Dave HengelExecutive DirectorGreater Bemidji

A Snapshot of Bemidji• The largest community and regional center of north

central Minnesota

• In the city roughly 15,000 residents…but balloons 105,000 people in the greater area (45 mile radius)

• Growing rapidly

• Deal with misconceptions about who and what Bemidji truly is

• Trendy

• Entrepreneurial

• Progressive

• Brand is “True North”- Sets us apart

“The future just ain’t what it used to be…” Yogi Berra

• The “how-tos” of becoming a successful community are radically different than just a few years ago.

• Why? Global trends effect us too…• Technology has created incredible opportunities, and challenges• Now, most people and businesses can locate virtually anywhere• GEOGRAPHY matters less, but PLACE matters more

• Great communities today are built, not born• Key quality of life characteristics are now developed, not inherited

Which begs the question—

Why Bemidji?

Why Bemidji?

Because we happen to have the largest

gigabit region in the upper Midwest