BEMIDJI, Minn. (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The Bemidji City Council has chosen VenuWorks as the preferred management company to operate the Bemidji Regional Event Center (BREC). The vote took place Aug. 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. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
