2026 Great Place Project Grant Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2026 Great Place Project Grant Recipients

Transforming public spaces through local art and creative business improvements.

June 15, 2026-- Cook County, MN.-- The Cook County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Great Place Project Grant. This program is designed to support “wish list” items like murals, sculptures, bike racks, or flower boxes that would typically fall outside of the normal operational budget. These are the thoughtful “extras” that make our community stand out and make people stop and smile. The Chamber has awarded grants to eight businesses this year:

These businesses and organizations will use the grants, ranging from $250 to $1,000, to fund a variety of projects that will make our community a more inviting place. This year’s initiative is supported by a $5,831 donation from Art ‘Round Town as they conclude their operations, along with a $1,000 contribution from the Grand Marais Area Tourism Association. We are incredibly grateful for these donations, which help ensure the continuation of this program for our business community.

"These grants aren’t just about making things look pretty; they are an investment in the shared, public spaces that bring us all together,” said Linda Jurek, Executive Director of the Cook County Chamber of Commerce. “We owe a huge thank you to the Grand Marais Area Tourism Association and Art ‘Round Town who stepped up to fund the program this year. When you are running a small business, there just isn’t extra cash sitting around for these kinds of projects, so this funding takes some of the financial pressure off our business owners.”

All projects will be completed prior to September 1st, and we encourage you to stop by these local businesses and check them out. Because funding sources for this program change year over year, community support is what keeps it alive. If you would like to help ensure the continuation of this amazing initiative by making a donation to the cause, please contact director@cookcountychamber.org to pledge your support today!

About Cook County Chamber of Commerce

The Cook County Chamber serves the business communities located in northeastern Minnesota: Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage. The Chamber provides local networking and programming; provides a voice for advocacy in St. Paul; gives voice to local business concerns; and celebrates the recognized achievements of our members. Connect with us on Facebook. Learn more at cookcountychamber.org

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