With the prospect of several new large scale projects either underway or on the horizon and the likelihood of massive new hires resulting from baby boomer retirements, northeastern Minnesota is on the verge of a potential boom, the likes of which has not been seen in decades. However, while the looming opportunities are very good news, they are not without their challenges. Issues involving workforce, housing, infrastructure and the environment need to be dealt with in a rational and responsible manner in order to bring the area’s full potential to fruition.

It is to this end that the Range Readiness Initiative was conceived, funded and organized by an ad hoc forum of the region’s economic development organizations partnering with industry, educational institutions, business organizations and governmental entities. As the name of the Initiative implies, our mission is to ready the region for economic expansion. The Range Readiness Initiative is charged with identifying potential challenges, issues and opportunities, developing shared strategies and solutions, and focussing the appropriate technical and financial resources in an efficient and effective response.

The Range Readiness Initiative is organized into the following working teams: projects, workforce, housing, community readiness and opportunities development. A leadership team serves as a steering committee for the overall Initiative and a strategy team provides direction and oversight to the various working teams.

Click here for more information on the Range Readiness Initiative.

Almanac North Video Watch this appearance of Iron Range Resources Commissioner Sandy Layman and Range Readiness Initiative team members Mary Ives and Randy Lasky appearing on a June 27, 2008 edition of Almanac North to speak about the Range Readiness Initiative. Click here to watch the video