New & Improved - Now with More Interns!
By: Andrea Busche
Tucked into a cozy, refurbished office found in the second level of the Duluth Folk School, seven fresh-faced interns are ready to tackle the day. These fortunate youngsters will be on-staff at Destination Duluth until UMD wraps up its current semester in May 2018.
The Lincoln Park digs are brand-new, and while modest, offers a space large enough to accommodate seven interns and their two trainers. The interns’ chosen fields of study range from Spanish and graphic design to communications and marketing, but they all share one common mission: to help grow Duluth.
Trainers & Tasks
The individuals responsible for molding these young minds include Jerry Thoreson, content manager for Destination Duluth, and Steve Rockwood, marketing guru and employee at PureDriven. Thoreson shares, “We are very excited to have the seven interns with their bright and energetic approach. They already have had tremendous success in helping launch our new website as well as help 3 UMD students “The BroPeds” win a trip to Europe sponsored by the Red Bull ‘Can You Make It Contest’.”
From now through May, Thoreson and Rockwood will lead the team of interns as they handle tasks such as researching and writing blog posts, managing social media content, handling marketing and graphic design, taking photographs, and creating HD video content. The interns will participate in three hours of training, and do a minimum of 100 hours of work - all with the intent to improve Destination Duluth’s new website.
During today’s training session, points covered included valuable nuggets such as, “The key in marketing is to get your point across with as few characters as possible.” (Said by Steve). And, “We want a strong call to action as early in the copy as possible.” (Jerry). Another big goal Destination Duluth has for its interns is to help them make connections with, and learn from, local business people.
And, speaking of local business people …
Renaissance in Lincoln Park
The new location for “Destination Duluth World HQ” was chosen strategically for its location in Lincoln Park. With amazing (and successful!) neighbors like OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill, Bent Paddle, and Frost River, these interns will have plenty of opportunity to learn from some of the best startups and entrepreneurs in Duluth.
We at Destination Duluth are so fortunate to have a group of smart and ambitious young people on our team, even if the time frame is short. Hopefully, many (or most!) of them will plan to stay here, and make Duluth their permanent home. Destination Duluth co-founder, Tom Livingston, says, “This internship engages them in opportunities to help us grow our reach to area young people, while also strengthening our message that Duluth is truly a ‘Destination for Life.’”
Andrew Achter
Intern
I am a creative adventure-seeker living life to the fullest. I will graduate with a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Spring of 2018. I co-founded Northern Wake Co., an apparel company, with my good friend when I was 19. We have been operating the business while going to school. I enjoy using my passions for videography and photography to inspire others to travel and seek happiness in their own lives.
Connor Crabtreee
Intern
Duluth has always been a “home” for me. I was born here, and have chosen to continue my education here. That sense of being home has sparked a passion of mine for the outdoors, and what better place for that passion to grow than in one of the best outdoor cities in the country: Duluth MN. My favorite things to do are fly fish in the rivers up the North Shore, and mountain bike through all of Duluth’s parks. I hope to use this internship experience with Destination Duluth to share that passion with others.
Zach Sanders
Intern
I am a high-energy business student graduating in the spring of 2018. I have many innovative ideas, along with knowledge and experience across a wide range of digital marketing platforms. My biggest strength is my ability to lead and influence others. I enjoy all of the activities Duluth has to offer, including skiing, hiking, fishing, running, and the endless views of Lake Superior.
Missy Setter
Intern
I’m currently a senior at the University of Minnesota Duluth pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Communication. When I’m not going to school, I’m a Promotions and Marketing Assistant for a company called D.S. Beverages. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family (including my cat, Lulu), shopping, and exploring the outdoors.
Angie Paulson
Intern
I am in my last semester at the University of Minnesota Duluth finishing up my Marketing major with a Psychology minor. Outside of school I like to explore the outdoors, spread awareness about mental health and suicide prevention through a student group I co-founded called YOUmatter, and dive into a good book when I have free time. I’ve been coming up to Duluth since I was young and that is when my love for this city started. I am an avid dog lover who enjoys fishing with my family and waking up early to see the sunrise over Lake Superior before starting my day.
Rachel Menke
Intern
I am from Jordan, which is a small town in southeastern Minnesota. I am an animal enthusiast, which stems from being raised on a hobby farm. Traveling is another part of my life, which I just recently started to explore. I enjoy playing tennis and golf, and just spending time outdoors. Duluth is the perfect city for people who have a passion for hiking and soaking up nature’s beauty.
Lewi Yonas
Intern
I am a creative and accomplished marketing student focused on digital marketing strategies and creating top-notch content. I assisted in the development of a small business as Marketing Coordinator and accumulated 3+ years of marketing experience. I see myself as a visionary who constantly pushes himself and proactively searches for new & unique life experiences!
Steve Rockwood
Intern
I am the marketing coordinator at PureDriven and trainer of the interns. I have worked as a tennis instructor for over 6 years and have been an avid video game player ever since I was 5 years old. I share my passion for video games by using my social media knowledge and networking skills.
