Talking Business - The Hidden Gems of Cloquet

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Heart Berry. Sarah Agaton Howes is an Anishinaabe artist, teacher, community organizer, author, and keynote speaker from the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet, Minnesota.  She is known for her handmade regalia, designs that have inspired stained glass art installations in light rail stations and tribal colleges, and moccasins featuring her original Ojibwe floral designs.  Sarah owns and operates her own business, Heart Berry.  As a teacher of her culture, she shares her knowledge by teaching classes and video tutorials on beadworking.  She also has authored books such as Grandmother’s Gift Nookomis Obagijigan, a visual and textual tutorial on Ojibwe moccasin making, patterns, and stories.

Her business features amazingly beautiful and unique apparel, blankets, and gifts in her online store https://www.heartberry.com/, where she hand designs and screen prints in Duluth, MN, and Seattle, WA.  We met with Sarah and her co-worker Cassandra who were busy compiling shipments in their Cloquet, MN warehouse.  The interview was astounding and inspiring.  Sarah is passionately motivated to revitalize her culture by helping native artists become businesspeople.  She has found that across the country, people are hungry for native art, and therefore she is inspired to teach people how to create this native art.  She found her calling in business after meeting Louie Gong and his pacific northwest cultural style of Native American art.  He merged culture and business through community-invested work.  He inspired her to build a website, launch social media, and transfer pencil to digital art to be designed into contemporary products.

Through her journey, she has found that businesses in the country have had a tendency to steal from natives when that art should be from native artists.  Sarah’s business started at her kitchen table in Cloquet, MN, then spread quickly to her bedroom, shed, a trailer in her yard, and not into a warehouse in Cloquet.  Her artwork designs speak to the culture of the Fond du Lac Reservation’s culture of sugarbush, the cycles of seasons in nature, and the floral designs of spring and summer.  Art is a reminder of culture.  Sarah Agton Howes is a registered woman and minority-owned business in Minnesota and an inspired native.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Evergreen Senior Living. Evergreen, located at 1309 14th Street in Cloquet, is a senior living campus for adults who want to remain independent while accessing services and amenities. Evergreen is owned by HADC Services, LLC, whose sole member is Housing Alternatives Development Company, a Minnesota non-profit corporation. They offer:

There are 39 assisted living units, 23 higher care units, and 24 independent cottage units.

There is a considerable need for senior housing, and Evergreen offers a vibrant community with social programs. Other than family watching over seniors, this is not a nursing home. It is a vibrant senior community. It is never too late to live your happily ever after, your best life, and there is no need for senior isolation. At Evergreen, there is an activities director – chair yoga was something we observed there. There are church services, programs, and peer connections.

Evergreen has a full commercial kitchen and excellent cooks; they do not have their food catered in.

We met with Terri Langevin, Executive Director of Evergreen, and Paul Abzug, President of HADC. In sitting down and meeting with them, their competitive advantage is Evergreen’s employee and resident culture. Leadership positions at Evergreen coach and develop employees who support one another, ensuring employees have each other’s backs.

Evergreen has 70 employees in Cloquet and a breadth of economic spin-off impact.  Evergreen was developed in 2001 and, shortly after that, was purchased by HADC. Terri Langevin helped open the facility 21 years ago and is still managing the facility today.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Corner Stone Bank. Anna Carlson is President of CornerStone State Bank in Cloquet, home to five employees, three of whom have been at the bank for over twenty years.

The bank provides personal and commercial banking services and was chartered in 1974 as one office in Le Sueur, Minnesota. Still, now CornerStone State Bank has grown into seven communities: Le Sueur, Cloquet (1997), Belle Plaine, Montgomery, Green Isle, and most recently, Madison Lake and Eagle Lake, Minnesota. As an independent, locally owned bank, all staff at CornerStone State Bank is committed to hometown service and the growth of our customers and communities.

"If you want to know what our competitive advantage in the industry is, it's working well in small-town America and serving our customers well, our phone is always answered by a person and is run as a small-town business where we know our customers by name and offer strong customer service, said President Anna Carlson.

Personal finances can be stressful, especially in a small town. We offer professional, caring services to support private and personal matters. We review loan requests in-house within the company and review and discuss these loans as a committee working hard for our customers to meet their needs. "In banking, there are extensive rules and regulations, and we work hard within those regulations striving to do everything possible to make banking work for our customers," said Carlson.

Anna grew up in Carlton, MN, and loves the small-town atmosphere of Cloquet. "I love what I do, I love math, and I have always been interested in finance," said Carlson. She worked her way up from Bank Teller to President and has worked in all banking areas.

Technology has changed the banking industry. There is less customer contact. Much of the banking is done by mobile and online banking. Here in Cloquet, in small-town America, we have retained our customer base and use phone banking. We see most mortgage applications done now online. Unfortunately, that means getting to know our customers less when those applications come in online, but in Cloquet, people often come in and meet with us – small-town service is our competitive advantage!

CornerStone offers a myriad of personal and business banking resources. If you're looking for solid small-town relationship banking support, consider meeting with them to learn more about their offerings https://cornerstonestatebank.com/.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Cloquet Public Library. The Cloquet Public Library, located at 320- 14th Street, is Not Your Grandparents Library.  This is one of the most significant barriers to the Library.  The image where you are expected to be quiet and will be actively shushed.  If your barrier is being afraid to ask how to use something, then just come in the door, look around for an item of interest, and ask away.  That is why the library team is here - to serve you.

In the age of closing or consolidating libraries, the Cloquet Library is expanding and thriving.  They are integrated with youth in the community, holding summer school courses, credit recovery classes for adults, and classes of interest such as how to do a podcast class, host and support parents coordinating homeschooling courses twice a month, and lego robotics meetings once a week.

The facility has three study rooms for uses such as Zoom meetings or to work on other things such as research.  They offer quiet relaxing spaces.

At the leadership helm of the Cloquet Library, which is fully staffed, are Director Courtney Dietsche, Adult Librarian Keiko Satomi, Youth Services Librarian Justin Dinger, and Children’s Librarian Morgan Reardon.  The Library staff is dedicated, including four library aides and six other positions supporting the facility.  They leverage community partnerships, exemplified by the recent Rain Garden and Pollinator Garden installation working closely with the Carlton County Soil and Water Conservation District.  As they form relationships, they offer unique classes.  They also leverage Minnesota’s Legacy Programs and rotate performers through libraries in the state that folks would otherwise have to pay for.  It’s simply incredible.

After the recent expansion of the Cloquet Library, the facility is busier than ever with different things like supporting community meetings and personal events with four spaces (which can be reserved by calling the Library).

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Carlton County Historical Society. Carol Klitzke started as the Director of the Carlton County Historical Society (CCHS) in July 2021, after coming on board in January 2021 to assist with cleaning and organizing the facility.  Klitzke had recently moved to Cloquet from Lacrosse, WI, where she spent her career as a Dietician at Viterbo University and has her P.H. D in research and writing, which is tremendously valuable with this new job here at CCHS.

CCHS has three employees, and if they had to pinpoint their niche, it would be research that they provide for 15 minutes, but otherwise offer research services for a fee for unique records people are interested in.  Inside the facility, you will find various books for sale and their 2023 Barn Calendar, a fundraising tool for CCHS.

“Next year, the Shaw Family plans to visit the facility here in Cloquet.  We are so excited.” The mission of CCHS is to

Preserve the unique history of Carlton County through photos and artifacts, individual stories, and remember important events.  Children are welcome at our museum!

“The focus of my first year here has been to increase our visibility as an organization, and it’s working.  We have five new volunteers here, and are growing.  We can place volunteers with their passions and interests.  This is a wonderful facility.” Her second goal was to improve technology for the facility, which she has done by securing a grant for scanning systems and, through donations purchasing an iPad for sale by card and has a new broadband contract to increase the bandwidth of the facility as Klitzke continues to grow the social media presence of the organization, predominantly on Facebook.

Lastly, her goal is to increase fundraising opportunities and events.

Klitzke has secured grants from the Duluth-Superior Foundation to collaborate with the Fond du Lac Reservation to improve their Ojibwe display and also secured funding from the United Way for items for teachers, documentation of oral interviews on file, and are excited to continue growing relationships with area teachers to share this information.  In March 2021, they held the Mojakka Cookoff as a fundraiser serving Finnish salmon soup, or lohikeitto, collaborating with the Northeastern Saloon and Grille, and they hope to do this again.  In December, they will have a tea event.

Consider visiting, becoming a member, or donating to the CCHS.

Carlton County Historical Society

406 Cloquet Ave.

Cloquet MN 55720

218-879-1938

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Casino Pizza & Sub Shop. Casino Pizza and Subs Shop, located at 7 - 13th Street North in Cloquet, has been around since 1983 and is now under new ownership after business partners Lamont Hines and Tyrell Beckom took it over on November 2, 2022.  

Casino Pizza & Subs Shop features continued menu favorites such as Mexican, salads, wraps, wings, etc., and adds some of their specialties such as the Philly sub, Cuban, Chicken, and Italian beef. 

Lamont and Tyrell are initially from the Twin Cities and met as young men in 2001. Lamont completed college at FDLTCC in 2013, departing with a degree in Business and Finance. They have over twenty years of experience managing restaurants in Duluth, including Grizzley’s, Toppers, and Pizza Hut. “We’ve spent a lot of time and hours helping others achieve their vision. It was time to see ours come to light,” said Hines. “We want the community to give our new ownership a chance. We want to rebuild this business back to the successful operation that it once was. We think you’ll be amazed by our food.”  As the weather warms, they plan to improve the outdoor seating space for summer. Long term, they hope to add a second location in Duluth or Superior.  

 Casino Pizza and Subs Shop is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 to 8 and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 to 10. Watch their Facebook page for daily specials. 

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Pedro's Grill and Cantina.  Pedro’s, located at 7 - 8th Street in Cloquet, is your local authentic Mexican destination restaurant that has revitalized our downtown.  Family-owned and operated, Pedro’s uses only the freshest produce and the finest meats, with a collection of amazing people striving to build outstanding Mexican cuisine.

Owner Erica was born in Los Angeles, went to Mexico, and grew up in the restaurant industry, with family members owning businesses before starting her own restaurant.  Erica knows the food service industry.  She knows the experience customers want.  She knows what works and what doesn’t work.

October 7, 2021, was the homecoming of the new "girl-designed" location at 7 - 8th Street.  The interior is more spacious, with unique custom-designed artwork on the walls, new furniture, and a large spacious patio with a great outdoor fire place.  Work is currently working on the second floor for event space in the near future.

Menu options include steak, seafood, pork, or vegetarian.  Quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, changa's, and house specialties. Stop by for some margaritas, chips, and entrees and become family.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Silver Rose Fashions.  Maybe you’re looking for a prom dress that sparkles and shines to help you shimmer and glow for your special occasion.  Look no further.  Silver Rose, located at 322 Lake Ave in Cloquet, is the perfect place to find a breathtaking collection of sequin and glitter.  A-Line, high neckline, and Mermaid prom dresses to make your prom night unforgettable!

Silver Rose Fashions is a family-owned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, and operated business with customers worldwide.  Provides formal attire for any age and body type for every special occasion.   Located in the old USG staff house, Silver Rose has been at 322 Lake Ave for 22 years.  Rosa has been in the industry for forty years.

Rosa is from Italy.  Her experience working in high fashion in Paris and many other places has provided so much experience over the years.  Vivi has shared this high fashion life with her mom her entire life.  She first went to the market when she was nine years old.    This extraordinary mother-daughter duo interacts with so much love, respect, and experience.  They meld Italian culture with American culture and are committed to helping our customers achieve their DREAM LOOK and FEEL.  When you enter the shop, it’s more than just a transaction.  It is an experience.   You will receive individualized, customized care.

Silver Rose is open every day from 11 am to 7 pm.  They are a Sherri Hill and Jovani Prom Store and Tuxedo Central Rental & Retail Store.  They also provide popular brands for bridesmaids and mothers of the bride, in addition to shoes, jewelry, garters, and corsage/boutonniere sets.

With a strong commitment to community, Rosa and Vivi are there to help you find that special dress, jewelry, shoes and tuxedo for that special occasion.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Toy Barn Storage.  With the extreme demand for storage, Amie and Michael Roberson saw the opportunity to bring some quality options to Cloquet and Sturgeon Lake and started Toy Barn Storage.   Amie, who has a medical background, is an ROTC army veteran who has been all over, lived in Washburn, Wisconsin, for a while, and moved back "home" to Willow River to be closer to her parents and family.  Michael is a captain of large ships and sails worldwide and is set to captain the first cruise ship to travel the Mississippi River.  

Their Cloquet facility is located at 347 Business Park Drive.  Three of the eleven buildings in their masterplan are complete, offering 5x10, 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 10x25, and 10x30, and an outdoor lot storage lot for cars, RVs, and boats.  This facility offers 24-hour gated access, video monitoring, security lighting, site fencing, and a commercial-grade lock which is provided. 

Beyond providing quality storage options, Amie and Michael are proud to support local businesses in their building process, snow removal, and maintenance needs.  

Long term.  Short term.   It is easy - reserve, lock, and stay as long as you want.

In this episode of Talking Business, Shelly Peterson - Founder and CEO of Promoting Me, LLC. and Holly Hansen - Community Development Director for the City of Cloquet  are talking about the Hidden Gem of Hearing Life. Life-changing hearing care starts at Hearing Life, located at 4-13th in Cloquet.  Pam and Jamie are passionate about helping people hear and have a better quality of life.  Jamie is a third-generation hearing specialist who carries on her passion for assisting people in hearing, which started with her grandma and was carried on by her father, who still has a store in Duluth.  Pam is the glue that holds the Cloquet store together and greets you for appointments, helping you with replacement batteries or product questions and services.

Since hearing loss occurs gradually, it may be difficult to notice when your hearing begins to decline.  In many cases, friends and family may detect it before you do.  There are six early signs of hearing loss:

Hearing aids come in many different types of brands and models, and innovations.  A few things you should consider with a hearing device are rechargeable or replaceable battery, Bluetooth connectivity, style, color, and size.

Some people put off hearing tests or solutions for fear of the costs associated with hearing aids.  Pam and Jamie can help you navigate your options of managed care plans, discounts, Care Credit of 18-24 months of interest-free payments, and other special promotions.

Hearing Life is a worldwide company, so if you are a snowbird or are frequently traveling, you can stop by any location nationally for batteries or help with your device.

New Year - New You.  Schedule a hearing assessment today, try a hearing device risk-free for a trial period, and experience firsthand what you might be missing.  Pam and Jamie are ready to help you enjoy life-changing hearing care and provide quality aftercare services.