Bemidji MN

Hokuf says three assets influence ACA’s bottom line the most. “We touched on one. Paul Bunyan’s fiber internet reliably hooks up our global customers. Gary Johnson’s operation is key.” The second financial impactor is Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI), also praised for connecting the world. The last weapon in AirCorps’ arsenal is its people. Their exceptional customer service skills and untapped talent push Hokuf to seek revolutionary innovations.“During our 12-year operation, we have grown from the original four to a team of 63, with a target to add 16 employees next year,” says Hokuf. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATING AND KEEPING TALENT Bemidji undeniably benefits from area resources. The four-year Bemidji State University (BSU) and the two-year Northwest Technical College (NTC) provide the education for the city’s burgeoning employment requirements. The schools draw professionals, young entrepreneurs, and fresh, bright minds into the community. Prince states, “That is a tremendous asset. Our workforce situation would look quite different without these schools.” Besides Bemidji’s talent pool, the city is central to three Indigenous nations. The trio of communities each have training centers and expertise at increasing tribal members’ skills. The municipality is unique and fortunate in its partnerships between higher education institutions and native peoples. Bemidji High School promotes career academics and dabbling in different fields to narrow a student’s interests. Hengel explains how these programs tie 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 BEMIDJ I , MN