Awards of Excellence Winners 2009
The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce In Appreciation of Area Business presents:
Winners of Awards of Excellence 2009
Business plays a vital role in the economy of the United States. The Greater Bemidji area has a vast number of businesses that have contributed to the economy and growth in Northern Minnesota in a variety of ways. The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce is recognizing area businesses and individuals on the basis of Community, Business Management and People Impact.
Business of the Year
MedSave Family Pharmacy
Entrepreneur of the Year
Trich & Jennifer of TJ Design Studio
New Business of the Year
Bad Cat Creations
Ambassador of the Year
Denise Anderson Knife River Materials
Wellness in the Workplace
North Country Business Products
The Charlie Naylor Life Time Achievement Award
This award is new in 2009, and awarded to the family of Charlie Naylor- long time business owner and entrepreneur of the Bemidji area.
View awards from other years
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.
Chamber Business Expo 
The fourth Thursday in October, 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 New City Ballroom and space is limited. This is a Chamber member benefit as only members are able to purchase exhibit space.
Expo is open free to all to attend- fellow members, general public, students, all.
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 Celebration
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.
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival 
The Fifth Annual Dragon Boat Festival is a great opportunity to showcase your business before thousands through the year round media campaign and waterfront event the the First Weekend in August. For details on how you can become a major sponsor, click here
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. To register for the 5K Polar Challenge Run/Walk Click Here
For more information on Events around the Community- Click Here
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 Chamber at: 218-444-3541 to get your package started today.
mymn.org
- A new approach to addressing the issues that are important to Minnesota's future and our quality of life.
- A new way of thinking about how we’re going to get our state back on track.
- A new kind of conversation with fellow Minnesotans about the things that matter most to us and our families.
- A new opportunity to speak your mind and have a real impact on our state's future.
mymn is a community of ideas and shared values. We certainly won't agree on everything, but we do have a common vision: to build a brighter future and economic security for all Minnesotans.
mymn is about you...
And you're one of us. We love Minnesota and care about keeping it a great place to live and work.
But we've got some challenges. Tough economic times call for fresh thinking, not the same old tired rhetoric.
You've got ideas.
And we want to hear them. Look around, have some fun and tell us what's on your mind.
And we'll make sure others are, too.
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
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 & Sponsorship Opportunities:
Packages
Members can plan the entire calendar year with an investment in one of several marketing packages. Click Here for a downloadable copy.
Or select one of the following marketing opportunities available only to Chamber members.
Publications
Membership Directory
A resource guide which features a complete list of members of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, including a key Chamber representative, address, and phone number categorized alphabetically and categorically. 3500 copies printed and distributed annually.
- 5.5" x 8.5" full color directory of all Chamber members
- Business card size ad $125
- 1/4 page ad $175 (one per page)
- Full page ad $600 (up to 2)
- Center ads $225 (2)
- Inside front & back cover 1/2 page $350 (up to 4 ads)
- Outside back cover $750 (1)
Shopping & Attractions Guide
Convenient brochure and coupons for visitors and newcomers to the area. Features where to eat, shop and play while out and about. Great for those looking to attract tourists to their business.
- Business card size $250
- Bemidji Lakes Area Destination Guide
- The Bemidji Lakes Area Destination Guide is a great way resource to introduce yourself to these potential new customers. This guide is often the fist introduction to Bemidji for that potential customer.
- 40,000 copies in annual circulation in addition to online and interactive guide at www.bemidjilakesguide.com
- Provides information on lodging, shopping, attractions and amenities
- Distributed to all incoming college freshman, used as a recruitment tool for BSU, the hospital, clinic as well as many other business. It also acts a s the primary piece in our relocation packets.
- It is distributed via thousands of inquiries, i.e. state travel centers, information center, BSU, realtors and many lodging establishments.
- Ideal for those who want to be seen by business persons and families relocating or visiting the area.
- 1/12 page $445
- 1/6 page $805
- 1/4 page $1,250
- 1/2 page $1,965
- Full page $3,400
- Back cover $3,990
- Inside front cover $4,500
- Inside back cover $4,500
Chamber Newsletter Inserts
The Chamber sends out a monthly newsletter to over 750 recipients.This publication offers members a chance to advertise an upcoming event or general promotion as a full page insert.
- Insert size is 8.5x11
- 800 copies delivered to the Chamber
- All inserts need prior approval
- Oversize and brochure inserts are not allowed
- Insert information must pertain to your business
- Deadline is noon on the 15th of each month
- Businesses must reserve a space by calling Chamber to request in advance
- One sided single sheet insert (20-24# matte or glossy) $100
- Additional side on insert $50
- Each additional sheet $75
- Additional for card stock $35
- Non-profits receive 25% discount unless they are promoting other community events
Chamber Annual Report
The Chamber Annual Report (circ. 800) Is distributed in November as a snap shot ofprograms and events carried out by the Chamber.
Chamber Newsletter Ad
The Chamber sends out a monthly newsletter to over 750 recipients.
- Ad size 2x2 $300 for a year
Business in the Spotlight
Feature your business in the Chamber Newsletter and on the Chamber’s Facebook page.
- ¼ page with or without business logo $125
- Business to submit a few key points for your business, such as;
- Number of years in business
- Main product and/or service provided
- Number of employees
- Location
- Business niche
- What make your business successful?
- What do you enjoy the most about your Chamber Membership?
- Selection will be made on a first come basis.
- Facebook will also include up to 4 submitted photos of business, employees, and/or products.
Upgraded Business Directory listing
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.
- Add up to 8 color photos and business logo
- Detailed business description—including 240 word description. 30 words on search page, plus 5 additional bullet points
- 20 "Key words"
- Priority on search listings
- Map link from Google or MapQuest
- Unlimited business categories
Banner Ads
Banner ads are also available to those businesses wishing to drive more traffic to their business site from the Chamber site www.bemidj.org
- Home page 234 x 60px $325 year
- Business Directory 120 x 60px $325 year
- Calendar page 120 x 60px $325 year
- Visitor pages 120 x 60px $175 year
- Community pages 120 x 60px $175 year
E-Blasts
Member-to-Member ADvantage Email marketing
- Sent out the 2nd and 4th Wed of each month
- Maximum of six (6) businesses in each message
- Logo cannot exceed 200x70
- Deadline Monday prior to send date
- Event/copy advertisement must be applicable to business mission
- $35 per promotion, paid in advance
Events
Community
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival
The Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival features two full days of fun for the entire family. After all, it’s not just about Dragon Boat racing! It’s also about the camaraderie of family and friends. Festival activities will include great food, music, kid’s activities, a parade of teams, and much more all along the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji. Major sponsor $2,500
- Logo or name in all brochures if we recieve commitment
- Logo or name in 25% of all radio, television, and newspaper ads
- PA mentions during event
- All sponsors will be included on our Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival sponsorship banners
- Complimentary registration for one team ($750 value)
- First right of refusal on 2011 major sponsorship
As a major sponsor your business will receive mention throughout the year as the event is promoted and of course, on site the weekend of the festival.
Brrrmidji Polar Daze/Taste of Northern Minnesota
Forget the temperatures and shake the winter blues during Brrrrmidji Polar Daze. Theweek of events celebrates the culture of winter fun.You can start your weekend with5K Polar Challenge Run/Walk, jump in the lake with the polar plunge, and enter your whole made sled in the sled derby.You can continue your week by enjoying the Taste of Northern Minnesota~ sampling the finest food from over 25 local exhibitors, cross country ski in the Lighted TrailRace and finish the week with the Vintage Ice Ovals. (events subject to change) Your purchase of a sponsorship will promote your business organization primarily at the Taste of Northern MN event. Sponsorships are available for $500 each and include the following:
- Logo on promotional poster distributed throughout the community
- Logo in print advertising for Polar Daze
- Business name on promotional materials at the Taste of Northern Minnesota event (over 550 sold)
- 4 tickets to the Taste of Northern Minnesota event held at the Bemidji Regional Event Center
- Logo on E-Blasts
- 1 banner ad placement on Chambers website for six months (created at sponsors expense)
- P.A. mentions at the Taste of Northern Minnesota event
Advocacy
Bemidji Day at the Capitol Reception Sponsor
- Day long trip to St. Paul to lobby for a community, regional and state wide agenda.
- $275 non-exclusive
- Sponsor credit on all literature for event 400 impressions
- Business sponsorship in Chamber Newsletter
- Credit & Logo on table tents at reception
Grow Minnesota Sponsorship
Grow Minnesota! Is Minnesota's first purely private sector, statewide business retention and expansion program. Its primary goal is to strengthen and grow Minnesota's economy.
- 12 month investment $500
- Business sponsorship logo on Bemidji CHamber website Grow MN page
- Business sponsorship in Grow MN articles in Chamber Report (3 Annually)
- Business sponsorship logo on all corrspondence
- Be the exclusive business as Grow MN sponsor
- Value $675
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.
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