Superior dock ready for business
C. Reiss Coal Company has a new terminal
BY SHELLEY NELSON Superior Telegram
SUPERIOR — The city’s industrious waterfront is going to be busier when the shipping season opens again.
C. Reiss Coal Company’s new bulk commodity shipping terminal — a $22 million investment in the western end of the Port of Superior — is complete.
It’s been more than three decades since the site of the former Berwind Coal Company dock was operational.
The 55-acre site had to undergo major rehabilitation because it had gone unused for so long, said Chris Niskanen, a spokesman for Stantec, the design engineer for the project.
“A variety of past and adjacent uses resulted in challenging environmental issues for the design, permitting and construction,” Niskanen said. Northland Constructors of Duluth handled the construction and JF Brennan Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin, was the dredging contractor
for the project, Niskanen said.
“C. Reiss accomplished both redevelopment of an idle dock in the port with significant capital improvement and removal of contamination dredge materials from the waterway working with a number of local, state and federal partners,” Niskanen said. Bringing the site back to life involved excavating 110,000 cubic yards of material, importing 100,000 cubic yards of C. REiSS on A12
some of that traffic has already shifted because of the Twin Ports Interchange Project in Duluth, a 2018 study by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation looked at what happens in Superior when the Blatnik Bridge is closed. It found that traffic increases significantly on Belknap Street, the main detour route, and increases on other eastwest routes on Winter, North 21st and North 28th streets. To mitigate the higher traffic flow, engineers are recommending eliminating left turns at Banks and Ogden avenues on Belknap Street to keep
traffic flowing. Jim Caesar, director of The Development Association, has been working to develop a program that could provide financial assistance to businesses that demonstrate a loss of revenue due to the Blatnik Bridge reconstruction. Last year, the Superior Days delegation lobbied in Madison to fund such a program and will continue to lobby when they head to Madison again next month.
Caesar said he worries 2027 will come and Superior is ill-prepared and businesses are failing.
“That’s my biggest concern,” Caesar said. “And I’ve said this hundreds of
times — I’m more concerned about years two through five than I am about year one.” Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of transportation officialsexpect the bridge to be closed for about four years, but the project is expected to begin in 2026 and wrap up in 2031. Initially, people will still want to support local businesses, Caesar said, but he anticipates fatigue setting in with the hassle of traffic in subsequent years.
“It’s more than the project itself,” Caesar said. “It’s more than the CLOSURE on A12
to and from medical appointments, hospital stays and activities such as family get-togethers and grocery shopping. They also offer transportation for hospice and COVID-19 patients.
“I cannot speak highly enough about the drivers and the staff,” said Greg Williams, of Superior. “They’re all top-notch people and they work around you. They make it happen for you.”
C.W. Transportation Services’ hours of operation, 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, meaning they’re available when Williams needs them.
“I get picked up about 20 to 6 in the morning to go to dialysis. I feel bad for them they have to get
up so early, but Warren is so accommodating. He made it work,” he said.
Gail Trombley, of Superior, called the business, and the drivers, amazing.
“They are very relatable, compassionate and they go out of their way to try to make sure that … my transportation is stress-free,” she said.
When she travels to a medical appointment, whether down to the Mayo Clinic or through the construction in downtown Duluth, Trombley said, “It’s their headache, not mine.”
Door-to-door and beyond
C.W. Transportation Services drivers do more than pick up and drop off a client.
Superior Business Improvement District had a busy 2024
BY KELLY PETERSON Superior Business Improvement District
Another year filled with of growth and fun was had in the Superior Business Improvement District.
We began the year in partnership with the city of Superior, creating a new promotion to support the 2024 Ice Festival: the Snowflake Scramble. Fifteen businesses participated with food, shopping specials and activities geared to engage the community in the district. We’re looking forward to continuing it in 2025.
In February, the Superior BID began our Women in Business g roup. Initially this group was formed for the women Stakeholders in the district to provide information regarding funding oppor tunities, updates within the SBID boundaries, allow for presentations about other opportunities in the community and provide a safe space to discuss topics unique to their businesses.
The response was positive, and we opened the g roup to others in the
community. Presentations have included University of WisconsinSuperior service lear ning programs, School District of Superior, Superior/ Douglas County Leadership program, Superior Days participants, professional coaching, WiSys VentureHome and more. We worked with The Development Association to bring the Parade of Products back to Superior Days, with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation on a business opportunity and information session for the Blatnik Bridge project, as well as with VentureHome.
Working with the Superior/Douglas County Leadership Program, a group project brought a wonderful stage to the Superior Downtown Farmers Market space, known as The LOT. The LOT had a few events already in 2024: a grand opening, Jeep friends event, PRIDE at The LOT and the Goin’ Postal Music festival kickoff party. Looking forward to more events in 2025. Participating in the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of
Transportation Visual Quality meetings for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project as well as other bridge planning meetings has been important to keep our stakeholders and the community informed. Improvements to Tower Avenue from Belknap to 28th Street and possibly into south Superior will be on the agenda for next year, as well as updates to Winter Street.
The SBID awarded grants to Superior Tan and Wellness, Duluth’s Best Bread, Twin Ports BID, Northwest Outlet, M&H Properties, Outdoor North, Life Infusions, Holden, EmFATic and Center for Muscle & Joint Therapy.
The Superior Business Improvement District partners with the larger economic team consisting of the city of Superior, Douglas County, and the Development Association/Superior Business Center, Northwest Regional Planning and the Entrepreneur Fund in providing support and opportunities for growth and planning for 2025 with events like the Superior Douglas County Economic Resources Open
their community’s needs.
House, BIPOC Summit with UW-Superior and VentureHome Superior.
Look us up online at Superiorbid.com, check our socials Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn or send an email to petersonk@superiorbid.com
Thanks for the great year and stay tuned for our bridge planning as we continue to “Think/ Buy/Support Local.”
Kelly Peterson is executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District.
replicate. Shopping local ensures these businesses can continue to thrive, preserving the cultural fabric of your community.
Reducing environmental impact
Local businesses often source products from nearby suppliers,
reducing the need for long-distance transportation and minimizing the environmental impact. Additionally, shopping locally means fewer trips to big-box stores or waiting for deliveries, cutting down on fuel use and packaging waste. By supporting local businesses, you’re making a more sustainable choice.
Adapting to unique needs
Local businesses have a deep understanding of
Unlike national chains that follow one-size-fitsall models, local owners can tailor their products and services or even custom order or design services to meet the specific demands of their customers. This flexibility not only benefits shoppers but also strengthens the business’s ability to adapt and thrive.
A call to action Supporting local businesses is more than just a feel-good gesture. It’s a powerful way to invest in your community’s future. Next time you need to
shop, consider choosing a local store. Every purchase you make is a step toward
thriving, resilient and connected community. Shopping local is not just about buying goods; it’s about building a better place to live, one transaction at a time. No matter if the business is large or small, your impact can be great when you spend more dollars in the community you call home. Taylor Pedersen is president and CEO of the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce.
Contributed / Kelly Peterson Women business owners pose for a picture during the inaugural Women in Business gathering Feb. 13 at the Superior Entrepreneurship Center.
Maria Lockwood / Superior Telegram
The leadership team of, left to right, Nick Korhonen, Maura Granquist, Thora Papineau and Garner Moffat stand in the city parking lot on June 7, before transforming the space into The Lot.
Nick Casper Mark Casper
Voted Best Liquor Store
timeline itself. It’s what happens after.”
The Development Association is working on a grant to bring on a consultant, Jenice Meyer, to help work through the issues.
Caesar said they are also working on developing models of financial relief programs, like the COVID-19-era Paycheck Protection Program that provided forgivable loans to businesses affected by the pandemic. However, he said he would prefer some type of grant program so debt isn’t added to an already struggling business.
“Is there an app for this?” Jason Serck, city of Superior economic development, port and planning director, asked. He said communication
new material and pouring 1,400 cubic yards of concrete, according to Jason Serck, economic development, port and planning director for the city of Superior. About 2,620 linear feet of sheet pile, 4,290 linear feet of H-pile (structural steel beams), 7,800 feet of security fence and 8,725 feet of railroad track were built during the project which required about 60,000 labor hours to complete, he said.
The city was involved in the project because of grants awarded to redevelop the site by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and federal Maritime Administration.
C. Reiss was responsible for about $11.4 million of the project cost. According to Serck, the city’s only investment in the project was time and expertise.
Reconstructing the site
RESOURCES
sentiment rather than logic, Hill said. While solving a problem is nice, Hill said identifying the pain that drives customers is going to resonate with customers.
Hill, who has been an entrepreneur since age 18, said he’s experienced failure but he’s experienced success more often.
is going to be key. Peterson said she approached the city’s Tourism Development Commission to find out more about what kind of plan they had for destination marketing during bridge construction. She found it terrifying that there was no marketing plan in place yet, she said.
“We’re missing a big
to allow the company to expand its operations included building an office building and shop, creating storage for 50 rail cars and adding rail and truck scales and a ship loader, according to Christian Zuidmulder, president of C. Reiss. The company made the transition to the Superior site in December and continues to look at all options for the best way to utilize its dock and property in Duluth.
The rehabilitation will allow C. Reiss to serve the additional demands of current clients while allowing the company to bring on more and handle a diverse range of bulk materials, said Brian Rogers, a spokesman for the company.
C. Reiss Coal Company, which has been in business for more than 140 years, handles about 2 million tons of bulk material such as coal, limestone, petroleum coke and salt out of its facilities on the Great
Finding the reason why a person wants to start a business — a story only that person can claim — becomes their “unfair advantage” over competitors, Hill said.
piece there,” Peterson said. She said one of the things the BID is planning to do is resurrect the construction website that was used during the Tower Avenue and Belknap Street projects in a more user-friendly format to keep people informed.
“Some of the things that Jim has talked about ... is looking at other
cities and communities, and how they handled similar types of closures,” Meyer said.
“What can we learn from others? … What’s going to be the best way to help these businesses, not only survive, but are there opportunities for us to help them thrive during this bridge closure as well as after those five years?”
Lakes. In addition to Superior, the company has operations in Ashland and Green Bay in Wisconsin; and Escanaba and Sault St. Marie in Michigan.
ed for the business plan.
“Completion of our new state-of-the-art Superior dock terminal helps us serve clients in this strategic port for years to come,” Zuidmulder said.
TRANSPORT
mom, your dad, your sister, your brother,” Little said.
“Our Patients Are Our Purpose” is written on the doors of the transportation services vehicles and the front of employee sweatshirts.
That sense of family extends to the drivers and staff at the business. When mechanic and driver Gary Myers lost his home and dog in a house fire Jan. 4, Little launched a GoFundMe page for him.
“I love working here. I know every business says we’re like family but we actually are because we’re small and we know each other,” said Anne Hoyt, a billing specialist for the company. “We do stuff together and we take care of each other.”
Little, who grew up in the town of Maple, saw the need for transportation in the area firsthand while working as a registered nurse for Essentia Health.
“I worked in nursing administration there and I met my partner, Chad Andrist, who was a travel nurse,” Little said.
Midwest, from the Canadian border to southern Wisconsin. Little plans to expand in 2025 with additional hubs, including in the Green Bay area and on Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Little and Andrist have launched a second business, We Care CPR, that offers CPR, AED and first aid certification courses.
“I just looked at what can we do to help the community,” Little said. “What can we do that’s going to be something really positive and that’s going to be something that benefits our community.”
Little and Andrist are working on a third business model, C.W. Shuttle Services, to offer nonmedical transportation for ambulatory clients who want to go shopping, to the casino, to a family event, or other activities.
“It’s something that we really have a need for right now,” Little said.
Trombley is able to use C.W. Transportation Services through Inclusa. She was able to sign up with the managed health care provider through the Douglas County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
“Seventeen times I’ve pulled the Kleenex out … because building a business is really personal,” Hill said. “You have to have a lot of stick-to-itiveness. If there’s not something that’s really, really important for you, you might not be able to handle those ups and downs that you’re going to experience when you start a company or grow a company.”
“You’re unfair advantage is your superpower because it’s going to carry you, your employees, stakeholders and your customers through the ups and downs because they know that you understand exactly how they feel … that is the value proposition,” Hill said.
“Typically, after they have their business plan, then we sit down with them and we review the plan,” Caesar said. He said they may question some things in the plan to help modify it if needed.
It’s not until those pieces are in place that The Development Association begins to work with entrepreneurs to find a location and work on financing that may be needed to start the business, Caesar said.
Arrowhead Printing Building, the Eighth Street building that includes a commercial kitchen for food-related businesses, and the Entrepreneurial Center, 1401 Tower Ave., where the Small Business Development Center, Entrepreneur Fund, Development Association and Superior Business Improvement District are located.
Anyone who has an idea they would like to turn into a business can call The Development Association at 715-3924749 or the Small Business Development Center at 715-919-0190. CONTINUED from A9
In addition to helping to identify the proposed business with great specificity, Hill said the Small Business Development Center can help provide a financial pro forma to present to a bank to finance the business as well as information need-
Traditional lending is just one option. Caesar said they work with the Entrepreneur Fund and manage the Douglas County Revolving Loan Fund as well.
Three business incubators are available in the city for startup businesses, including the former
“If we’re doing our job correctly, hopefully within three to five years, they graduate out of there … to another commercial space of their own,” Caesar said.
When Andrist suggested launching a business, they chose medical transportation and approached it from a nursing standpoint.
“He’s always been very community-based and wanting to do more,” said Hoyt, who knew Little before he launched the business. “This kind of thing doesn’t surprise me because he saw a need.”
The entrepreneurs started with small hubs in Superior and Byron, Minnesota, where Andrist lives, in 2022. When two Twin Ports area transportation services closed their doors in 2023, the Superior office expanded to fill that gap. Little said they were able to purchase fleet vehicles and bring in drivers from the closing businesses.
C.W. Transportation Services covers a wide circle of the Upper
“To be able to utilize the service that they offer, I would go to ADRC,” she said. “ADRC is a really great resource.”
John Desjarlais of Esko works as both a mechanic and driver for C.W. Transportation Services.
“I do like going to pick up clients. I like helping people,” Desjarlais said.
As they talk on the way to their destination, he said, some of them share a little history about the city. Others express how happy they are to be out in the community.
“You get a connection with some of these people, especially people you pick up a lot. There’s always a connection,” Desjarlais said. Visit cwtransportationservices.comor facebook.com/CWTransportationServices for more information.
C. REISS
Gary Meader / Duluth Media Group
Gary Meader / News Tribune Graphics
Contributed / city of Superior
Over a half-mile of dock wall was refurbished for the C. Reiss Coal Company terminal in Superior.
Steve Kuchera / 2021 file / Duluth Media Group
The John A. Blatnik Bridge is expected to be closed for four years for reconstruction.
Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group
Warren Little, owner of C.W. Transportation Services, sits in one of the transport vans outside the business along Broadway Street in Superior on Jan. 2.
