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Duluth City Council, Essentia Health, Oneida Realty in the news

Mayor Roger Reinert has proposed to Duluth City Council a number of appointments of city councilors to City of Duluth boards and commissions. The appointments were accepted into the consent agenda for next Monday's city committee of the whole council meeting.

The mayor’s appointments include both reappointments and new appointments.

. Councilor At Large Arik Forsman and Council President Roz Randorf were reappointed to the Duluth Economic Development Authority for a term ending on January 3, 2028.

. Fifth District Councilor Janet Kennedy was also appointed to DEDA through January 5, 2026, replacing Vice President Terese Tomanek.

. Second District Councilor Mike Mayou was reappointed to the Duluth Parking Commission through January 3, 2028.

. Councilor At Large Lynn Nephew was appointed to the Heading Home Advisory Committee with a term ending January 3, 2028.

“I’m grateful that these councilors are stepping up to lend their expertise and voices to the work that these boards do," Reinert said of the appointments. "Having sat on the council, I know how their part-time work can stack up quickly to much more than part-time, so I truly appreciate their commitment and participation.”

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Essentia Health-Moose Lake hospital has been re-designated as an acute stroke-ready hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The re-designation means Essentia Health-Moose Lake has stringent protocols, collaborations, testing and education and partnerships in place to help achieve the best possible outcome for patients who suffer this potentially deadly health event.

“Receiving this re-designation is a true testament to our dedicated staff and physicians, and their commitment to positive patient outcomes,” said Sam Barney, Essentia Health-Moose Lake administrator. “We are prepared to care for stroke patients 24/7 and are committed to providing high-quality care to patients undergoing this serious ailment. We thank our teammates for their commitment to the community and are proud of this accomplishment.”

This coordinated statewide system of care ensures all hospitals are equipped and ready to provide the best care possible for Minnesotans. The Minnesota Stroke System was officially launched in April 2014. MDH partners with the American Heart Association, hospitals, EMS agencies and many others to implement and oversee this process.

This designation is good for three years.

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Oneida Realty Company, a Duluth-based commercial real estate services firm, has promoted Alex Tessier from property manager to vice president.

Tessier joined Oneida Realty Company in April 2022 as a member of its property management team, following 12 years in leadership positions with area hospitality and development organizations. His role with Oneida has evolved to include revitalization of the company’s Condo Association Management division.

“In just two years, Alex has had a tremendous impact on our operations and customer service,” said Oneida CEO Patty McGaffey. “His innovative approaches have made our company stronger, and we’re pleased to promote him as our new Vice President.”

Tessier will continue to work with new and existing tenants to find space that best suits their needs, while having more management and oversight on the company’s expansive facility management division. He will also work with company ownership and other executive level management to best determine future growth strategies.

“I’m honored to undertake these additional responsibilities to help Oneida expand its level of offerings and customer service,” said Tessier.

Founded in 1908 by Marshall Alworth and still privately held by Peter Alworth, Oneida entered the Duluth market by developing and constructing the tallest building in Duluth, the Alworth Building. Over time, the business expanded into third-party building management and building services, including leasing, maintenance and office cleaning. Oneida currently manages over 35 buildings in Duluth.

Today, Oneida remains strong and has emerged as a leader in the commercial real estate industry. Under the direction of a talented and experienced management team, Oneida maintains its corporate offices in downtown Duluth and offers a wide array of services to its clients. Additionally, Oneida continues to look at areas of expansion in its business.

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