Alerus commits $2 million to sponsor Alerus Center, support regional economy

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Sept. 23, 2020) — Alerus, Alerus Center, and Spectra jointly announced today a 10-year extension to Alerus’ naming rights and sponsorship agreement for the facility. The new agreement represents a $2 million commitment by Alerus from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2031. Both Alerus Center and Spectra are proud to call Alerus a true partner, one that’s been a champion for the Grand Forks community and venue for the past 20 years.

Stakeholders and community members gathered at the Alerus Center today to formally announce the naming rights extension. Speakers included Chris Wolf, Alerus Northern Valley Market President; Anna Rosburg, General Manager of Alerus Center; Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski; and Julie Rygg, Executive Director at Greater Grand Forks Visitors Bureau.

Ms. Rosburg said,  “Alerus Center has been a part of the Grand Forks community for almost two decades. Our staff is dedicated to providing premier entertainment and events that stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for Grand Forks area residents. With Alerus’ support, we are able to continue doing exactly that for our neighbors.”

“We are proud to partner with Alerus again for another 10 years,” said Laurie Kemmit, Regional Vice President of Partnerships for Spectra.  “Having a steadfast, local naming rights partner with a genuine and demonstrated interest in the community such as Alerus is critically important, and we are fortunate to be able to continue this partnership well into the future.”

Mr. Wolf commented, “Our roots in Grand Forks run deep, and we take pride in being a partner our community can rely on, in certain and uncertain times. For the past 20 years, the Alerus Center has positively impacted the regional economy and boosted the quality of life for its residents. We are excited to renew our sponsorship for another 10 years and continue supporting our community and its financial future.”

Mayor Bochenski said, “For almost 20 years, the Greater Grand Forks area citizens have been provided with a space to host and attend events. These events are critical to getting business done and making memories. Alerus continues to be a pillar in our community and their continued investment in Alerus Center will allow more of our residents to enjoy first dates and first dances, concerts, conventions, and football games. Our city is very fortunate to have a hybrid facility like this that helps to provide entertainment to the community, drive economic impact to local businesses, engage community partners, and improve the quality of life in the region.”

Ms. Rygg commented, “Tens of thousands of visitors come to Greater Grand Forks annually due to our many events, and the Alerus Center is central to hosting such events. When people travel to our communities for concerts, trade shows, conventions and sporting events, they create strong economic impact as they spend millions of dollars staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and shopping in our stores.”

To commemorate the naming rights extension, Alerus is updating signage throughout the facility.