The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce's 154th Annual Meeting & Dinner Celebration took place on November 7, 2024, with a sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 people in attendance, including Barr staff members and clients. The event focused on improving business conditions, supporting economic development, and advancing community progress. The evening also included the presentation of several awards recognizing contributions within the community. Barr President and CEO Ward Swanson delivered the keynote address, “Authentic Duluth.” Ward’s speech highlighted Barr's long history and investment in Duluth and the Northland, and illustrated how the community’s resiliency and authenticity play an essential role in its success.
“In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature passed some of the most significant permitting reform of the past 50 years, and was driven in part by the incredible work that Barr and our Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce did in studying Minnesota's permitting processes and identifying opportunities for improvement,” said Jennifer Caddy, outgoing board chair. “The legislation that passed is intended to streamline permitting processes for renewable energy and transmission structure to help the state move towards a cleaner energy future.” Click the image below to read more about the event in the Duluth News Tribune.