20 under 40: Honorees work to keep city vibrant

Duluth News Tribune
September 2008

This is the second year for the News Tribune’s 20 under 40 event. Last year the response was outstanding, and it was again this year. We were looking for the best and brightest in their chosen fields, people who are role models in their community or people who have shown leadership in what they do. Melissa Lynn Swor, owner of National Title Duluth, was one such individual...

Virginia, Minnesota
Published on: 3/11/2007

Swor named to Woodland board

DULUTH - Melissa Swor is making history in a significant, heart-touching way, with her appointment to Woodland Hills' board of directors.

> The former student of Woodland Hills is intent to prove that, given the chance, young people can be very successful in their lives.She's making her story public and donating her time to prove it.

At age 33, Swor is the successful, aggressive business-savvy owner of National Title-Duluth and the Stanley Center, both in downtown Duluth.In her spare time, she volunteers to help others through serving on boards, a Rotary Club and mentoring programs.

As a teenager, Swor struggled with some of the issues that challenge many young people.At age 16, she was placed in the intensive day treatment and eventually residential treatment center programs, two of five programs operated by Woodland Hills to help prevent, intervene in and treat juvenile delinquency.She completed Woodland Hills, went on to graduate from Duluth's East High School in 1992 and Duluth Business University with honors by 1993.Swor has owned National Title-Duluth, Inc. since 1999 and the Stanley Center since 2003.

Swor is consulted by numerous agencies and education systems that serve children, and she supports a myriad of causes as a volunteer, trainer, spokesperson, donor and mentor.

Awards Recognize Champions for Youth at Woodland Hills - [Cached Version]
Published on: 8/22/2007  

Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Volunteerism- Melissa Swor, alum and board member of Woodland Hills and owner of National Title Co., Inc.

Duluth News Tribune | 07/18/2005 | Community Leaders - [Cached Version]
Published on: 7/18/2005

- First Witness Child Abuse Resource Center announces Ann Glumac and Melissa Swor were elected to serve on the board of directors.
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Glumac, president of Glumac Executive Enterprise, and Swor, president of National Title Duluth, will serve three-year terms.

 

BusinessNorth NewsMakers for April 2004

Date: 4/18/2004
The Stanley Center

Duluth businesswoman Melissa Swor acquired the former Phase II Building in the 400 block of West Superior Street, renaming it The Stanley Center. The new name honors her grandfather, Stanley Gustafson.

 

Mesabi Daily News - Virginia, Minnesota
Published on: 12/9/2003

"I love the Iron Range," said owner Melissa Swor."The Iron Range is a great place to do business."

Swor said she began doing the closings in 1995 and was traveling back and forth between Virginia and Duluth.

The clients needed a little more comfortable place to do the closings, Swor said.
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Because of that, Swor said, a couple more lenders are now looking to work with us.

As part of its service, National Title researches court records, submits refinancing reports to the bank, handles disbursements of money, prepares settlement statements and files all the necessary documents.The company can also assist with tax deferred exchanges.

"We are more of a one-stop shop" for the client, Swor said.

While refinancing has slowed some, she expects it to pick up again in March.With the low interest rates, it was an especially a hot market last spring and summer, she added.

Woodland Hills - Ways To Give - General Giving -... - [Cached Version]

At age 35, Melissa Swor is a successful, aggressive and savvy business owner in Duluth. She has been for some time - Melissa has owned National Title-Duluth, Inc. since 1999 and the Stanley Center since 2003. In her spare time, she cares for family, friends and those in need. Melissa volunteers to help others by serving on Woodland Hills Board of Directors and other organizations' Boards, in a Rotary club, and as a role model for three very special young women.

Melissa understands better than most the critical need to support the services afforded to children through Woodland Hills programs. As a teen-ager, Melissa struggled with some of the issues that challenge too many young people. She completed treatment, went on to graduate from Duluth's East High School in 1992 and then from Duluth Business University with honors by 1993.

Rather than hide or shrug from the past, Melissa courageously uses her experiences as a teaching tool. She is intent to prove that, given the chance, young people can be very successful in their lives. Melissa has shared her life story with students, community members and business leaders to promote awareness and understanding of issues challenging today's children.

Melissa was just 24 when she began mentoring three sisters that lived across the street. It began as a shopping trip to console one and blossomed into a life-changing experience for all.
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Melissa is willing to risk the judgment of others in order to help make a positive impact on the lives of children.

This former student of Woodland Hills has come full circle, using the skills she learned while at Woodland Hills to help others realize their potential. She is a beacon of hope, providing a guiding light to those whom she touches with her story, her strength and her successes.