Company managing Bemidji's event center agrees to cover salary for interim director

BEMIDJI – VenuWorks, the company hired to manage the Sanford Center for the city of Bemidji, said this morning it would pay the salary for its interim director at the facility.

Steven Peters, president and owner of VenuWorks, said in an emergency special meeting that his company would cover the cost of David Ross, who the company brought in to oversee the facility while the search for a permanent executive director continues.

The city would cover the travel costs associated during the interim period, including expenses related to recruiting candidates.

The compromise appeared to satisfy members of the Sanford Center Advisory Board, many of whom gave Peters an earful during discussion throughout the meeting.

The emergency meeting was called after city officials, including council members, objected to an email Peters sent that spelled out that the city would be billed for Ross’ salary.

Read more Friday in the Pioneer.