Case Studies
The following case studies will give you an idea of the results we’ve achieved with just a few of our projects. We generally do not identify individual companies. Our clients are in a highly competitive business/social environment and we respect their desire to maintain confidentiality regarding their marketing strategies and sales results.
City of Duluth, Minnesota
Among the dozens of projects we've completed for the City of Duluth:
Results: The City has developed a new plan to cope with high maintenance costs and low revenues
- the development and completion of statewide research to determine Duluth’s brand, reputation and perception as a component of the city’s 90×20 initiative.
- the development and coordination of research among the region's golf community to determine the economic viability of the city maintaining its public golf facilities
Results: The City has developed a new plan to cope with high maintenance costs and low revenues
Public-Policy Research
Coordination and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa for The Aspen Institute, Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, American Lung Association and Minnesota Department of Health.
- Results: Baseline data and updated information on attitudes, perceptions and behavior related to tobacco use and binge drinking, resulting in legislation and programs effective in reducing smoking and alcohol abuse among residents of the study regions.
northern lights express
Coordination and implementation of multi-year qualitative and quantitative research among residents of Minnesota between Duluth and downtown Minneapolis to determine the economic viability of passenger rail service between the two metropolitan areas. In our effort, we also developed the name and logo for the service.
- Results: With the passage of the federal Infrastructure bill, the State of Minnesota is prepared to move forward with an allocation of funds to complete the funding for the rail service, with the likelihood service could begin by 2026.
Travel Industry Research
Coordination and implementation of quantitative research among visitors to a chain of boutique hotels/motels along Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior. Our internet-based research provided data and analysis from 4,500 completed surveys.
Coordination and implementation of multi-year qualitative and quantitative research among residents of Minnesota and tourists visiting Duluth, Minnesota.
Coordination and implementation of multi-year qualitative and quantitative research among residents of Minnesota and tourists visiting Duluth, Minnesota.
- Results: Increased understanding of the travel and vacation experience, resulting in greater returns on investment in new and more effective marketing initiatives and on-site experiences. departments.
- Results: Duluth tourism has increased every year with greater understanding of the traveling public’s desires, wants and needs.
Essentia Health - Institute of rural health
For almost 20 years, we have coordinated and implemented phone surveys, online surveys and focus group research for the region’s largest medical center to prioritize medical services, desires for changes within the delivery of services, and outcome measures to determine success or failure. Included in our studies was research among women of child bearing age to determine their consumption of fish possibly tainted by mercury.
- Results: Essentia Health has continuously implemented new services, performance measures, standards and marketing.
State of Minnesota - Minnesota pollution control agency
Coordination and Implementation of multi-year surveys for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to gather information on the disposal of household and business garbage/waste in Minnesota’s 87 counties.
- Results: Use of burn devices declined from 44 percent to 33 percent in the study regions.
Lake Superior College – Duluth, Minnesota
Coordination and implementation of multi-year, multi-phase qualitative and quantitative survey research among primary college-age population, adults re-entering the educational environment and business owners within northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Research topics included educational expectations, workforce preparedness and awareness/perception of college’s two-year programs.
- Results: College leaders gained a greater understanding of resident educational views and business owners expectations for graduates and career options presented within the college, leading to increased enrollment.
Regional/National Engineering Studies
Coordination and implementation of two dozen studies for several Minnesota-based engineering firms centering on key sectors of their disciplines. The research efforts identified key growth markets regionally and nationally, and identified potential alliance partners to facilitate rapid community involvement.
- Results: The firms have experienced significant growth based on an expansion of contract services inside and outside previous service areas. In one case, a firm expanded from six offices in three states to offices in 12 states.
Public Attitudinal Research
Coordination and implementation of multi-jurisdictional research for a quasi-governmental agency. Market research studies have been completed every other year since 1993.
- Results: Significant improvement in quality of life for area residents based on policy changes implemented for community well-being.
Financial Institution Research
Coordination and implementation of multi-phased research projects for many of the region’s largest banks, credit unions and financial institutions.
- Results: Increased customer base, new locations, more effective customer service and new brand image.