HowieHanson.com Section
Matt Baumgartner
Howie: Downtown Duluth's next chapter will be built with trust.
The first step is honesty. Residents already know homelessness, addiction and mental illness exist. They also know downtown remains home to exceptional restaurants, successful small businesses, major employers, recognized attractions, a spectacular Lake Superior shoreline and people who work there.
Duluth adopts sweeping downtown strategy, zoning overhaul aimed at boosting housing, investment
The strategy emphasizes expanding housing opportunities, improving public spaces, activating downtown streets, supporting business growth and making development more predictable for investors.
Howie: In St. Paul, regions that show up together get heard
Under the leadership of Chamber President Matt Baumgartner, Duluth and St. Louis County Days has become a respected presence at the Capitol. Legislators expect it. Policymakers notice it. And participants leave knowing their region’s voice has been heard.
Duluth Chamber emerges as state’s model for business-government partnership under Baumgartner’s vision
“I am so appreciative of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the energy and strategic advocacy the member organizations provide, and have deep respect for Matt and the Chamber leadership team.” -- Kevin Gray, St. Louis County’s top administrator
Local response to the political violence in the Twin Cities
"Melissa and John are both personal friends. Melissa was the mentor for my freshman class when I was elected to the House. John and I served in the Senate together and quickly became friends." -- Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert
Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Notebook
"It is also clear from the volume of messages I have received from our members that they too had hoped this work would be done in Duluth by one, or more, of our talented firms." -- Matt Baumgartner, president of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce
Quote Me, Howie: On Reinert's first State of the City Address
Gary Doty, former Duluth mayor – "Mayor Reinert did an excellent job of identifying the issues most Duluthians care about. He articulated well their
Duluth Chamber, Dan Hartman, Chloe Johnson, St. Luke's in the news
Duluth Chamber President Matthew Baumgartner was in Washington D.C. this week, along with Chamber Board member Jeff Anderson, as part of a community
Photo of the Day
Duluth Central High School graduates Matt Baumgartner and Marcia Doty on Monday morning attended a grand opening ceremony for the new nostalgic exhibit at