The ERJPB began in 1984 as a collaboration and partnership effort between Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, the Town of White, and the local school district. Since then, the City of Biwabik was added in 2010 and the school district dropped out in 1994.
The four communities have made a considerable effort to invest time, effort, and financial commitment toward joint services, facilities, and programs the past three years and several initiatives are in progress. A major focus of the ERJPB over the years has been to engage in all feasible forms of collaboration and partnership with local, regional, state and federal communities and agencies involved with economic and community development. The current Strategic Action Plan includes additional resources to expand and enhance collaboration and other comprehensive plan goals and objectives.
Review the Strategic Action Plan HERE!
Purpose
The Board develops and implements policies and procedures for:
- The preparation of an area-wide development strategy for the East Range area.
- The preparation of promotional material and conduct of other public relations functions in the interest of maintaining and attracting new development in the East Range area.
- Research and investigation of potential programs to support stabilization and growth of existing and new development in the East Range area.
- Coordination and facilitation of development efforts with public and private interests both within and outside of the East Range area.
Board Members
City of Aurora
Doug Gregor, Mayor
Luke Heikkila, City Administrator
City of Hoyt Lakes
Dave Zins, Mayor
Becky Lammi, City Administrator
Town of White
Edward Kippley, Board Vice Chair
Jodi Knaus, Town Manager/Clerk
Small Business Development Center Partner
Northland SBDC
The Northland Small Business Development Center program serves the Northeast Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis. Our consultants work throughout this region to help anyone seeking assistance to start, manage, or grow a business, and our services are offered at no-cost to clients.
Vicki Hagberg
Business Consultant (She/Her)
Northland SBDC
218-228-8552 x103
vicki@northlandsbdc.org
Katherine Lahti
Area Banks
First National Bank of Gilbert
Hoyt Lakes Branch
207 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750
(218) 225-1100
gilbertbank.com
Embarrass Vermilion Federal Credit Union
600 W 3rd Ave North
Aurora, MN 55705
(218) 229-2048
evfcu.org
NorthRidge Community Credit Union
283 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750
(218) 471-2121
nrccu.org
Funding Sources
Interactive East Range Trail Maps
Community Events & Meetings
If you live in the Old Biwabik School district, consider applying!
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Ely Marathon and Half-Marathon
www.facebook.com
Join the fastest growing marathon in the mid-west! Experience nature as you have never before!
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🎟️Tickets now available for purchase online at bpt.me/6027882
Tickets are $10 per person and will not be sold at the door. Only available until sold out!
Do not purchase tickets from anyone other than AEOA directly or at the link above.
For more information about the event and transportation options, visit www.aeoa.org/senior-carnival
Workforce Development
NORTHFORCE.org
NORTHFORCE is a regional program providing community-based talent retainment and attraction by connecting career-minded individuals with professional advancement opportunities and supporting our regional employers’ current and future workforce needs in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
Welcome Home
BeNorth.org
Play Here. Work Here. Connect Here. Move Here. Grow and Learn Here. Be Well Here.
Hello Iron Range
HelloIronRange.com
Welcome! Are you moving to the Iron Range, or considering a move? Let us help you learn more about the area. Start your journey by exploring this site!
Healthcare
Essentia Health/Northern Pines Medical Center (Aurora)
Hospital (218) 229-2211
Clinic (218) 229-3311
5211 Hwy 110
Aurora MN 55705
Education
Mesabi East Public School District #2711
Home of the Giants, this large school district encompasses 405.3 square miles in Northeastern Minnesota. It is a twice consolidated district, first with the consolidation of Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and the surrounding area. Subsequently, Aurora-Hoyt Lakes consolidated with Biwabik creating Mesabi East.
The school district’s population is approximately 8,000 residents concentrated in the three communities of Aurora, Biwabik, and Hoyt Lakes. The district is bounded by the following school districts: St. Louis County, Lake Superior, Duluth, Virginia, and Eveleth-Gilbert.
www.isd2711.org
Minnesota North College
Minnesota North colleges are open to you – and a bigger, brighter tomorrow. Tomorrow needs big thinkers. Tomorrow needs difference-makers. Tomorrow needs … you. And the closest place to go far with your tomorrow is right here in your backyard.
Choose from five Northeast Minnesota community colleges: Vermilion, Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi and Rainy River. Go close. Go far. Go now.
Contact Us
Staff & Consultants
The ERJPB staff & consultants work with the local governments of Aurora, Biwabik, Hoyt Lakes, and the Town of White to provide planning tools and assistance to enhance the East Range area including:
- Regional Planning
- Grant Writing
- Redevelopment Planning
- Community Vision and Strategic Planning
- Presentations and Meeting Facilitation
- Developing and Nurturing Clients
- Project Management
Cherie Grams
Administrative Assistant
- Phone: 218.780.6144
- Email: erjpb@frontier.com
The Northspan Group, Inc. entered into a contractual relationship with the East Range Joint Powers Board (ERJPB) in October 2018 and serves as its staff consultant team.
Karl Schuettler
Research Director & Senior Consultant
- Phone: 218.481.7737
- Email: kschuettler@northspan.org
- Website: www.northspan.org
