Renew Highway 2 Tour – Bemidji

Renewable Energy and Economic Development in Northwest Minnesota

Join Fresh Energy and partners in Bemidji, Minnesota on Wednesday, October 22, for the “Renew Highway 2 Tour.” It’s a full day of workshops, conversations, and presentations about renewable energy as an economic development tool in Northwest Minnesota. This event is great for anyone working in the renewable energy sector, interested in networking, and in hearing success stories. The desired outcomes of the conference will be more renewable energy projects and partnerships in the Northwest region.

This event is free but registration is required. Register here.

Event Details
Wednesday, October 22 , 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bemidji State University Hobson Union, Beaux Arts Ballroom
1500 Birchmont Dr NE, Bemidji, MN 56601
Lunch will be provided, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
Street and lot parking free; no visitor pass required

Agenda

• 8:30 a.m. Registration and light refreshments
• 9 a.m. Welcome
• 9:15-10:15 a.m. Keynote and Q&A, “Good News for Minnesota” with J. Drake Hamilton, Managing Director, Science Policy at Fresh Energy
• 10:15-11:30 a.m. Northwest Minnesota Renewable Energy Economic Data Presentation and Panel. Featuring CEEM’s annual jobs report. Panelists include:
  • Cathy Liebowitz, CEEM, Senior Manager of Membership Engagement
  • Anthony Shaffhauser, Northwest Regional Analyst, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
  • Jeff Matson, CURA GIS Director
• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Break and Lunch
• 1 – 2 p.m. Success Stories
  • From Workforce Development to Small Business Growth: The White Earth Arc of Solar. Featuring:
    • Bridget Guiza, White Earth Tribal and Community College, Customized Education Coordinator
    • George Lemelin, Global Link Energy, LLC CEO
    • Gwe Gasco, 8th Fire Solar, Sales and Marketing Director
• 2 – 3:30 p.m. Regional Project and Partnership Planning with the Headwaters Regional Development Commission. Featuring:
  • Sami Holm, Community Development Specialist
  • Naomi Carlson, HRDC Community Development Planner
  • Elise Monson, BSU Graduate Student & HRDC Intern
• 3:30 p.m. Adjourn

Thank you to our tour partners!