North Star Port

16 | NORTH STAR PORT | FALL 2025 PHOTO / Jayson Hron PORT LOGBOOK Port Authority hires Cavallin as CFO raveling as part of a 10-day grain procurement course offered by Fargo-based Northern Crops Institute, 45 grain importers from 14 countries spanning five continents visited North America's farthest-inland seaport in mid- September. During their visit, participants explored the direct, reliable and efficient supply chain connection Duluth-Superior provides from the Upper Midwest grain belt to global markets. Following a presentation from Duluth Seaway Port Authority staff, the group embarked on a Vista Fleet harbor cruise to tour grain terminals designed for moving premium wheat and other small grains through the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence S e away Sy s t e m . T h e c o m p re h e n s i ve course—which included hands-on trading s i m u l a t i o n s i n No r t h D a k o t a S t a t e University 's Commodity Trading Room and covered the entire U.S. grain handling and marketing system—gave participants actionable insights into sourcing American grain. The visit was supported by U.S. Wheat Associates, an export market development organization helping international customers understand the quality, reliability, and value of U.S. wheat while connecting them directly to American farmers and export infrastructure. T International grain buyers tour Port of Duluth-Superior (ABOVE) After delivering supersacked minerals to Duluth, the oceangoing vessel Hudsongracht loads a backhaul of durum wheat for export on Oct. 7, 2025, at the Ceres Riverland Ag terminal. Grain importers from around the world learned about Duluth-Superior's grain facilities and supply chain advantages during a September tour of the port conducted by Northern Crops Institute. Nate Cavallin joined the Duluth Seaway Port Authority as chief financial officer on Oct. 13, 2025. Cavallin arrived after eight years as finance director with Aspirus Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors, Minnesota, where he managed budgetary operations and led efforts to optimize funding across business units in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Cavallin began his career at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth as a financial analyst and accountant, where he prepared financial reports and helped streamline month-end closing processes. Most recently, he held the role of clinic manager at Aspirus Lake View Hospital, supervising two clinics, a team of 10 providers and more than 30 support staff while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Raised in Two Harbors, Cavallin holds a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance, both from the College of St. Scholastica. Cavallin succeeded Kevin Beardsley, who ascended to the Port Authority's executive director role in June 2025. "Nate cares deeply about the region and he brings a proven track record of experience in financial management and strategic planning," said Beardsley. "That background, combined with his collaborative approach, will be tremendous assets as we continue developing new opportunities in the Port of Duluth-Superior."

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