1. The good life by the lake.
Bemidji.
The good life by the lake.

2. Did you know?
The population within 15 miles of Bemidji is 45,396 people. Within 30 miles is over 80,000 people.
For the first time, Bemidji’s sales of goods and services exceeded $1 billion- $1.14 BILLION
Over the past five years, BEMIDJI’s employment grew faster than that of Duluth, Mankato, Fargo, Grand Forks or Saint Cloud.

3. Community investments…
Making Bemidji the community of choice for people is the central theme of our economic development strategy.
Major investments:
GigaZone- Gigabit broadband to every home and business within 6,000 sq. miles
Airport – 4th busiest in state
Parks and Trails- $12 million investment
Sanford Health- Invested $75 million in five years
Cancer Care Center in 2017, Heart Center in 2018
School District- $40 million intermediate school
Sanford Center- $46 million center as part of a $80 million redevelopment

4. Twin Cities Business
“while you weren’t looking, this town of 14,500 people—and surrounding region of another 65,000— has become one of the most dynamic regions in Minnesota, if not the most dynamic. It may very well be the best kept secret in the state.”
Bemidji February 2017

5. The LaunchPad
One-stop-shop for our entrepreneurs

6. Bud, Tina, Tom and Meghan- Bemidji Brewing

7. Erik Hokuf, AirCorp Aviation

8. Sam Nienow, Red Zest Designs

9. Mychal Stittsworth, Stittsworth Meats

10. Jason, Cheri and Joe- Choice Therapy

11. Jason LaValley, LaValley Industries

12. What’s next?

13. The Rail Corridor redevelop will begin

14. Ignite Park
River Walk
Park Development

15. Northern Minnesota Sports and Wellness Campus

16. Shifting Economic Development…
The Mission of Greater Bemidji is to drive development and promote prosperity in the greater Bemidji.
Economic development has become a race for talent. Companies will go to the talent.
Why Bemidji?
Blurring the lines between community and economic development.
Also blurring the line with tourism promotion and development

17. Dave Hengel Greater Bemidji, Inc. dhengel@greaterbemidji
Dave Hengel Greater Bemidji, Inc. (218)
WELCOME TO BEMIDJI!