Renew Highway 2: Renewable Energy and Economic Development in Northwest Minnesota
August 25 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fresh Energy and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission invite you to a gathering of renewable energy dreamers and doers featuring the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MNCIFA). Join us for a half-day discussion on the economic opportunities and resilience benefits of clean energy investments in Northern Minnesota.
Event Details
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State
*Campus guest parking is in the Bangsberg parking lot on the south end of campus or street parking in the adjoining neighborhood
**Registration is not necessary for this event. All are welcome. Just show up!
Agenda
- 9 – 10 a.m. Economic Impact of Clean Energy Projects in Northern Minnesota (Fresh Energy, CURA)
- 10 – 11 a.m. MNCIFA 101 presentation followed by project discussion. (This is a great time to discuss projects and the MNCIFA financing process directly with MNCIFA.) (MNCIFA: Pete Klein)
- 11 – 11:30 a.m. Presentation on net zero housing project at White Earth. (Aki Giizis Initiative: Corey Pemberton and Dr. Luke Warnholz)
- 11:30 a.m. – Noon Introduction to the new Headwaters/Arrowhead RDC Lakes and Northwoods Climate Resilience Collaboration (HRDC: Sami Holm and Naomi Carlson)
- Noon – 1 p.m. Optional lunch at Giovannis’ Pizza (we’ll be in the party room)
Optional Afternoon Project Tours
We are lining up projects for MNCIFA to tour in the afternoon. So, if you have a project, please contact John Vaughn at 612-408-7418 or vaughn@fresh-energy.org to make arrangements.
Special thank you to the American Indian Resource Center and BSU.