CHARLEY JOHNSON

Former CVB employee returns to Fargo after nearly 30 years as its CEO

FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – A former employee of what was known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau has been hired to replace Charley Johnson as Chief Executive Officer of Visit Fargo-Moorhead. Shirley Hughes will succeed Johnson, who’s retiring next week after heading the agency the past 13 years. Hughes has worked in marketing, organizational growth and brand development in travel,…

Motion To Consider City-Owned Property in Downtown Fargo For Convention Center Fails

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A Fargo city commissioners motion to make city-owned property available for the new convention center, dies due to lack of a second. John Strand wanted to make sure developers are aware that city-owned property downtown including the former Mid America Steel lot and Civic Center are available. But other commissioners say there isn’t enough room for…

Longtime leader of Visit Fargo-Moorhead is retiring

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Change is coming to the leadership of Visit Fargo-Moorhead. Charley Johnson is retiring in August as president and chief executive officer of what was called the FM Convention and Visitors Bureau in August. A national search will be launched for his replacement. He was hired 13 years ago after decades in radio and television. Johnson says…

Tariffs Spark Worries About Decrease in Canadian Tourism

Experts say it's too soon to calculate the monetary value of lost revenue, but there has been anecdotal evidence that Canadians will choose not to spend money in America.

FARGO, N.D. – Local leaders are raising concerns that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration may put a damper on Canadian tourism in North Dakota. Experts believe that tourism generates over $300 million a year in tax revenue for the Fargo-Moorhead area. However, the U.S. Travel Association estimates a 10% reduction in Canadian tourist visits in the wake of…

Convention Center Planning Committee Hosted First Meeting After Measure Passed By Fargo Voters

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) –Members of the Convention Center Project Committee introduced their anticipated square footage requirements. “When I talk to them about the 50,000 square foot room they get kind of depressed and say well we have to call it a multipurpose room. And but it’s ballroom space and exhibit space, he says yeah it’s really a multipurpose room. So…

Committee Tasked With Developing Convention Center in Fargo Gets Go Ahead

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO)– A 13 member city-run committee will be tasked with developing proposals for the planning and design of a new convention center in Fargo. The project was approved by voters in November when they passed a 3% lodging tax. Fifty-one percent of voters approved increasing the tax by 3% to 6%. It will be in effect for 25…

Fargo Measure 2 Passed But Won’t Take Effect Until A Project Proposal Is Set

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Now that voters have approved an increase in the lodging tax for a convention center, discussions for where that will be and when will soon be underway. Fifty-one percent of voters approved increasing the tax by 3% to 6%. The tax will be in effect for 25 years. The money collected will fund the building and…

Fargo Voters To Decide Tax Increases For Fargodome Remodel and CVB Convention Center Project

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo voters will get the chance to vote on two tax increases in November. City commissioners unanimously approved putting a quarter cent, 20-year sales tax to remodel Fargodome on the ballot. It would not be for a convention center. Last December, voters rejected the plan to add one and remodel the dome at a cost of…