Business

A new home care agency in International Falls will celebrate with a grand opening May 3.4U Home Health Care International Falls office, 235 Fourth Ave., is the most recent of the company’s office to open.

Rainy Lake Medical Center officials this week announced Andrea Pastor will serve as the organization’s chief ambulatory officer, or CAO.

The 2024 International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala last Friday celebrated and recognized volunteers, businesses, and organizations that the chamber believes exemplify the quality and character of what makes the local communities amazing places to live, thrive and prosper.Recognized Friday were Borderland Human Society as non-profit/civic organization of the year; Koerter’s Fuel and Car Wash as small business of the year; Rainy Lake Medical Center as large business of the year; and Ronna MacKay, as citizen of the year.Accepting the awards were Marge Terry, BHS holding facility manager; Matt Koerbitz of Koerter’s Fuel and Car Wash; Brian Rauzi, RLMC chief operating officer; and Kris Lassila, a close friend of MacKay, in MacKay’s absence.Presenting the awards were Lee Grim, 2023 citizen of the year; Dave Peterson, 2023 large business of the year; Aaron Shuff, chamber board member, and Kallie Brigs, chamber board finance chair.The awards were selected based on nominations, which were read during the gala.Rainy River Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Madison McGonigle wrote about the Borderland Humane Society, saying its actions have made our community a better place.Sara LeTourneau wrote about the extraordinary service at Koerter’s, which provided more than 2,000 gallons of gas to local police, first responders, teachers and nurses during the pandemic; donated last summer partial proceeds of a month of gas sales to Servants of Shelter to assist with adding facilities for people experiencing homelessness; and sponsors many sports leagues.Emily Gedde, an employee of RLMC, wrote about the pride she and other employees feel about the successes of the past year, RLMC’s commitment to being active in the community, and its future growth.

Calls are being made for the creation of a task force to brainstorm on how to fill a gap in services left by the closure of Fairview Range Home Care and Hospice in International Falls.The services to about 30 people, by three full-time nurses, ends March 31.Fairview Range President and CEO Jean MacDonell provided a statement to the Rainy Lake Gazette about the closure:“Fairview Range has made the difficult decision to end home care and hospice services in the International Falls area, effective March 31.“It has been an honor to serve this community.

Jim Jorgenson, of Bronco hockey hall-of-fame and once again a resident of International Falls, announced earlier this month that his fast-growing company, Visante Consulting, has gained a significant private equity investment through Avesi Partners.Jorgenson has been the CEO of Visante for the past 10 years and will now transition to an executive advisory role to support the growing health system pharmacy consulting firm based in St.

There’s a lot of people whose ideal job involves some aspect of sports.Dale Erickson, 20, a senior in his third year at the University of Connecticut, is among them, but might have an edge thanks to his immersion in the UConn Sports Business Conference, an annual gathering of sports professionals, students and others seeking jobs the field of sports.The conference just concluded Feb.

A comprehensive area resource guide for all Borderland area businesses, organizations, government agencies and local resources is being developed by the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.The printed guides will include information on large and small businesses, and public and private organizations – regardless of chamber membership.“All organizations are encouraged to submit their information,” said Shannon Arnold, chamber administrator.