roads will help attract young talent to live in our community.  It will also help with specific industries like tourism. 

Happy trails!  -pun intended.

A Window For Your Office

As the days get warmer and warmer it can be a little depressing not to be outside during work. This is the time of year that leaving work early increases and people start to use vacation time. We are restless victims of cabin fever. 

Class of 2010

It's easy for a young Gen Xer like myself to think that I'm still pretty young.  Until, that is, I think about college students in the Class of 2010.  I might think I know a lot about the millenial generation, but there is so much more I need to learn.

Check out this cool YouTube video to see some stats on this generation of students and how higher education is impacting them right now.  (it's a low budget film, but there is some great information - stick with it!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o 

Bike to Work

It is officially the end of national Bike to Work Week.  I participated this year by modeling some cool clothes from Continental Ski & Bike and handing out goody bags to passerbies in the Fitger's complex.

Biking to work provides two big benefits.  One, is physical fitness.  Look great and feel good.  The second benefit is a smaller carbon footprint.  Less emissions and dependency on fuel.

In Duluth you cannot bike year round due to weather.  For now, the snow is gone, the sun is shining and it's time to get out those bikes, or blades, or skateboards and wheel from point A to point B.  For more information on biking in Duluth go to www.fitinduluth.com.

A Visitor in My Own Town

As a current participant in the Chamber's Leadership Duluth class of 2009, I had the opportunity to hear from the best of best in the tourist industry today.  It got me thinking about how much of a visitor I am in my own town.  This isn't new for many people in our community.  In fact, quite a few people move to Duluth after visiting and seeing how wonderful it is. 

As a lifer you would expect I might be bored or disenchanted by the attractions and natural beauty this city has to offer.  You might also think I would dread the busy tourist season months of June, July, August and September.  You couldn't be further from the truth.  I love staying in a Duluth hotel, hitting up the board walk in the middle of the summer and shopping in the many shops in Canal Park.

If you have not visited in your own town, check out www.visitduluth.com and be inspired!