Wednesday, July 23

10am - Registration opens at the Sanford Center lobby

12pm - Conference welcome 

CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson, CGMC President Shelly Carlson

12:05pm - Presentation: 2025 Legislative Session In Review 

CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson will give an in-depth look at the 2025 legislative session, the state budget, and where we go from here, focusing specifically on key Greater Minnesota issues.

1:00pm - Panel: Local News & Advocacy in Greater Minnesota

Lisa Hill (Minnesota Newspaper Association), Annalise Braught (Bemidji Pioneer), Aaron Brown (Star Tribune), and Susan Kent (Woodbury News Net) will explore the decline of Greater Minnesota's local newspapers, the impact on rural communities, and potential steps towards a solution. Moderated by Bradley Peterson.

2:15pm - Interactive Discussion

Network with other conference attendees to learn more about their communities and discuss the burgeoning issues facing Greater Minnesota.

3:15pm - Presentation: Civic Engagement for Stronger Cities: Tools and Strategies from West Central Initiative's Rural Democracy Program

Ben Schierer, former Mayor of Fergus Falls and current Director of Civic Partnerships for the West Central Initiative Foundation, will discuss how the Foundation's work can help Greater Minnesota communities cultivate local leadership and engagement.

4pm - Break & Hotel Check-In

5pm - Dinner & Evening Activity

The City of Bemidji and Visit Bemidji will host a lakeside dinner on the Sanford Center patio, followed by a quick pontoon ride over to the Mississippi Music Festival, where attendees can listen to local music and explore downtown Bemidji! Afterwards, return to the Sanford Center or cap the night off at Bemidji Brewing.

Thursday, July 24

8am - Historical Bus Tour of Bemidji

Step into Bemidji's past and discover iconic landmarks, untold stories, and the rich history of our city! Transportation sponsored by Visit Bemidji.

10:30am - Exhibit Hall opens

Connect with the vendors and sponsors that help support the CGMC Summer Conference and enjoy snacks in the exhibit hall.

12pm - Presentation: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Nicole Blasing, Municipal Division Director for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), will share updates on agency programs, resources for Greater Minnesota cities, and opportunities for CGMC members to connect with the MPCA.

1pm - Exhibitor Break

1:30pm - Panel: Could a data center be right for your community?

Greater Minnesota communities throughout the state have been approached by companies looking to build data centers. Colleen Eddy (DEED), Christopher Waltz (Otter Tail Power Company), Michelle Stockness (Freshwater) and Greg Lerud (City of Becker) will discuss the information you need to know if your community is approached now or in the future. Moderated by Elizabeth Wefel.

2:30pm - Exhibitor Break

3pm - Legislative Panel

Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL), Rep. Jon Koznick (R), and Rep. Spencer Igo (R) will share their perspectives on the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that came with legislating in a tied House. Moderated by Bradley Peterson.

4pm - Break

5pm - Legislative Awards Cocktail Reception

6pm - Legislative Awards Dinner

Join the CGMC at our annual Legislative Awards ceremony honoring the policymakers, elected officials, staff, and other leaders that have championed Greater Minnesota priorities.

Friday, July 25

8:30am - Presentation: Labor & Employment Update

Flaherty & Hood Senior Attorney Christina Petsoulis will provide an update on key labor and employment issues that impact cities.

9:30am - Presentation: Preserving Affordable Housing with Modular Housing

Dave Berglund (CoNorth Homes) will discuss their efforts related to helping communities preserve affordable housing. 

10:45am - CGMC membership meeting

The CGMC membership will vote on the organization's dues policy, budget, and Board of Directors for the upcoming year.

11:30am - Conference adjourns

The CGMC room blocks at the Country Inn & Suites and the South Shore Hotel have closed. There may still be rooms available to book directly with the hotels.

Businesses or organizations interested in exhibiting at the CGMC Summer Conference or sponsoring the conference should click here for more information and registration.