Itasca Strong

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Itasca Strong initiative brought us together when we needed strength and support.    It is a brand that shows respect for our community.  We want everyone in Itasca County to continue to shop local, eat local, spend local, and enjoy local. This will prove that as Itasca County residents, we love where we live, work & play.  The continuation of the Itasca Strong initiative is to increase awareness of commitment to our local community. We have been surviving though the phases of COVID-19 and together we can support each other to thrive coming out of this pandemic. 

 

We want to encourage you to be an Itasca Strong Partner by doing one or all of the following: 

1. Shop Local

2. Purchase a Banner/Sign (Click HERE for the order form)

3. Promote Being An Itasca Strong Partner

4. Visit Local Trails/Parks

5. Like/Follow Itasca Strong on Facebook

Please CLICK HERE to print the pledge certificate, fill it out with your name or the name of your business and post the image to the Itasca Strong Facebook page (@itascastrong)! 

 

 

         Click the image to the left to hear more testimonials on Itasca Strong!

 

 

Acheson Tire Inc.

This video brought to you by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, visit Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Grand Rapids, Itasca County, Grand Rapids Downtown Business Association and The Blandin Foundation.

"Acheson Tire Inc. has been your local tire dealer in Grand Rapids, Minnesota for 100 years. That's 100 years of service to generations of families across our part of Itasca County, including Hibbing, MN and Deer River, MN. It's thousands upon thousands of tire sales paired with decades of tire services. It's countless happy customers. Visit our tire shop today and become a part of our tradition. Come see us in person, or schedule an appointment online today from the comfort of your couch."

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Acheson Tire is continuing to offer services at a high level. Although they have put new policies into place, they want to remind all customers that they are taking the most precautionary steps possible to ensure a safe visit. John is most proud of his employees during this time and wants to remind everyone that through out this pandemic, it is important that we continue to just stay kind.

 

UnWined Up North

This video brought to you by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, visit Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Grand Rapids, Itasca County, Grand Rapids Downtown Business Association and The Blandin Foundation.

UnWined Up North serves Minnesota wine, tap beers and ciders in a warm, relaxing environment to encourage conversations. We also serve charcuterie, flatbreads and panini sandwiches and salads. UnWined Up North's goal is customer service and fun! UnWined Up North is located at 31 3rd St. NE, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, UnWined Up North is most proud of being able to keep three staff on and working at all times. Tia says they have taken intense measures to keep their employees and those who order takeout as safe as possible. They enjoy seeing their regular customers for takeout and deliver orders, but do miss the company in the restaurant. Tia says during the "apocalypse," It's extremely important for all area businesses to remember that we are all in this together.

 

MDI

This video brought to you by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, visit Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Grand Rapids, Itasca County, Grand Rapids Downtown Business Association and The Blandin Foundation.

"MDI is a leader in manufacturing corrugated standard and custom plastic packaging solutions, production assembly, and environmental services. As a non-profit through a Social Enterprise model, MDI creates self-sufficiency by providing meaningful work in an inclusive environment, with nearly half of the workforce comprised of people with disabilities. Headquartered in the Twin Cities, with additional locations in Hibbing, Grand Rapids, and Cohasset, MDI offers an unparalleled customer experience, while providing high quality products and services to businesses and organizations."

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, MDI is considered an essential employer and has been hard at work. President, Peter McDermott highlights many areas within their workplace in which he feels great pride. During this time, the HR team at MDI, has been calling to check-in on employees who have been working from home or who have chosen to stay home due to medical reasons. He says that their production team has done a fantastic job at meeting the safety needs regardless of if it affects efficiency. They have an increase in orders, making face shields for PPE. He is extremely proud of our community and culture and the only thing he asks is that we stay this way.

 

 

Nashwauk Market

This video brought to you by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, visit Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Grand Rapids, Itasca County, Grand Rapids Downtown Business Association and The Blandin Foundation.

Our next business spotlight is Nashwauk Market home of Iron Range Meats! During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Ben Denucci and his employees are proud to offer curbside pickup and delivery. They feel as though this contact free method allows people who are most at risk to have easy access to their groceries. Ben said they are happy to offer gloves and wipes to all who enter as well as putting lines on the floor to remind shoppers of social distancing. Since the pandemic began, Nashwauk Market has done their best to remain sensitive to the health of their employees by offering PPE and allowing them to address any health concerns. They have done their absolute best to keep prices as low as possible to meet the needs of the economy within our community. Ben wants to remind people in our area that we are all in this together and that it is extremely important to be kind to eachother.

#ItascaStrong

 

River Grand

This video brought to you by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, visit Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Grand Rapids, Itasca County, Grand Rapids Downtown Business Association and The Blandin Foundation.

Our next video highlight is River Grand Senior Living. "River Grand Senior Living is located on the beautiful shores of the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, River Grand is a senior living community offering apartment-style assisted living and memory care. You will love the setting, the amenities, and the freedom to thrive." During the COVID-19 Crisis, River Grand Senior Living has had to adjust almost all ways of living. Mindy Nuhring says that if it wasn't for their incredible staff, none of this would be possible. One of the hardest challenges that River Grand has had to face is the communal gatherings. Unfortunately, family is allowed to visit their loved ones via phonecall or facetime. Mindy says this has been a hard and sad adjustment, but they are very thankful for our community jumping on board to help in every way that they can. She says people continue to drop of masks and coffee cards for staff which has helped boost their spirits. If anything, Mindy wants to remind us that we should all "Please be kind to our healthcare workers." Keep up the outstanding work River Grand!

 

Timberwolf Restaurant and Inn

This video brought to you by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, visit Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Grand Rapids, Itasca County, Grand Rapids Downtown Business Association and The Blandin Foundation.

Co-owners of Timberwolf Restauarnt and Inn, Jared Anselmo and Ryan Rolfes, share their Itasca Strong story of doing business amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The restaurant has adapted new health and safety standards for their staff. They are now doing deliveries, which they hadn't done before. They have set up a give back program with Bigfork Valley Foundation. They are thankful for all of the support that they are getting from people ordering takeout and delivery through the restaurant. They are hopeful for the future.

 

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