Monica Haynes, Director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research
In her role, Haynes oversees economic research projects that may have direct impacts on communities, organizations, cities, and even states. She works with all types of clients—individual businesses, government entities, community groups, economic development organizations, and industry professionals.
“My typical day is spent managing research projects, analyzing data, meeting with clients, and writing reports that detail the results of research conducted.
“The best part of my job is learning about the variety of topics we research. In the past year alone, we’ve studied biofuel production in Canada, partnerships between state and national parks, business retention efforts in small-town Minnesota, and the mining industry. I am constantly learning about different aspects of the economy. I also love working with our student undergraduate research assistants! They make the job fun.”
Though Haynes is originally from the Duluth area, she moved away and did not intend to return. But then the BBER director position became available in 2014.
“It was such a perfect opportunity that I just couldn’t pass it up. Now after six years in Duluth, I’m so happy to be here! I love biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. My husband, Kevin [Community Outreach Coordinator at KUMD], and I have two young daughters. Duluth is such an amazing place to enjoy outdoor activities and a great place to raise kids.”