the insider blog

Red Marauder shares her stories of being a Forx Roller Derby girl

May 15th 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
RollerDerby

Today we feature a guest blogger, Red Marauder, the newest addition to the Sugar Beaters-Forx Roller Derby, reflects on her experience joining the league…   You can’t fight who you are.  Or at least you shouldn’t – in my opinion anyway.  Sometimes it takes a while to figure out exactly who that is, but once you do and then start to spot things around you that fit you…well, then you need to employ a little carpe diem mentality, grab hold with both hands, hold on and enjoy the ride.   Roller Derby is one of those things for me – it just makes sense.  I heard about it a few years ago along with most of Grand Forks but was a little hesitant even though I knew I would absolutely love it.  I just wasn’t confident enough to do it.  Then a year later, I ran into a few of the derby girls at another event – still, I was hesitant.  It’s silly – I just wasn’t sure if my corporate-groomed, seemingly straight-laced self could do something like roller derby.  Finally – this winter I ran into them again, and the time was right. To put it simply, in the …

Read More >

Posted in: Entertainment, Events, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Appreciating our visitors during National Tourism Week

May 1st 2012 | Posted by julier | 1 Comment

Email
NatlTourismWeek_050112

Grand Forks is set to kick off National Travel & Tourism Week by celebrating the importance of natural, cultural and historic wonders and how they draw visitors to cities and towns across the nation.  During May 5-13, tourism related industries will join together to highlight the valuable role tourism plays in contributing to vibrant communities as great places to visit and live.   In an effort to show our appreciation to visitors and local residents and emphasize the importance of the tourism industry, the Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau is giving away a prize each day during the week.  These prizes will help us illustrate the many wonderful offerings available in our Grand Cities.  All you need to do to register for the simply grand giveaways (listed below), is click on this link and complete the short form.   May 5 – One 2lb. box of Chipper’s from Grand Forks’ own Widman’s Candy Store May 6 – Greater Grand Forks gift basket May 7 – Two World of Outlaw passes sponsored by River Cities Speedway May 8 – Two North Dakota Museum of Art Summer Concerts in the Garden season passes (sponsored by ND Museum of Art) May …

Read More >

Posted in: Entertainment, Events, shows and concerts, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau offers hospitality training

April 18th 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
FeaturedImage_HospTraining_041812

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 9-11:30 a.m. Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau 4251 Gateway Drive, Grand Forks   Free for CVB member businesses/organizations $25/person for non-members   Who should attend? Anyone working with the public, whether you are front-line staff or in management.   If you work at a hotel, restaurant, bar, retail store, gas station or drive a taxi, you work in the hospitality industry.  You are many times the first impression a visitor gets of our community and your business.   What are the presentation topics? What there is to see and do in Greater Grand Forks and North Dakota Retain current business and build new business Economic impact of the visitor Turning complaints into opportunities Four “A’s” of customer service Six point plan for gaining the competitive edge Rules of customer service Setting a good example for your employees   Sandy Dobmeier, Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Services Manager, will be the presenter.   For more information or to register, contact Sandy Dobmeier by phone (701.746.0444) or e-mail (sandy@visitgrandforks.com).  

Read More >

Posted in: Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Kid friendly

April 12th 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
FeaturedImage_Website_032812

If you have kids – or you’re just a kid at heart – Greater Grand Forks has tons of awesome activities and events!   For outdoor fun, head to East Grand Forks and the brand new Sherlock Forest Playground.  There are also several other parks, on both sides of the river, with great play equipment, basketball hoops and areas to rollerblade, skateboard, fly a kite or simply just frolic in the sun.   Feel like staying indoors?  The Canad Inns Destination Center features an amazing water park and mega arcade for guests and non-guests alike.  Pay a visit to the Northern Lights Model Railroad Museum or stop by the rock climbing wall located in the Grand Cities Mall.  The First Seasons Community Center, sponsored by the Grand Forks Park District, offers indoor playground equipment and other fun things to occupy the day.  The whole family will want to explore the Cabela’s store in East Grand Forks.  It features a 10,000 gallon aquarium filled with indigenous fish, a trout stream and numerous wild game mounts.   There are also plenty of special events coming up that both children and adults will enjoy:   -Preschool Story Time, every Tuesday, Grand Forks Public …

Read More >

Posted in: Entertainment, Events, shows and concerts, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Convention & Visitors Bureau launches new website and mobile site

March 28th 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
FeaturedImage_Website_032812

The Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the launch of a new website at visitgrandforks.com and a new mobile website at mobile.visitgrandforks.com.   The new website will meet the needs and wants of potential visitors faster and better than ever with event and discount suggestions, impactful images and videos and easy navigation.  Just some of the new features include:   -With every listing that has a deal or discount accompanying it, the offer will appear next to the name of the business, so visitors know if any special deals are available.   -Each listing will include an image and video (when available) allowing a visitor to have more of an experience before making travel decisions.   -Upcoming and featured events appear on the homepage, so visitors can see right away what is happening in the Grand Cities.   -The Event Planner section offers a new and improved event planner tool (mini website), which allows event planners to process credit card transactions for their events and conventions.   -As with the former site, the Convention & Visitors Bureau will continue with contests, a blog about exciting news in Greater Grand Forks, an updated lodging availability page, …

Read More >

Posted in: Entertainment, Events, shows and concerts, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Rolling out the red (white and blue) carpet

March 12th 2012 | Posted by julier | 1 Comment

Email
Welcome_Red_White_Blue

As you may have heard, former President Bill Clinton is returning to Grand Forks on Saturday, March 17, to present the keynote address during the 2012 North Dakota Democratic Convention.  President Clinton also has additional plans during his short stay in Grand Forks, which include a city tour. The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is requesting your assistance in welcoming him back to Grand Forks and thanking him for his presidential support during the flood of 1997.  We want to show President Clinton Greater Grand Forks is stronger and better than ever. The CVB is printing and producing banners, posters and rally signs.  If you or your business would like a supply, please call (701.746.0444) or e-mail the CVB.

Read More >

Posted in: Events, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Royally rocking the Ralph

March 7th 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
EltonJohn_small

“For someone who has played countless concerts and churned out numerous albums, Sir Elton never lets his skill, energy and gratitude for the crowd fade throughout his nearly three-hour-long show,” this according to one reporter who recently saw John perform live.  Even though the iconic entertainer has played various arenas all over the world, his stage show is said to be tailored specifically to each venue.  And fortunately for Greater Grand Forks, Elton John & His Band will be appearing live at Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA), March 24, at 8 p.m. John’s talented musicians include Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, Nigel Olsson on drums and Kim Bullard on keyboards.  One of the most successful live bands on the road today, Elton & His Band put on the kind of concert you will never forget.  The entire audience will be standing, dancing and singing along with much-loved classic songs like “Rocket Man”, “Bennie & the Jets”, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “Your Song”, “Philadelphia Freedom”, “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Levon” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. “Elton John is an entertainment legend,” said REA General Manager …

Read More >

Posted in: Entertainment, Events, shows and concerts, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Welcome ND State Class B Boys’ Basketball Players, Coaches & Fans!

March 1st 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
Alerus_Website_012612

The communities of Greater Grand Forks are pleased to welcome the players, coaches and fans of the 2012 ND State Class B Boys’ Basketball Tournament! Good luck to all the teams! Have a great tournament! Beulah             Central Cass             Divide County               Grafton               Lewis & Clark – Berthold               Linton-HMB             Northstar             Shiloh-Christian

Read More >

Posted in: Events, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Drunken Noodle review

February 28th 2012 | Posted by julier | 1 Comment

Email
drunkennoodle

I had a chance to check out one of Greater Grand Forks’ newest restaurants the other day, the Drunken Noodle, located on Restaurant Row along the Red River in East Grand Forks.  I was so excited, as I love Little Bangkok, and the Drunken Noodle is under the same ownership. We arrived at the perfect time, as there were customers in the restaurant, but it wasn’t busy.  It has only been open a couple of weeks, so the staff is new and still working out a few kinks, but the food was yummy!!!! The restaurant is casual and has an open, airy environment.  They is a sunken bar area with comfy chairs and small tables with a stage to enjoy regularly scheduled entertainment. There are a variety of menu options from small bowls to larger dinners.  We tried some of their signature dishes including the Pad Thai and Drunken Noodle.  They were both fabulous!  We also added some fried rice, which was spectacular! There was so much food on our table, we were able to bring another full meal home.  There was a sushi app on the menu, but unfortunately it is not being offered anymore, so I am glad …

Read More >

Posted in: Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grand Forks to host ND High School State Class B Boys’ Basketball Tournament

February 17th 2012 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

Email
ClassB_Pin

Grand Forks is preparing to host the North Dakota State Class B Boys’ Basketball Tournament for the first time, March 1-3.  The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is asking for your help welcoming the athletes, coaches and fans to our simply grand community! As a proud sponsor of this event, the CVB is in the process of mailing welcome pins to all local restaurants and hotels.  Please have your employees wear these pins. In addition to the pins, the CVB printed and delivered welcome posters to 150 local businesses and will distribute welcome banners to all hotels next week. You may have also noticed the digital billboards on Washington/DeMers and at the Alerus Center have welcome messages displayed. How can you help? 1. Have your employees wear the welcome pins. 2. Hang welcome posters and/or banners in your business. 3. Display a welcome on your outdoor marquee. If you would like to request a supply of pins and posters or banners, e-mail Nicole at services@visitgrandforks.com.

Read More >

Posted in: Events, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,