Annual Report 0708
2007-2008 Annual Report
Chamber
The greater Bemidji Area is a strong regional hub offering the best in education, health care, and lifestyle. The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the region’s vitality and continues to strive, prosper and grow.
The Chamber’s core purpose is to advocate for the business community by providing leadership, communication and act as a referral resource. Your Connection. Your Voice. Your Success.
The Chamber realizes its program of work through its member volunteers. Governed by a board of directors, the Chamber is comprised of a number of councils and committees that are guided by the program of work. There many partnerships and collaborations the Chamber has created over the years and unity and working together has become a strategy the board feels strong on.
The Chamber is also responsible for the operation of the year round Tourist Information Center, a State of Minnesota Travel Affiliate. Its offices and Information Center are located in downtown Bemidji on the waterfront and adjacent to the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
Mission: To serve our members and advocate for our business community.
Chamber Main
The greater Bemidji Area is a strong regional hub offering the best in education, health care, and lifestyle. The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the region’s vitality and continues to strive, prosper and grow.
The Chamber’s core purpose is to advocate for the business community by providing leadership, communication and act as a referral resource. Your Connection. Your Voice. Your Success. The Chamber realizes its program of work through its member volunteers.
Governed by a board of directors, the Chamber is comprised of a number of councils and committees that are guided by the program of work. There many partnerships and collaborations the Chamber has created over the years and unity and working together has become a strategy the board feels strong on.
The Chamber is also responsible for the operation of the year round Tourist Information Center, a State of Minnesota Travel Affiliate. Its offices and Information Center are located in downtown Bemidji on the waterfront and adjacent to the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
Mission: To serve our members and advocate for our business community.
2007-2008 Annual Report
Chamber Events
Chamber After Hours 
Chamber After Hours takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 5-7pm at a rotating member business location. Participants enjoy appetizers and beverages in a casual setting while gathering with fellow business members. It is a relaxed way to unwind after work and get better acquainted with your peers. Click here to find out where the next location will be.
If your business would like to host a future Chamber After Hours, click here to learn more.
Caffeinated Connections
Rev up your networking with a little caffeinated bolt and join us for a fast-paced, connection building event over a delicious cup of coffee!
Held on the 3rd Friday of the month from 8-9am at the Green Mill Restaurant, Caffeinated Connections offers members a fun opportunity to get a well rounded networking experience in just 60 minutes! Featuring a combination of casual and concentrated networking, Caffeinated Connections provides participants a quick and easy way to get acquainted with fellow members and walk away with beneficial ideas and business referrals.
Caffeinated Connections also offers a premiere sponsorship opportunity! Contact us to learn how your business can be in the spotlight at the next event.
Chamber Business Expo 
The last Thursday in February members have the opportunity to showcase their business to fellow members and the community from 5:00 – 8:00PM. Cash bar, silent auction, an abundance of hors d’oeuvres and prime networking! The Expo takes place at the Hampton Inn and space is limited to 32 exhibitors. Click here for the complete roster of attendees.
Awards of Excellence
In honor of Small Business in America and at home- The Chamber recognizes businesses, entrepreneurs, employees and bosses on the fourth Tuesday of May at the Hampton Inn. Nominations are sought in a variety of categories by their peers. Click here for more information.
Annual Dinner
Held the third Tuesday in September, the Chamber celebrates the end of the fiscal year and inducts the new Chair and incoming board members. Slideshow loop recapping events and programs from the year. Event also includes silent auction, raffles, and door prizes.
Sponsorships are available for all events listed. Click here for more information.
The Chamber is also known for on going monthly networking and advocacy programming. See the Calendar events for a full listing of Chamber and community events.
Polar Daze 
An annual winter festival to celebrate winter and all it is famous for. The Chamber partners with other community organizations to provide a sampling of winter events that include, Polar Plunge, Ice Fishing, Sled Derby, Broom Ball, Vintage snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, Curling events and more. Specific Chamber events are the annual Taste of Northern MN (indoor sampling of restaurants and beverages) and the 5K Polar Challenge Run Walk. Polar Daze is held the third & fourth weekends in January.
Premium Membership Packages / Sponsorship Opportunities
Enjoy the convenience of a "one time" purchase that will last all year long with one of our Premium Membership Package options. Gold, Silver or Bronze levels will offer your business great exposure with many extras!
Check out how your business can be front and center by downloading the Premium Membership Packages brochure. Call the Director of Membership Services at: 218-444-3541 ext. 101 to get your package started today.
Marketing with the Chamber
As the Bemidji Area Chamber serves a diverse membership, the marketing options offered are also diverse. Explore the options on this page to see how your business can gain exposure along with boosting your next promotion!
Marketing Opportunities:
Bemidji Lakes Area Destination Guide
Produced and published by Pinnacle Publishing, our destination guide sees approximately 55.000 annual copies in circulation in addition to the online, interactive guide on www.bemidji.org. As a marketing opportunity for business, it is ideal for those who would like to be seen by business persons and/or families relocating to, or visiting the area. The sales take place during the months of July and August annually.
Premium Membership Packages
Get the attention your business deserves with a Premium Membership Package! These premiere sponsorship opportunites come in Gold, Silver or Bronze options that will gain your business great exposure throughout the year with many extras included. It's an excellent, cost effective option that will pay for itself!
Check out the Premium Membership Package brochure for more detail. Contact the Director of Membership Services at: 218-444-3541 ext. 101 to get started today!
All business members receive an accessible mini-webpage as a benefit of membership. As a marketing opportunity, members have a chance to spice up the look of their page by adding pictures, color logo, expanded description and keywords along with receiving priority category listing. Click here for more details.
Banner ads are also available to those businesses wishing to drive more traffic to their business site from the Chamber site. Click here for more detailed information on how you can take advantage of this offer, contact Chamber Staff at 218-444-3541.
Chamber Report Insert
The Chamber sends out a monthly newsletter called the Chamber Report to over 500 businesses. This publication offers members a chance to advertise an upcoming event or general promotion as a full page insert. Click here for more details on this reasonably priced marketing option.
Member ADvantage
Another benefit of membership is the abililty to blast your promotion via email with the Member ADvantage. This informative email message is sent on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. The member logo and 75 word maximum AD is due to the Chamber with advance payment of $25 by Monday prior to the pertaining Wednesday. Click Here
Mailing Labels
Chamber members who are interested in initiating a mailing campaign, have a unique opportunity to share their business message directly with fellow members. The Chamber list is updated regularly and mailing labels will be prepared for a business upon request, with a preferable two day notice. The cost is $25 paid in advance, along with a sample copy of the mailing.
Shopping & Attractions Guide
The Shopping and Attractions Guide is a convenient brochure for visitors and newcomers to the area. As its title states, this piece features ideas for where to eat, shop and explore while out and about! It also contains a general city map in addition to micro-sized snowmobile trail and biking trail maps.
It's a great marketing opportunity for members wanting to attract people to their business location! Ad sales take place in the spring.
Bi-Annual Area Map
Village Profile produces and publishes this detailed piece, which makes for an especially valuable tool for individuals who would like to better acquaint themselves with the area. The map is primarily located at the Tourist Information Center and select member businesses, as well as online. Those member businesses wishing to be featured on the map will have an opportunity to do so on odd calendar years.
Display Case Rental
The historic Paul and Babe statues remain a highly sought-after photo attraction. Thousands stop by annually to see these legendary icons and often follow up by stopping into the Tourist Information Center to see Paul Bunyan memorabilia. In addition to viewing these eclectic items and brousing the brochure racks, those visiting the Center have an opportunity to see a featured business showcased in one of the display windows.
Chamber members have the opportunity to rent a display case window by the month. If you would like to learn more about how your business can take advantage of this unique offer, click here.
Advantages included in membership
All members have a listing on the Business Directory of www.bemidji.org, which leads to a mini-webpage containing a hotlink to their business site, listed contact information, description of business, hours of operation and driving directions. In addition to this, members can post HOT DEALS and their own events, along with the ability to register for upcoming Chamber events.
Click here for more details.
Key Networking Opportunities
One of the best ways to maximize your membership and create new leads to your business is to get involved in your Chamber. There are numerous options which include a variety of interests, skill levels and time commitments. Your choices include: Annual Chamber events, Chamber Connections, Chamber After Hours, Educational Workshops in addition to short and longer term Volunteer Opportunities.
FYI Membership Directory
This community guide is published by the Bemidji Pioneer. There are 20,000 copies printed and distributed around the community each year. Each Chamber member receives a category listing as one of the many benefits of membership.
Brochure Rack Space
Members of the Bemidji Area Chamber are able to post business brochures and literature in the racks of the Tourist Information Center. The Tourist Information Center sees thousands of visitors and local patrons year round. You never know who will come across your business message!
Bemidji Print For Sale
Michael DeWitt Bemidji-Headwaters of Legends prints are available at the Tourist Information Center! These make great gifts no matter the occasion.
$35 per print or $125 for the Special Edition Artist Remarque. There is one on display at the Center!
View the Print in a Larger View
Relocation
Whether
you are thinking about relocation to Bemidji or you’ve
already decided, let us help you find the people, business,
organization or service to make the transition an easy
one. This web site should help you find answers and the assistance needed to help make your decision or the transition an easy one.
For more information on the area, fill out the form below and a relocation packet will be mailed out to you, or call 800-458-2223.
Thanks
Thank you for requesting additional relocation information. We will contact with your requested information.
Thanks
Thank you for contacting the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce. We will reply back to you as soon as possible.
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