At the heart of District 5580,Two Legends are ready to meet,

The mighty Paul Bunyan and his trusty Blue Ox,Standing ready, shoulder to shoulder,

with hundreds of Rotarians…

CHANGING THE WORLD + EACH OTHER THROUGH

LEGENDARY SERVICE

THE BEMIDJI 2021 PROPOSAL TEAMKen Cobb | President, Bemidji Rotary Club

Brian Larson | President-Elect, Bemidji Rotary Club

Joe Czapiewski | President-Nominee, Bemidji Rotary Club

Rosie Berg | Board Member Elect, Bemidji Rotary Club

Dan Conway | President, Fosston Rotary Club

Paul Diehl | Past President, Bemidji Rotary Club

Susan Goudge | Bemidji Rotary Club/Executive Director, Visit Bemidji

Scott Hewitt | President, Park Rapids Rotary Club

Bill Higham | President, International Falls Rotary Club

Chris Keenan | Bemidji Rotary Club

Jeff Kossow | Executive Director, The Sanford Center

Dana Lee | Board Member, Bemidji Rotary Club

Evonne McKinzie | Board Secretary, Bemidji Rotary Club

John Reff | Past President, Bemidji Rotary Club

Mark Shough | Past President, Bemidji Rotary Club

Ashley Stevens | Board Member, Bemidji Rotary Club

Donny Wilcox | President, Bemidji Sunrise Rotary Club

www.bemidji2021.com

• Bemidji Rotary Club

• Bemidji High School Interact Club

• Bemidji State University Rotaract Club

• Bemidji Sunrise Club

• Fosston Rotary Club

• International Falls Rotary Club

• Park Rapids Rotary Club

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe 200 Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors represented by the

Bemidji 2021 Proposal Team are proud to present Rotary District 5580

with this request for proposal response. We are confident, ready and

able to host a phenomenal District Conference in 2021.

Situated conveniently in the center of District 5580, Bemidji is a growing

regional center with exceptional conference, lodging, transportation,

entertainment, and dining resources. Our proposed conference

headquarters is the Sanford Center, which successfully hosted the

conference in 2013 and has only improved its capabilities since.

The facilities and services described in this proposal are available the

preferred dates of April 28-May 1, 2021, as well as April 21-24, 2021.

The clubs of Park Rapids, Fosston, International Falls and Bemidji

are excited to propose that Bemidji, the First City on the Mississippi,

hosts the 2021 Rotary District 5580 Conference. We appreciate your

consideration.

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CONFERENCE FOCUS ON LEGENDARY SERVICEWhile the speakers, workshops and events held at the conference are

the responsibility of the Conference Committee and District leadership,

this proposal highlights Bemidji’s capacity to engage membership in

a way that can build on Rotary’s long history of service and make a

difference in our communities and world.

• A proven track record of finding and hosting world-class

conference speakers and entertainment.

• Opportunities for youth (Rotaract and Interact) collaboration and

exploration throughout the community, including small service

projects through the Headwaters Science Center, Boys and Girls

Club, Bemidji State University, and more!

• Several regional opportunities to highlight Rotary project ideas

and results, including on-site visits and tours.

• Top-class facility for impactful formal events, such as the

Governor’s Banquet.

• Professional capability to attract and host high quality

entertainment suitable for any event.

• Strong partnership between the conference and facility staff,

ensuring smooth event flow and technical performance.

• A concentration of nearby hotels with excellent capacity for a

variety of conference needs.

OFF SITE OPTIONSA number of locations and facilities throughout the area provide

opportunities to expand the experience for various small group

meetings, socials, independent family activities, and learning

workshops. This list is not exhaustive.

Possible Restaurant and Social Gathering Locations• Dining locations such as Tavern on the South Shore, Bemidji

Brewing, Sparkling Waters, Tutto Bene, Bemidji Town and Country

Club, and many more!

• Concordia Language Villages

• Itasca State Park

• Bemidji State University

• Oak Hills Christian College

Local Rotary Project Site Visit Opportunities• Paul Bunyan Park All-Inclusive Playground

• North Country Park Nature-Scape Playground

• Movil Maze Warming House

• Watermark Art Center

BUILDING A CONFERENCE TO REMEMBER

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WATERMARK ART CENTER Watermark Art Center

boasts four galleries,

including the Miikanan

gallery dedicated to Native

American art. Gift shop of

regional artwork and an

education room for workshops, classes. Browse the

galleries on your own, or with a docent by request.

Demonstrations or art education class arranged by

request. 1 hr, free admission, fee for demonstrations

& classes

HEADWATERS SCIENCE CENTER Hands on exhibits and educational

demonstrations applicable to all

ages. “Raptors Rule,” a group

favorite, gives a close-up view of

live raptors and the characteristics

that make raptors different from

other birds. Approximately 1 hr, Fee Required

WOOLEN MILLS FACTORY TOUR Bemidji Woolen Mills

Factory & Outlet Store,

family-owned for four

generations, has been

supplying quality,

woolen outerwear

since the early 1900s. Observe the construction

of individually sewn garments in the factory, then

browse the retail portion of the store. Approx. 45

min – 1 hr

MYSTERY & ESCAPE ROOMSYou have 60 minutes to complete

your mission, Minute59 is the one

that counts! After a brief orientation,

you have one hour to complete

the required task. Fantastic way to

spend time with co-workers, friends

and family. Work as a team, be part

of the adventure! 1 hr, fee required

MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS TOURTravel the Great River Road

National Scenic Byway to

Itasca State Park, home

to Headwaters of the

Mississippi. Learn about the

history, flora and fauna of MN’s

oldest state park with a naturalist step-on guide,

which includes an opportunity to walk across the

headwaters. 2-3 hrs

BREWERY TOURThe Bemidji Brewing

Company is a small craft

brewery with an emphasis

on craft beer and the hopes

of providing the freshest,

most high-quality craft beer

to Bemidji and the Northwoods. Tour and tasting.

Capacity: 12 per tour, rotate between tasting room

and brewing area. 1 hr

WINERY TOUR Located on the edge of the Paul

Bunyan State Forest, 25 min. S

of Bemidji, Forestedge Winery

makes wines from fruits of the

forest and garden.  Award-

winning Rhubarb Wine made

from rhubarb grown on site,

crafted in small batches. Tour & tastings provide a

glimpse into crafting, aging and bottling of more

than 15 signature wines. Fine Art Gallery on site. 2

hrs, fee required

AIRCORPS AVIATIONAirCorps Aviation

specializes in

the restoration,

maintenance, and

rebuilding of historic

and legacy aircraft.

Their experience, dedication, passion, and award-

winning detail shows in every project. Guided tour

of facility and current project. Capacity: 25, 1 hr

AREA ACTIVITIES

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CONFERENCE HEADQUARTERS: THE SANFORD CENTERThe Sanford Center, opened in October 2010, is the hub for events and activities in North

Central Minnesota. With its 4,500 seat state-of-the-art arena, 17,000 square foot trade show

and event floor, 30,000+ square foot of beautiful convention, meeting and social spaces, the

Sanford Center will accommodate the 2021 Rotary District 5580 Conference very well.

As our proposed convention headquarters, the Sanford Center will host the following

portions of the District Conference:

Registration

Leadership Meetings

Breakout Sessions

Large Group Meetings

Lodging options have expanded over the last several years, including the addition of a

Country Inn and Suites connected to the Sanford Center. Several other new hotels are within

minutes of walking or driving distance of the conference center. We anticipate running

continuous, complimentary hotel shuttle service throughout Friday and Saturday between

the hotels and the Sanford Center.

Our basic conference registration fee, which would include The Sanford

Center meeting facility costs, break refreshments, online registration,

hotel shuttle service, and the other traditional basic registration

components is estimated to be US $45-55, with incentives for first time

attendees possible. Additional conference financial estimates can be

provided upon request.

Exhibits

Breakfasts

Luncheons

District Governor’s Social

District Governor’s Banquet

Hospitality Room

Entertainment

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Sanford Center Main Entrance

AMENITIES• In-house catering & concessions

• Airport service available

• Full-service marketing & Advertising

department

Bemidji Jaycees Home Sport and Travel Show

George W. Neilson Convention Center Entrance & Hotel Link

The outdoor patio is perfect for pre-event mixers and evenings by the fire.

Located on beautiful Lake Bemidji’s South Shore.

CONFERENCE SITE: SANFORD CENTER

SPACES• 30,000 sq. ft. Arena Space

• 10,000 sq. ft. Ballroom

• 30,000 sq. ft. Exhibitor Space

• (4) 1,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms

overlooking Lake Bemidji

• 1,200 Parking Spaces — FREE

• Spacious pre-function lobby

One great venue… Endless possibilities

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Spacious Club Lounge with comfortable seating to chat and network with fellow Rotary Members.

Fully stocked Club Bar to satiate your food and beverage needs.

A large 126' by 240' arena to accommodate a wide variety of events. We have the ability to host anything from sporting events, concerts, and monster truck rallies, to extravagant galas.

CONFERENCE SITE: SANFORD CENTER

218.441.4000 | thesanfordcenter.net | 1111 Event Center Dr. NE | Bemidji, MN

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With our in-house Chef

and culinary team we

have the ability to craft

delicious menus for

any occasion.

Wide hallways in the

Convention Center

allow for additional

vendor space and

mingling between

breakout sessions.

Our Grand Ballroom

has an open floor plan

that is perfect for

large meetings and

receptions of up to

600 people.

CONFERENCE SITE: SANFORD CENTER

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BEMIDJI LODGING

AMERICINN LODGE & SUITES59 rooms with microwave and refrigerator, including handicap accessible. A few suites include in-room whirlpool. Free WiFi, Cable TV and Continental Breakfast, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna. 218-751-3000 | www.wyndhamhotels.com/americinn

BEST WESTERN59 rooms, including handicap accessible. Free WiFi, Cable TV & Full breakfast. Indoor Pool, Hot Tub & Fitness Center. Airport nearby. 218-751-0390 | www.bestwestern.com

CANDLEWOOD SUITES71 extended stay suites with fully equipped kitchen. Candlewood Cupboard provides breakfast, lunch & dinner options. Handicap Accessible & Elevator, Free WiFi, Cable TV, Business & Fitness Center. Paved Paul Bunyan Trail adjacent. 218-497-3000 | www.ihg.com/candlewood

COUNTRY INN & SUITES 121 room, lakeside hotel includes Handicap Accessible & Elevator. Free WiFi , Cable TV & Hot Breakfast. Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center & Business Center. Attached to GW Nielson Convention Center, Tavern on South Shore Restaurant on-site. Paved lakeshore trail to downtown Bemidji. Seasonal bicycle & watercraft rentals. 218-441-4800 | www.countryinns.com

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON92 room lakeside hotel with lakeside balconies located on 700' of sandy beach, equipped with microwaves & mini refrigerators. Handicap Accessible & Elevator. WiFi, HDTV. Full breakfast available in Lounge on Lake Bemidji, Green Mill Restaurant on-site. Indoor Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna & Steam Room, Fitness Center. Sanford Event Center nearby. Paved lakeshore trail to downtown Bemidji. 218-441-4400 | www.doubletree3.hilton.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES100 room, lakeside hotel located on 700' of sandy beach. Jacuzzi Suites, Handicap Accessible & Elevator. 2 Indoor pools, Hot Tub, Sauna, Fitness Center. Free WiFi, Hot Breakfast & Airport Shuttle. Green Mill Restaurant on-site. Sanford Event Center nearby. Paved lakeshore trail to downtown Bemidji. Seasonal Bicycle & Watercraft Rentals. 218-751-3600 | hamptoninn3.hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS69 rooms including Handicap Accessible & Elevator. Free WiFi, Cable TV, Continental Breakfast, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool. Walking distance to mall. 218-751-2487 | www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

LAKE BEMIDJI B & B 4 richly appointed guest rooms overlooking Lake Bemidji with paved walking trail adjacent linking to downtown. Complimentary Breakfast. Hot beverages and snacks to enjoy on three season porch or outdoor deck. Innkeeper also offers guided fishing experiences. 218-556-8815 | www.lakebemidjibandb.com

QUALITY INN60 rooms including Handicap Accessible. Free WiFi, Cable TV & Hot Breakfast.Indoor Pool, Whirlpool, Fitness Center, Game Room. Adjacent to airport. 218-444-7700 | www.qualityinn.com

RUTTGER’S BIRCHMONT LODGE15 lakeside cabins/units open all year, townhomes, cottages and motel rooms available seasonally. Seasonal Restaurant on-site, Bicycle, Watercraft & XC Ski rentals. 1,700' Sugar Sand Beach, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna, Fitness Center, Tennis Court, Playground. 218-444-3463 | www.ruttgersbemidji.com

SUPER 8 94 rooms, Handicap Accessible, Free WiFi, Cable TV & Super Start Breakfast Bar, Sauna,Whirlpool. Restaurants and shopping nearby. 218-751-8481 | www.bemidjisuper8hotel.com

Denotes Rotarian owned and/or operated facility10

LOCATIONBemidji is located at the crossroads of

Hwy 2 and Hwy 71, 141 miles from Fargo,

152 miles from Duluth, and 229 miles

from Minneapolis.

There is scheduled air service, several

flights per day, via Delta Airlines. The

airport is conveniently located 10

minutes from the Sanford Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONwww.bemidji2021.com

www.visitbemidji.com

www.bemidji.org

www.bemidjievents.com

DuluthFargo

GrandForks

St. Cloud

MinneapolisSt. Paul

InternationalFalls

Bemidji

CONTACTJoe Czapiewski

Bemidji Rotary Club / Bemidji 2021

PO Box 1321

Bemidji, MN 56619

Phone: (218) 556-3651

Email: j_czapiewski@yahoo.com

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