Continuing the conversation with Tony Sertich, outgoing commissioner of the IRRRB, we talk about the state of mining in Minnesota right now and the future of the Iron Range.

A conversation with Tony Sertich, part 2

We talk with outgoing IRRRB Commissioner Tony Sertich this week on Rural MN Radio. The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board is a unique agency in the state government, focusing on the economic development of northeastern Minnesota. First of two parts.

A conversation with Tony Sertich

Jim talks this week with outgoing state representative Kathy Brynaert about why she’s involved in new member orientation at the legislature. Minnesota is one of the few states that does this kind of education for incoming legislators, Kathy says. The goal is to give incoming legislators a non-partisan introduction to the political process at the Capitol.

Education for new legislators

This week on Rural MN Radio, Jim and Marnie talk with Jennifer Pontinen, program director at the Small Business Development Center at the U of M, Duluth. Retail is surviving and in many places doing just fine in Greater Minnesota, Pontinen says, but when the big box comes in, local store owners need to get creative to set themselves apart.

Rural retail

Nearly half of all ag land in Minnesota is owned by women, but traditionally this group has run up against barriers that hold them back from running really effective farm operations. This week Jim talks with dairy farmer and CRPD board member Eunice Biel about one program in particular that is helping women gain the information and training they’re looking for.

Women in ag