BEMIDJI 鈥� The Sanford Center could have a new general manager soon, with the Bemidji City Council signaling its approval for Bobby Anderson taking on the role during its meeting on Monday.
Anderson, who started working at the Sanford Center in 2013 and rose through the ranks, has been serving as interim general manager following the departure of Sheila Murphy at the end of 2023. He was formally recommended for the position by ASM Global, the company that manages the facility for the city.
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This recommendation was provided to the city council, who unanimously approved of his selection.
鈥淚鈥檝e heard lots of good things about Mr. Anderson, and I鈥檓 certain he鈥檚 well supported,鈥� said Ward 5 Councilor Lynn Eaton.
While not yet officially offered the position, representatives from ASM Global present during the meeting shared their support for Anderson and his capabilities.
鈥淲e interviewed several candidates, some internal, some external. After interviewing and meeting with Bobby, I absolutely believe he is the right person,鈥� said David Jolette, ASM Global鈥檚 regional vice president.
As someone from the Bemidji area, and with extensive experience at the Sanford Center itself in several positions ranging from operational manager to assistant general manager, Anderson was selected in part for his deep understanding of the region and its market.
Following several changes in leadership over the years, including the switch from VenuWorks to ASM Global as management in 2022, Anderson hopes to provide some stability to the facility鈥檚 leadership.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 the one thing we鈥檙e working toward,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淚 think the biggest concern is the long-term stability for the building.鈥�
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The Sanford Center has also struggled financially since it first opened. While numbers initially looked promising for ASM Global鈥檚 first partial year, its financials for 2023 came in with a higher loss than anticipated.
Last year's numbers, which turned into a projected $723,000 loss rather than the goal of $190,000 for the year , were part of what led to the previous general manager鈥檚 departure. While Anderson acknowledged that the road ahead won鈥檛 be easy, he shared that he hopes to rebuild community support for the Sanford Center.
鈥淏uilding community support for the facility is going to be something we focus on,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e have a well-rounded staff that鈥檚 committed to the long-term success of the building, we have local people that have been selected for leadership roles. All of that鈥檚 a part of the long-term planning.鈥�
Both Anderson and the council discussed the support ASM Global will be providing for the Sanford Center and its leadership. These include monthly, weekly and even daily conversations on marketing, finances and booking.
鈥淚鈥檓 really looking forward to the support ASM has committed to providing,鈥� shared Ward 4 Councilor Emelie Rivera. 鈥淭hat support is really important to us as a city, as well as our staff.鈥�
With this support and as the projected new general manager, Anderson hopes to make the Sanford Center a facility that supports and is supported by its community.
鈥淚 believe strongly that this building needs to be run by the people of Bemidji, for the people of Bemidji,鈥� he said.
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Other business
Also approved at the city council meeting was a bid for the 2024 Street Renewal Project in the amount of $961,583.56 to Reierson Construction. The total project is estimated to cost $1,106,000.
The project will include two sections of Third Street SE, one running from Central Avenue SE to Scott Avenue SE and the other from Grant Avenue SE to Lake Avenue SE, with construction anticipated to begin in May and end in late August or September.
The council also approved entering into a professional services agreement with EAPC Architects Engineers to examine potential renovations of the public works facility. These include expanding bathrooms, improving office space for the parks and recreation department and expanding a breakroom.
While the council was favorable to examining these projects in an exploratory phase, any actual renovations would likely wait until next year. Several council members also mentioned the need for improvements to other city buildings, most notably Fire Station One.
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