Moving Bemidji Forward Together
Whether working, visiting, playing or living here, the Bemidji Alliance partners have got you covered.
At its core, the objective of the Bemidji Alliance is to help our region set its strategic direction and develop a collective plan of action for regional growth. As an umbrella to 218 Sports, Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, Bemidji Downtown Alliance, Greater Bemidji, and Visit Bemidji, the Bemidji Alliance will work with each of the five organizations, identifying opportunities to work together and support each other.
The creation of the Bemidji Alliance partnership does not change the importance of each of our individual organizations. The partnership will take a "noses in, fingers out" approach, encouraging collaboration and alignment yet ensuring each organization has the freedom to operate and fulfill its mission. Each organization will continue to have its own board, leadership and staff. 218 Sports, Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, Bemidji Downtown Alliance, Greater Bemidji, and Visit Bemidji all have had a rich history and together will have a bright future.
By partnering in the Bemidji Alliance, 218 Sports, Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, Bemidji Downtown Alliance, Greater Bemidji, and Visit Bemidji are prepared to lead the way. We are committed to aligning our organizations long term to benefit our community. Through the Bemidji Alliance, collaboration will become part of the DNA of our organizations and community.
Bemidji Alliance Board Members
The Bemidji Alliance is governed by an all-volunteer leadership council representing the family of organizations. The Leadership Council acts as stewards of both the organizations involved as well as the broader greater Bemidji community.
Executive Committee
218 Sports
Ryan Rude
Sports Tourism Coordinator
Tracy Pogue
Director of Business Development,
Kraus Anderson
Kevin Waldhausen
Bemidji Regional Manager
Shared Medical Technology, LLC
Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce
Scott Turn
President & CEO
Kayla Winkler
Community Relations,
Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota
Brad Olson
Scout Executive/CEO,
Boy Scouts of America
Bemidji Downtown Alliance
Kevin Johnson
Co-Chair,
myBemidji, Owner
Gina Grinde
Co-Chair,
Four Pines Book Store, Owner
Greater Bemidji
Dave Hengel
Executive Director
Shelly Geerdes
CEO/GM,
Pinnacle Marketing Group
Dr. Gretchen Knutson
VP Customer Service Operations,
Delta Dental
Visit Bemidji
Josh Peterson
Executive Director
Brenda Bailey
Country Inn & Suites
Michelle Fisher
AmericInn