Often, our work is defined as the results of our reports with big numbers—like the $43 million economic impact of the Great Lakes Aquarium on the city of Duluth or the staggering $1.4 billion economic impact of the Duluth International Airport on the state of Minnesota. These figures are vital for understanding our region, but they only tell part of the story.
The other, less visible, part of our work is defined by the people and communities we serve: our hardworking undergraduate researchers, the community leaders tackling challenging problems, and BBER alums advancing their careers across the state. In this edition, we’re celebrating that essential balance between rigorous research and meaningful community connection.
Thank you for following along with the BBER in 2025. We look forward to the new projects and community partnerships that 2026 will bring.
-Monica
The Great Lakes Aquarium: A $43 Million Economic Engine
The Great Lakes Aquarium (GLA) reached its 25th year of operation in July 2025, a milestone that coincided with a record-breaking annual attendance of 235,000 visitors. A December 2025 BBER report quantified the impact of this Duluth attraction, estimating that the GLA generates nearly $43.0 million in annual output and supports 387 local jobs within the city. Additionally, because 90% of visitors originate from outside Duluth, the Aquarium serves as a significant source of external spending for the city’s waterfront and hospitality sectors.
Additional 2025 Studies
The BBER completed several other research projects that were published to the U of M Digital Conservancy in 2025. These reports, which are available for public review, are below:
- The Economic Impact of the Duluth International Airport: An analysis finding that the airport has a $1.4 billion annual contribution to the state economy
- UMD Healthcare Program Labor Market and Skills Analysis: A study assessing how UMD’s academic programs align with the region’s critical healthcare workforce needs
- Factors Influencing Gasoline Prices Comparing Low Carbon Fuel Standards with Traditional Factors: An in-depth look showcasing the factors that influence fuel prices and the potential impacts of Low Carbon Fuel Standards.
BBER on the Road: Strengthening Connections
While much of our work happens behind a computer, the past few months have included a handful of rewarding trips and events.
In October, we joined the LSBE Economics and Health Care Management Department for an alumni social at Surly Brewing Co in Minneapolis. It was incredibly rewarding to swap stories with former BBER student researchers, many of whom are now applying the skills they learned at the Bureau to their professional roles.
Also in October, U of M Extension Analyst Brigid Tuck and I traveled to Missoula, Montana, for the Association for University Business and Economic Research Annual Conference. We had the opportunity to present our BBER/Extension collaboration to a national audience of research directors. It was a proud moment to showcase our partnership as a model for how centers like the BBER can work together with extension programs to serve a broader audience.
In November, I had the pleasure of traveling with Extension Community Development staff to Ely, Minnesota, for the successful "Ely for Ely" workshop (photo at right). The event brought together business leaders and residents to discuss the future of their community, focusing on the critical issues of business succession planning and economic resilience. These face-to-face events remind us researchers that behind every data point are real people trying to make informed decisions about their communities.
Invest in the Next Generation of Researchers
The BBER’s success is built on the hard work of our Undergraduate Research Assistants (UGRAs). By working on BBER projects, these students gain technical skills in economic modeling and data analysis that prepare them for high-level careers in finance, statistics, and community development.
As we look toward summer 2026, the BBER is seeking to raise funds specifically to support summer student internships. Unlike during the academic year, the summer months allow our UGRAs to dedicate more time to dive deep into projects and community engagement without the pressure of a full course load.
Will you consider a gift to the BBER? Your support ensures we can continue to provide these high-impact experiential learning opportunities for UMD students while providing the region with critical economic data.
In Case You Missed It: Recent Articles from our Website
- 2025 Year in Review Top 5 Articles: A roundup that lists the most-read BBER articles of 2025, from workforce needs to local inflation impacts.
- The K-Shaped Recovery in Duluth: My end-of-the-year guest column for the Duluth News Tribune discusses the K-shaped economic recovery and what it means for Duluth.
- Spotlight Series: Jay Walker: An interview with Walker touches on his job, his outside interests, and some fun personal insights.
- Spotlight Series: Xinyi Qian: Qian discusses the importance of destination management, cityscapes, and her desire to learn the skills of a historian.
- Welcome to the Team, Annabelle!: Our newest UGRA shares her passion for data and her goal for a future career as an actuary.
- Get to Know a Dataset: Placer.ai: UGRA Sam Shaw explores how location intelligence can help local tourism organizations make data-driven decisions.
Have a research project or a data need for 2026? Contact the BBER to start a conversation.