What We Do

Responsible industrial development plays a critical role in the economy and the livelihood of many of our friends, families and neighbors. In a post-COVID economy, Better In Our Back Yard believes that now, more than ever, we need companies like Enbridge, Twin Metals and PolyMet to be successful in driving present and future investment into the region while protecting the area’s pristine environment.

Both Duluth and the Iron Range’s largest export is the amount of young talent leaving the region every year. The same holds true for northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan. Responsible industrial development will lead to increased private investment in the region, and the introduction of copper-nickel mining on the Iron Range will spur economic growth for decades to come.

PolyMet, Twin Metals Minnesota and Enbridge’s Line 5 replacement and Great Lakes Tunnel projects all have one thing in common. They will all be built by the skilled men and women of the Union Building Trades.

The Union Building Trades have exceptional apprenticeship programs that allow young professionals to earn while they learn, provide great wages and benefits and promote high safety standards on the job site. Starting a career in the Union Building Trades is a great opportunity for those looking to learn highly-demanded skills without incurring high amounts of student debt.

Every quarter, Better In Our Back Yard hosts networking events that include an annual golf event towards the end of Summer and an annual Winter Dinner to kick off the new year. These events are great opportunities for BIOBY members to connect with like minded individuals and learn more about the projects we care about most.