Programs
Young Professionals Network
PH: 218-444-3541
Email: ypn@bemidji.org
MISSION OF YPN
Our mission is to engage and connect dedicated young professionals (within Chamber membership) to embrace and accelerate personal and professional growth by offering a sense of belonging within the business community, diverse meaningful connections and leadership opportunities.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our monthly professional development presentations feature a range of topics. Luncheons are host to networking and volunteer opportunities, community updates and more. You will find ample ways to explore new ground and meet other young professionals from the Bemidji area.
As a member, you will enjoy unique opportunities for advancement both personally and professionally. Suggested age for members is between 21 and 40-something. YPN members are also encouraged to apply to serve on the Leadership Council. Click "Get Involved" for the application.
Sponsor a Luncheon
Chamber members are welcome to showcase their business for $75 while targeting young professionals in a 5-10 minute presentation. Includes up to two lunches. Presentation is at the podium, with the opportunity to incorporate slides, hand-outs, or verbal only. It's up to you!
Volunteer in Bemidji
The Bemidji area has ample opportunities for volunteering. The United Way of Bemidji Area hosts a lists of agencies who are in need of volunteers, along with places for donations, community resources, job opportunities and more.
Monthly Luncheons
Noon • First Wednesday
of the month
Hampton Inn & Suites, South Shore Conference Room
Chamber Ambassadors
The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are the welcoming force for new businesses, owners and managers, and businesses with recent expansions, remodels or new locations in the Bemidji area.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Ambassadors keep an eye out for new businesses, relocations or expansions and will attempt to reach out and set up a visit. New businesses, owners or managers are also welcome to contact the Chamber or an Ambassador and request a visit or ribbon cutting.
During the visit, Ambassadors donning plaid vests, along with Chamber staff and members of our Board of Directors will stop by for congratulations and a welcome to the business community. A plaque will be presented to the business or new owners, general managers or directors.
If your business/organization is new, we’ll take out the giant scissors and cut the plaid ribbon while presenting the plaque. A photo or video will be posted on the Chamber’s social media pages and also sent to the Bemidji Pioneer for publication.
CEO in the Classroom
Bemidji has an abundance of profound leaders. Along with Bemidji High School's Career Academies, the Chamber helps facilitate "CEO in the Classroom." This event, held in annually at the high school, features a number of CEOs, business leaders and owners, who share their stories and experiences with freshmen students.
The Bemidji Career Academies create unique learning opportunities for students and business/industry partners to collaborate and prepare the next generation of employees and community leaders. Learn more about Bemidji Career Academies with the link below.
GrowBemidji!
The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Bemidji have partnered to take the Grow Minnesota! initiative of the Minnesota Chamber to another level. Grow Minnesota! is a private sector led statewide business retention, business assistance, and business expansion program, which has been in existence since 2002. It consists of site visits to local businesses to hear firsthand their needs and concerns.
Bringing our own Bemidji twist to the initiative, we have rebranded our efforts as GrowBemidji! And like Paul and Babe, we’re doing it BIG with a goal of 250 visits annually.
GrowBemidji! has three main focal points for the Chamber and Greater Bemidji staff and boards:
- Get out into the business community and thank individual business owners and managers for doing business in this region and to show we recognize your efforts and commitment to our region.
- Take the opportunity to listen — REALLY listen. We want to hear what is keeping you up at night, what challenges and opportunities are in front of you, and what does the future hold for your enterprise. This firsthand information is like gold and it helps shape the work programs and strategic direction for both organizations.
- Measure the current business climate. Each business is asked to complete a survey, allowing us to gather valuable data to determine trends and themes across the business community.
If your business would like a GrowBemidji! visit, contact Abby Randall, executive director at the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce at (218) 444-3541