ECONOMY

Bemidji Chamber Column: Tax dollars collected locally should be spent locally

Scott Turn, Bemidji Chamber — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:50:00 GMT

Most people these days shop for vehicles online. You can search thousands of cars for sale in our state, as well as all sorts of equipment.

Buying online has become so easy; in some cases, you can purchase a vehicle online and they will drop it off at your driveway. It seems crazy to me to buy something unseen, but for some people, convenience is the most important part of the buying process.

It's been a long time since I have bought a vehicle or equipment from out of the area. Maybe I could have saved some money buying elsewhere, maybe not. I like searching for a deal as much as anyone, but I also find a lot of value in buying from our local dealers.

I like knowing who I am buying from. I like being able to do that in person. I like knowing who to contact if I have a problem. I like supporting a business that supports our community.

I know selling local also means something to our auto and equipment dealers. I think they take pride in selling a piece of equipment that is now being used on a local job site or see a vehicle driving down the road with their dealer tag on the back. It matters to them because they live in this community too.

I don’t like to see city or county vehicles and equipment purchased out of our area. It doesn’t seem right. Tax dollars collected locally should be spent locally, or at least make buying out of town a last option.

I realize not every piece of equipment can be bought locally, but I think you would be surprised how many of our great local dealers have access to all sorts of equipment and vehicles.

We have four dealers in Bemidji that sell new vehicles. We also have many great equipment dealers who sell new skid steers, loaders, snowplows, trailers, commercial mowers and more.

All of them have made large financial commitments to our community in recent years with building upgrades and expansions. They pay a lot of taxes and employ hundreds of people collectively.

There have been just a handful of vehicles purchased locally by our city and county over the past 10 years. Equipment purchases are not much better.

I would like to see our city and county make a stronger commitment to get local bids on vehicles and equipment. There is nothing in the Minnesota State statute that says you need to get a bid from out of town.

Our county and city buying practices are not unique to our area. There is a statewide program called the Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture Program, which many cities and counties are members of.

This is a long-standing buying program in partnership with the State of Minnesota in which cities and counties can request bids for vehicles and equipment by entering the information into a state database.

It is not a requirement to be part of this program, but most cities and counties use it because it is a faster way to get multiple bids on vehicles and equipment and easily meet the bid requirements mandated by the State.

The program does not guarantee the lowest price, nor does it take into consideration the additional costs of picking up the equipment or vehicle. In some cases, it costs more money to buy out of the area.

Many equipment manufacturers have municipal pricing. The price of a snowplow or commercial lawn mower in Rochester is the same price as one in Bemidji, minus the transportation or shipping costs of buying local.

So why doesn’t every auto and equipment dealer in the state just be part of this program as a seller? As with most things in our state government, it is overcomplicated with reporting and documentation. It is more tailored to large dealerships that can hire dedicated staff to stay on top of all the bids and reporting back to the state.

Less than 800 dealers across the state participate as sellers in the program, and it’s usually a few dealerships that win most of the bids.

A metro dealership doesn’t care about what happens in our community beyond getting their payment for the purchase. You won’t see them here on a baseball field banner, a title sponsor for a nonprofit fundraiser or supporting a community festival.

They are not a part of this community, nor do they add to our economy. A sale is purely transactional.

When the city or county purchases a vehicle or equipment locally, it is a reinvestment into our community. It keeps money circulating here, directly supporting local jobs and businesses. It strengthens and increases our tax base, which becomes a return on investment on their purchase.

Buying local is one of the best investments our city and county can make.

Scott Turn is the president of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce. Email him at

scott@bemidji.org

or call

(218) 444-3541.

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Dave Hengel Column: Community members share why the YMCA is important to them

Dave Hengel, Greater Bemidji — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:50:00 GMT

This is the last column I am writing prior to the launch of the public fundraising campaign for the YMCA. As I look back over the past year, I have provided several updates on the project.

I have shared details of the Rail Corridor site — why it’s a challenging site, and why (according to the project engineer), locating the YMCA development in the Rail Corridor is the only way our community will ever clean up the contamination on the site and encourage private development there.

I have explained why Greater Bemidji, the region’s economic development team, is leading the effort to bring the YMCA to Bemidji — including the vital role the YMCA will play in encouraging private investment, attracting families and workers to our region, and supporting our downtown.

I have shared updates on our fundraising efforts — how we are already 80% of the way to our $25 million goal, thanks to the initial commitment of $10 million by Sanford Health and the significant generosity of less than 30 pacesetter donors.

Last month, I shared our responses to the “Frequently Asked Questions” we have heard from the community. We tackled questions from "What will the YMCA wellness center include?" to "How will we ensure the corridor is a safe neighborhood for families?"

Finally, I have been clear that the project’s success now comes down to each of us and our ability to raise the final $5 million through our public fundraising campaign.

As I look back at how often I have discussed the YMCA development, it occurred to me you just might be tired of hearing my perspective. As a husband and a dad, this feeling is not new to me. So today, I have asked a handful of community members to give their perspective on “Why the Y?” — why they support the YMCA coming to Bemidji:

Tina Johnson

– Social worker at Cass Lake Bena ��s and mom of three young children:

“

Growing up, my family was a member at the YMCA. I grew up going to daycare there, taking swimming lessons and being on the YMCA swim team. As a family, we would play together and take part in programs specifically for our age groups.

"As I grew older, I worked out and took care of myself next to all generations and ages. When my kids were younger, I wanted to keep their bodies happy and healthy, giving them movement that would tire them out. Bemidji doesn’t have that available for our families. There were several times I put my kids in the car and drove to Brainerd and paid $12 for our family to swim, use the waterslide, play in the gym and use the family locker rooms so we were together the whole time. We even had one of my son's birthday parties there.

"I love the mission of the YMCA: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, a healthy mind and a healthy body. The Y sees each person as a whole person. There is a place for everyone of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. A YMCA is needed in Bemidji.”

Troy Hendricks

- Retired Bemidji High �� Activities Director and Football Coach:

“I support the YMCA coming to Bemidji because it will provide something for everyone — kids, families and seniors. As Steve Smith, the CEO of the YMCA of the Northern Sky, recently shared, “This is everyone’s Y.” No one will be turned away regardless of ability to pay for a membership. As a former high school coach, I know how important it is for our kids and families to have options for staying active and healthy."

Denae Alamano

- Executive Director of the United Way of Bemidji Area:

“I see the potential arrival of a YMCA as an exciting and much-needed addition to our community. In a region where long winters limit outdoor activity, a YMCA would offer year-round opportunities for health, wellness and connection for people of all ages. It could also help address one of our community’s most pressing challenges: access to quality child care.

"Just as importantly, the Y wouldn’t replace or diminish the impact of other vital nonprofits and programs; it would complement them by offering another space where kids and families can learn, grow and thrive. This is not about choosing one over the other; it’s about creating a stronger, more connected community with room for everyone. At the United Way, we believe that together we can do more than any one of us can do alone, and the YMCA represents just that kind of collective impact.”

Tracy Pogue

- Director of Business Development at Kraus-Anderson Construction:

“While it’s easy for me to share how important the YMCA and Rail Corridor Redevelopment are to the business community

I’d rather focus on what it means to my family. I’m the father of two adult kids and recently became a grandpa for the first time. My wife and I are blessed to have our family all here in Bemidji with us. I want that for all parents. Our kids may leave for college or a job. I want to build a community that they want to return to for work and to raise a family. A YMCA would be a huge addition to the quality of life here in Bemidji.”

Scott Turn

– Executive Director of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce:

“I believe the Rail Corridor development will be the most transformative project the downtown has seen in the past 40 years. It will serve as a catalyst for additional commercial development and housing opportunities that will help secure a vibrant and sustainable future for the downtown area. It’s a rare opportunity to fulfill a need in our community while creating a significant tax base on an underutilized parcel of city-owned property.”

Ken and Kari Howe

– Longtime community residents of Bemidji:

"We have spent almost our entire adult life here in Bemidji — more than four decades. We don't plan to move or go south for the winter. This is our home and where we want to be. The YMCA is a key amenity for a healthy community — not just physically for our friends and neighbors, but economically for the entire community".

Finally, I’d like to share my personal favorite comment I have received.

Back in August 2023, I received a $20 check from a retired person living on Minnesota Avenue in the heart of our community. With the check she wrote, “Welcome to my wellness center dream. I am a fervent believer in a YMCA with an indoor pool. I feel this is sorely needed in Bemidji — one the public can access. Here is a small donation — I wish you the best of luck.”

She has since sent another $20.

Several community voices. Different perspectives. Each with a compelling reason for supporting the YMCA here in Bemidji. This truly will be "Everyone’s Y."

Next month we will be launching our final campaign push through a public ask to all businesses and community members in the region. Reach out to me if you have questions or want to know how to support the YMCA here in Bemidji. We need everyone’s support, whether big or small, to finally bring a community wellness center to our community.

Dave Hengel is the executive director of Greater Bemidji Economic Development. He can be reached at

(218) 444-5757

dhengel@greaterbemidji.com.

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Young people are more likely to own a home in Minnesota than North Dakota. Why is that?

Peyton Haug — Sat, 24 May 2025 10:17:00 GMT

BISMARCK — When states are ranked, it's not often North Dakota appears next to places like Hawaii, New York or California.

But when it comes to states where young adults are buying homes, national media outlets have reported North Dakota ranks in the bottom 10 — next to states known for being densely populated and having a high cost of living.

The data that ranks states by homeownership rates for adult residents under 35 was compiled by a management company called Evernest that oversees 22,000 properties across the country. The company used data related to income levels, average listing prices and census numbers to come up with the list.

While North Dakota scored poorly in relation to other states, Minnesota topped the list as the only state in the country where homeownership rates for people under age 35 is over 50%.

In North Dakota, 36% of people under 35 own homes, which makes the state dead last among the Midwest states and 40th nationwide.

Explaining housing trends with a single data point is nearly impossible, experts say, but they agree the national reports are probably right: it's becoming increasingly difficult for young North Dakotans to buy homes.

'It's something nobody really has a grip on right now'

David Flynn, an economist who works at the University of North Dakota, said climbing interest rates and home prices seem to be among the many reasons why young people are intimidated out of purchasing a home.

The average interest rate is sitting at 7%, more than double what it was a few years ago.

Americans have experienced high interest rates in the past, but there is a discernibly wider gap between the cost of housing and the average income, especially in North Dakota, a state housing expert said.

“You can afford that much more home if your interest rate's that low," said Brian Dettlaff, the homeownership director at the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency. "Now, interest rates are high, and so are home prices.

“We have this historic climb of housing prices, but salaries have stayed fairly stagnant," he said of North Dakota. “When is it going to plateau?”

According to a 2024 Housing Finance Agency report, the number of North Dakota households earning more than $125,000 per year has risen, but the number of middle-class households has stayed the same, and so has the poverty rate. Half of North Dakota households earn less than $75,000 per year, and a third bring in below $50,000 annually.

As such, the report found homeownership rates have fallen dramatically in the last decade.

Low- and middle-income households experienced the biggest decline, with the number of homeowners dropping by nearly 20% between 2012 and 2022. In the same period, monthly housing costs — like insurance and utilities — rose by nearly 40% on average.

The report didn't specifically tie age to homeownership rates.

Meanwhile, housing prices have surged similarly between North Dakota and Minnesota, according to data from the United States Federal Reserve.

Home prices in ND and MN

The average home price has risen, at times exponentially, over the past decade in North Dakota.

The average home price has risen in Minnesota over the past decade.

Such patterns seem to be making young people “a little more cautious” about putting down roots, Flynn said, emphasizing the impact of living through events like the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. But that does not explain why more young people would buy homes in Minnesota compared to neighboring North Dakota.

"It's something nobody really has a grip on right now," he said. "How young people change spending patterns from previous generations, there's always a little bit of a smear about it, like, 'oh, young people are doing things either right or wrong.' But in fact, if it's done with the understanding that you're going to have less money later, and you want to spend it now because you have it now (and) you want to enjoy it — that's hard to argue against. “

The 2024 report estimated, based on change in population by age and the state’s housing inventory, North Dakota would need to add more than 20,300 housing units by 2027 to meet the need — a 6% increase in demand from 2022.

"There’s just not a ton of homes out there that some of these first-time home buyers can buy,” Dettlaff said.

“It’s a really weird paradigm we’re in right now because the state could give us $100 million to go build housing. We could do all these programs throughout the state, but who’s going to build it?” he continued. "There’s not even enough contractors" to build affordable homes in general, let alone starter homes.

What does Minnesota do better?

More affordable housing leads to more people buying homes, both Dettlaff and Flynn emphasized.

There's a stark difference in the housing dollars doled out between the two states.

Though Minnesota's housing budget hasn't been finalized, it's slated to spend hundreds of millions on affordable housing programs within its two-year budget.

On the other hand, the North Dakota Legislature tends to take a more privatized approach, allocating $25 million for similar initiatives for the next biennium. The dollar amount came in at one-third of what the executive branch recommended.

The money is in limbo, however, after Gov. Kelly Armstrong accidentally vetoed it.

State funding aside, North Dakota's culture — its low population, lack of job mobility and geographical isolation — continues to work against its ability to maintain its younger population, according to Flynn.

Although the state's population has climbed in recent years, encompassing a notable increase in young residents, he said, it's hard to say whether they are staying.

It's nearly impossible to quantify, but it's likely Minnesota, especially its metro areas, is retaining more of its young population because its job market is more diversified, it's more populated and has more access to leisure and recreation activities, Flynn added.

Katie Johansen, a licensed real estate agent in North Dakota and Minnesota with Berkshire Hathaway HomeService, said she works with a lot of young buyers and isn’t surprised Minnesota leads the pack for young people becoming homeowners.

“Especially with the Twin Cities, you have a ton of young professionals buying homes. Plus, there’s a lot of people in that area,” said Johansen, who has been in the real estate market in the two states for 12 years.

"Fargo in particular doesn't always follow the trends for North Dakota," she said. "As a metro, we tend to be a lot more urban than the rest of the state."

Johansen was showing Andrea Smith, 26, a home in the Fargo area on Thursday, May 23. Smith, who grew up in Horace and moved to Bismarck to attend the University of Mary, is looking to buy her first home.

Now that she’s graduated and moved back to the area, she said, she felt it was time to buy a home.

Experts agree that finding ways to encourage more people like Smith to buy a home in North Dakota is not an easy task.

“There’s going to need to be a lot of different approaches,” Dettlaff said, calling on the younger generation to voice their concerns to state leaders.

Flynn also highlighted how complex it will be at the state level to make finding affordable housing easier for young people.

"It's not something that a reasonable person should sit there and say 'the solution is this,'" he said.

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Dave Hengel Column: FAQs on the YMCA and Rail Corridor project

Dave Hengel, Greater Bemidji — Sat, 10 May 2025 11:50:00 GMT

If you’re one of the many community members who are anxiously anticipating the YMCA and the redevelopment of the Bemidji Rail Corridor, it’s really an exciting time. The city council has given the preliminary OK to begin the demolition, site work and cleanup within the corridor.

The Planning Commission looked favorably on our planned unit development, which conceptually identifies the layout and uses of the rail corridor site. If you are wondering if Dave is “crying wolf” again on the project, the fact that there will be dirt moving this summer should prove otherwise.

Truly, the new YMCA wellness center is not just a building; it's a transformative vision for our community and our downtown. As I have mentioned in previous articles, it now comes down to us and our ability to financially support the YMCA development.

In July, we will be launching our community fundraising campaign. While we were blessed to receive strong support from a handful of donors during our pacesetter campaign, July will be your turn to show your support.

I want to use this and next month’s columns to answer any questions you may already have. Since we have been meeting with community leaders and groups, similar questions have been asked. We have captured them in a frequently asked questions about the project. Today, I will be sharing our response to the FAQs:

Why support the new wellness center in Bemidji? Supporting this project means being part of something transformative. Not only will it change lives, but it will also reshape our community and region. The new YMCA in Bemidji is just the beginning. With community collaboration and a vision to dream big, we can make a huge impact. This project will clean up downtown's environmental contaminants from over 100 years of industrial use and create opportunities for new developments like a boutique hotel, retail spaces, housing and more.

How was the need for a wellness center identified? Sanford Health led an effort to conduct the "100 Cups of Coffee" project, where volunteers interviewed over 100 community members. The overwhelming consensus was the need for an indoor recreation center. A community needs assessment also highlighted that our region is among the least healthy in Minnesota, with high rates of chronic health issues. A YMCA can help recruit talent and new residents, making it a unique tool for local businesses.

What is the cost and fundraising goal? Greater Bemidji is leading this effort along with key partners. The YMCA construction is estimated to cost $35 million, with a goal to raise $25 million from the community. If we reach this goal, the YMCA of the Northern Sky will secure the remaining $10 million. As of Spring 2025, over $19 million has been pledged by individuals, businesses, and organizations. This is one of the largest fundraising campaigns in Bemidji's history.

What's the purpose of this project? Bemidji residents have long wanted a health and wellness center. Our goal is to build a community center in partnership with the YMCA of the Northern Sky, offering fitness and education opportunities for all, regardless of income or age. The YMCA is more than just a gym; it's a community that fosters change and growth. It helps individuals reach their health and wellness goals and supports youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

What amenities will the facility include? The state-of-the-art facility will feature an indoor track, aquatics center, fitness center with cardio equipment, weight room, exercise studios, education classrooms, group and individual exercise areas, a fieldhouse with gyms and courts, an indoor playground, drop-in child care and party rooms. Outdoor amenities may include a central downtown park/plaza, splash pad, outdoor ice rink, pickleball courts, scenic viewpoint, walking trails and an entertainment area.

Will there be child care available? Yes, drop-in daycare will be available for free to YMCA members. The YMCA is also exploring the possibility of opening a child care center with up to 100 slots in downtown Bemidji. Even more, the YMCA is a leading distributor of free meals and snacks for kids in need.

How will the YMCA be accessible to all? The YMCA of the Northern Sky is committed to strengthening the entire community. It offers financial assistance so everyone can participate in its programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay. Assistance is available for membership, youth and adult programs, and summer camp.

How will this facility benefit local businesses? Health and wellness opportunities are essential for attracting and retaining talent. This new amenity will help local businesses recruit the best employees and foster healthy living, potentially reducing health insurance costs.

Why the rail corridor location? The rail corridor is a blighted area on the Mississippi River and near our lakes. It is one of the only spaces in our city to accommodate the mixed-use facility and future developments. Its central location makes it accessible to those who need it most, and the development will revitalize downtown Bemidji.

For those concerned about the safety on the site, demolishing the vacant buildings, cleaning up the contamination and drawing significant development and activity in the rail corridor will no doubt allow us to regain the corridor as a safe part of our downtown area.

Who will operate the facility? The YMCA of the Northern Sky will own and operate the wellness center. They have the experience and leadership to manage the facility effectively.

What is the city of Bemidji responsible for? The city will not own or operate the center but will partner on infrastructure and environmental cleanup. Land sales and Tax Increment Financing dollars will help cover these costs. As a private development, in no way will taxpayers be responsible for the construction or operation of the YMCA.

What is the current value of the land? The land has no monetary value due to contamination from over 100 years of industrial use. Extensive cleanup is needed before development can occur. State grants will help cover these costs.

How much private development is expected? With the YMCA's commitment, we expect additional private investments, including the potential of a boutique hotel, housing and mixed-use development, generating approximately $65 million in private investment.

Will the new development be taxable? The redevelopment includes both taxable and non-taxable development. While the YMCA is tax-exempt, the private development will increase the city's tax base substantially.

What is the estimated timeline? Projected milestones include: Summer 2025 — site cleanup and site preparation); Spring 2026 — YMCA groundbreaking; and Summer/Fall 2027: YMCA opens.

Will the YMCA negatively impact other non-profits in our community? We are blessed with great nonprofits in Bemidji, as well as generous community members who support them. Only a small percentage of the YMCA’s revenue comes from local donations. The YMCA is currently meeting with local nonprofits to share details on their fundraising and seek opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

How do I make a gift? Many community members have reached out wanting to make a gift prior to the kickoff in July. Thank you. There are lots of ways to give — one-time or multi-year pledges, cash, check, credit card, electronic funds transfer, donor-advised funds, IRA charitable rollovers, valued property, and appreciated stock. Please contact Greater Bemidji for more information.

I hope this has been helpful in answering questions you may have. More exciting things and answers to come next month.

Dave Hengel is the executive director of Greater Bemidji Economic Development. He can be reached at

(218) 444-5757

dhengel@greaterbemidji.com.

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Fed holds rates steady, cites rising risk of higher inflation and unemployment

Reuters — Wed, 07 May 2025 18:26:45 GMT

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday but said the risks of both higher inflation and unemployment had risen, further clouding the economic outlook as the U.S. central bank grapples with the impact of Trump administration tariff policies.

The economy overall has "continued to expand at a solid pace," the Fed said in a policy statement, attributing a drop in first-quarter output to record imports as businesses and households rushed to front-run new import taxes.

The labor market also remained "solid" and inflation was still "somewhat elevated," the central bank's policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee said, repeating the language used in its previous statement.

But the latest statement highlighted developing risks that could leave the Fed with difficult choices in coming months.

"Uncertainty about the economic outlook has increased further," the FOMC said at the end of a two-day meeting during which officials agreed unanimously to keep the central bank's benchmark interest rate steady in the 4.25%-4.50% range.

"The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate and judges that the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen," the statement said.

The direction of policy will depend on which of those risks develop, or, in the more difficult outcome, whether inflation and unemployment increase together and force the Fed to choose which risk is more important to try to offset with monetary policy.

A weaker job market would typically strengthen the case for rate cuts; higher inflation would call for monetary policy to remain tight.

U.S. Treasury yields were little changed and stocks slightly extended gains after the release of the statement. Traders continued to eye a rate cut at the Fed's meeting in late July.

The Fed's policy rate has been unchanged since December as officials struggle to estimate the impact of President Donald Trump's import tariffs, which have raised the prospect of higher inflation and slower economic growth this year.

With policy unchanged and no new economic projections issued, it will fall to Fed Chair Jerome Powell to elaborate on the meeting and the outlook in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

When policymakers last updated their economic and policy projections in March, they anticipated reducing the benchmark rate by half a percentage point by the end of this year.

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Minnesota Senate passes earned sick and safe time modifications

Mary Murphy — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:30:15 GMT

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Senate voted 38-29 on Tuesday, May 6, to pass exemptions for certain employers under Minnesota’s earned safe and sick time laws.

The bill, SF2300, chief authored by Sen. Judy Seeberger, DFL-Afton, would exempt farms with five or fewer workers and small businesses with three or fewer employees. The modifications also permit employers to ask for documentation of an illness or safety emergency after two straight days, instead of three under current law.

“It’s unfortunate that the burdens put on small businesses have been discounted and perhaps ignored,” Seeburger said on the floor Tuesday afternoon. “Our duty after we passed the bill is to come back and make adjustments when something isn’t working as well as it should.”

The bill aims to modify Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law, passed in 2023, which mandates that employers provide paid leave to employees for personal illness, caring for a sick family member, or in cases involving domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking affecting the employee or a family member.

Current law allows an employee to earn one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year.

Sen. Jennifer McEwen, DFL-Duluth, said on the floor Tuesday she was opposed to the modifications, and specifically has concerns for employees who work on farms because they are “some of the least protected, powerless workers in our society.”

“This just is talk about picking the low-hanging fruit and picking on the least powerful people,” she said. “I'm ashamed that something like this passed out of the labor committee … Minnesotans should know … that this effort is not just coming from a Republican party that is well known to be dominated by the concerns of the business community in the chamber, but is also coming out of the so-called Democratic Farmer Labor Party.”

Six Democrat senators who are part of the “Blue Dog” caucus joined Republicans in passing the modifications: Seeburger; Nick Frentz, of North Mankato; Robert Kupec, of Moorhead; Aric Putnam, of St. Cloud; Matt Klein, of Mendota Heights; and Grant Hauschild, of Hermantown. Sen. Jim Abeler from Anoka was the only Republican to vote against the bill.

Other states that have passed similar sick and safe time laws have exceptions for employers, some of which are temporary, including Michigan, for employers with 10 or fewer employees; Massachusetts, for 11 or fewer employees; and Connecticut, for 25 or fewer employees.

The bill now heads to the House, and if passed, to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk before the modifications would become law. The Legislature is set to adjourn May 19.

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Bemidji Chamber Column: Entrepreneurs are vital to economic development

Scott Turn, Bemidji Chamber — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:50:00 GMT

I feel very fortunate to work in downtown Bemidji. It has been home to the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce for over 117 years. It’s fun to have a front row seat to the sights and sounds of a vibrant downtown.

About 90% of the businesses downtown are made up of entrepreneurs. From shops, restaurants, realtors, bookstores and more, downtowns are usually the heartbeat of any community. Ours is no exception, and these days it beats very strongly. I think this is the best our downtown has looked in many years, with updated storefronts and very few vacancies.

Our downtown is also a great mix of old and new businesses. Patterson's Clothing, Bemidji Woolen Mills and Kenny’s Tire and Auto are just a few of the core businesses that have been in our downtown community for many decades. It’s great to see new businesses like Merry Piglets, Blue Oyster and Ajijaak Creations open and improve the buildings where they are located.

It’s not hard to cheer for small business owners when you understand the commitment it takes to own and run a business, especially in Minnesota. The working life of a small business owner these days is more like 5 to 9 than 9 to 5. There is a lot to stay on top of. Entrepreneurs are not just the boss, they are often the HR director, head of maintenance, marketing coordinator, research and development and many other roles. It takes a special type of person to want to do it.

Years ago, I met with the late Joe Lueken of Lueken’s Village Foods. I arrived very early one morning for a meeting, but he wasn’t in his office. After a few strolls around the store, I finally asked someone to page him. He was in the bakery. I headed back there and when I arrived, I could see Joe outside the kitchen doors waiting to greet me … in dress clothes, apron and hair net. The kitchen was very short-staffed, but the bakery had to get stocked for the day. When your name is on the building, you do whatever job is needed to keep things going.

There has been a huge increase in entrepreneurs nationwide over the past five years. I feel that it even started earlier in Bemidji. Our community made new entrepreneurs a priority years ago with the creation of the LaunchPad, an organization that provides many resources, including startup space, to aspiring entrepreneurs.

A lot of great businesses in our area started in the LaunchPad. The Small Business Development Center, as well as the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, are great additional resources to help small businesses get started. We all work together to help support new and existing small businesses in this area.

New entrepreneurs are vital to economic development. They boost economic growth by introducing innovative technologies, products, and services. Almost all larger businesses started somewhere small. North Central Door, Wells Technology and Bemidji Steel all started with an idea and some determined entrepreneurs. We need to continue to support our small entrepreneurs in any way we can. They are the future of our business economy.

National Small Business Week is coming up May 4-10. This week-long celebration recognizes the contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the unique small businesses we have in our community and surrounding communities.

Next time you are in one of our great local small businesses, take a moment to thank them for locating their business here. Shop, Share, Support Bemidji Area Businesses. Love Local.

Scott Turn is the president of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce. Email him at

scott@bemidji.org

or call

(218) 444-3541.

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Dave Hengel Column: Why manufacturing matters to our local economy

Dave Hengel, Greater Bemidji — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:50:00 GMT

I'm a bit of a data nerd. At Greater Bemidji, we keep an eye on all sorts of data and demographics about our region. We track things like population, income, unemployment, job growth and private investment.

Why? Because by watching these numbers and trends, we can spot changes — both good and bad.

One trend that has always stood out for our region is the lack of manufacturing.

We use something called “Location Quotients” to track industries. A Location Quotient measures how concentrated a specific industry (like manufacturing) is in a region compared to the national average. It's calculated by comparing the percentage of local employment in that industry to the national percentage. If the Location Quotient is greater than “1,” it means the industry is more concentrated here than nationally. If it's less than “1,” it's less concentrated.

For manufacturing in our region, the Location Quotient is 0.4 — one of the lowest in Minnesota. This has been a concern for me throughout my 37-year career here in Bemidji.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of economic development. It's not just about making stuff; it creates good-paying jobs, fosters innovation and boosts other industries. Understanding its impact helps you see all the benefits it brings to a community.

The most direct impact of manufacturing is job creation. Manufacturing plants need a diverse workforce, from skilled engineers and technicians to operators and support staff. These jobs usually pay better than service sector jobs, giving families economic stability and a better quality of life.

Manufacturing also has a big ripple effect on other local businesses. Suppliers of raw materials, logistics companies, and service providers all benefit from manufacturing operations. For example, a car assembly plant can create opportunities for steel manufacturers, parts suppliers, and transportation companies. This interconnectedness stimulates economic activity and helps create a thriving business ecosystem.

Manufacturing is often a hub for innovation. Companies invest in research and development to improve their products and processes, leading to technological advancements. This innovation can spill over into the local economy, encouraging other businesses to adopt new technologies and practices. The concentration of manufacturing expertise also attracts academic institutions and training centers, contributing to a skilled workforce and further driving innovation.

A strong manufacturing sector makes a region more competitive. It allows local businesses to produce goods efficiently and cost-effectively, competing on a global scale. This competitiveness attracts investment, both domestic and foreign, bringing capital into the local economy and promoting further growth. Additionally, having a reputation for manufacturing excellence can draw skilled workers to the area, ensuring a steady stream of talent.

Manufacturing companies often engage in community development initiatives, contributing to the social fabric of the region. Historically, they invest in local schools, health care facilities and recreational areas, improving the quality of life for residents. Moreover, manufacturing jobs can foster a sense of pride and identity within the community — think about how many communities you know that are known by their largest manufacturer.

Simply put, having a strong manufacturing base has significant benefits felt community-wide.

Why am I sharing this? While data and trends can highlight an issue or challenge, they don’t typically instruct you on solving the issue. Truth be told, I don’t know how to solve this issue. What I do know is that just because we have lived with this gap for decades doesn’t mean we have to live with it forever.

As a community, we need to identify what is in our control. What can we do to grow our manufacturing base?

Entrepreneurship, capital, infrastructure, education and training, and a strong business environment all will likely play a key role in any strategy we identify. As a region, we will need to be committed to this fight over the long term in a sustained fashion.

This is an area where Greater Bemidji should and will lead. We are reaching out the the region’s manufacturers to get their advice and counsel. If you have any thoughts or ideas, I’d love to hear them.

Dave Hengel is the executive director of Greater Bemidji Economic Development. He can be reached at

(218) 444-5757

dhengel@greaterbemidji.com.

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Bemidji 'Hands Off!' protest draws more than 1,000 participants

TJ Rhodes — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 01:48:11 GMT

BEMIDJI — President Donald Trump was photographed by the Associated Press at his Mar-a-Lago golf course Thursday and Friday, likely gearing up for a weekend full of leisure sporting.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 activists, including educators, parents, family and friends alike, lined Paul Bunyan Drive Saturday afternoon to participate in a "Hands Off!" event as part of a national day of action, mobilizing protests across the nation to address displeasure with the start of Trump's second term.

The event also addressed frustrations with the Trump Administration's Department of Government Efficiency, heralded by billionaire immigrant Elon Musk, who does not possess any formal government experience.

Perhaps this nationwide attention will catch Trump's eye during his stay at Mar-a-Lago.

"We just want to hold our lawmakers accountable to know that this is what their constituents feel about what's happening with our government, and we're doing this together," said Rebecca Dickinson, a member of the grassroots democracy initiative Indivisible Bemidji that helped organize the event.

"I have parents that are just about at retirement age; I'm really concerned about their Social Security and their well-being," Dickinson continued. "I'm also concerned that people I love don't feel safe in the community just because of their identity ... that's not OK, because this is their town too. Then the jobs thing. I've known several people who have been laid off without warning, and they're unprepared for it.

"There's a way to do change; change shouldn't happen this abruptly."

A plethora of issues that have surfaced since Trump's inauguration in January were expressed by spanning generations through signage during the event.

The most common sign shared the event's namesake, "Hands Off," referencing what participants considered to be severe government overreach regarding Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education and more.

Other signs mentioned tariffs, protection for the LGBTQ+ community, trans rights, the loss of the Department of Education, protection for national parks and employees, dissatisfaction with Musk, protection of the Constitution, protection for veterans, protection of science and a plea for state representatives and senators to take action.

Many other topics surfaced during the peaceful protest as well.

Some signs were more specific, with a few mentioning a fractured relationship with Canada due to tariffs. Many folks donned a Canadian flag to express solidarity, even if their sign did not correlate.

Of course, the Canadian flag still flies proudly alongside the American and Minnesota state flags at Paul Bunyan Park, the meeting place for the "Hands Off!" event.

Many others flags waved in support of other causes during the event, but the American flag was the most prevalent.

"We have a lot of American flags here because this is our community and we're fighting for it," said Dickinson. "We're indivisible because no matter who you are, this is our country."

Many participants chanted together as folks in passing cars honked to show their support.

"(Indivisible has) three main goals," mentioned Indivisible Bemidji member Ben Munisteri. "We want to draw attention to the fact that this is an illegal power grab by Trump and Musk, that this power grab causes services to go down and prices to go up, and that their scapegoat are immigrants and transgender people — a minority of people who really just want to be left alone and who aren't causing the sort of damage that Trump and Musk are."

He believes, though, that change is possible if folks band together to make their voices heard at events such as this.

"We as a group of people can come together and actually make a change to hold our representatives and our lawmakers accountable so that they can go after Trump and Musk and get hands off of our data, our money, our rights and our freedoms," he added.

"Obviously, you hear the crowd; there's a lot that really care, and they're out here because they're mad and they want answers," Indivisible Bemidji member Mary Fairbanks chimed in as she motioned toward the large gathering. "It's super good to see that people really care about what's going on with freedom and rights."

The busy crowd began to form around 2 p.m. and although the event was only slated to last an hour, many stayed much later as attention continued to grow.

Many participants traveled from elsewhere to contribute, including Bagley, Cass Lake, Walker and more.

Indivisible Bemidji helped to organize and monitor the event to ensure it functioned smoothly, and as things came to a close, the group was impressed by the turnout.

"(The event) largely was directed from the national Indivisible office, and we took our cues from them," said Munisteri, "and then we started working very hard to get the word out that this was happening. We are thrilled that we have over 1,100 people by an unofficial count. I never would have imagined we would get that many people here this passionate."

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Dave Hengel Column: The YMCA Wellness Center is now in our hands

Dave Hengel, Greater Bemidji — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:50:00 GMT

I’m a proud Catholic, and I have heard my share of sermons. In my nearly six decades of listening to priests speak from the pulpit, one sermon in particular sticks clearly in my mind.

Several years ago, Father Dale was talking about a plan to build a new church and new school to serve a community I was in. He described it in great detail. The church would be awe-inspiring — a place of welcome for all. The school will ensure our community’s children have the finest opportunities to learn and grow.

As he drew the congregation into the vision, it was clear there was a growing uneasiness coming from the more financially conservative members in the pews. Sensing this, Father Dale ended his sermon by confidently declaring, “When it comes to paying for all of this, I have some good news and bad news. The good news is that we have all the money we need. The bad news is it is still in your wallets.”

Today I can say to you: We have all the money we need to build the YMCA wellness center we have dreamed of for decades. Unfortunately (or fortunately), it is still in all our wallets.

I actually think this is good news. Hear me out.

As many of you know, our community has taken a shot at building a community wellness center many times over the past 15 plus years. (I have been a part of four such efforts myself). Each failed — and in every case, it felt as though the decision to move forward or not was out of our community’s control.

Not anymore. This time is different.

There have certainly been times over the past three years where I felt like things were (as Yogi Berra would say) “déjà vu all over again.” It hasn’t been smooth sailing, and we certainly have taken the scenic route. We have faced barriers that have had me thinking, “Here we go again.”

The first barrier was how will we ever pay for a wellness center. The price of building seemed so high for our region’s ability to pay. The typical method of using public funding is simply not possible in Bemidji. When the vision was beginning to feel like an unreachable dream, Sanford Health stepped up to offer an unprecedented gift of $10 million to our region as an encouragement to move ahead. With a $10 million start, all of a sudden, the vision seemed possible again.

Raising the funds and building a wellness center is one thing. Who is going to own and operate the wellness center? Sanford Health gave careful consideration to the concept of owning and operating the wellness center. While clearly community wellness is consistent with their mission, they rightly concluded it was best for the community that they keep their focus on providing first-class health care to our community. But if not Sanford, who?

What seemed an insurmountable obstacle was quickly overcome by a pop-in visit to Steve Smith, the CEO of the YMCA of the Northern Sky headquartered in Fargo. Today, we have forged a partnership with one of the best-run and most effective YMCA’s in the nation to serve our community.

The most recent hurdle was equally large. How will we be able to complete the environmental cleanup and infrastructure necessary to support the YMCA and other private development in our rail corridor downtown?

What was simply not possible with our own limited community resources became doable thanks to the support of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the outstanding leadership of the Bemidji City Council and staff and the financial commitment of Greater Bemidji. With state support and community partnership in hand, the City Council gave the go-ahead to begin site work a few weeks back.

As I said, this time is different. The barriers that threatened the wellness center vision — the barriers that seemed out of our control — have been effectively overcome.

What this leaves us with is one final barrier, but this one is entirely in our control. Can we raise the $15 million locally to go along with Sanford Health’s $10 million gift? I believe we can, but we need everyone’s support.

The good news is that our pace-setter campaign has been extremely effective. In addition to Sanford Health’s $10 million gift, we have raised an additional $9.3 million. As of this moment, we are 77% of the way to our goal. I couldn’t be more grateful to Sanford and the community members who have made lead gifts, many of which gave far more than they ever have in the past.

Now it’s your turn. In the coming weeks, our volunteer fundraising team will be reaching out to community members in search of donations. I would ask you to be open to supporting the project. Even more, I would ask you to consider donating beyond your typical comfort zone.

We are laying the groundwork for an all-out community-wide campaign as well. There will be opportunities for each of you to make a gift. Each donation matters — no matter how large or small. I’d ask you to consider what you can give back to your community.

I don’t like asking for money. Finance is a deeply private thing, and it is uncomfortable challenging businesses and community members to give to their means. As our team asks you for support, please know we do it with the utmost respect for you and for our community.

We have many demands on our money. As you consider your gift, I would ask you to think about how much the Bemidji community means to you. I believe this is a tipping-point initiative for our region.

We are not just building a YMCA. The YMCA is a transformative investment that will lead to a more vibrant downtown, a healthier community and a stronger economy. It is the next step in Bemidji's emerging as the regional center of the north.

Just one more barrier to overcome — and this one is up to us. Thank you, Bemidji.

Dave Hengel is the executive director of Greater Bemidji Economic Development. He can be reached at

(218) 444-5757

dhengel@greaterbemidji.com.

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