Hall of Fame inducts two Superior entrepreneurs

Two entrepreneurs who have had a significant impact on the economy of Superior and Douglas County will be inducted into the Superior Business Hall of Fame during the Superior Business Awards luncheon to be held on September 15, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Barker’s Island Inn.

The inductees are Jerry Jaques and Calvin J. “Cal” Miller.

“We are pleased to induct these two extraordinary individuals into the Superior Business Hall of Fame,” said Michelle McKercher, assistant director of the Development Association. “Both of these men represent an important part of Superior/Douglas County’s economy and heritage. Each are truly superior.”

Jaques started his career as a laborer in the Twin Ports shortly after returning from military service in the mid-1950s and began a building company. Jaques Builders became a bustling company that built more than 300 homes and commercial properties such as Highland Village Apartments and Highland Supper Club in Duluth.

He became the president of the local home builders association and organized yearly shows at the Duluth Arena. He had fond memories of driving entertainers such as Roy Clark and Lynn Anderson from the Duluth International Airport to the newly built Radisson Hotel.

Jaques opened the Belknap Bar and Cafe in the mid-1960s. The Belknap Bar and Liquor stores are still operating today.

Miller was a lifelong successful entrepreneur. He was a child of the Depression and learned early the value of hard work, managing money and taking care of the customer with a paper route. He returned to Superior, after serving in Army Air Corps as a mechanic during World War II, to open a Standard Oil Station at the corner of Belknap Street and Tower Avenue.

With seven years of running a business under his belt, Miller felt it was time to enter into a new venture. Northwest Outlet became a reality and opened on May 15, 1954.

“Superior and Douglas County have a rich tradition of successful businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Kaye Tenerelli, executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District. “The Superior Business Hall of Fame enables our community to honor both historical and active entrepreneurs that have contributed to that tradition.”

Jaques and Miller will be inducted posthumously.

“As the oldest business member organization in Superior/Douglas County, the Chamber is honored to continue to participate with our partners in the Superior Business Hall of Fame,” said David Minor, President/CEO of the Chamber.

“As we work with aspiring entrepreneurs in Douglas County and throughout the Northland, these entrepreneurs have these role models to emulate,” said Mike Lattery, director of Business Development for the Entrepreneur Fund. “The Superior Hall of Fame formally recognizes these entrepreneurs.”

During the Superior Business Awards luncheon, not only will Jaques and Miller be inducted into the Superior Business Hall of Fame, but the winners of the Large Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year will be announced. In addition, the winner of the Superior/Douglas County Business Plan Competition will also be announced.

Registration for the Superior Business Awards Program is required. Register online at www.superiorchamber.org or call the Development Association at (715) 392-4749. The cost is $25 per person.

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