Duluth Mayor Don Ness added to his senior-level staff Wednesday and again picked someone local, tabbing Brian Hanson to be the city's business and community development director.
Hanson essentially will fill the role formerly held by Tom Cotruvo, who previously was the city's business development manager.
Hanson, who has lived in Duluth since 1986 and grew up in Grand Rapids, has worked for Minnesota Power and the Iron Range Resources board over the last 20 years. While working at Minnesota Power, he said he oversaw business development and acquisition efforts. He also worked in a business development role for Iron Range Resources.
Hanson said one of his first priorities with the city will be to remove roadblocks to business development.
"I don't have a long line of what that list will be," he said. "But I know we can always improve how we deliver services."
ADVERTISEMENT
Hanson said his goal won't necessarily be to attract or increase business development for the city, but to coordinate with agencies that focus on
economic development.
"Our role will be to give guidance as to what works and what fits well with the city," he said.
He said there are sectors he'll work to build, including aerospace and mining, but he said he didn't see the need for the city to start new programs.
"I would prefer to leverage what we have today," he said, "and make sure that we're doing the best possible job with what we have."
With the local aerospace industry significantly struggling, Hanson said he doesn't foresee the city offering much more assistance than it already has.
"I think the city has already done a lot," he said. "I believe as the economy improves, the industry will improve."
Hanson's hiring still needs to be approved by the City Council. If that happens, he'll begin work with the city on Jan. 19.
