Reflections from the August Ely for Ely Gathering featuring the Ely Economic Development Authority at the new Regional Trailhead building.

Strengthening our economy encompasses more than just increasing wages - although that is necessary and important. Boundary Waters Connect has long understood and noted that our community strength is in each other’s talents and resources.

As my time here in Ely comes steadily to a close, I find myself reflecting on these past couple months. I am an environmental studies major finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Richmond, Virginia, and I knew I wanted two things for my summer: to live in a new environment, and to find work in a wilderness-edge community. Once hearing I got an internship in Ely, Minnesota, I jumped at the opportunity. I had never been to Minnesota before, let alone Ely, and did not know what to expect. Going in...