Laskin Energy Park Engages Golden Shovel for Online Marketing Effort

HOYT LAKES, MN, June 13, 2011 (Press-News.org) Representatives of the Laskin Energy Park recently deployed a new marketing strategy to promote its strategic assets for business expansion, assets that include access to steam, power, and deionized water. Working with Little Falls-based Golden Shovel Agency, the Laskin team is able to prospect the latest technologies and trends in community development. These Web solutions are the heart of Golden Shovel's expertise in improving Laskin's online presence.

Developed through a partnership between Minnesota Power, the East Range Joint Powers Board, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), and the City of Hoyt Lakes, Laskin Energy Park is positioned to offer businesses unprecedented amenities, infrastructure, and services at one location.

Nancy Norr, regional development manager for Minnesota Power, which operates the Laskin Energy Center within the park, says, "In addition to electric power, we can deliver steam and deionized water to businesses with this unique need. Steam is a safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective source of energy for large-scale industrial manufacturers that require substantial process heat. From this centralized location, steam can be piped into multiple facilities within the park."

"Deionized water is another asset we can provide industries that process chemicals and cannot have contaminants in their water," said Norr. "Deionized or distilled water has been treated to neutralize those contaminants."

Laskin Energy Park is located near where more than $5 billion in large scale industrial projects are either underway or planned over the next several years. Opportunities for businesses to supply these companies have never been greater.

And the setting is breathtaking. The environmentally-friendly park is surrounded by beautiful lakes and tree-lined fishing streams. In addition to the electric and thermal power capability of the park, expanding businesses can take advantage of low-cost natural gas, fiber optics, and proximity to rail.

Norr said, "We have an experienced team that is eager to put its creativity to work for expanding businesses looking for the right location. We can make available land in the park at a reasonable cost, but more importantly, can package financial incentives that will help businesses transition to new opportunities and manage their growth."

About Laskin Energy Park
Laskin Energy Park in Hoyt Lakes offers industrial building opportunities for new and expanding manufacturers in a beautiful, northwoods setting. The park is adjacent to Minnesota Power's Laskin Energy Center, giving businesses access to reliable electricity, deionized water and steam services, natural gas, high-speed fiber and potential for rail access. Tax incentives and innovative financing options are available. A number of competitively priced lots are available. Visit http://www.laskinenergypark.com for more information.

About Minnesota Power
Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, provides electricity in a 26,000-square-mile electric service territory located in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Power supplies retail electric service to 144,000 retail customers and wholesale electric service to 16 municipalities. Visit http://www.mnpower.com/ for more information.

About Northland Connection
Northland Connection is a program of The Northspan Group, Inc., a privately managed non-profit corporation based in Duluth, Minnesota USA. Northland Connection brings value to Northeast Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin by providing economic development data and analysis to recruit, expand and retain businesses; and create new jobs and wealth. The Northspan Group has been a pivotal, behind-the-scenes force in regional economic development for 25 years. Visit http://www.northlandconnection.com for more information.

About City of Hoyt Lakes Minnesota
Hoyt Lakes is located on the east end of Minnesota's Iron Range, just one hour north of Duluth, Minn., a commercial hub and international seaway port at the head of Lake Superior. The region is known for its natural beauty and rich resources, but it also is a strategic location for businesses, with clear competitive advantages. These include a robust transportation system, productive and loyal workforce, exceptional access to higher education and training, an outstanding quality of life, and committed economic development partners with attractive tools and incentives. Visit http://www.hoytlakes.com/ for more information.

About Golden Shovel Agency
Golden Shovel Agency is a Minnesota-based company specializing in Web solutions for economic development. Golden Shovel brings over 10 years of experience combining Web technology and design expertise to present communities in their best light and is located in Little Falls, Minn.

Information: http://www.GoldenShovelAgency.com