BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce is one of many groups rallying around local businesses to rebuild after a devastating windstorm on June 21 knocked down thousands of trees and left thousands more without power.
The chamber announced $75,000 in contributed funds from local businesses for a bonus digital gift card program good at nearly 20 Bemidji area restaurants and grocery stores.
The “Chamber Bucks” digital gift card program is year-round, but the special restaurant-and-grocery-focused bonus card aims to generate $1 million in local economic activity.
Chamber Marketing Coordinator Becky Bentfield explained the program.
"So you buy the $100 of ‘Chamber Bucks' and then with that $100, you can get a $75 bonus card. ... The bonus card, you have to use it within 90 days, and it can only be used at the participating restaurants and grocery stores, since they were the ones that were hit the hardest by the storm," Bentfield said.
"So we're just trying to, you know, support them and to give them a little boost through this time.”
With the storm causing power outages that stretched for days, restaurants and grocery stores joined the many Bemidji area residents throwing out perishable foods that spoiled without refrigeration.
Participating restaurateur, Tyler Winkka of Keg ‘n’ Cork, said his business fared pretty well in the aftermath of the storm.
“Keg is solid and as good as ever,” Winkka told KAXE on June 23. While experiencing some roof and water damage, the power outage for his downtown establishment lasted under 24 hours.
“All our freezers held. We had lost some product, but we got a truck this morning, so we were right back to it.”
Even those businesses that were spared the worst of the storm’s lasting impacts lost a summer weekend of economic activity.
“The hardest thing is, this is our busiest time. It's tourist season,” Bentfield said. “I think trying to get the word out that Bemidji is open, these businesses are still ready to serve you, they are ready to welcome you.”
The digital gift cards can be purchased through the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce’s website and then added to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
“All around, this program is a win-win for our community,” stated Bemidji Chamber President Scott Turn in a news release. “Local businesses see an immediate economic boost, and families get extra value for essentials like meals and groceries.”
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEGreat River Rescue, a private nonprofit rescuing cats and dogs in Northern Minnesota, hosted an open house on Oct. 2, 2025, to feature the latest amenity for its shelter dogs. -
Delane Klemetsen and Chelsey Melander are running for I.S.D. 362, Littlefork-Big Falls, School Board. -
Contributed/John Linn via Lakewood HealthLakewood Health System invites the public to its new cancer center in Staples for an open house 4-6 p.m. Oct. 10, 2025. -
Events this week include an indoor market in Pine River, a classic movie in Bigfork and a lutefisk supper in Lake George.
