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August 19, 2009 - Bemidji Selects VenuWorks
For Immediate Release: August 19, 2009
Contact: Tammy Koolbeck 319-929-5755
AMES, Iowa. - The Bemidji, Minnesota City Council has chosen VenuWorks as the preferred management company to operate the Bemidji Regional Event Center (BREC). The vote took place August 17.
VenuWorks was selected over Global Spectrum. Both companies submitted management proposals in May that were very similar. A second interview process, which included interviews of potential general manager candidates in early August, resulted in the City's committee unanimous recommendation.
Bemidji City Manager John Chattin said the difference came down to the level of comfort the selection committee felt with VenuWorks.
"There was a more Bemidji-like feel to VenuWorks," City Councilor Roger Hellquist said.
Contract negotiations with VenuWorks are expected to take about a month. The company will conduct a nationwide search for a general manager.
"We appreciate the opportunity to manage such a fine facility and look forward to working with the City of Bemidji," VenuWorks President Steve Peters said.
The BREC is under construction. Ground was broken in April, 2009. It is scheduled to be completed in Fall, 2010. It includes a convention center and arena. The arena, with approximately 4,000 seats, will host Bemidji State's NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey teams.
BACKGROUND
VenuWorks is well known for its success in providing full management services for arenas, theaters, and convention centers, which are primarily under the governance of municipalities, counties, colleges, and universities. VenuWorks, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, serves 30 facilities in 15 communities in 11 states. It also manages food and beverage operations and provides event booking and promotion services. VenuWorks also performs feasibility studies and consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities.
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