What is the Twin Ports Business Alliance (TPBA)?
Started as a brainstorming group around the impacts of the Blatnik Bridge reconstruction on our businesses, the TPBA has evolved to bring together business and community leaders from the cities of Superior and Duluth. Our purpose is to collaborate to support and promote businesses in our thriving commercial districts!
TPBA leadership has been driven by members of the Superior Business Improvement District, Duluth’s Lincoln Park, Canal Park and Rice Point business associations. Our aim is to be inclusive of all business districts impacted by the Blatnik project and expand efforts to more districts including Superior’s Billings Park, Barker’s Island, North, South and East ends as well as Duluth’s Downtown, West/Spirit Valley and Miller Hill corridor.
What does the TPBA do?
TPBA leadership has been strategizing on what activities will be most impactful to our business districts to help them survive and thrive during the challenges of the 5-year Blatnik Bridge reconstruction.
First and foremost is a commitment to clear, transparent and timely communication. A top priority is sharing regular project updates so businesses in our respective districts stay in the loop during all stages of the project. In addition, the TPBA will also be sharing regularly information on available resources, business support and marketing opportunities via email, social media and special events.
Second is to support businesses with creative and collaborative marketing opportunities designed to create awareness and drive business to both sides of the bridge. The TPBA plans to sponsor a variety of promotions to help with wayfinding, educating and creating excitement in customers throughout the stages of the project. The first of these projects it the TPBA Passport Program.
Third is to provide access to resources to educate, support and market impacted businesses. The TPBA has hosted a number of sessions to connect businesses with MnDOT & WisDOT for direct project information, as well as other opportunities to connect with marketing and educational resources. Regular info sessions will continue to be held throughout the Blatnik Project.
Get Involved
The TPBA is open to all Twin Ports businesses that will be impacted by the bridge replacement project. To receive updates on events, resources and promotional opportunities, complete the form to be added to the email list and connect with us on Facebook!
Upcoming Events
TBPA All-Business Meeting – Join business leaders from across Superior and Duluth for the 2nd Annual All-Business meeting of the Twin Ports Business Alliance hosted by the Lincoln Park Business Group!
- Hear updates on the Blatnik Bridge project
- Learn more about the Twin Ports Business Alliance and cross-promotion ideas to drive traffic to both sides of the bridge
- Network with business leaders and community partners
Plan now to join us on Thursday, July 16, 2026 – 9-10 am at The Caddy Shack (2023 W Superior St., Duluth). The meeting is FREE and open to all business owners and staff! Please RSVP by July 8!
Thank You!
Thanks to all attended our 2025 kick off event with the Canal Park Business Association. It was amazing to see businesses from all parts of the Twin Ports come out to learn more and connect. Enjoy some media coverage from the event.
New alliance bridges Superior, Duluth businesses – Duluth News Tribune
New organization aims to support businesses during Blatnik Bridge project – Northern News Now
New alliance bridges Superior, Duluth businesses – WDIO
‘Twin Ports Business Alliance’ Meets Ahead of Blatnik Bridge Replacement – Fox21