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Hospitality Minnesota
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About the Association

Read the 2021 Accomplishments Report
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:
​
  • Minnesota Lodging Association
  • Minnesota Resort and Campground Association
  • Minnesota Restaurant Association
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.

Staff

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Ann Kirby
VP, Member &
​Community Engagement
​D: 651-925-4010
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Jill Sims
Director of Government Relations
D: 651-925-4022
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Cyndi Keesee
HMEF Administrative Coordinator/ProStart & HTMP Program Manager

D:  651-925-4014
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Tony Burton
Communications Specialist
​D: 651-925-4016
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Kristine Frederick
Director of Finance and Operations
D:  651-925-4009
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Therese Dillon
Member Data and Billing Manager
​D: 651-925-4015
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Liz Rammer
President and CEO
HM and HMEF 
D: 651-925-4011

2023 Board of Directors

Chair Cathy Bovard | D'Amico Catering
Vice Chair Scott Krause | San Hospitality
Immediate Past Chair Howard Anderson | Odyssey Resorts
Treasurer Ron Rykken | Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats
Secretary Tony Boen | Grandma's Restaurant Company

Allison Fraser | Hilton Minneapolis
Bill Godbe | Element by Westin at Target Field
Branden Robinson | South Pier Inn on the Canal
Chuck Paton | Odyssey Resorts
Clair Nalezny  | Cascade Vacation Rentals and Cascade Maintenance Services
Colin Anderson | ECOLAB
David Benowitz | Craft & Crew Hospitality
Frank Soukup | Cote Family Destinations/Grand View Lodge
Joe Henry | Lake of the Woods Tourism 
Karen Blacik | Clifton Larson Allen
Karen Lamb | Heartland 
Kent Letnes | Letnes Restaurant Group 
Mari Harries | River City Eatery
Mindy Fredrikson | Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters
Paul Bugbee | Bug-Bee Hive Resort
Robb Hall | Sherman and Associates 
Robbie Soskin | yum! Kitchen and Bakery
Robert Kisabeth | TPI Hospitality
Welsey Otto | Zanz Mexican Restaurant and Otto Media Group

    For more information:

Submit
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Security, Refund and Privacy Policy
2520 University Av SE 
Suite #201 
Minneapolis  MN  55414
Phone: (651) 778-2400 | info@hospitalitymn.com

2022© Hospitality Minnesota.  All Rights Reserved.
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  • Membership
    • What Members Say
    • Join Forms >
      • Operator Form
      • Allied Business Form
      • Tourism Partner Form
    • Login to Renew
  • Engagement
    • Programs and Events
    • Education and Training >
      • ServSafe
      • Sex Trafficking Prevention
    • Volunteer
    • Allied Members >
      • Allied Network
      • Become a Partner
      • Advertise with Us
    • Calendar
  • Advocacy
    • At the Legislature >
      • 2023 Legislative Agenda
      • 2023 Days at the Capitol
      • Capitol Updates
    • Advocacy Action Center >
      • Contact Your Elected Officals
      • Advocacy Group
    • Issue Briefs
    • HOPAC
  • Resources
    • Hospitality Law Review
    • Reports and Guidance >
      • Economic Snapshots
      • Monthly STR Summaries
      • Jobs Reports
    • Vendor Directory
    • BusinessCenter
  • HMEF
    • About the Foundation
    • Our High School Programs >
      • Pro Start
      • HTMP
    • HMEF Resources >
      • For Educators >
        • DEED Grants Through HMEF
        • ProStart Educators
        • HTMP Educators
      • For Students >
        • Next Generation Leader
        • Scholarships
      • For Industry Professionals
    • HMEF Events >
      • Hospitality Career Student Expo
      • Stars of the Future
      • ProStart Invitational
    • Support HMEF
  • About
    • About the Association >
      • Awards >
        • Hall of Fame Inductees
        • Of The Year Awards
    • NewsCenter
    • Contact Us