East Twin Cities

University of Minnesota Extension issued the following announcement on February 28.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic moved our work to a completely virtual setting, and by early summer 2021, I was aching to get back on the road to catch up with partners and build new relationships. Between August and October that year, I took trips to three regions in Greater Minnesota (see map). Cities I visited include:

• (Trip 1) Red Wing, Lake City, Winona, Lanesboro, Preston, Rochester and Cannon Falls
• (Trip 2) Duluth, Finland, Pine City and Franconia Sculpture Park
• (Trip 3) Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Bemidji and Park Rapids

During these trips, I met with folks from:

• Destination management organizations and chambers of commerce
• Workforce, economic, and community development professionals
• Small business and farm owners
• Event organizers
• Experts from nonprofit and arts organizations

Our wide-ranging, inspiring, and timely conversations not only helped keep us grounded but also informed priority areas for the Tourism Center’s work going forward. A few themes also arose from our discussions.

Original source can be found here.