About the Association |
We are an association of hospitality businesses, across all sectors, that come together to advance the health and interests of the hospitality industry in Minnesota. Our strength comes from the diversity and reach of our businesses, many of which have a long history of membership in the associations that came together to form the Hospitality Minnesota Association. They are:
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On April 1, 2020, following a year of deliberation, the three separate associations merged to become one organization. The timing of this joining together occurred "just in the nick of time." Minnesota's hospitality industry was delivered a powerful blow when the pandemic forced the closure of businesses just two weeks earlier.
Working under one umbrella, with a single Board of Directors, yielded swift and effective support for what would become a prolonged and challenging time for all Minnesota hospitality businesses. Having centralized leadership allowed us to provide a coordinated and consistent response to our association members successfully navigate through this devastating economic crisis. Going forward, we are committed to continuing our strength in advocacy and public policy; providing relevant information and resources to help you run your business; and building the industry of the future through the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation. Hospitality Minnesota is a 501(c)6, nonprofit membership organization governed by a 24-member Board of Directors elected to serve 3-year terms. Read on to meet our staff and board. |
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Staff
2022 Board of Directors
Chair Howard Anderson | ZMC Hotels
Vice Chair Cathy Bovard | D’Amico Catering
Immediate Past Chair JJ Haywood | Pizza Lucé
Treasurer Stephanie Laitala-Rupp | Commonwealth Companies
Secretary Tony Boen | Grandma's Restaurant Company
Allison Fraser | Hilton Minneapolis
Bradley Stelzer | Ecolab
Branden Robinson | South Pier Inn on the Canal
Brent Frederick | Jester Concepts
Clair Nalezny | Cascade Vacation Rentals and Cascade Maintenance Services
David Benowitz | Craft & Crew Hospitality
Chuck Paton | Odyssey Resorts
Frank Soukup | Cote Family Destinations
Joe DeRose | Riverside Resort
Karen Lamb | Heartland
Kent Letnes | Letnes Restaurant Group
Mari Harries | River City Eatery
Mindy Fredrikson | Gunflint Lodge and Outfitter
Robb Hall | Sherman and Associates
Robbie Soskin | yum! Kitchen and Bakery
Robert Kisabeth | TPI Hospitality
Ron Rykken | Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats
Scott Krause | Sand Hospitality
Tom Frederick | Pub 500
Vice Chair Cathy Bovard | D’Amico Catering
Immediate Past Chair JJ Haywood | Pizza Lucé
Treasurer Stephanie Laitala-Rupp | Commonwealth Companies
Secretary Tony Boen | Grandma's Restaurant Company
Allison Fraser | Hilton Minneapolis
Bradley Stelzer | Ecolab
Branden Robinson | South Pier Inn on the Canal
Brent Frederick | Jester Concepts
Clair Nalezny | Cascade Vacation Rentals and Cascade Maintenance Services
David Benowitz | Craft & Crew Hospitality
Chuck Paton | Odyssey Resorts
Frank Soukup | Cote Family Destinations
Joe DeRose | Riverside Resort
Karen Lamb | Heartland
Kent Letnes | Letnes Restaurant Group
Mari Harries | River City Eatery
Mindy Fredrikson | Gunflint Lodge and Outfitter
Robb Hall | Sherman and Associates
Robbie Soskin | yum! Kitchen and Bakery
Robert Kisabeth | TPI Hospitality
Ron Rykken | Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats
Scott Krause | Sand Hospitality
Tom Frederick | Pub 500