The Low~Down!

Get the low-down on recent developments happening in Chisago County

Happy New Year!

Business of the month:

Sven's Clogs

Located on the edge of the Charming City of Chisago City you will find the headquarters to Sven's Clogs.

This business is women owned and operated by Marie Rivers and been in operation since its founding in 1974. They produce fully customizable, high-quality clogs that are proven to help with back and leg fatigue. They build a wide range of clogs and clog boots, from classy traditional clogs to colorful trendy new clogs. Sven's sales are primarily online internationally, however, you can visit their outlet store and manufacturing facility in Chisago City.

Learn more about Sven's Clogs on their website.

BYOB: Be Your Own Boss

Starting a Business.

Have you ever thought about starting a business? Or bringing your innovative ideas to the next level? In this two-hour session you will be able to learn the basic steps in starting a business and help determine if owning a business is right for you.

Questions to be covered:

1. Are you ready to be your own boss?

2. Where do you start?

3. Are you confident in your next steps?

4. Who is going to help along the way?

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

6:30pm to 8:30pm

Chisago County HRA-EDA Office

38871 7^th Ave,

North Branch, MN 55056

Free to Attend – Registration Required

The SBDC is resource partners of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Providing no-cost training and assistance to help entrepreneurs and small business start, grow, and succeed. The assistance provided by the SBDC is usually through one-on-one small business assistance or small group training. Consulting with entrepreneurs and small businesses can vary on a wide range of topics. For example: how to complete a feasibility study to assess the economic, financial, and market viability of a business idea; how to access capital to start or grow a business; financial projections; marketing; social media; website development; strategic planning; human resources management; buying and selling a business; and business transition planning. Your local SBDC office is located in North Branch within the Chisago County HRA-EDA office. Please call our office if you have questions: 651-674-5664

To learn more about SBDC services please visit this website.

Feb. 15: Grant Writing 101

This beginner-level workshop will help build new capacity for nonprofit organizations and local units of government. This intensive, hands-on training will help aspiring grant writers approach grant writing with increased confidence.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15

Location: Lakes Region EMS, 40245 Fletcher Ave, North Branch

Cost: $20 - Lunch will be provided

City of Rush City

Rush City is located approximately 45 miles north of the Twin Cities on Interstate 35.

Boasting a fitting tag line:

"Up North Starts Here!"

Rush City is nestled between Rush Lake and the St. Croix River. Within the City is the Rush City Regional Airport, which has a 4,400-foot-long runway with a parallel taxiway, flight school and 24-hour self-service fuel. Rush City also boasts a 135-acre Industrial Park with many major employers, including newly expanded Plastech & Dennis Kirk. There are 27 additional acres of industrial land for sale. The city owns over 10 acres on the west side of I-35 and another 5 acres on the east side of I-35 ready for development . There are also lots available for single-family homes and multifamily developments in this growing community. Rush City is home to Bulrush Golf Club, a beautiful 18-hole golf course and the Rush City Aquatic Center, where families gather on hot summer days.

Call or email us to set up a tour: 651-674-5664 or info@chisagocounty.org

Olinda Trail Apartments

The HRA-EDA attended the ribbon cutting on January 17th for the Olinda Trail Apartments. The apartment complex has changed ownership and the new owners, SolPacific Investors, are looking to spread the word.

There are only a few vacant units remaining out of the 84 this complex holds. This is the first modular multifamily complex in Chisago County. Olinda Trail Apartments are market rate rentals that offer options for a heated or unheated garage (additional cost).

For more details or to schedule a tour, visit their website.

Looking for something fun to do?

Here are a few ideas...

Glide down the slopes at

Wild Mountain

Fun for all ages! Go tubing, skiing or snowboarding and check out their newly remodeled facility to warm up with a toasty meal or beverage.

Check out their website for more details and prices.

Chisago Lakes Chamber's: Celebration of the Lakes!

February 9th - 11th

This highly attended event features fun activities such as: dog sledding, a fishing contest, hikes, ice car racing, snowmobile shows, fireworks and much more!

Watch the Chisago Lakes Chamber's event page for more details.

Take a wintery walk through the

Candlelit Wild River State Park

This traditional candlelit walk is sure to be one to remember. Skiers and walkers are welcome to partake in the trail and enjoy the wintery night life of this state park.

For more information and related costs visit the MN DNR website

Issue: January 18, 2024